Brotherly Love City
From Cheese Steaks to Chinese Art: the City of Brotherly Love Has It All!
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When we think vacations, popular destinations such as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, or perhaps a foreign country typically come to mind. But those with limited time or budget might want to consider a spot slightly less exotic, albeit historic. It’s one of the oldest towns in America and offers a walk back through history as you stroll the cobblestone streets—Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.
Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll still find much to enjoy. Rated one of the best walking cities in the United States, Philadelphia boasts countless artistic and cultural offerings with its many museums, parks, symphonies and theater companies. And for the more outdoors-oriented, there are zoos, festivals, golf courses, and professional sporting events.
Historical Sights
I cannot write about Philadelphia without first acknowledging a few of the great historical sites. A visit to Independence National Historic Park is a walk back into Benjamin Franklin’s time. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution of the United States was signed, and many other locations such as Congress Hall and Old City Hall. A few blocks away is Christ Church, the church many of our founding fathers attended. You’ll find Benjamin Franklin and many war heroes from various wars buried outside in the Burial Ground. If you admire historical churches, then you won’t want to miss the oldest church in Pennsylvania, Gloria Dei Church.
Museums
Whatever your interest, I’m sure Philadelphia will have a museum to match. With works from around the world, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States. Be sure to have your photo taken on the long flight of steps leading up to the museum, which is where Sylvester Stallone trained in the “Rocky” movies. The museum’s stunning location, architecture, and art collections definitely make this a full day’s trip. Your cultural visit would not be complete with a visit to the Rodin Museum, home to the largest collection of works by Auguste Rodin outside of Paris—and yes, you can even see “The Thinker!”
The Please Touch Museum is a fabulous place for kids to be kids and adults to be kids learning and exploring together. Fireman’s Hall is a small but free museum exhibiting the last 200 years in firefighting artifacts, such as leather buckets and hand-pulled carts—entertaining for all.
If you want a more distinct museum, check out the Battleship New Jersey, America’s most decorated Battleship; it’s even open for overnight encampments. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, not well known even within Philadelphia, has an exceptional collection of artifacts and antiquities. Kids are delighted by the activities and you will be intrigued. And for those of you who are fascinated by medical oddities, you won’t want to miss the Mütter Museum located at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Where else can you see the world’s largest colon? That, by the way, measures in at 9’ long and 27” in diameter. With its myriad skulls, skin specimens, and detached body parts, this is definitely not a place for the faint of heart!
The Arts
If you appreciate music you may want to plan a night with the Philadelphia Orchestra with Maestro Dutoit conducting Strauss or Mahler. For theater buffs, what’s more impressive than seeing a play or musical in the Walnut Street Theater—at 201 years old, American’s oldest theater? Or maybe you’re more into dance, poetry, or jazz? The Painted Bride Art Center may be something you might want to check out, or you can check out some whimsical and amazing mosaic art at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.
Rare books, manuscripts, furniture, and art more your style? Then it’s off to the Rosenbach Museum Library. This museum and world-renowned research library is set within two historic 1865 townhouses. A bibliophile’s heaven! And how can you visit Philadelphia and miss out on the Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site? See how and where he lived and wrote some of those dark and wonderful tales.
Nature At Her Finest
If you appreciate nature and all she has to offer, then you won’t want to miss the Morris Arboretum. It’s a nature center with beautiful landscapes and interesting sculptures. The grounds have a series of separate areas, and in June, the rose garden is a “riot of color” not to be missed. The Fairmount Park consists of 9200 acres of trees, America’s oldest zoo, running trails, backpacking, rowing, biking, historic houses, and museums.
Bartram’s Garden, the first botanical garden and commercial nursery in the United States, is also found right here in Philadelphia. You’ll find the historic home, wildflower meadow, majestic trees, river trail, and wetland overlooking the Schuylkill River. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum offers trails for easy hiking, trail biking loops, and wildlife, and check out Darby Creek for canoeing/kayaking.
Food
Philadelphia Cheesesteaks…need I say more? While this is the official sandwich of Philadelphia, there is so much more to the city’s culinary scene. The Wine School of Philadelphia offers wine appreciation, classes, and tasting, and has received a Best of Philly stamp. It’s one of the oldest wine schools in the United States; make your reservations in advance. If wine is not your drink, try the Nodding Head Brewery. A unique menu and selection of beers receives more than just a nod. And for those of you who’d like more information about the history of various Philadelphia foods such as hoagies and pretzels, try a guided food tour through the Reading Terminal food and produce market. This vast marketplace, located under the former Reading train terminal, is home to more than 80 merchants selling everything from Amish food specialties to books, artworks, and fresh produce.
Final Mentions
For something certainly different, visit the Eastern State Penitentiary. See where Al Capone was imprisoned. Maybe you’ll even see an old haunt while on a tour.
One other interesting landmark you might not want to miss is the Physick House. Also known as the Hill-Physick House, home to doctor Phillip Syng Physick who became known as the “father of American surgery.”
And if you go in June, you may want to plan it so you can attend the live CME program, Best Practices in Primary Care: a free conference held June 22-23 (2012) at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center—get some CME credit while you also vacation with the family. It’s a great way to get in some vacation, education, and outdoor fun all at the same time.
Published on June 1, 2010
Updated on April 14, 2011
Updated on March 13, 2012
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