2

Table of Introduction ........................................... 4 History Buff ............................................ 8

Art Lovers................................................ 12

Food Hunter ........................................... 16

Event Seeker ............................................ 20

Night Owl ............................................... 24

Sports Man .............................................. 28

Traveler ................................................... 32

Contents

3

Dear Curious Traveler

Cliché-sounding statement number one: Philadelphia is a lovely city. I’ve lived here most of my life. Until recently, home was a tiny fifth-floor walk-up on 8th Street between Pine and Lombard. Out my front window were shiny skyscrapers and the nations oldest hospitals. At least once a week, I’d step outside and meet someone who asked for directions to Pat’s and Geno’s, South Philly’s famous cheesesteak vendors. Today, I live near those sands, farther from historic sites, but closer, to my mind, to the heart of the city.

No matter how many times Philadelphia gets plugged as America’s next great city or New York’s extra borough, to me, my hometown will always be defined by its grit and its struggle. Sure, we boast the world-renowned Barnes Foundation and some of the United States most pristine historic monuments. Yes, we have a gaggle of celebrity chefs and a hallowed Ivy League university and burgeoning classes of artists and sophisticates. Still, there’s a reason we head for cheesesteaks first, culture second. There’s a reason why visitors (and locals) feel compelled to jog up the steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rocky-style. Philly, to anyone who’s been or visited here feels, first and foremost, like a city of hard work and dreams and struggles and therefore really, deeply, truly American. That’s why we call it “Philly.” What’s best again, to me about this city is its mix of old and new, rich and poor, grit and glitz. The best way to explore the city is to embrace its differences. In Philly, you can do it all, and that’s a lovely thing.

Love John & Jessica Long time residents

Introduction

6

This travel guide is comprised of letters from people who know the city of brotherly love the best. Who would be qualified enough to take on such as task you may ask? Philadelphia’s own people, who work, play, sleep and live every day of their lives in the great city. Each category has a letter stuffed in a folder, with a short statement and information you can grab on the go. In the end we hope you come to love Philadelphia just as much as we do.

P.S. Travel guide may cause intense excitement.

Travel guide

7

Dear History Buff

The first state? The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed here? What more do you want? It doesn’t get more historic then Philly! The paths to understanding American history all converge in Philadelphia and its historic countryside. Even before William Penn founded the city and built his estate in Bucks County, Native Americans and Swedish colonists recognized the region as an attractive place for trade and settlement. Philadelphia is the sixth largest U.S. City. So, Philadelphia is big. But here’s the think: Philadelphia feels small but there’s nothing short about its history.

P.S. Check out the annual reenactment of the Battle of Germantown, the only military battle ever fought within the borders of Philadelphia.

Sincerely Kim Resident

History Buff

1. Battleship New Jersey Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s flagship and the nation’s most decorated battleship

Details 62 Battleship Place Camden, N.J. 08103 (866) 877-6262

Neighborhood Old City

2. Germantown White House (Deshler-Morris House) George Washington’s White House in Germantown

Details 5442 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19144 (215) 596-1748 nps.gov/demo/index.htm

Neighborhood East Passyunk Avenue

Top things to do...53. Lights of Liberty Sound and light show reliving America’s Revolution to return in 2013

Details Historic Philadelphia Center 6th And Chestnut Streets Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 629-4026 historicphiladelphia.org

Neighborhood Independence National Historical Park / Historic District / Historic Philadelphia / Old City

10

4. Declaration (Graff) House Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence here

Details 7th And Market Streets (Southwest Corner) Philadelphia, Pa 19103 (215) 965-2305 nps.gov/inde

Neighborhood Old City

Other Information Call for hours because they change seasonally

Insider Tip A conversation with the site’s ranger is quite helpful, providing excellent reference information. Books can be bought at the site.

