Traveler's Guide to Philadelphia
Written: Jun 28 '04 (Updated Jul 06 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Philly offers something for everyone, regardless of what kind of visitor you are
Cons: Philly can be a little intimidating
The Bottom Line: Philly has a lot to offer all types of travelers: it's not just for revolutionaries anymore!
|
|
|
| martytdx's Full Review: Philadelphia |
So, you're planning to visit Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. You've got the tickets (or gassed up the car) and you're ready to head out. But do you have your itinerary planned yet? Have you set all the expectations of your visit? Well, if you'd like some advice (and if you're reading this, you might), here's my view on some ideas to make your trip great. But first, we need to know what kind of visitor you are - or want to be.
Are you a TOURIST, going to the typical places and following a guide book? Or do you like to see the sites and wander a bit, like a TRAVELER? Or perhaps you toss the guidebook and search for the hidden side of places you visit, a true ADVENTURER? I've tried to break out some sample itineraries for each style of traveler, but only you can decide what suits your lifestyle.
Where available, I've included links to better descriptions of the places and sites - sometimes mine, sometimes not. I hope they help.
• HOTELS •
As I have lived here most of my life, I'm a little unfamiliar with the lodging circuit in Philly. However, lodging is more about style and budget than anything else. My guide is to help you once you've dumped the suitcases and prepared to venture out. HOWEVER, in the spirit of things, I know that the Loews Hotel, the Omni Hotel at Philadelphia Park and the Ritz-Carlton have great reputations. There are more budget-conscious choices in the city like the Adam's Mark, the Marriott and the Alexander Inn. You can usually find great packages at gophila.com.
» TOURIST
Whether coming to do the historical sites, visiting friends or relatives or just checking out someplace new on your tour of the United States, Philadelphia has a lot to offer. The city has made great strides to become more family and tourist-friendly, cleaning up vast sections of bad areas and putting on a cleaner, more inviting face. Most tourists are going to come for Philadelphia's extensive historic areas - something not to be missed. But there are other places that you can easily fit into a short trip with little additional expense to make the most of your visit.
• site to VISIT •
When in Philadelphia, you're surrounded by history. As the first capital of the fledgling democracy, the ties to our Colonial past are strong with historical sites like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the new and awesome Constitution Center (trust me, it's well worth making the extra visit). This trio of attractions on the Independence Park make up a large chunk of Philadelphia's - and our country's - origins. Expect a bit of a wait going from the Liberty Bell to Independence Hall because of security, but you get to see some of the historic structures from our country's birth. The Constitution Center represents a new jewel in Philly's crown, giving a fantastic multimedia experience about one of the world's most important documents.
If you want to branch out from the historical, make sure to check out the country's oldest zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo - in use since 1874, the zoo has housed a number of exotic and rare species - 1,600 of them presently. Although the grounds need a little upkeep, the Philly Zoo is a great example of what a zoo can be. Be sure to check out the new Peco Primate Preserve.
• things to DO •
If you want to DO instead of just see, try the Franklin Institute, a great place for kids to experience science first hand and see an IMAX movie, as well. Or take a trip to the Please Touch Museum, a great place to take the kids, offering up science and learning in a fun manner. The kids get a literal hands-on look at many things, offering amusement and education at the same time. Take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets of old Philadelphia, or run up the steps of the Art Museum just like Rocky. The Camden Aquarium across the river offers a pretty nice aquarium visit just a short ride over the Ben Franklin Bridge. That night, see the fantastic new Lights of Liberty - a moonlit journey through Philly history with hand-painted artwork being projected on buildings where the history happened. Complete with a high-quality soundtrack, it's a different but amazing way to see the sites and learn the history.
• where to EAT •
Enjoy breakfast at the Reading Terminal Market, next to the Convention Center where you can then stroll through the farmers-market style vending. If you're looking for "Philly Style" places to eat, one stop is one of the classic cheesesteak-type shops. Pat's, Geno's and Jim's vie for the title of best cheesesteak, while Tony Luke's is well-known for their Italian Roast Pork sandwiches. All of them are located in South Philly, except Jim's which is on South Street. Looking for a real dinner? Philadelphia is well-known for its culinary delights, whether the 5-star Old Original Bookbinders or newer hot spots like Fado.
• get a DRINK •
If you want to head out for a night cap, there are a lot of hot spots in Philly. If you are in Center City, check out the oldest continually functioning pub in the city - McGillin's on 1310 Drury Lane, near Samson. There are a host of bars and restaurants along Chestnut Street, but South Street offers up some of the more unique choices, including the Copabanana (344 South St.) and Fat Tuesday's (431 South St.).
