Press Release

HAVE AN EXTRA HOUR OR TWO IN PHILLY? HERE ARE SOME IDEAS.
Suggestions For Museum Hopping, Shopping, Dining, Dancing And More

PHILADELPHIA, April 14, 2008 - If you’re in town covering the presidential primaries and you’re looking for a diversion, Philly has plenty of them to help pass the time. Consider this your condensed guide to some of the city’s best restaurants, shopping districts, attractions, nightspots, events and more. For more suggestions, visit gophila.com. And when you’re back to work and ready to tell your Philadelphia story, visit gophila.com/pressroom.

Melrose Diner

Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

 

• While historians debate Betsy Ross’ role in making the first American flag, the Betsy Ross House offers an excellent portrayal of a working-class woman’s life in Colonial America. 239 Arch Street, (215) 686-1252, www.betsyrosshouse.org
• Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continually inhabited street in America, features quaint brick homes that offer a postcard-perfect peek into the residential life of Colonial Philadelphia. (215) 574-0560, www.elfrethsalley.org
• Independence Hall, the birthplace of the United States of America, is one of only 20 World Heritage sites in the country. It is here that the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution was adopted. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Free day-of reservations and advance tickets ($1.50) are available at the Independence Visitor Center. 5^th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 965-7676, www.nps.gov/inde
• The Liberty Bell Center showcases the famous cracked Bell against the backdrop of Independence Hall and puts it in its historical context. Throughout the center, larger-than-life historic documents and graphics explore the facts and the myths surrounding the Bell. Market Street between 5^th & 6^th Streets, (215) 965-7676, www.nps.gov/inde
• It’s only four pages long, but the U.S. Constitution is among the most influential documents in the history of the world. The 160,000-square-foot National Constitution Center explores the Constitution through high-tech exhibitions, artifacts and displays. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org

• For 200 years, The Academy of Natural Sciences has connected people to nature. Highlights here include dinosaur fossils, a fully constructed Giganotosaurus, a live butterfly exhibit and three-dimensional dioramas. In addition, visitors can observe live exotic animals and dig for fossils. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1000, www.ansp.org
• The newly renovated Adventure Aquarium educates and entertains with its exhibitions and shows featuring marine and wild life. Here visitors can get up close with sharks, seals, fish and hippos. And the 4-D Theater employs special effects that take viewers into the action. 1 Aquarium Drive, Camden, NJ, (856) 365-3300, www.adventureaquarium.com
• Eastern State Penitentiary introduced Americans to a new form of housing criminals: solitary confinement. Al Capone and Willie Sutton were among the 75,000 inmates who spent time here. Day, evening and haunted tours, along with exhibitions and special events round out the offerings. 2100 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 236-3300, www.easternstate.org
• The mostly touchable displays at The Franklin explore science in disciplines ranging from sports to space. The Science Center includes many interactive exhibitions, the Fels Planetarium and the Tuttleman IMAX Theater. And The Giant Heart, a walk-through human corpuscle, was one of the museum’s first attractions and remains one of the most popular. 222 N. 20^th Street, (215) 448-1200, www.fi.edu
• Not for the weak of heart, the Mütter Museum’s riveting collection of more than 20,000 items gives visitors a beneath-the-surface perspective of what physicians study. Highlights of the impressive array of normal and abnormal displays include an enormously enlarged colon and a 7’6” skeleton. 19 S. 22^nd Street, (215) 563-3737, www.muttermuseum.org
• The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts presents special exhibitions, an outstanding permanent collection and work by some of the region’s most talented artists. The vast collection of American art boasts treasures by Charles Willson Peale, Thomas Eakins and the Wyeths, among others. 118-128 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, www.pafa.org
• The vast collections of Renaissance, American and Impressionist art make the Philadelphia Museum of Art one of the largest in the country. Its impressive collections, acclaimed exhibitions and special programs make the museum a cultural must-see. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org
• The Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo in the United States, is still one of the best. Big, small, awe-inspiring and quirky animals fill the zoo’s 42 acres, and the tree-lined walks, formal shrubbery, ornate iron cages and animal sculptures make for an enjoyable stroll. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 243-1100, www.philadelphiazoo.org
• At the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, a 12-ton Egyptian sphinx is the star of the collection, which features nearly one million objects. Other artifacts include Sumerian cuneiform clay tablets, Egyptian mummies, a crystal ball owned by China’s Dowager Empress and 4,500-year-old jewelry from the Royal Cemetery at Ur. 3260 South Street, (215) 898-4000, www.museum.upenn.edu

