You’re walking down a gravel road, trees arching overhead, and suddenly, there it is. A white building with a wrap-around porch that looks like it was plucked straight out of a 19th-century oil painting. Honestly, it’s a bit of a trip. Most people stumble upon Valley Green Inn Pennsylvania while trying to escape the noise of Philadelphia, and they usually end up staying for the lobster bisque or a glass of wine by the creek.
It’s the last of its kind. Seriously. Back in the mid-1800s, the Wissahickon Valley was dotted with roadhouses where people would stop to "water their horses" (and themselves). Most were demolished or fell apart. But this one? It’s still standing right on Forbidden Drive, defying the odds and the elements since 1850.
The Story Behind the Porch
Edward Rinker built the place in 1850. Originally, it was Edward Rinker’s Temperance Tavern. Kind of ironic, right? A tavern that didn't serve booze. He was banking on the "carriage trade"—wealthy folks taking their horse-drawn buggies out for a scenic spin away from the city's grime.
By the late 1800s, the City of Philadelphia started buying up the land to protect the water supply. Most of those old inns were torn down. Valley Green almost met the same fate. In 1899, it was basically a ruin, scheduled for demolition. But a group of locals—mostly women from Chestnut Hill—rallied to save it. They raised the money, restored it, and turned it into a spot for "light refreshments."
Since 1937, the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) have been the stewards. They lease it out as a restaurant, which is why you can still sit on that porch today. It’s a weirdly beautiful partnership between a non-profit and a commercial kitchen.
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What’s Actually on the Menu?
Let’s be real: sometimes "historic" restaurants rely too much on the vibes and not enough on the food. Valley Green Inn Pennsylvania manages to skip that trap. The menu is "New American," which basically means you’ll find everything from fancy gnocchi to a solid burger.
If you go for brunch, the short rib eggs benedict is usually the move. Or the Belgian waffles. People rave about the Sunday brunch for a reason—the Food Network even gave it a nod a few years back. For dinner, the Filet Mignon Medallions with cabernet demi-glace are the heavy hitters.
A quick heads-up on the food:
- The VGI Scampi: It’s very garlicky. Like, "don't plan on kissing anyone for twelve hours" garlicky.
- Ricotta Jam Jar: A savory-sweet appetizer that disappears in about thirty seconds.
- Salmon Imperial: Crab-crusted and served with garlic mash. It’s rich. Maybe too rich if you just hiked five miles, but hey, you earned it.
The "Forbidden" Reality
You can’t just drive your car up to the front door. Well, you can, but only if you’re coming down Valley Green Road and parking in the small designated lot. The road the Inn sits on is called Forbidden Drive.
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Why "Forbidden"? Because in the 1920s, the city wanted to open the valley to cars. Local residents lost their minds. Thousands of people showed up on horseback and on foot to protest. They won. To this day, cars are forbidden on that stretch. It belongs to the hikers, the bikers, and the occasional horse.
Surviving the Seasons
Winter here is surprisingly cozy. They have fireplaces. Real ones. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching snow fall over the Wissahickon Creek while you're tucked inside a building that has survived 170+ winters.
In the summer, the porch is the place to be. You’ll see ducks hanging out in the creek and dogs waiting patiently for a stray fry. It’s loud, it’s lively, and it feels like a community hub.
Planning Your Visit: The Logistics
Don't just show up on a Saturday morning and expect a table. You’ll be waiting forever.
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- Reservations: Use them. Especially for brunch or weekend dinners.
- Cell Service: It’s non-existent. The Inn is tucked so deep in the gorge that your phone will basically become a paperweight. Take screenshots of your directions or reservations before you enter the park.
- Parking: The lot at the bottom of Valley Green Road fills up fast. Like, 9:00 AM fast. If it’s full, you might have to park at the top of the hill and hike down. It’s a steep walk back up after a big meal.
- Events: This is a massive wedding spot. If you see a giant tent attached to the side, there's probably a reception happening. Amber, the event coordinator there, is legendary among Philly brides for keeping things running when the weather gets weird.
Beyond the Dining Room
If you’re at the Inn, you’re already in the heart of the Wissahickon Valley Park. It’s 2,000 acres of woods.
Just a short walk away is the Statue of Teedyuscung. It’s a massive stone figure of a Lenape leader looking out over the valley. Fun fact: the sculptor gave him a Western Plains headdress instead of an authentic East Coast one, which historians love to point out.
Then there’s Devil’s Pool. It’s a popular swimming hole nearby, though the park rangers really wish people wouldn't swim there. It gets crowded and rowdy on hot days. If you want peace, stick to the Orange Trail or the Yellow Trail on the higher ridges. They’re quieter and give you a better view of the rocky gorge.
Is It Worth the Hype?
Honestly, yeah. It’s one of those rare places that feels authentic because it is authentic. It’s not a "reimagined" historic space; it’s a survivor.
Whether you’re there for a fancy wedding or just a beer after a muddy bike ride, the Inn doesn't judge. It’s seen a lot since 1850. It’ll probably see a lot more.
What to do next
If you're planning a trip, check the Friends of the Wissahickon website for trail alerts. Sometimes the creek floods or trees come down, blocking the paths. If you want to eat, call (215) 247-1730 to grab a table. Once you're there, put your phone away. You won't have a signal anyway, so you might as well actually look at the creek.