What to Do and What to See: Philadelphia

Recently, one of my faithful readers told me she is planning a trip to Pennsylvania and wants to know what she should see.  So I am planning on responding with a few blog posts, starting with Philadelphia.  Click on the links for more information.  I hope you will all join me by adding to the lists with your comments!

My Favorites:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art – world renowned art and a gorgeous building.  Don’t forget to run the steps Rocky-style!
• A walk, run, bike ride or roller blade along the Schuylkill River – along Boathouse Row behind the art museum
• A day of shopping along Pine St. (Antique Row)
• The Italian Market – the place to shop for vegetables, Italian meats and cheeses, even before Rocky made it famous!
• Reading Terminal Market – something for everyone and get to meet the Amish
• Tours of Philadelphia Murals – I have never done this actually, but hope to soon!
• Shopping and eating in Manayunk – if you are lucky, will catch the international bike race or the big arts festival!
• Mutter Museum
• A day in Olde City (Betsy Ross’ house, Elfreth’s Alley, shopping and fine dining!
• Take a walk along hipster’s South Street (That’s where all the hippies meet, South Street.  South Street!)
• Pamper yourself with a fabulous massage at Terme di Aroma
• Take a rest and wait for entertainment to spontaneously appear at Rittenhouse Square.
• Enjoy a concert under the stars at the Mann Music Center.
• Seek out the public gardens or local community gardens!
• Shopping on Walnut St. – find everything you need or want and never have to step foot into a dastardly mall again!

Other Popular Things to Do:

• The Liberty Bell
• Walking Tours
• Take in a Phillies baseball game
• Get a briefing on the history of our country at the National Constitution Center
• The Philadelphia Zoo – a must-do for kids of all ages!
• Free Library of Philadelphia – the main branch is fascinating!
• Take a tour of City Hall – make sure to see the view from the top, under Billy Penn’s feet!
• Franklin Institute Science Museum – where science meets fun times!
• The Please Touch Museum for kids
• Reopening in July, take a tour of the U.S. Mint and see how money is made!
• Take in a show at the Walnut St. Theatre (America’s oldest), Wilma, Forrest Theatre, Merriam, the Arden . . . I can’t remember the names of all of them!
• If music is your thing, you can pick up a local paper to find live bands.  the larger venues for opera, ballet, classical, etc. are the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music.
• Penns Landing – there is always something going on there.  And boat tours from there!

Philadelphia is famous for so many things, it’s just impossible to compile a great list!  Ben Franklin, signing of the Declaration of Independence, Jazz music, Patti Labelle, Rocky, the Walk of Fame, the Six Sense of tons of great films, the cheesesteak sandwich (and I refuse to recommend Pat’s or Geno’s – but they are a must-try experience!)  The orchestra, Fairmount Park, Dad Vail Regatta, fireworks, art, funk, music, food, Food, FOOD!  I just can’t do it justice.

And don’t forget to sign up for funsavers at the Philly Fun Guide.  half-priced tickets for lot of events!

Please, I beg you all to add your favorites and your experiences in the comments.  Wouldn’t it be great to have one awesome list?!

Where to eat?  I will let you know soon!