Pilgrim’s Rest offers getaway without leaving city
ROXBOROUGH >> If you are visiting the city on business or pleasure, or just need a day or two of rejuvenation and relaxation, Pilgrim’s Rest Bed and Breakfast is just the place.
Set on a tree-lined road along Wissahickon Valley Park, Pilgrim’s Rest Bed and Breakfast is two miles from Highland Station and within 12 miles of the Philadelphia Convention Center and the stalwart City Hall.
Owner Donna Templin, who was born and raised in Roxborough, was not always in the hospitality industry. With both a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in instructional technology, Templin worked at
both Chestnut Hill College and Philadelphia University.
“We have always had people staying with us through the years before we opened the B&B,” Templin explains. “French exchange students, visitors that came to Philadelphia through the International Visitor’s Center, visiting sports teams from my children’s school. My husband and I said, ‘ When the kids grow up and move away, maybe we can open a B&B.’”
Templ in’s husband passed away in 2002, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to do it on her own, but in 2003, she decided to go for it. In 2007, she remarried. Her husband, who is retired, handles all the maintenance and landscaping, and Templin does all the cooking, cleaning, books and marketing.
The homey, individually styled rooms are spread over two floors; each floor has a shared bathroom. Some rooms add microwaves, mini-fridges and/ or sofa beds. A continental breakfast is served in a bright dining area, and evening snacks are also included. Common areas consist of a patio overlooking a fish pond and the park, plus a living room with a fireplace, a TV, a DVD library and board games. Afternoon tea can be arranged, and limited parking is available. Guests can relax on the deck and take in the view of Fairmount Park and watch the fish in the pond or sit on the front porch and enjoy the gardens. Literature is available to help guests plan their day and get around Philadelphia with ease.
Templin has strong ties
“We view our B&B as a ministry to weary travelers — hence the name, Pilgrim’s Rest.” — Donna Templin, owner, Pilgrim’s Rest Bed and Breakfast
to Roxborough and said she couldn’t imagine having her B&B anywhere else.
Her father built her house and her sister lives on one side of her and her nephew on the other.
“I love Roxborough. I think it’s the one area of the city that you really don’t feel like you’re in a busy urban area. The tagline onmy brochure even says ‘You Won’t Believe You’re In The City.’ Roxborough really has a lot to offer families,” she said.
Guests who stay more than seven days receive a discount. Discounts are also offered through the B&B’s Facebook page or if a guest mentions they saw a particular post.
“We just hope to continue servicing our guests and welcoming them to stay here while they are in Philly, whether for business or pleasure,” added Templin. “We view our B&B as a ministry to weary travelers — hence the name, Pilgrim’s Rest. We enjoy sitting and talking to our guests and sharing our story with them. Many say I should write a book about all the interesting guests that pass through our doors, and someday I hope to do that.”