Things to do in Philly

[x0xsaywhutx0x]

Will be visiting Philly from April 27 til the 30 or May 1 (depends on if I have to travel anywhere for work  the next week) for a NoFX concert (any punk fans?) at the Theatre of the Living Arts.  Went last year for a couple days for another concert, mostly walked around looking at the historic buildings, walked South Street going into a couple random places, Percy Street BBQ, Brauhaus Schmitz, the firefighter museum (both her and I are volunteers) and of course the Reading Terminal Market every morning (love that place! So much food!). 

This year we will have more time to see other stuff.  The 27th we plan on getting to Philly by around 3 (about a 6 hour drive from Buffalo), check in to hotel, relax for a bit.  Go to Doylestown for their books signing, then concert right after.  Then we will have the next 2 or 3 days for whatever.  I know the girlfriend wants to visit the Philadelphia Zoo.  We will definitely be stopping at the market every morning.  Any place in particular we should see and experience?  We will be staying at the Independence Park Hotel, right  between Penns Landing and Center City.

 

[chef jimmyj]

The South 9th Street Italian Market is a must experience place. Lots to see and purchase. The extense selection of high quality imported cured meats and cheeses is excellent and the prices are for the locals, not a tourist trap. Pat's King of Steaks, better than GENO'S across the street

, is very close to the market and worth a stop. Definitely order your steak  " Witt and Whiz " and eat the pickled Hot Cherry Peppers! There other Cheesesteak places but Pat's is one of the oldest and was in the movie Rocky. The Mutter Museum, historic Medical displays, has some interesting stuff and oddities. Of course the Franklin Institute is a great museum, been there a few times...JJ

 

[x0xsaywhutx0x]

I'll definitely check out the market. Last year I bought a cooler full of food (mostly meat) home from the Reading Terminal Market. Not a big fan of cheese steaks (cheese is too cheesy to me haha) but I'll try it anyways.  I did visit the Mutter Museum, I have no idea how I forgot about that! A lot of great stuff there.

 

[chef jimmyj]

South10th St down then left on Wharton to Pat's and Geno's, both are on So. 9th, same as the Italian market. They are easy to get to before or after a shopping spree. Not a Cheesesteak guy? Hmmm... I can't vouch for Pat's version but there are a few famous Roast Pork and Broccoli Rabe Sandwiches. DiNic's at Reading Terminal is super well known and John's Roast Pork is famous. It has been a few years but if you are interested, the best Pizza I had is a block north of Geno's on 9th, the same side of the street, called  J & J South Philly Pizza. The place looks remodeled from pics online, but hopefully it is the same owners. Not fancy but really good Pizza. You can really tell I am a Chef. I know more about the Good Eats in Philly than the historic sites...JJ

 

 

[oregon smoker]

does anybody know if "Jacks Fire House " is still up and running with Jack McDavid? just over the bridge as i recall. if so worth the stop.

Thanks

Tom

 

[x0xsaywhutx0x]

Thanks for all the input.  I'll definitely try to visit most of those places!  Thats the best part about road trips is trying the local food.

 

[typerhonda]

Just went there for Xmas and stayed across from Independence Hall at Hotel Monaco (one of the best places we have stayed)....  Our sole purpose was to go here http://philadelphia.amadarestaurant.com/ its a tapas restaurant by a former Iron Chef....

Also the wharf @ Penns Landing is fun when its warmer out and if you like seafood you should try BookBinders http://theoldebar.com/ which is a ridiculously old building.  There is also the Independence Beer Garden which should be not too far from your hotel as well  http://www.visitphilly.com/restaurants-dining/philadelphia/independence-beer-garden/ 

This is a sage garden, the sage leaves are huge!!!!

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• typerhonda
• Mar 14, 2016

Penns Landing

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• typerhonda
• Mar 14, 2016

Navy Yard across the river...

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• typerhonda
• Mar 14, 2016

 

[sc smoke]

Been to Philly a few times and really liked the Reading Street Market too.

I'm sure you've done the historic stuff.  If you like weird medical things there's the Mutter Museum  http://muttermuseum.org/, it's a few blocks off one of the rapid transit trains/subway, I believe west of downtown.  Since you'll be there during baseball season another train south stops a block or two from the Phillies stadium (get on the subway, south, from the station  (15th St ???) near the Clothespin)

A place I've never been but wanted to is north somewhere from Betsy Ross's house is Edgar Allen Poe Historic Site    http://www.visitphilly.com/history/philadelphia/edgar-allan-poe-national-historical-site/ 

One day I just got on one of the trains/subways and rode it as far as it would go and came back.

If you like smokey environments you can go to one of the Offtrack horse betting places.  The one I went to wasn't as sleazy as I thought it would be, HOWEVER, at night the 'street urchins' came out and it was sleazy street side.