If the loop playing of Wham’s “Last Christmas” at CVS hasn’t given it away already, the holiday season is here, with Thanksgiving just around the corner.

For many locals, the holidays mean planning a vacation or taking a trip back home for family quality time. But for others, the season means staying put in West Philly, be it because of circumstance or because loved ones are coming to you.

Your holiday staycation doesn’t have to turn out boring, though. After all, with all the great restaurants in the area you can embark in a week-long foodie tour that will satisfy your hunger and help you taste new flavors. But our little notch of Philadelphia proper has many other great gems to keep you and/or your family entertained during the season—some popular and historic, others hidden and in need of discovery.

In order to help your staycation take flight, West Philly Local put together a short list of places to play and sleep to help you plan your local itinerary—and discover the unique personality of our neighborhood.

Where to Play

The Woodlands

• Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), University of Pennsylvania’s modern art nexus museum at 118 S. 36th Street, doesn’t have a permanent exhibit, but displays new exhibits three times a year. Currently, ICA is showing the mixed media work of the late Jason Rhoades, which is up until December 29th.
• The Ellen Powell Tiberino Memorial Museum, 3819 Hamilton Street, features the work of the late African American painter who serves as the museum’s namesake. The  museum is established in the house where Tiberino, who passed in 1992 at age 54,  lived and worked, and displays a number of her paintings, drawings, and pastels.
• Whether you’re attending a one-off event or roving one of its exhibits, the Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, is always an educational thrill ride. Make sure to see its two changing exhibits, “Black Bodies in Propaganda: The Art of the War Poster” and “Year of Sound: Hollywood in the Amazon”, before they close in the spring and summer of next year.
• In an effort to preserve the history and tradition of grassroots arts and humanities, Philadelphia Folklore Project at 773 South 50th Street hosts a slew of exhibitions, performances, workshops, events, and public programs highlighting the folk arts.
• For art with a social message, the Slought Foundation at 4017 Walnut Street explores “the role of the artist in society”, and uses that visual exploration to draw the community into a dialogue about political and social constructs, as well as cultural and socio-political change.
• Kelly Writers House, UPenn’s well-known wordsmith hub near 38th Street and Locust Walk, hosts a slew of poetry, music, spoken-word and literature-related nights throughout the year, including Live at the Writers House in conjunction with WXPN FM (88.5).
• Curio Theatre Company’s production of “Gender Comedy: A Less Stupid Twelfth Night Gay Fantasia”. The elaborate and laugh-riot show will open December 5 at the ensemble-based theatre, located at 4740 Baltimore Ave.
• Serving as a multicultural residential center, International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut Street is also a source for many diverse events, from performances to panels and film screenings, that are deeply cultural and provocative.
• Schedule a private tour of The Woodlands a sprawling 54-acre estate with an entrance on 40th Street and Woodland Avenue. The historic grounds, subject of both a book and film, is home to a 18th-century English garden, 19th-century rural cemetery and looming mansion.
• Plan your visit to Bartram’s Garden at 54th Street and Lindbergh Blvd for a walk through its green house and nursery to get in touch with Mother Nature.
• Maybe one of our favorite places to visit, the Rotunda 4014 Walnut Street is both a community space and incubator for social change. From dance performances to youth programs and stage shows, the Rotunda has hosted a number of well-respected companies and festivals, like Tangle Movement Arts, Philly Fringe Festival, Ars Nova, The Gathering, and Bowerbird.

Where to Sleep

The Pink House on 45th (Photo courtesy of Pink House on 45th’s Facebook)

Forget hotels. Tucked away in West Philly are three unassuming bed and breakfasts that will make your time in the neighborhood all the more charming. Our favorite spot is The Pink House on 45th, recently featured on a Top 10 list in The Guardian, run by Gaston and Alexa de los Reyes—a lawyer and artist duo who opened their quirky B&B in 2009. Only two rooms make up the hotel-alternative at 506 S. 45th Street: The Guest Suite, which starts at $140 a night, and the Studio, which starts at $110 a night. Discounts are offered for multiple night stays.

Also featured on the Guardian list, Gables Bed and Breakfast at 4520 Chester Avenue is an old Victorian home converted to a B&B, and is one of the friendliest and welcoming places to stay. Run by owners Don Caskey and Warren Cederholm, this cozy corner hotel—formerly a church-run nursing home—offers rooms starting at $125 a night (two night minimum), full breakfast served each morning, and free vicinity parking.

While Spruce Hill Manor didn’t make that list, it’s another option worth exploring when figuring out sleeping arrangements for the holidays. Located at 3709 Baring Street, Spruce Hill Manor has six unique and lavish rooms starting at $165 a night and include all typical hotel amenities, except television. As for complimentary services, they offer breakfast, concierge service for taxis, restaurant and tours, and a computer station in the reception area.