The Philly Makers Tour: A Sense of Place
Philadelphia is often misunderstood.
If you only know it by reputation, you might picture dedicated (some may say rabid?) sports fans (not quite untrue—go Birds), loud opinions, and a hard exterior. But Philly is also a deeply human city: practical, inventive, quietly creative, and built by people who show up, do the work, and make something meaningful—often without much fanfare.
It’s the little city that could. Not flashy. Not precious. But endlessly resourceful. Nowhere is that more evident than in its food and craft communities, where independence, skill, and intention take center stage. The Philly Makers Tour is my invitation to experience that side-what I'd argue is the best side- of the city—up close, hands-on, and in good company.
We’ll be based at the Anna & Bel, a hotel that reflects this same spirit: thoughtful rather than showy, beautifully designed, and deeply rooted in its neighborhood. The building itself has lived many lives, serving different purposes over time—and like Philadelphia, reimagined to meet the needs of the moment. There’s a sense of continuity here: history respected, not frozen; change embraced, not erased.
What makes this hotel especially fitting for our week together is how it invites you to settle in. There are nooks and crannies meant for quiet conversations, and a dedicated living room where you can relax, work on a project, or gather with fellow makers between outings. It’s a place that encourages lingering—over coffee, fabric, sketches, or good conversation.
It also embodies something essential about Philadelphia itself: the city is human-sized. Yes, there are skyscrapers, and a giant William Penn watching over us all—but in the neighborhoods, buildings are scaled to the people who live and work there. The Anna & Bel feels the same way: comfortable, confident, and quietly excellent. A perfect home base for a five days of making, eating, exploring, and feeling part of the city rather than just passing through.
The guest rooms—standard queen or king—carry that same sense of thoughtful ease. No two rooms are exactly alike, but each is carefully outfitted with everything you need to be comfortable: generous beds, well-designed bathrooms, excellent lighting, and the kind of details that make a room feel considered rather than generic. And despite being embedded in a lively city neighborhood, the hotel is remarkably quiet. Once you’re inside, the city hum softens, making it an ideal place to rest, recharge, and wake up ready for the day’s workshops and explorations.
If you’d like to bring a partner or friend along for the week, that’s easy to do. We’re happy to do a little homework ahead of time based on what they’re into—museums, architecture, wandering neighborhoods, shopping, food, or yes… even a pilgrimage to the Rocky steps. While you’re in workshops, they’ll have plenty to explore on their own, and then they can rejoin us for the best part of the day: good meals and good conversation. Our meals-only option makes it simple to travel together while still letting everyone enjoy the week in their own way.
I invite you to take advantage of Philly in the early spring! You will NOT be disappointed!
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