The Most Romantic Places in Philadelphia

Warm-weather spots that will melt your heart. Plus: Should you date your best friend?

Monica,
In your opinion, what are the most romantic spots to go to in Philadelphia?
— P.A., Center City

There are many different ways to create a romantic setting. Now that the weather is beautiful, so many options abound. To begin with, there is the Picasso exhibit at the Art Museum. This can be combined with brunch at the Waterworks restaurant. To burn off your eggs benedict take a stroll on either the Kelly or MLK Drives.

For the more adventurous, start off with a walk around the zoo and then take off on a hot air balloon ride. For the young at heart, Franklin Square has a lovely carousel and a miniature golf course. One can never go wrong with a stroll in Rittenhouse Square and coffee on a park bench. Parc, Rouge and Devon offer outdoor dining with views of the square, which can really set a special mood. Creperie Beau Monde now has outdoor seating along with wonderful entrée and dessert crepes.

If you are looking for something upscale, a booth at Butcher and Singer can’t be beat. Amazing food, great atmosphere and side-by-side seating too! The Swann Lounge at the Four Seasons is an intimate spot where you can have a drink and enjoy quite conversation. There is a beautiful view of Logan Square along with a piano player and a working fireplace. Whether you choose to take a walk through a park, listen to music, or share a dessert, romance begins with the two of you.



Hello Monica,
My best friend is a guy. During the course of our friendship, we both have dated other people, but there is an undeniable attraction. I am afraid to take the relationship into the dating arena because I do not want to lose my best friend. What should I do?

— Eileen in Cherry Hill

What could be better than dating and falling in love with your best friend? This is the ideal recipe for success in a relationship. Both of you have shared so much together and are clearly drawn to each other. Why not add some spice and intimacy to the mix? You obviously hold him in very high regard and have a long-standing foundation of friendship to build upon. The reality is, that if you do not try to date him, the two of you will move on and have futures with others. This will inevitably change the dynamic of the friendship. I say roll the dice and see what happens. If it doesn’t work out, you will always have your girlfriends as your best friends.



Monica Mandell, Ph.D. is the Director of the Philadelphia office of Selective Search, the premiere (off-line) upscale matchmaking firm for the most eligible singles. 
Please send your questions to: monica@selectivesearch-inc.com