What to see in Philly

[KValley]

I'm headed to Philadelphia for a conference this weekend through next week. I have some free time Sunday afternoon-Monday afternoon and would love suggestions of what to see. I'm aware that River Jam is taking place over the weekend- is this a good bet?

A friend and I are looking for a great place to eat Sunday night. We're staying near the convention center at the Philadelphia Marriott.

My university is hosting a reception at the Victor Cafe on Thursday- it sounds like an exciting place, complete with opera-singing waiters!

Thanks in advance for the suggestions!

Julie

[valeriek]

Julie,

I am not from Philly, but I have been there many times (boyfriend is from South Jersey). Below is something I put together for our monthly newsletter on visits to Philadelphia. It is a general overview, but hopefully this will help!


Because we work in the travel industry, we usually associate vacations with exotic overseas destinations. As our daily lives fill up with more and more obligations though, it can become difficult to take a long overseas vacation. A great way to relax is to get away for a long weekend, and there are great vacation destinations a short car, train, or plane ride away from each of ARC's locations. This month I'm going to highlight a city that is often overlooked as a vacation destination because it is wedged in between the hot tourist cities of New York and Washington, D.C. Three hours north of Washington lies the vibrant and historical city of Philadelphia - the birthplace of our nation.

I had the pleasure of visiting downtown Philly for the first time this past December. Being a sports fan, I've always associated Philadelphia with sports fans who taunt the other team mercilessly while enjoying their cheese steaks. While my visit to Philly did not sway this impression, I discovered that the people of Philadelphia have a certain passion for their city that carriers over to their sporting events. It is this kind of passion that makes Philadelphia fun and interesting place to visit. Philadelphians love their city, and with good reason.

Philadelphia was the first capital of the United States. The Declaration of Independence was written here. So was the U.S. Constitution. Any visit to Philadelphia must include a visit to the Historic District, where you can see the buildings where our founding fathers met to discuss how to turn their ideas of government into a working democracy. The Independence National Historic Park is known as the most historical square mile in the country. Located in the Park are Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written, and the Liberty Bell. Congress Hall is in the west wing of Independence Hall. This is where the first U.S. Congress met during the years of 1790-1800. In the eastern wing is Old City Hall, which is where the U.S. Supreme Court was housed when Philadelphia was the capitol of the United States. All of the buildings in the park have been restored to how they looked during the time when Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and the other framers met here. There is a Visitor's Center here where you can view a video explaining the events that took place on the grounds. You can also get a guided tour of Independence Hall, and Park Rangers are at the different historical locations to answer any questions you might have.

You can also take a self-guided tour of the Betsy Ross house while in the Historic District. Ross lived in the house and it is rumored that this is where she sewed America's first flag. Franklin Court is also located in the park. Here you can view a steel "ghost" structure of where Benjamin Franklin's house and print shop once stood. Franklin is buried in the Park at the Christ Church Burial Ground. Although the cemetery is not open to the public, you can view Franklin's grave through the fence.

There are plenty of nice restaurants near the Historic District, but to get a taste of true Philadelphia food, you should try a sandwich - or hoagie - at an Italian deli, and the most colorful Italian eateries are located on South Street and at the Italian Market. Italian immigrants first settled in the working class neighborhoods of South Philly. A visit to the 100-year old Italian Market, which starts at the corner of 9th & Christian Streets, is a must to experience some of the great Italian food from the old neighborhoods. Any visit to this city wouldn't be complete without experiencing the taste of a true Philadelphia cheese steak from one of the many Italian shops located in the city's neighborhoods.

A trip to Philadelphia also wouldn't be complete without a run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art - Rocky style. For those of you who are movie buffs, Sylvester Stallone ran up during a scene in the the movie Rocky.

Once you've made it up the steps, you would be cheating yourself by not actually going into the museum. The Philadelphia Museum of Art has more the 300,000 art objects and period rooms. It is one of the most respected museums in the U.S. and includes collections of French impressionist and post impressionist paintings.

There are several other noteworthy museums to visit while in Philadelphia. The Franklin Institute of Science is not only a museum, but also a national memorial to Benjamin Franklin. This museum offers a blend of science, technology, and history and pioneered the hands-on technique of teaching visitors about the exhibits through interactive displays. The museum has a walk-through model of the human heart and a Victorian steam engine that visitors can climb through.

