Chestnut Hill, in the historic Germantown area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is about nine miles Northwest of Center City Philadelplhia and rates almost as critical a place in the natiion's history as does Philadelphia center. There Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jeferson and George Washington, plus a passle of other Founding Fathers, united our nation, beating the British back to win our freedom. Chestnut Hill is an upscale, lovely section, with pricey stores, lovely streets, trees, outdoor patios for dining, and several excellent day spas with extensive services.

The elegant Chestnut Hill Hotel and Silverstone Inn, in a charming old mansion, are two excellent places to stay while sightseeing and enjoying massage, facial or other spa services. The historic Valley Forge National Park is close by, and a commuter train whisks tourists downtown in about 30 minutes, where the attractions of the Philadelphia Art Museum, Zoo, and Independence Hall area are a short, free bus ride away.

Spa Elysium, 55 Bethlehem Pike,215-247-2008, www.spaelysium.com/serv.asp, and Fringe, 55 Bethlehem Pike, 8705 A Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 215.247.2008, elysium91@aol.com. Spa Elysium is the place to visit in Chestnut Hill where you can treat yourself to a full range of Spa treatments. The new salon is spectacular and offers a complete menu of beauty treatments and spa services, using Aveda products.The popular day spa just keeps growing.

It's goal is "To provide a retreat where beauty and wellness walk hand in hand while providing excellent customer service, a peaceful clean environment, knowledge of products and services and where we keep abreast of education and trends in our industry," say the owners.Spa Elysium Ltd. was incorporated in August, 1991 by Wendy Feldman and opened for business on December 12, 1991 with a staff of seven and 1,100 square feet. Today, its in a new location off of Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. The new salon and complete day spa facility is over 5,700 square feet and includes shower and locker room facilities, wet treatment rooms, a classroom, cafe area, and expanded retail areas.

Welcome to Diamond Spa, Inc. open as of 11/13/2005. Diamond Spa, Inc. "gives the highest quality spa services in the Greater Philadelphia area to all women and men to, and makes the customer feel and look young and beautiful," says the owners. Many special services, from facials, to massage to pedicures are offered to meet the customer preference. Located at 8430 Germantown Avenue, Phildelphia, PA, Hours are Monday ~ Sunday 9:30 a.m. ~ 8 p.m.