• Its $100 Kobe cheesesteak put Barclay Prime on the map, making this chic steakhouse a destination for special occasion splurges. Owner Stephen Starr, the city’s premier restaurateur, runs 11 dining spots in the city many of which would fit into this category. 237 S. 18^th Street, (215) 732-7560, www.starr-restaurant.com
• The epitome of class and sophistication, the Four Seasons Hotel’s Fountain Restaurant has been a special occasion hotspot since it opened in 1983. One Logan Square, (215) 963-1500, ext. 2611, www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia
• Lacroix has redefined fine dining in Philadelphia with its highly original design-your-own tasting menus. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, (215) 790-2533, www.rittenhousehotel.com
• Philadelphia’s first claim to culinary greatness, Le Bec-Fin continues to win accolades for its haute French cuisine. 1523 Walnut Street, (215) 567-1000, www.lebecfin.com

• Django’s pitch-perfect cooking with fresh, local ingredients has made it one of the hardest places in town to score a reservation, but it’s always worth the wait. And it’s one of the city’s 200-plus bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurants, which helps keep prices down. 526 S. 4^th Street, (215) 922-7151
• Its consistent output of finely crafted cuisine has made Old City’s Fork an ongoing favorite for local diners. 306 Market Street, (215) 625-9425, www.forkrestaurant.com
• Regional Mexican cooking is given the spotlight at Los Catrines and Tequila’s Restaurant, where the lively atmosphere is enhanced by the house-brand tequila and jugs of margaritas. 1602 Locust Street, (215) 546-0181, www.tequilasphilly.com

• Pat’s, Geno’s and Jim’s may be the city’s most well known cheesesteak joints, but there are plenty of other places to snag Philly’s most famous sandwich. Those willing to venture off the beaten path will find lunchtime paradise deep in South Philly at 70-year-old staple John’s Roast Pork, and Tony Luke’s deftly tops sandwiches with broccoli rabe and aged provolone. John’s, Synder Avenue & Weccacoe Street, (215) 463-1951; Tony Luke’s, 39 E. Oregon Avenue, (215) 551-5725
• The best-kept secret of Fairmount, Bridgid’s offers bargain lunches and dinners and an extensive international beer selection for enjoying at its lively u-shaped bar or in the intimate dining room. 726 N. 24^th Street, (215) 232-3232, www.bridgids.com
• Opened in 1893, the Reading Terminal Market is the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. Visitors can find whatever they’re in the mood for since the market offers almost any type of cuisine, including caviar, organic produce, Southern soul food, hoagies and cheesesteaks. 12^th & Arch Streets, (215) 922-2317, www.readingterminalmarket.org
• One of the cheapest and fastest places to eat in Chinatown, Vietnam serves top quality Vietnamese cuisine. 221 N. 11^th Street, (215) 592-1163

