Philly DIS'ers (or others who know)

[Growin'upDisney]

I need recommendations for things to do in Philly over an extended weekend. Likely going to Philly for work on Monday and Tuesday May 8 and 9. Probably will head there on Friday night and spend the weekend touring around.

What is not to miss.

What are some of the best restaurants? Price doesn't matter as long as the food is good.

DH and my then 6 month old will be going. We will probably bring along my MIL to watch Reina in the evening while we go to dinner. So I need recommendations of things to do with a youngin' too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rayelias]

Oddly enough, I'll be out in your neck of the woods in May (for the first time). Staying in Napa and then in SF.

Anyhow... the Phila Zoo is (I believe) the oldest in the US. Something for the whole family. And, the Phila Art Museum is really a very wonderful place to visit - try and get there (and don't forget to do the traditional "Rocky" run up the steps!). Also nearby is a little know haunt, the Mutter Museum (for freaky medical oddities). You'll also want to take a walk through Reading Terminal Market, which is right by City Hall (the first "White House") It would be very beneficial for you to take the "Duck Tour" around the city.

As for restaurants, believe it or not, Philly has some of the best in the country. That's why we're so fat!

You HAVE to have a Cheesesteak. You MAY have thought you've had a Philly Cheesesteak before, but you haven't. There will be many people who tell you to go to Pat's or Geno's (they're right across the street from each other and overrated), but MY favorite is Jim's on South Street (around 4th St.). Do NOT ask for swiss cheese. Actually a "true" Philly cheesesteak uses (yep) Cheese Whiz. Mushrooms, while some will say it's OK, the true originalist will disagree. The only thing "allowed" on a cheesesteak, other than Whiz is fried onions, which I recommend. When you're in Jim's, check out the walls. They're adorned with thousands of pictures of famous people who've visited. Jim's is the REAL Philly cheesesteak. The proper way to order is "Whiz wit" (Cheesesteak with Cheesewhiz wit(h) fried onions).

And, while you're on the junk food kick... Tony Luke's for a hot roast pork with brocolli rabe. Another Philly favorite.

Fine dining... take a look for places up around Rittenhouse Square. There are quite a few places there. Plus, it's very historic. A great (and very safe) neighborhood - it's where the Philly "elite" call home. It's kind of neat to walk the streets and see the ACTUAL houses that historic people lived in!

In Center City, a couple landmark restaurants are Le Bec Fin (one of the best in the country), Susanna Foo's (also one of the best in the counrty)

Down in Old City (another wonderfully historic area), the oldest restaurant in the US, is City Tavern. Very nice - high ratings. Nor far from there is Betsy Ross' house, not to mention lots of other historic places, like the first mint, the liberty bell... another great area to tour! Another great restaurant around there is Buddakan.

I could go on forever. Hope you enjoy your trip! If you have any questions, or need some help or advice, PM me.

 

[Grammyof2]

Try the Franklin Institute. They have an interesting exhibit right now. Also make sure you see the Liberty Bell. Lots of history in Philly.

And, for sure, get a cheesesteak. And a Tastykake.

 

[Blondy876]

Le Bec Fin is amazing very $$$ but worth it. My only other food suggestion would be to NOT buy a soft pretzel from a street vendor. Some of them have nasty hygiene.

My vote for the best family activity would be to go to the zoo. Entrance prices are low and it's beautiful. My favorite time to go is on a warm, rainy day. Not many other people and the animals always seem more active in the rain. I love the zoo.

I haven't been to the Mutter museum yet but plan to very soon. I do love the art museum but if you go plan to be there a while and just take it all in. It's not a place to rush through.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Pugdog007]

I will be in Philly next week for the American College of Physician's meeting at the convention center. Can you recommend any restaurants close to the convention center? Preferably one with low-fat, low-cal offerings (no cheesesteak & no tastycake!)

 

[goofygirl]

I agree with everyone here so far!

Another option is The National Constitution Center, they have a Ben Franklin exhibit on right now. Its a nice place and reasonably priced, just be prepared to read- there's a lot of plaques, etc to learn all about it.


I like the Olde City Tavern, its similar to the Colonial Williamsburg taverns.


For cheap eats, there's the food court at the Bourse.

I've been to Susanna Foo's and Le Bec Fin and they are both out of this world, I was at both of them for work-related dinners so I wasn't paying!

 

[goofygirl]

I will be in Philly next week for the American College of Physician's meeting at the convention center. Can you recommend any restaurants close to the convention center? Preferably one with low-fat, low-cal offerings (no cheesesteak & no tastycake!)

Hard Rock Cafe is right near there, there's also Reading Terminal Market which offers a wide variety of foods. There's also Chinatown with a bazillion places right by there if you are into Asian or veggie cuisine.

 

[Cantw8]

Two of my favorite restaurants are Bookbinders, great seafood (though I'm guessing some will disagree) very pricey but worth it...located on Walnut Street. I also like Bistro Romano in Society Hill, again very pricey but very romantic and GREAT Italian specialties BTW, The Philadelphia Zoo was the first zoo in America If you're into history, Philly is the place to be I love to spend the day down at Penn's Landing on the waterfront or for a taste of real culture, take a walk through the Italian Market on 9th street or walk down South Street.

Sorry, but cheese steaks and Tastykakes are a must if visiting Philly Oh, and run up the Art Museum steps to get in touch with your "Rocky" side Fairmount Park is a nice place to take a hike and it's nice to visit BoatHouse Row. There really is alot to do....enjoy, give me a call and I'll show you around

 

[phillybeth]

I will be in Philly next week for the American College of Physician's meeting at the convention center. Can you recommend any restaurants close to the convention center? Preferably one with low-fat, low-cal offerings (no cheesesteak & no tastycake!)

Right across the street from the convention center is the Reading Terminal Market- a farmer's market that caters to the downtown lunchtime crowd. There are plenty of places to eat, including vegetarian places. There are at least 20-30 stands to get something to eat at! Also, most places will have lower cal/veggie options. 12th St Cantina has excellent Mexican food- real mex and tex-mex. One of the Amish stands makes great rotisserie chicken. Pearl's does wonderful seafood. There's also a few places to pick up a salad to go.


http://readingterminalmarket.org/index.php

 

[Growin'upDisney]

Thanks everyone - we will definitely head to the zoo!! And what movie loving sports fan can resist running up those steps.

I know the lore about cheesesteaks - but what is a Tastycake???