Where 6ABC’s Melissa Magee Goes for Healthy Food, Workouts, and Self-Care in Fairmount
When Melissa Magee isn't giving us our weather forecast on 6ABC, she's all over her home neighborhood of Fairmount chowing down on healthy grub and squeezing in sweat sessions.
The corner of 20th Street and Fairmount Avenue | Photograph by Bailey King
Philly has an insanely wonderful fitness scene, but the truth is, many of us tend to stick to our own neighborhoods — we’ve all got our favorite corner coffee shops, yoga studios, running trails, and more. That’s why we’re asking local fitness pros to give us a tour of their neighborhoods — and to spill all their secrets on the hidden gems they can’t quit.
Photograph of Melissa Magee courtesy 6ABC.
While Melissa Magee is most recognizable for keeping us up-to-date on the weather on 6ABC, she’s also quite the participant in Philly’s local fitness community. Magee, an endorphin-seeking meteorologist, is also a resident of Philadelphia’s beautiful Fairmount neighborhood, and she’s got the inside scoop on the area’s best healthy restaurants, workouts, and more. Read on for Melissa Magee’s go-to spots in Fairmount.
The Best Spots for Healthy Food in Fairmount
Healthy Breakfast spot: “Tela’s Market and Kitchen is an easy breezy neighborhood spot in Fairmount. I love walking in because you feel like you’ve discovered a true local establishment. On one side, there’s a market with a variety of unique products. On the other side, you have a small, sit-down eatery filled with families, people working on their laptops, or someone simply grabbing a meal on the go. When the weather is great, you can even eat al-fresco and people watch on Fairmount Avenue. There are lots of breakfast staples on the menu, but I enjoy the Green Wrap.”
Healthy lunch spot:
“When I’m on the go, my spot for a healthy lunch option is Engimono Poké and Deli. I’m a fan of the Engimono Poké Bowl on the menu. In order to be a bit more health-conscious, I ask for brown rice instead of white and the honey wasabi sauce on the side.”
Healthy Date Night Spot: “This, by far, is one of my faves in Fairmount: A Mano. The atmosphere is lively, yet intimate at the same time, and the food is out-of-this-world good! I mostly enjoy cooking healthy meals at home, but whenever I’m out, I love tapas and trying lots of different bites. At A Mano, there are a lot of shareable items on the menu — perfect for date night or a night out with friends.”
Grocery Store for Healthy Foods: “Whole Foods is my jam for healthy foods. It’s right in the neighborhood and the options seem to be endless. I must admit, I can easily get carried away inside the store, so preparing with a grocery list is a must for me. Bananas, strawberries, spinach, chicken, sweet potatoes, and veggies are my mainstays. I like to explore Whole Foods and see what other unique items I can add into my daily regimen.”
The Best Outdoor Activities in Fairmount
Outdoor workout spot: “It’s tough for me to stay indoors when Fairmount is at my fingertips. Any place where I can be physically active becomes the ‘gym’ for me. In my neighborhood, there are so many options to workout — there’s the Schuylkill River Trail, The Art Museum, and Boat House Row. I’ve recently purchased a bike, and I’m most at peace cycling along Kelly Drive. ”
Workout class: “I’ve taken several boot camp classes at the Art Museum steps, through a trainer at City Fitness. Other than that, I work out on my own at the Art Museum steps or with a group of ladies from Balance in Chestnut Hill. I remember one time we were training for a hike in the Grand Canyon in Arizona and we ran up and down the steps 20 times (down and back counting as one full completion) which was the equivalent of two miles! Then we would do body weight exercises at the top. In the evenings, The Art Museum steps are full of people working out and it’s so inspiring. It’s great motivation for me to keep working toward my fitness goals.”
Nearby running and biking route:
“The Schuylkill River Trail is always a fun place to either run, bike, or go on a leisurely stroll. The Art Museum area is my starting point, just past the skate park. Lately I’ve been biking there right along Boat House Row, following the trail all the way down to the Wissahickon and Valley Green Inn. Once I’m there, I’ll bike up Valley Green Road which turns into Springfield Avenue. This hill is no joke — it’s killer for bike endurance and great practice! My legs are Jell-O after I complete this. Then I’ll turn around and come back into the city along a similar route.”
Annual event: “The energy of the city comes alive in the summer months! Parks on Tap is a seasonal pop up beer garden that travels all around. Great food, a casual setting, fun with friends, all while enjoying the beautiful summer cityscape.”
The Best Self-Care in Fairmount
Recovery spot: “Okay, so I’m ‘that person’ who works out a lot and doesn’t put the same amount of time into the recovery. While I don’t do it enough, I like Priya Hot Yoga. It’s great for stretching and strengthening my body at the same time. The Hot Vinyasa Yoga (Vigorous Flow) is great for me because I’m lengthening my body and working up a sweat too!”
Beauty treatment: ”Polish Nail Lounge on 24th and Fairmount always does a great job. I’m either working out, cooking, or cleaning, so I prefer short nails and not a lot of fuss. The staff is super sweet and once you’re done getting a mani/pedi, you get a quick back massage while your nails dry. Love it!”
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