________________________________________________________
» TRAVELER
If you want to see the history and still explore a little more, or perhaps if you have already done the Colonial thing, there is still a ton to do and see in Philadelphia to impress even the seasoned traveler. Philadelphia is an up-and-coming destination with highlights in art and food making it a popular destination. Add to it large expanses of parks and nature, and nearby communities, and there's a ton to do for those who want a little more than the everyday.
• sites to VISIT •
For the more adventuresome visitor, step away from the ordinary and check out some of Philly's more interesting sites. See the oldest continuously inhabited street in the country, Eldreth Alley(near Arch, between 2nd and Front), and then head to South Philly for the Italian Market, a collection of vendors and shops with great produce and Italian specialty meat and cheese stores. While there, make sure to check out DiBruno's. If you want something a little more slice of Philly, the stop by the Mummer Museum at 1100 South 2nd Street to see a unique part of Philly history. If you are into architecture, be sure to check out City Hall and the nearby Masonic Temple, both of which are fantastic examples of architecture from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The Masonic Temple, in particular, is a well-recognized example of Gothic architecture although its 7 interior halls reflect styles of Egyptian, Oriental and Gothic architecture, to name a few. Finish up with a tour of South Street, with an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants including Zipperheads (407 South St.) and Lorenzo's Pizza (305 South St. - some of the greasiest and tastiest slices in the city)
• things to DO •
Take an afternoon (or evening) to check the Phillies new park, Citizen's Bank Park - one of the best in the majors with natural grass and an old-time feel. It's a tad pricey but it's a truly beautiful park. In the winter season, try to score tickets to catch an Eagles game at The Linc. If culture is your thing, the Kimmel Center is an architectural wonder and testament to Philly's growing arts scene. The building houses 8 resident companies and a variety of traveling shows. Take a gander at the amazing Verizon Hall, the 2,500-seat venue with changeable acoustics to get the most out of every event (they actually move the walls automatically!). The 650-seat Perelmen Theater has a rotating stage for opera and musical theater. That night, enjoy the Ghost Tours of Philly that start at 6th and Chestnut, at 7:30 from April to November.
If you want to catch some music of the concert variety, check out the two best venues around the city - the Mann Music Center is an open-air amphitheater (although there are covered sections) which is open all summer for great shows, especially festival-type concerts. Across the river, the E-Center offers up the same type of environment for national tours. Personally, I'd stay on the Pennsylvania side for the Mann, but that's me.
• where to EAT •
Philadelphia has a wonderful selection of places to eat, including numerous ethnic restaurants and fashionable eateries. For some great Japanese, Morimoto's (723 Chestnut St.) is the highly-touted domain of the Iron Chef. If you want fancy American fare, try the award-winning Fork on Chestnut St. Fun times can be had on South Street including the Copabanana, or enjoy a inexpensive Mediterranean meal at Dimitri's, a great place that might take you a while to get into on weekend nights. Trust me, it's worth it.
• get a DRINK •
Philly's music scene is thriving, and the local bars present great acts across the board. Check out Warmdaddy's and Zanzibar Blue - both have been mainstays of the Philadelphia music scene. The former is a great blues bar, complete with open mic nights and guest appearances, while the latter offers up great jazz and fine dining (although the quality has gone done, and the prices up, recently). If you want a quieter experience, Center City is filled with great little pubs such as Ludwig's Garten, The Continental and Lucy's Hat Box which all have their own unique appeal.
________________________________________________________
» ADVENTURER
Head off of the beaten path and see the real Philadelphia - its quirks and unique aspects. As I said earlier, Philly has done a lot to clean itself up and improve its image, and the effect is remarkable. The city Mural Program has taken run-down buildings and beautified them, an impressive thing to see throughout the city. The nightlife has gained momentum, as have the arts and local adventures. So, put wway the Fodor's and look around for the different side of the city.
• sites to VISIT •
Once you've done the above, head out to the wild side of Philly. Make a short visit to the Mütter Museum (19 S. 22nd St.), home to a history of forensic medicine and a large assortment of medical curiosities, including the liver from the original Siamese Twins, Chang and Eng Bunker and thousands of objects pulled out of people's stomachs. For something more for the faint of heart, find the oddly-placed Rodin Museum, the largest collection of Rodin's sculptures outside of France. Continue your artistic tour on the Avenue of the Arts - a long stretch of road on Broad St., between City Hall and Washington Avenue which houses the majority of Philadelphia's artistic jewels. Catch a musical number at the Academy of Music, or take in some theater at any of a number of hot venues, such as the Merriam, Forrest and Wilma Theaters.
