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Real Young, Real Fun, Real Philly Itinerary
How the young and fun do Philadelphia
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Alfresco dining at Twenty Manning
Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC
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Location:
Center City Philadelphia: Rittenhouse Square, Old City, Bella Vista and beyond
Transportation:
On foot or in a taxi
Duration:
A long weekend
You can now embark on your own Philadelphia adventure, with the “Real Fun, Real Young, Real Philly Itinerary" — a whirlwind tour of Philadelphia’s most happening restaurants, nightclubs, shops and spas.
The weekend-long getaway features stops at the city’s most happening spots for the “twenty- and thirty-something” set: extreme history, funky neighborhoods, modern art galleries, a new ballpark, superb restaurants and trendy nightspots, all topped off with the obligatory late-night cheesesteak run.
Friday, Part 1
Get plenty of rest before you come to Philly: Once you’re here, you’ll need energy to cram in all you’re about to get on your party plate. Arrive at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, a sleek skyscraper in the heart of the business district. The modernist National Historic Landmark building where you’ll be resting your head is decked out with granite floors, Cartier clocks and jaw-dropping views of the city.
It’s also has enough creature comforts for serious recharge, contemporary rooms fit for cat naps, a state-of-the-art gym and lap pool and high-speed Internet access in each room. But don’t get too comfortable: You’ve got a whole lot to do this weekend.
Staying fueled will be critical to making it through the weekend. You’ll want to start with a complete breakfast, a block away at the Reading Terminal Market. Be warned: the Market is not a typical food court. Flourishing in a former train station, this celebrated indoor hall offers a mighty selection, even at the dawn-like hour of 8 a.m.
Choose from cinnamon rolls at Beiler’s Amish Bakery, grits and blueberry pancakes at the Down Home Diner, grand cappuccinos at Old City Coffee or, something that will really keep you nourished: A morning-time farmer’s meal at the Dutch Eating Place. (The Amish are on site Wednesday through Saturday.)
Now you’re ready to hit the ground touring. Old City, home to the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center and the newly famous Seamen’s Church Institute (a.k.a. “The Real World Philadelphia” house), is just a few blocks east. If history’s what you’re after, pick up free, timed tickets for Independence Hall at the Independence Visitor Center.
The nearby National Constitution Center, a modern marvel designed by Ralph Appelbaum, features impressively interactive exhibits on the U.S. Constitution, plus timely happenings aimed at getting out the vote for this year’s elections.
Rather catch up on a little shopping? Why not? There’s no sales tax on clothes in Pennsylvania. Head a few blocks south to South Street, home of a diverse but universally fun array of stores. Weekdays are calmer around here and are the perfect time to check out classic British punk fashions at Zipperhead, Reebok’s latest hard-to-find kicks at the lounge-y Rbk (the brand’s only urban boutique) and fashions ranging from vintage to hip-hop to vintage hip-hop.
Remember, stores don’t open their doors until late morning here. But, if it’s people watching you’re after, hit this stretch (between Front and 10th Streets) on weekends or after dark.
For lunch: There are dozens of choices in Old City alone. You could stay this side of Broad Street (really 14th) and check out the new and trendy Washington Square — if the weather’s game, have lunch in the Miami-chic outdoor garden. One of the coolest additions to Stephen Starr’s Philadelphia restaurant empire, Washington Square has one of the city's best spaces for outdoor dining.
(Tip: Starr, who is pretty much restaurant royalty around here, also owns Morimoto, Buddakan, El Vez, two Continental martini bars and many others. And, the truth is, you can’t go wrong at any of them.)
Friday, Part 2
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First Fridays
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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If you’re ready to hit another part of town, amble over to Loie, a comfortably chic French bistro owned by prolific nightclub owner Avram Hornik. By day, Loie is a tame and refined spot for a crock of French onion soup or steak au poivre. At night, it becomes one of the liveliest spots in its neighborhood, posh Rittenhouse Square.
Once properly refueled, why not indulge in … some more shopping? Hit a neighborhood you’ve missed, maybe Rittenhouse Square, anchored by the high-end shops at Liberty Place. From Chestnut to Locust and Broad to 21st Streets, you’ll find big names like Diesel, Burberry, Lucky Brand Jeans and Coach, along with elite indie boutiques such as Petulia’s Folly (Lauren Moffat, Joie Jeans), EchoChic (vintage and L.A. designers), Joan Shepp (Prada shoes, Comme des Garçons), Head Start Shoes (Costume Nationa) and Ubiq (re-released classic Nikes and others).
Or, you could go west to University City, home to Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania, with plenty of places to stroll and do the college thing: Buy a red and blue PENN sweatshirt at the Barnes and Noble-owned Penn bookstore, sit on a bench along Locust Walk or just unwind at any of the many coffee shops scattered throughout the neighborhood.