The Independence Seaport Museum is located at Penn's Landing, which is not far from the Independence National Historic Park. It explores Philadelphia's history as a port city. While there you can walk below a three-story replica of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which spans the Delaware River. Other attractions at the museum include the USS Olympia, which was in service during the Spanish-American War, and the USS Becuna, a submarine used during World War II.

Other museums of interest are the African America Museum, which was the first museum founded by a city dedicated solely to the celebration and preservation of African American culture. The Mummers Museum displays costumes and videotapes of Philadelphia's famous New Years Day Mummers Parade. The Atwater Kent Museum highlights Philadelphia's social, cultural, and economic development, and the Please Touch Museum for children is designed to teach children under 7 about science, art, and humanities through interactive exhibits.

There are several other great attractions just a short drive from the city proper. I visited Longwood Gardens during my visit, which is a beautiful horticultural display created by Pierre du Pont. The gardens encompass 1,050 acres and include outdoor gardens, indoor gardens, heated greenhouses, woodlands, meadows, and spectacular water fountains. There are 11,000 different types of plants on the premises.

Also just a short drive from the city is the Valley Forge National Historical Park, which is where George Washington and his troops retreated for the winter of 1777 while the British army held Philadelphia. While no battles took place here, 2,000 soldiers died during the long winter due to cold, hunger, and disease. The park now encompasses 3,600 acres and has trails for exploration and picnic areas.

Two other noteworthy sites to mention back in the city are the U.S. Mint and City Hall. The U.S. Mint is the largest mint in the world. The mint offers a self-guided tour where visitors can watch coins being made. City Hall is built on the geographical center of
William Penn's original design plan for Philadelphia. Alexander Calder created a statue of Penn that stands at the top of City Hall. Visitors can go up in the
tower for breathtaking views of the city.

I talked earlier about Philadelphia sports fans, and if you like sports, Philly offers up some very competitive teams that are fun to watch. Philadelphia is represented in the NFL by the Eagles, the NBA by the 76ers, the National League of Major League Baseball by the Phillies, and the NHL by the Flyers. The Vet, which is where the Phillies and the Eagles play, was the first stadium to have a working court on the premises to prosecute fans for infractions during the game. I've been to the Vet, and it is fun to experience a Philadelphia sporting event because of the energy and passion of the fans. If you do go to a sporting event though, I would not wear the opposing team's colors. The fans can be brutal!

For ARC employees in Arlington, the best way to get to Philadelphia is either by car or train. For those people at ARC's other locations, US Airways considers Philadelphia a hub, so the city is easily accessible through US Airways. Hotel arrangements can be made through the travel office. Visiting this city is a great experience, so plan your next weekend getaway to the City of Brotherly Love. And don't forget to eat a cheese steak!


[This message has been edited by valeriek (edited 05-23-2001).]

[This message has been edited by valeriek (edited 05-23-2001).]

[KValley]

Oh, Valerie, this is beautiful. I'm printing it out and taking it in my carry-on. If my luggage gets lost, at least I will have something to do!

The Museum of Art is a must for me- Impressionist and Post-impressionist art are my preferred genres. And the Historic District is an absolute.

And I have promised everyone here that I will do the Rocky run up the steps to the Art Museum. Now, where did I put that camera?

Thank you!!

[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 05-23-2001).]

[SusieO]

A couple of years ago, I went to a wonderful restaurant in downtown Philadelphia called the Caribou Cafe. I don't know if it's still there but the address is (or was) 1126 Walnut Street (I just happen to have in front of me the book of matches I picked up as a memento).

Philadelphia's a great city. Have a good time!

[AltoAtHart]

I have a friend who worked at Victors. Although she is no longer there, I can attest to her beautiful voice. Many students from Philly School of the Arts, Temple, and Westminster Choir College (in Princeton, NJ) get jobs there. For a nice evening meal and some entertainment it is the place to be, although a little pricey. Check out their menu!

