Ah Philadelphia… city of brotherly love, cradle of liberty, birthplace of America, the 6th borough. A city of US firsts…hospital, bank, zoo, mint, worlds fair and Thanksgiving Parade. It is home to the Liberty Bell, a piece of Einstein’s brain and more public art than any other city in America. Where the Declaration of Independence was first read, Rocky ran up the steps of the Art Museum and Grace Kelly’s father made his fortune. The famous & infamous who have called the city home are too many to mention but a few standouts include Bill Paley, Legs Diamond, Tina Fey, Chubby Checkers, Pink, Bradley Cooper & Edgar Allen Poe. George Washington was inaugurated as President in the city’s Congress Hall while DC was under construction. Make sure to throw a penny into Ben Franklin’s grave for good luck and then enjoy other oh so Philly things.
Have a cheesesteak… Legend has it they were invented by Pat Olivieri at his hotdog stand in 1930. Ordered ‘wit’ or ‘wit-out’ onions, this sandwich starts with thinly sliced, griddle frizzled beef, then cheese…either provolone (the original) or Cheez Whiz (the most popular) and all scooped into an Amaroso roll. Cut it in half, wrap it wax paper and eat. They are served all over the city, but I think, Pat’s King of Steaks (yes, the original spot) or their archrival, Gino’s across the street, are only true places to indulge.
Catch a game…often credited as the best sport’s city in America, Philadelphia has crazy passionate & knowledgeable fans and the Big Four sports…Hockey, Baseball, Football & Basketball. The city is also home to a Major League Soccer team and top tier college sports.
Have a drink at Skyhigh in the Four Seasons Hotel…ride the breathtaking glass elevator to the 60th floor of the Comcast building…The views are out of this world and the cocktails divine.
Get some culture…Philadelphia has more than 112 museums with treasures including dinosaurs, Van Gogh’s & Renoirs, relics from the American Revolution and a giant heart you can walk through. But for something truly unique visit the Mutter Museum. Founded as a learning institution for medical professionals in 1858, it was opened to the public in the mid 1970’s. The collection of medical oddities includes casts & the liver of Chang & Eng Bunker, the original Siamese twins, the Hyrtl Skull Collection which was put together to prove the shape of skulls does not prove race or intelligence and a series of objects found in people’s stomachs. Bizarre & fascinating.
Go Shopping…in South Street & Queen Village…Totem and Ps & Qs are loaded with famous American menswear and hipper than hip uber local brands. You’ll also find gifts for those left behind at home.
Get scared at Eastern State Penitentiary. Once the most expensive prison in America, it was famous for its distinctive architecture and draconic discipline. It opened in 1829 as a place to reform rather than punish though to a modern eye it seems unreasonably cruel…solitary confinement & isolation. Closed in 1971, it has fallen largely into ruin. Tourists can visit and see where Al Capone lived and the tunnel that Willie Sutton escaped from. Special tours are organized at Halloween. Boo.
I must go one day – meet you there!