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A Philadelphia Girlfriend Getaway with Rhythm and Soul
A weekend of eating, shopping, pampering and partying In Jill Scott’s hometown
Location:
Center City Philadelphia and its great neighborhoods
Transportation:
Foot, Cab, or Public Transit
Duration:
Three days and two nights
Girlfriends visiting Philadelphia can pack a lot into a few days. They can visit classic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell Center and also take in the region’s best restaurants, shops, nightclubs, museums and African American heritage sites, including the Marian Anderson House.
Day One: Friday
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The African American Museum in Philadelphia
Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
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The morning begins with a continental breakfast in Old City. Settle in with a cup of tea at a locally owned bakery such as Petit 4 Pastry Studio, where delicately crafted muffins await.
After eating, the first order of business is checking out Philadelphia’s oldest attractions. Start at the Independence Visitor Center, where you can plan your tours and get familiar with the city and region. (You’ll need a free, timed ticket to visit Independence Hall, which you can pick up here.) From there, explore the Liberty Bell Center, home of the cracked icon that started out as a symbol of the Abolitionist movement and soon represented freedom throughout the world. Next, head across Independence Mall to the National Constitution Center. While there, check out Freedom Rising, a multi-media presentation that explores the Constitution’s strengths and weaknesses. Then, try out the hands-on exhibitions that bring to life the four little pages that shaped the nation.
When you’ve had your fill of history, explore some of Old City’s more recent developments. The blocks of 2nd and 3rd Streets between Market and Race are brimming with high-end galleries and boutiques. (And, remember, there’s no sales tax on clothing here.) The wearable wares range from the straight-from-the-runway fashions at Molletta to the Seven and James brand jeans at Charles Porter to the custom-designed handbags at Viv Pickle. Browse the obscure independent jazz, blues and hip-hop releases at A.K.A. Music, ogle the sleek furniture and housewares at Minima and Mode Moderne, admire the art at the October Gallery and ArtJaz Gallery or pick up African or Asian home accents at Indigo Arts Gallery.
Wind down your shopping escapade with lunch at one of the many restaurants in Old City. Pull up a chair at Cuba Libre and you might think you’re in old Havana. The authentic décor is accented by Spanish, African and Latin flavors that mix to create traditional dishes with a contemporary flair. Or, try the Asian-fusion cuisine at Stephen Starr’s Buddakan, where you can gossip with the gals at the communal table.
After lunch, stroll a few blocks to the African American Museum in Philadelphia, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2006. Wander through the four major galleries here and discover everything from fine arts to textiles to archeological treasures.
The rest of the afternoon belongs to the marvelous Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can browse the vast permanent collections of modern, Impressionist and ancient art. Be sure to stop in the Art Museum’s gift shops and pick up some interesting additions to your collection of jewelry, hats and other wearable art. On Fridays, stick around for Art After 5, featuring a blend of live jazz and international music, food and drinks.
Or, you could take the afternoon to visit The Barnes Foundation. Located six miles from Center City, the Barnes not only has one of the world’s finest collections of Impressionist art, it also has an amazing collection of native African art with more than 120 sculptures, masks and objects from Nigeria, Gabon and the Ivory Coast, among other countries. Several pieces by modern artist Horace Pippin are on display as well. It’s best to call about two months in advance for tickets.
Now is not the time to count calories. For dinner, Gloria’s Gourmet Seafood in Fairmount, is part restaurant/part nightclub with a casual atmosphere and live performances on certain nights. Instead, you may want to head to South Street, where the flavorful meals are served in abundance at spots like the Jamaican Jerk Hut and Caribbean Delight. Afterwards, get ready to party into the wee hours at a nearby nightclub. The atmosphere at Fiso Lounge is upscale, cool and sleek. Or, laugh the night away on the other end of South Street at the Laff House, showcasing the talents of established and up-and-coming comedians.
Day Two: Saturday
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Zanzibar Blue
Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC
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Today is a busy one, so you’ll want to fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the legendary Reading Terminal Market, a 19th-century train terminal packed with food booths, crafts stalls and delicacies of all kinds. Score a booth at the Down Home Diner, and enjoy farm-fresh eggs, homemade pancakes or oatmeal. And, be sure to drop by Delilah’s at the Terminal food stand for the “best macaroni and cheese in the country,” according to Oprah Winfrey.
As you make your way west, take a jaunt over to the Marian Anderson Residence Museum. The famous contralto owned this home for almost 70 years, and here you’ll find memorabilia, rare photos and films about her life.
Next, it’s time to head to University City. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is a must-see for enthusiasts of sphinxes, mummies and artifacts from the ancient cultures of China, Egypt, Africa, Greece and more. From there, it’s just a short jaunt to the Paul Robeson House, home of the legendary overachiever. Athlete, Rhodes scholar, writer, Broadway star, social activist, Robeson’s accomplishments are recounted in this modest row home where he spent the last years of his life.
Spend the remainder of your day in full pamper mode. Total Serenity and Spa Bavu, Center City’s top day spas for women of color, will rejuvenate you from head to toe. Get a full body massage or a facial to relax those muscles after a long day of walking. Enhance your evening look with a manicure and pedicure before heading out for a night on the town. Do not forget about your hair. For a fresh new do stop by Ends Hair Design or Platinum Shears 1, both downtown, to get a touch-up, cut, color or curl. If all natural is your thing, follow the lead of celebrities Jill Scott, Sonia Sanchez and Ahmir Thompson of the Roots and head to North Philadelphia’s Duafe Holistic Hair Care, offering the latest in locks cultivation, styling and coloring.
Before dinner, take a stroll along the Avenue of the Arts (known as Broad Street). It’s home to Philadelphia International Records, a landmark of interest to any soul music enthusiast and a stop on the Neighborhood Tourism Network’s “The Sound of Philadelphia” tour offered in spring and fall. Along the street’s Walk of Fame are stars belonging to John Coltrane, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Patti LaBelle and other music greats. After that, you’ll have a dizzying array of choices for dinner. At Zanzibar Blue, the city’s premier jazz supper club, both the menu and the music reflect a level of sophistication that makes for a special night out. If it isn’t dinner without steak, Ruth’s Chris Steak House or Capital Grille can satisfy your tastebuds.
To complete your night out, try to score tickets for the Philadelphia Orchestra or attend a dance performance by Philadanco (they perform in the city twice a year) at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Other options include performances at the The Academy of Music, the Merriam Theater or Freedom Repertory Theatre.
If you still have energy after the show, head to Old City and groove to the hottest dance tunes at Bluezette. If only jazz will do, hop a cab to nearby Northern Liberties for a set at Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, a longtime favorite among jazz fans.
Day Three: Sunday
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Rittenhouse Row
Photo by B. Krist
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Begin your final day in Philadelphia at Beau Monde, just off South Street with authentic French crepes. From there, it’s a short walk to the historic Mother Bethel A.M.E Church, located on the nation’s oldest parcel of land owned by African Americans. Bring your finest hat and join in Sunday services or stop in afterwards and visit the museum, which contains the burial crypt of founder Reverend Richard Allen, original church pews, artifacts and exhibitions depicting the church’s role in the Underground Railroad.
If you decide to sleep in late, head over to South Street for a late lunch at one of the best soul food restaurants in the city, Ms. Tootsie’s Soul Food Café.
Spend your remaining time—and energy—on Rittenhouse Row. Among the many trendsetting boutiques are Benjamin Lovell, which specializes in comfy, stylish footwear; Nicole Miller for her signature designer threads, Coach for fine leather goods, and Burberry and Boyds for the very finest in designer women’s and men’s fashions.
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