Callowhill is a small rectangular neighborhood in North Philadelphia. It is bordered by Poplar on the north, Chinatown on the south, and Franklin square to the east. This neighborhood was named for the second wife of William Penn, Hannah Callowhill. Callowhill was historically a manufacturing area and when manufacturing was reduced, the population of the area plummeted. It is still relatively unpopulated compared to surrounding areas.
The abandoned railroad that runs through this neighborhood is in the process of being renovated into a park. Some parts are already open, so you and your dog can enjoy them. There are several businesses near this neighborhood that will cater to your canine companion. BONeJOUR provides high-quality dog food, toys, accessories, and treats, as well as providing grooming services.
The Triangle Dog Park offers your dog an opportunity to play with their friends off-leash. Such mental engagement and socialization is especially important when living in an urban environment.
This is a fascinating neighborhood to walk through, but you are unlikely to forget you are in a city. The raised railroad park offers one of the few areas within the perimeter of this neighborhood where you can walk your dog on a loose leash. On the ground level, buildings are flush together and the doors open out onto the sidewalk. There are not many trees or much landscaping with most of the buildings being apartment buildings or two-story buildings with a business on the ground floor and apartments above.
Most buildings are brick and there are some interesting architectural details as well as lots of characters in some areas, but you are likely to want to get away from the tight city streets. The raised railroad offers a welcome escape with sweeping views of the city from the raised track and plenty of room for your dog to stretch out.
Aside from the raised railway, there isn’t much in the way of green space in Callowhill. Just outside of its perimeters, Franklin Square offers a fun place to let your dog stretch their legs under some tree cover. To the north, the neighborhood of West Poplar offers greener walking with charming individual family homes or townhomes.
For a chance at some real natural exploration, go west to the Schuylkill River. Fairmount Park extends down immediately west of Callowhill so you can just head west to the park and enjoy all of the beautiful natural area. There are trails through wooded and grassy areas, so you can take your pick of what kind of walk you want. Along the length of the park is the Schuylkill River.
Across the river is the Philadelphia Zoo. While your dog can’t go into the zoo, they can hear and smell the exotic wildlife inside for a unique and stimulating experience.