• things to DO •
The Eastern State Penitentiary was a wonder of modern construction when it was built in 1829 - it actually had central heating, running water and flush toilets before the White House did! The style of imprisonment developed there - as well as the spoke architecture for prisons - became a template for hundreds of prisons around the world. Every Halloween, the penitentiary takes on another form however, offering up a month of ghoulish delights on its Terror Behind the Walls tours. Then, hit the outdoors for a run or bike along Kelly Drive or see Philly's answer to NY's Central Park with a hike through the 1,800-acre Wissahickon Park and its 50 miles of trails. Or if you feel like a short drive toward the airport, try a hike a John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, a great local watering hole for birds of all types and a personal favorite.
• where to EAT •
Philadelphia's ethnic cuisine is simply amazing in terms of variety and quality. Whether you head to Chinatown and the dozens of restaurants there (I would suggest Vietnam for great, inexpensive food), or follow the historic Chestnut Street for Middle Eastern or Brazilian, there is always some good cooking to be had if you're willing to throw your inhibitions to the wind. Philly has it's old classics like Bookbinders and The Striped Bass, but has seen an influx of great new restaurants, such as Pod (3636 Samson) and Cuba Libre, a Cuban-styled hotspot at 10 S. 2nd Street. If you want to get a REAL traditional meal, check out the City Tavern where servers greet you in Colonial garb and serve your meal straight out of the 18th-century. Or, do the Philly diner thing by checking out one of the many diners in the city. My favorites are the South Street Diner and the Silk City Diner, although I think the latter has more real atmosphere (and fewer tourists).
• get a DRINK •
Head to Center City for a beer lovers' dream at Monk's, a Belgium restaurant that offers the best selection of brews in the city. If you want some music with your drinks, be sure to check out local watering holes and music venues North Star Bar and Khyber Pass. Both offer a varied set of artists, but usually have great acts regardless of their style.
*****************************************
• speak PHILLY •
Finally, here's a pronunciation primer for ANY visitor to Philly - or just how to understand the locals. Just a little help for our coming visitors!
WORD PRONUNCIATION
Manayunk - MAN-ee-unk
Schuykill - SCHOOL-kill
Lancaster - LANC-ast-er
Philadelphia Inquirer - FLUFF-e-ah INK-wire-er
water - wood-er
water ice - wood-er ice
hoagie - HO-gee
you - yous
you (plural) - yous guys
Cheesesteak With - Cheesesteak with Onions
Cheesesteak Without - Cheesesteak, NO onions
"Cheesesteak, with onions, light on the..." NO cheesesteak for you!
Scott Rolen, J.D. Drew, or any other ex-player - You lousy bum! BOOO!!!
DEFINITIONS
• Mummers - Mummers are a costumed parade walkers based on the traditions of the Roman Festival of Saturnalias where workers marched in masks and throughout the day in satire of current events. The Philadelphia version, started in officially in 1901, but unofficially before that, is a traditional march down Broad Street and involves up to 15,000 mummers a year.
• Cheesesteak - A proper Philadelphia cheesesteak does NOT contain Steak-Umm(tm). It is sliced rib-eye cooked on a grill with olive oil (seasoned perhaps with a shops own blend of pepper, salt and garlic). Fried onions can be added as desired (see cheesesteak orders, above). The proper cheeses for a Philadelphia cheesesteak are ONLY Cheez Whiz(tm) or Provolone, although some shops use American (it is only marginally respected). Finally, the whole steak is covered with an Italian hoagie roll and scooped straight from the grill to the roll, and placed in a wrapper to be served. ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES!
• Water Ice - Real water ice (not Rita's) is made of fruit juice, sugar, water and occasionally fruit, which was then skimmed by a spoon into a cup to be enjoyed in the summer heat. It NEVER came out of a machine.
• Tastykake - A delicious treat similar to a Little Debbie or Hostess Cake, but infinitely more desirable. Several known species of Tastykake are known, but the most common is the Krimpet, a shortcake filled with jelly or topped with butterscotch icing.
• Scrapple - What I say: What didn't make it into a hot dog. What they say: a corn-meal and pork mush made with onions and spices, and fried for serving. Sounds yummy, huh?
• Phillie - We have no clue either, but they are the longest continuously-named baseball team in the country.
• other great PHILLY REVIEWS •
slarter
fuche_bu
JennJoy
Shazzle99
Bruguru
Thanks also to the others who I have linked to...
________________________________________________________
Part of the Around Epinions in 23+ Reviews auto-writeoff.
auto :: beauty :: books :: biz/tech :: computer hardware :: software :: education :: electronics :: games :: home & garden :: kids & family :: movies :: music :: magazines :: outdoors :: personal finance :: pets :: restaurants :: sports :: TRAVEL :: web services :: wellness :: beer :: epinions
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
martytdx
|
 - Top 200 |
|
Member: Marty
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 481
Trusted by: 179 members
About Me:
Doing what I can to try new places, restaurants, books and beers.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.