5. Elfreth’s Alley Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia

Details 126 Elfreth’s Alley Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 574-0560

Neighborhood Old Town

Insider Tip Residents open their homes to the public only twice a year, during December’s “Deck the Alley,” and June’s Fete Day.

Other Information Open daily, March – October

Dear Art lovers

Philadelphia is an art lover’s kind of town—one that’s bursting with beauty on the inside and out. The region boasts one of the country’s top five art museums, the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist works, an internationally lauded public arts initiative and some under-the-radar gems, all waiting to be explored, experienced and pondered at a pace that’s all your own.

P.S. If you arrive on the First Friday of the month, Old City morphs into a sophisticated street festival as some 50 galleries stay open late an unveil new exhibits.

With loveJessica Resident

Art Lovers

1. Philadelphia Museum of Art One Of The World’s Finest Art Museums

Details 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130 (215) 763-8100 philamuseum.org

Neighborhood Fairmount / Art Museum Fairmount / Art Museum Area

Other Information Open Daily April – December And Friday – Monday, January – March

Kids’ Stuff The temperature in the engine room often reached a brutal 130 degrees, limiting sailors to four-hour shifts.

2. Design Philadelphia Philadelphia’s city-wide celebration of design and innovation

Details 320 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 designphiladelphia.org

Neighborhood East Passyunk Avenue

Top things to do...5

14

4. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts One-stop multi-culture on the Avenue of the Arts

Details Broad And Spruce Streets Philadelphia, PA 19102 kimmelcenter.org (215) 893-1999

Neighborhood Center City West

Insider Tip The kimmel center has an excellent french restaurant on its upper level. Cadence restaurant and lounge is a great option for pre- performance dinner. Sit outside on the terrace and overlook city hall and the avenue of the arts. The kimmel’s main lobby area, commonwealth plaza, hosts free performances throughout the year at various times.

3. First Friday Monthly open house for galleries in Philadelphia

Details 230 Vine Street And Locations Throughout Old City Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 625-9200 philamuseum.org

Neighborhood Old City

5. Museum Without Walls™: AUDIO An interpretive audio tour with 35 stops along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Kelly Drive.

Details 1500 John F Kennedy Blvd Philadelphia, Pa 19102 kimmelcenter.org (215) 893-1999

15

Dear Food Hunter

If you think ‘cheesesteak’ when thinking Philly food: Think again. Philadelphia is long known for American history, passionate sports fans and, yes, cheesesteaks continues to emerge as one of the country’s finest culinary destinations. More than a decade of development has transformed the region’s dining scene from merely memorable to absolutely abundant.

Thanks Sam Long Time Resident

Food Hunter

3. Moshulu Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Philadelphia skyline with your meal

Details 401 S. Columbus Boulevard Philadelphia, Pa 19106 (215) 923-2500

Neighborhood Historic Philadelphia / Penn’s Landing / Delaware River Waterfront

Insider Tip Each year, the Moshulu opens the Bongo Bar and Deck on the ship’s upper decks for alfresco cocktails and dining during the summer.

1. R2L Restaurant and Lounge Fine dining in the skyline

Details 50 South 16th Street Two Liberty Place, 37th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 564-5337 r2lrestaurant.com

Neighborhood Center City West

Top things to do...52. Caribbean Festival The sights and sounds of the Caribbean converge on Penn’s Landing

Details 121 N. Columbus Boulevard The Great Plaza At Penn’s Landing Philadelphia, PA 19106

Neighborhood Penn’s Landing / Delaware River Waterfront

18

4. Morimoto The Iron Chef ’s first American restaurant

Details 723 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

Neighborhood Center City East

5. North Bowl It’s not just about bowling at this Northern Liberties hotspot

Details 909 N. 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 (215) 238-Bowl

Neighborhood Northern Liberties

19

Dear Event Seeker

If your first visit to Historic Philadelphia was back in the fourth grade, clutching a warm juice box on a noisy school bus, congratulations!! You can have a martini now. In fact, for every place in Philadelphia that inspires you with American history, there’s another that will help you wind down or rev up — with food, fun, art, drinks, bargains and a whole lot more.

