Where to Find the Best Workouts and Healthy Food Near Mt. Airy and Germantown
Crystal Widmann, owner of Y2BFit barre and yoga studio, shares her favorite places to work out and find healthy food near Mt. Airy.
Looking for healthy food near Mt. Airy and Germantown? Resident and barre studio owner Crystal Widmann shares her favorite spots. 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.
If you’re looking for a sweat in Mt. Airy, Y2B Fit studio is a prime option, where owner Crystal Widmann and her arsenal of instructors will kick your butt on the barre and on the mat. That said, she can also point you towards healthy food near Mt. Airy and the bordering neighborhood, Germantown, which are full of hidden gems for healthy living.
Below, Widmann calls out her favorite spots in the area for everything from a healthy date night to a serious sweat and where to disconnect from it all. Read on for her favorite spots for a healthy life in Mt. Airy and Germantown.
The Best Healthy Food Near Mt. Airy and Germantown
Coffee shop: “Germantown Espresso Bar is a quaint little coffee shop that’s tucked away a stone’s throw from Germantown Avenue, on Maplewood Mall. It’s got that old-school coffee shop vibe where everyone knows each other. I prefer the London Fog Tea Latte because I’m all about teas, but they roast their own coffee and my partner is absolutely in love with it.”
Healthy breakfast spot: “High Point Café, located in the center of part of Mt. Airy termed the ‘Mt. Airy Village,’ is a neighborhood staple best known for their coffee and crepes. My go-to breakfast is a High Point Elixor, which is an amazing blend of hot water, honey, lemon, and cayenne pepper along with a spinach and cheese crepe.
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Healthy lunch spot: “Malelani Café is a cute spot right on Germantown Avenue, in the heart of Mt. Airy. They’ve got lots of flavorful, veggie-filled options including pitas and salads. My go-to healthy faves are the Beet Salad or the Veggie Pita.”
Healthy date night spot: “Earth Bread and Brewery has got it all — salads, flatbreads (including lots of vegan and gluten-free options), and, bonus, they brew their own beer! My personal fave is the avocado salad along with any of the many vegan flatbread options.”
Bar: “The Grain Exchange — with a full half of their menu listing vegan and vegetarian options — is so much more than just a bar. The industrial and rustic décor is topped off with the ambient lighting and lots of local beers, making it the perfect go-to spot when you want to hang out at the bar (and maybe grab a bite to eat too). I personally prefer the grain and kale salad or the seitan wings.”
Grocery store for healthy foods: “You haven’t lived until you’ve seen the bulk section upstairs at Weaver’s Way, a member-owned cooperative grocery store. The aisles are tiny, but the selection is vast in every area of the store. It’s the perfect spot to do your weekly shopping or grab a quick bite or kombucha on the go.”
The Best Workouts in Mt. Airy and Germantown
Gym: “Urban Athlete is a fully-stocked boutique training gym that has got you covered whether you’re looking for semi-private or large-group training. Their signature group training classes are a blend of high intensity interval training, using assorted equipment, with a focus on building strength, power, and endurance. ”
Workout class: “While I spend most of my time working out at my own studio, I have heard amazing things about the teachers at Magu Yoga, especially the advanced class on Saturdays, which is on my short list of things to try very soon.
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The Best Outdoor Activities in Mt. Airy and Germantown
Place you go for self-care: “For me, self-care is all about getting outside and connecting with nature. When I’m not working out, I spend a lot of time attached to my phone or computer. When I need to disconnect, I’ve found the best thing is to put my phone away and get outside. Carpenter’s Woods is a small wooded area in the heart of Mt. Airy; you can walk the whole loop in a fairly short time, and you may get to see a deer or fox on your way.”
Nearby running trail: “We’re so lucky because Mt. Airy is right on the north end of the Wissahickon, which offers a plethora of trails whether you’re into biking, running, or hiking. I personally prefer the Rittenhousetown entrance along Lincoln Drive that takes you right onto Forbidden Drive.”
Annual events: “The Mt. Airy Village Fair is a ‘zero waste’ event with a traditional small-town-fair atmosphere — expect to bring your own plate and utensils for the pie-eating contest, or bring your dog along for the pet parade. There are also a ton of other fair games and a kids’ area. Supper Sessions on the Avenue is a weekly event in the fall where Germantown Avenue is closed and you can expect to experience the taste of many local restaurants right in the middle of the street along with games, vendors, chats, and maybe even a pop-up fitness class.”
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