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Jennifer Weiner's Weekend of Indulgences
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City Hall
Photo by J. McWilliams
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Location:
Center City Philadelphia: Rittenhouse Square, Old City, Bella Vista and beyond
Transportation:
On foot or in a taxi
Duration:
One Weekend
If there’s anyone to show you around Philadelphia, it has to be Jennifer Weiner, the Philadelphia resident and nationally acclaimed author of best sellers like In Her Shoes and Good In Bed.
Spend two days and nights in Philadelphia with Jennifer's celebrity suggestions to guide you. You'll getting an insider's look at her favorite spots.
Take in Philadelphia’s bounty of historic attractions, enjoy the best of Philadelphia dining, then party at the hottest night spots. This guide is a fun getaway from the stresses of everyday life and acts as a helpful hint for a girls’ getaway weekend.
Night One
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The Rittenhouse Hotel
Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
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If you're splurging, do it up right at The Rittenhouse Hotel, a super lush property with a magnificent view of Rittenhouse Square . While at the hotel, be on the lookout for celebrities. (That's where the stars stayed while filming the movie version of my book In Her Shoes.) And, it just so happens that my husband and I stayed there on our wedding night. Once you've unpacked, take a short walk to The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia for the scrumptious chocolate buffet offered on Friday and Saturday nights in the Rotunda.
Day One
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Le Bus
Photo by C. Barrington
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Devote day one to you and only you. If you haven't already overdosed on chocolate, pop by Le Bus for one of their decadent brownies. (Don't fear: there are many other pastries and breads from which to choose.) Then, head over to The Body Klinic for some pampering. Oxygen treatments, acid peels and body wraps are among the offerings here, but I'm partial to the massages.
Night Two
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Alma De Cuba
Photo courtesy of Starr Restaurant Organization
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Plan to dine Latin-style at Alma de Cuba, part of Stephen Starr's dining empire. Before heading to your table, you must indulge in a classic mojito at the bar. Then, prepare to feast on authentic Cuban cuisine, and, please, be adventurous. You'll choose from ceviche of all kinds, black bean soup, tuna empanadas, vaca frita (that's fried cow) and loads of other Latin-inspired dishes. Oh, and be sure to save room for dessert. (This weekend is all about indulgence, remember?)
After dinner, take in a show. I'm a fan of opera at the Academy of Music, sing-alongs at the Prince Music Theater and acoustic jam sessions at the Tin Angel.
Day Two
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The Italian Market
Photo by E. Savaria, Jr.
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Brunch it is. And Sabrina's Cafe, a popular Italian Market stomping ground, draws a crowd for a reason-well, lots of reasons actually. Big portions, inventive cuisine and an ever-changing chalkboard menu, including overflowing omelets, whole-wheat pancakes and granola and tofu scrambles, keep the lines long at this bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) hotspot. They also play the best music here. Mimosas anyone?
Shopping is next, and there's lots of ground to cover. First head to Old City, where a slew of owner-operated boutiques and art galleries await. While strolling up and down 2nd and 3rd Streets, don't miss one of my favorites, The Papery. Then, hit Petulia's Folly for you, Boyds for the man in your life and Born Yesterday for baby - all along Rittenhouse Row.
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