[JohnK]

If you have time and money, Le Bec Fin is one of the restuarants that appears consistantly on every list as one of the best in the U.S.
It is classical French and is an experience in fine dining that shouldn't be missed. Food and service in the tradition of Haute Cuisine.

[Tiger]

I live just outside Philly in the suburbs. There is a lot of history here. Was the Liberty Bell meationed?
Anyway if your into sports the Sixers are really big now. And you have to eat a hoagie, cheese steak, and a soft prezel. Growing up in this area I'm so spoiled I can't go anywhere else and order these sandwiches. I've never understood why someone couldn't go out of state and make a ton of money deplicating Philly sandwiches. They say you just can't get the bread and fresh lunchmeat like you can around here. We don't have Subway shops here. They say they would never survive.

[SusanT]

My in-laws live near Philly so we've visited the city a few time. Check out the Italian Market. It's in the downtown area - I'm sure someone could tell you where it is. Great produce, gourmet shops, and they have some really great places to get a sandwich.

Also in the downtown area is the City Tavern where they serve food authentic to the colonial area. It's memorable and delicious. You'll probably need reservations for lunch.

P.S. I think Le Bec Fin is $200 + per person so be ready to invest if you go.

Have a great time in Philly!

[chefbec]

Valeriek did an unbelievable job summing up our wonderful city! Wow. I don't think I could have done it better. The Museum of Natural Sciences is also a very interesting one (lots of Dinosaurs), as is the Rodin Museum (both on the Parkway). One of my favorite restaurants (near where you'll be) is the White Dog Cafe. Walk on South Street and you'll also find lots of great food. Le Bec Fin is $$$$. Try Friday Saturday Sunday or Astral Plane. Both have great food. A good cheesesteak is a must. Valley Forge is not a short drive (just so you know), but you can certainly get there. It may take 45 minutes. The Franklin Institute is one of my favorite museums, and has an IMAX theater. Walk on Kelly Drive if the weather is nice. It's right on the Delaware River and it's beautiful. Or take a ride at night on the West River Drive to see boathouse row all lit up. Have a wonderful time here!!

[Nancy171]

Just want to add another vote for the White Dog Cafe -- one of my favorite spots for dinner, brunch, or even just bar snacks when I lived in Philadelphia.

(On 34th and Sansom, near the Penn campus --www.whitedog.com)

[This message has been edited by Nancy171 (edited 05-24-2001).]

[SusanL]

Valerie - what a superb piece on Phila. !!Julie, if you have free time on Sunday or Monday, I don't think that the Italian Market will be open, but if you have time, go there. Perhaps some of the stores will be open, but I am not sure. Fante's is fun as well as the wonderful cheese stores, DiBruno's and oh, now I cannot remember the store, it is three doors down the street. For some real Italian flavor, go to Dante and Luigi's or Ralph's restaurants, but you'll need reservations. Not sure about the holiday weekend, if they are open!!Let us know where you visited!!

[valeriek]

I'm glad you liked the article! I put together my company's monthly newsletter and each month we feature a different location. I usually ask somebody who has recently vacationed somewhere to write about their trip. When I can't twist someone's arm to write something, I fill in with places I have been. I do enjoy Philly, and I will second the point made that you can't get a sandwich anywhere in the world like the ones made in Philly. My mouth waters just thinking about it!

[KValley]

I'm finishing my packing and just wanted to say thanks to everyone- I'm printing out this entire thread!

Le Bec Fin is out for me- somehow I think the accountants would balk if I submitted a $200 dinner on my expense report. 'Sides, although I am a francophile and have lived in France, I am not a fan of classical French cooking. Provencal, country French, OUI, haute cuisine, NON! My haute cuisine eating experiences in Paris and Lyon are sufficient for my "been there, done that" list!

I don't eat red meat, so a cheese steak is out (sorry http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif), but the the White Dog sounds great! And I love sandwiches, so I'll find something to my liking, I'm certain.

We're hosting a group of 50+ at the Victor Cafe on Thursday, so we have a set menu, with three entree choices. I can't remember what I selected...

Anyway, I'm hoping for great weather and a terrific conference! Thanks again to all....

[Tiger]

I hope Julie brought her unbrella! It's pouring and it's not stopping!