P.S. The first-friday of the month, there’s already a party planned for you in Old City

Thanks Nacey Resident

Event Seeker

3. 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show It’s bumper to bumper at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Details 1101 Arch Street Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA 19107 (610) 279-5229 phillyautoshow.com

Neighborhood Chinatown / Convention Center / Market East

1. Macy’s Flower Show March 25 – April 7: A flower-filled tradition is revived at Macy’s Grand Court

Details 1300 Market Street Macy’s Center Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 241-9000 macys.com/campaign

Neighborhood Chinatown / Convention Center / Market East

Top things to do...52. Caribbean Festival The sights and sounds of the Caribbean converge on Penn’s Landing

Details 121 N. Columbus Boulevard The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing Philadelphia, PA 19106

Neighborhood Penn’s Landing / Delaware River Waterfront

22

4. 2nd Street Festival Super-sized block party in Northern Liberties

Details North 2nd Street (Between Germantown Avenue And Spring Garden) 2ndstfestival.org

Neighborhood Chinatown / Convention Center / Market East / Center City East

5. Sesame Place Nation’s only theme park based entirely on the award-winning television show, Sesame Street

Details 100 Sesame Road Langhorne, Philadelphia, PA 19047 (866) Go-4-Elmo sesameplace.com/sesame2

Neighborhood Right Outside The Beltway

23

Dear Night Owl

At night, Philadelphia is sizzling with activity — it’s an exciting, welcoming place to sip cocktails, hear live music and do your own thing.

Whether you’re dancing and dining in Old City, heading to a hipster hangout in South Philadelphia or catching a live jazz show in Northern Liberties, you are pretty much always guaranteed a great time. Another lovable aspect about Philly after dark — everything is conveniently close together. Whatever neighborhood you choose, you can almost certainly hit multiple hotspots within a short walk or cab ride. Looking for a place that serves after 10 PM? Or the best place to find a cheesesteak at 3 a.m.? We’ve got you covered.

Thanks Dave Resident

Night Owl

3. Concerts in the Park – Rittenhouse Square Summer Concert Series A lively summer concert series in Rittenhouse Square

Details Rittenhouse Square 18th And Walnut Streets Philadelphia, PA 19103 philadelphiaweekly.com

Neighborhood Center City East

1. Vango Lounge and Sky Bar March 25 – April 7: A flower-filled tradition is revived at Macy’s Grand Court

Details 116 S. 18th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 568-1020 vangoloungeandskybar.com

Neighborhood Rittenhouse Square / Center City West

Top things to do...52. Ms. Tootsie’s Restaurant Bar Lounge Soul-satisfying southern cuisine on South Street

Details 1312 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215) 985-9001 kevenparker.net

Neighborhood Center City East

4. 32° Experience the lap of luxury in the center of Old City

Details 16 S. 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 627-3132 32lounge.Com

Neighborhood Historic Philadelphia

5. Water Works Restaurant and Lounge A gorgeous restaurant and lounge on the banks of the Schuylkill River

Details 640 Water Works Drive Philadelphia, PA 19130 thewaterworksrestaurant.com

Neighborhood Fairmount / Art Museum Area 27

Dear Sports Man

Whether you’re more interested in watching the big game or doing the exercising yourself, we’ve got you covered. Sure, Philly’s a big city, but within town, or just minutes away, there are some great sports facilities, endless recreational activities, gigantic parks and beautiful gardens.

For visitors to Philadelphia who are passionate about the great outdoors, a visit to Fairmount Park — the world’s largest municipal park — is just the beginning. Opportunities for everything from hiking and biking to blading, boating and floating are all within easy reach of Center City.

