Chrissy is the founder of Philly Experiences, LLC. The 36-year-old mother of two provides tours of Philadelphia’s grittiest and seldom-seen neighborhoods.
In her Morals and Murals tour, visitors to the City of Brotherly Love view colorful murals by Black artists, support local artisans, and have the opportunity to hear the personal stories of residents in a truly unique and eye-opening experience.
Chrissy describes herself as “a proud product of the hood, spiritual, a survivor of multiple traumas, and very passionate about equality and community healing.”
She started her company in 2018. Part of what inspired her to create Philly Experiences was the way in which the media falsely portrays inner-city neighborhoods.
“There are so many lies,” Chrissy said. “To the point that I gave up watching the local news for my mental health.”
Her curating such experiences also came as a natural progression of her work as a photographer.
“I went to school for photography because I wanted a career showcasing the beauty of humans. Learning how to tell stories through my camera ultimately led me to do so via Philly Experiences.”
Chrissy says her tours intentionally pour into Black and LGBTQ businesses, and bring much-needed diversity to Philadelphia’s tourism.
“Each of my experiences caters to educating, entertaining, and self-healing with locals and visitors.”
In addition to her Morals and Murals tour, Chrissy also offers other unique experiences, including Trap In The City Bar Crawl, Open Mic Night Experience, and 3D Paper Flower Workshop.
These, however, are some of Chrissy’s favorite tours to give:
- Beginners Guide to Black Philadelphia – “This is my newest experience that helps guests explore Philly with a dope itinerary from a very honest Black perspective. This experience is perfect for social media influencers or those who desire a must-do list of the best places to get great photos. It is also ideal for returning visitors or first time visitors who don’t have time or money to waste on a boring vacation.”
- Virtual Game Night – “This one may make your stomach hurt from laughing so hard! Guests (21+) from anywhere in the world can join or privately book this three-hour experience. Available themes include X-rated (singles, couples, or LGBTQ), birthday, bachelor/bachelorette, or hood culture.”
- Cheesesteak and Trap Music Bar Crawl – “Prior to the pandemic, this was my most popular experience. The title says it all! Join guests who love food, trap/twerk music, and heavy-handed bartenders whose energy is through the roof. This experience gives you an intimate group tour of some of the best hood bars with the best cheesesteaks, seafood, and soul food in the city. You will see where the movie “Creed” was filmed and where some top celebrities grew up.”
- All Inclusive Party Bus Experience – “This tour is perfect for guests celebrating a birthday, graduation, bachelor/bachelorette party, or divorce. The experience includes a professional host, complimentary wine and snacks, plus the dopest playlist catered to your taste. What happens on the party bus stays on the party bus!”
Chrissy has given tours to visitors from the U.S., as well as countries like Canada, Bermuda, Amsterdam, U.K., Japan, and Ivory Coast. Non-English speakers have even taken the hood tour using translators.
“The main thing I hope people take away from my tours, is that the hood is just another neighborhood until someone decides to gentrify it and give it a lame name,” she said. “We are humans…being. We are fly, eclectic, talented, inspiring, dope, resilient, and, most importantly, all worthy of resources and respect. No matter how your journey or skin color shaped your perspective on life, please understand we share more in common than we do in differences.”
Reading the rave reviews her experiences have garnered on Airbnb, it is obvious that Chrissy’s Philly Experiences have opened the eyes and changed the perspectives of many.
Although COVID-19 has caused some of her tours to pause, Chrissy’s Morals and Murals tour is still operating with a reduced capacity and adherence to social distancing guidelines.
Interested in booking a tour? Visit phillyexperiences.com or https://abnb.me/6KXCDqAq1cb.
“All you have to do is arrive. Whether you’re fully interactive or shy, you will enjoy yourself. I pinky promise.”
You can also follow Chrissy at instagram.com/phillyexperiences.