The position of the sun will soon indicate something magical is happening: Happy Hour. Head back to Old City, Philly’s most popular neighborhood for a night on the town. If it’s the first Friday of the month, it’s, well, First Friday, a monthly gallery crawl where the area’s many mini art museums (mostly located around 2nd and 3rd Streets above Market Street) open their doors to cruising crowds, often serving aperitifs and hors d’oeuvres (or if that fails, wine and cheese). On non-first Fridays, galleries in this neck of town normally remain open until 7 p.m.
You’ll find your dinner options are numerous here. Many require reservations, some don’t. If you’re lucky enough to score a table at Bluezette, an elegantly funky soul food restaurant that serves fried chicken with panache, go for it. Be sure to admire owner Delilah Winder’s decorative touches, too, like winged light bulbs dangling from the ceiling. Red Sky is another nearby way to go, for fun cocktails (think chocolate peanut butter martini) and refined world fusion-y plates. For a more relaxed setting, you'll want to visit Philadelphia Fish & Co. and try their amazing $6 bar menu. Later, head over to 32º, an upstairs lair, where shots served in ice cube glasses and top-shelf bottle service are standard or Swanky Bubbles, the city’s only champagne bar.
Saturday, Part 1
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SoleFood
Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC
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After a much-needed night’s rest, you’re ready for a quick morning nosh just steps from your comfortable bed at the Loews. The hotel’s in-house restaurant is SoleFood, where a leisurely breakfast allows time to take advantage of wireless Internet connection.
Then, season permitting, it’s off to a game at the new Citizens Bank Park, the clever new South Philly home of the fightin’ Phils, bless their little bats. If you’re not lucky enough to be in town during game day, why not take advantage of a behind-the-scenes tour? Opened just this spring, the deluxe outfitted ballpark is a welcome improvement to the loved but out-of-date Veterans Stadium. Some favorite features (aside from the great view from every seat): Ashburn Alley, where local vendors serve up cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, microbrews and the Schmitter, a famous cousin to the cheesesteak that incorporates fried bologna and a kaiser roll. (Trust us.)
If there’s no baseball game on tap, head to Standard Tap, a pub much acclaimed for its local beer selection, excellent bar food and for anchoring the developing artists’ neighborhood of Northern Liberties. Chef Carolynn Angle is in charge here: Don’t miss her chicken pot pie or double Standard burger, among more ambitious fare.
After lunch (and after calling ahead to make an appointment), take a short cab ride to the Yards Brewing Company, the only surviving brewery within city limits. After touring the facility, often with owners Nancy and Bill Barton, beer connoisseurs can stop in the tasting room and sample the full Yards line.
Not into baseball and beer? How about a leisurely stroll around Manayunk, an outlying Philadelphia neighborhood known for its post-college population, popular bars and restaurants, trendy boutiques and luxe salons? Among these: Glow, where facials and highlights are on the menu. From there, luxuriate in a long lunch at Bourbon Blue, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant known for its gumbo and great big Hurricanes. After lunch, it’s back to the Center City, either for more shopping, a museum or two or just back to the hotel for a quick nap. After all, you have a big night ahead of you.
Saturday, Part 2
This time, you’re doing the town again — but from the other side of Broad Street. Dress is chic at Twenty Manning, the sleek and worldly sister of simpler Mediterranean bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) establishment Audrey Claire, which also belongs to restaurant diva Audrey Claire Taichman. The menu at Twenty Manning is new American with Asian influences, and the must-have drink is the poma-tina.
After your meal, head on over to Denim, another upstairs bottle-service club. Here, the theme is (you guessed it) denim; the atmosphere, laid back, the crowd, stylish. Look for snazzily dressed college students, city scenesters and club types — the perfect inspiration to get your hips down on the dance floor.
By now, you’ve certainly burned enough calories to revive those late-night munchies. Hop in a cab, and tell the driver, “Pat’s and Geno’s.” These 24-hour rival South Philly cheesesteak stands just get going as the bars close. Pick your place, grab a spot in line and get to the counter. Once there, order quickly and correctly. A cheesesteak “wit” (that’s slang for “with”) comes with sautéed onions. A cheesesteak “witout” is onion free. At 3 a.m., nothing tastes better.
Day Three: Sunday morning
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Cuba Libre
Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
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By day three, emerging from your cozy bed might be slightly difficult. But the rewards are worth the effort. Just think: Cuban French toast, hearty chorizo and egg platters, cinnamon-spiked coffee and suddenly, you’re up, showered and heading to a lazy brunch at Cuba Libre. The island menu will soothe all remnants of over-partying Saturday night. And if all else fails, there’s always a minty mojito — and a late checkout from the Loews.
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