Go Taylor Resident

Sports Man

3. Philadelphia Union Ppl Park 1 Stadium Dr. Chester, Pa 19013 philadelphiaunion.com

Details Rittenhouse Square 18th And Walnut Streets Philadelphia, PA 19103 philadelphiaweekly.com

Neighborhood Stadiums / Sports Complex

1. Philadelphia Eagles Fly, Eagles, Fly

Details 1020 Pattison Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 463-2500 philadelphiaeagles.com

Neighborhood Stadiums / Sports Complex

Top things to do...52. Philadelphia Phillies Philly’s hometown team keeps it exciting season after season

Details 1080 Pattison Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19123 (215) 463-1000 philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com

Neighborhood Stadiums / Sports Complex

30

4. Philadelphia Flyers The Orange and The Black

Details 3601 S. Broad Street Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA 19143 (215) 218-Puck flyers.nhl.com

Neighborhood Southwest Philadelphia/ Philadelphia Airport

5. Philadelphia 76ers Go Sixers!

Details 3601 S. Broad Street Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 339-7676 nba.com/sixers

Neighborhood Southwest Philadelphia/ Philadelphia Airport

Dear Traveler

Philadelphia is the second largest city on the East Coast and ranks fifth in the nation, with a metropolitan population of 5.8 million. Philadelphia is conveniently located in the middle of the Northeast Corridor, 100 miles south of New York, 133 miles north of Washing-ton, D.C., and 55 miles from Atlantic City. More than 63 million people – approximately a quarter of the U.S. population – live within a 5.5-hour drive from Philadel-phia. But you don’t have to drive; Philadelphia is acces-sible by car, train, bus, airplane and even cruise ship.

Enjoy Mike Resident

Traveler

By car If You’re Renting, All Major Car Rental Companies Have Outlets At The Airport Or In Center City; New Yorkers In Particular Will Find Car Rentals A Bargain In Philadelphia.

National Car Rental

Alamo Rent-A-Car

Avis Rent A Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Hertz Thrifty

Smartraveler – For Up To The Minute Traffic Info

Transportation

34

Taxi Taxis can be found all over town and are great ways to get to various destinations throughout the city if you’re in a hurry.

Old city taxi: (215) 338-0838 or 215-air-port (215) 247-7678 for the airport

Capital: (215) 235-2200

Quaker city cab: (215) 728-8000

City cab: (215) 492-6500

Liberty cab: (215) 389-8000

All city taxi: (215) 467-6666

Convention cab: (215) 462-0200

Yellow cab: (267) 672-7391

Public Transit Aside from walking, Philadelphia’s excellent transit system is the best way to get around town. The southeastern Pennsylvania transportation authority, the nation’s fifth-largest transit system, is the most comprehensive bus/subway/commuter-rail system in the united states. Septa’s vast network of bus, subway, and trolley commuter services will get you anywhere you need to go — or at least very close.

Year after year, Philadelphia is rated as one of the best walking cities in the country. And it’s no wonder why – the city layout is simple to master and our neighborhood streets are filled with fun and diverse shops, restaurants, museums, parks and people.

Segway Glide through Philadelphia and discover the city that changed the world on this small group Segway tour. This weekend 3 hour Segway tour will give you a unique opportunity to see the sights and sounds of Philadelphia.

This 6.5 miles tour takes you across the heart of downtown Philly from the Betsy Ross home to the Museum of Art, along the Schuylkill River Trail and back again with plenty to see in between.

35

TransportationSources

Photos(GPTMC) Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation & (PCVB) Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau

PhotographersG. Widman R. KennedyRides SavariaA. SinagogaB. KristJ. SmithR. KennedyB. Krist

CopyWebsites and books

visitphilly.com phila.gov visitphilly.com

Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Dutch Country: The Complete Guide, Thoroughly Up-to-date... New York: Fodor’s, 2000. Print.

Chilton’s Repair and Maintenance Guide: Travel Trailers. Philadelphia: Chilton Book, 1973. Print.

Symbols / Marks(USPS) The United States Postal Service