• A former industrial district, Northern Liberties has been revived and re-imagined as an artists’ quarter, and a host of inventive shops make it one of the city’s trendiest spot to indulge in the latest finds. Many stores are concentrated in Liberties Walk, including Delicious Boutique & Corseterie, Trophy Bike Garage and Cheree Amore Shoes. And throughout the neighborhood there’s Arcadia Boutique, Conspiracy Showroom (co-op boutique), L’Erbolario (skin care) and P.A.D. (home furnishings). Spring Garden Street to Girard Avenue between 2^nd & 6^th Streets, www.northernliberties.org
• Its former factories are now airy condominiums, and Old City is the province of the weekend party people and art collectors who gather in the neighborhood’s many upscale restaurants, bars and galleries. You won’t find chain stores here, but you will find plenty of owner-operated shops, including Charlie’s Jeans, Doggie Style, Foster’s Homeware, Grossman Furniture, Sugarcube (vintage clothing) and The Papery. Front Street to 5^th Street between Chestnut & Race Streets, www.oldcitydistrict.org
• Pine Street’s Antique Row is famous among shoppers for its unique stores offering antique furniture, books, crafts, collectibles and bits of local history. Many new stores have opened on the street over the past couple of years, joining contemporary wares with the row’s traditional merchandise. Popular options include Matthew Izzo (clothing and home décor), M. Finkel & Daughter (antiques), Hello World (gifts) and Twist (home furnishings and accessories). Pine Street between 9^th & 12^th Streets, www.antique-row.org
• Rittenhouse Row, the heart of Philadelphia’s premier business, residential, shopping and cultural district, covers 24 blocks. The site of many couture boutiques, Rittenhouse Row is also home to several national stores such as: Anthropologie, BCBG, Kenneth Cole, Kiehl’s, Lacoste, Lucky Brand, Lagos, Nicole Miller, Puma, and Urban Outfitters. Philadelphia-grown clothing and shoe boutiques in the area include Adresse, Boyds, Children’s Boutique, Head Start Shoes, Joan Shepp, Petulia’s Folly and Plage Tahiti. Between the Avenue of the Arts & 22^nd Street from Market to Pine Streets, www.rittenhouserow.org
• South Street District has long been Philly’s funkiest place to shop and stroll. Abundant with hip clothing and shoe boutiques and indie record shops, the street offers a wide range of shopping options, including American Pie (arts and crafts), The Coterie (accessories), Crash Bang Boom (punk gear), Decades Vintage (clothing), Eyes Gallery (folk art), Garland of Letters (books), Lolo + Gretch Dahling (purses), Spaceboy Music and TLA Video. South Street between Front & 11^th Streets, (215) 413-3713, www.southstreet.com
• The University City shopping and dining area features a vibrant mix of retailers, including The Penn Bookstore, The Black Cat Gift Shop, Eastern Mountain Sports, The Marvelous! (records, comics and books), Trophy Bikes and Urban Outfitters. 34^th to 38^th Streets and Chestnut to Walnut Streets, (215) 222-5022, www.ucityphila.org
• Main Street in Manayunk is a National Historic District located between a quiet neighborhood and an old canal. Seven miles from Center City Philadelphia, the quaint outdoor strip is home to more than 70 chic boutiques and galleries. Beans Beauty Store and Salon, Belly (maternity shop), Benjamin Lovell Shoes, Paula Hian (high-end fashions), Dwelling (home furnishings), Ligne Roset (home furnishings), and La Tavola (kitchen accessories) are among the district’s noteworthy establishments. Main Street between Ridge Avenue & Green Street, (215) 482-9565, www.manayunk.com

• Take the elevator at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue up 19 floors to XIX and experience magnificent skyline views along with some of the city’s most inventive cocktails. Broad & Walnut Streets, (215) 790-1919, www.parkphiladelphia.hyatt.com
• Those in the mood for playful, creative cocktails and a retro house party atmosphere hit the penthouse bar at Continental Midtown. 1801 Chestnut Street, (215) 567-1800, www.continentalmidtown.com
• For those searching for the ultimate VIP experience, there’s Old City’s 32º, the first spot in the city to feature European bottle service. 16 S. 2nd Street, (215) 627-3132, www.32lounge.com

• Opened in 1892, the Pen & Pencil Club is the nation’s oldest press club. Nearly 100 years after its founding, the Pen & Pencil still serves as a popular spot for local and visiting journalists to unwind. 1522 Latimer Street, (215) 731-9909, www.penandpencil.org
• Johnny Brenda’s sister tavern and the city’s preeminent gastropub, Standard Tap invents a daily chalkboard menu worthy of its selection of excellent microbrews—all made locally. 901 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 238-0630, www.standardtap.com
• Now with two locations, Tria specializes in all things fermented (wine, cheese and beer), plus stylish small plates in a minimal, candlelit atmosphere. 123 S. 18^th Street, (215) 972-TRIA; 12^th & Spruce Streets, (215) 629-9200, www.triacafe.com

• Silk City’s recent rocker renovation coordinates with its internationalized menu of spicy-thick chili, sloppy roast beef sandwiches, Thai chile-glazed ribs, shrimp and crab potstickers and pulled pork quesadillas. Until 1:00 a.m. 5^th & Spring Garden Streets, (215) 592-8838
• A nautical theme and upscale bar fare are offered at the refined but fun Misconduct Tavern, where fish ‘n’ chips share a menu with Boursin-and-cheddar-swathed skirt steak sandwiches and pear and brie sandwiches. Until 1:30 a.m. 1511 Locust Street, (215) 732-5797, www.misconduct-tavern.com
• The slogan at the Melrose Diner, a 70-plus-year-old South Philly institution, is “Everybody who knows goes to the Melrose.” And, on weekend nights, it seems like every Philadelphian does. Booths here are shared, peach pies are homemade and the longtime servers are no-nonsense. 1501 Snyder Avenue, (215) 467-6644

Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery.

CONTACT:

Cara Schneider, GPTMC
(215) 599-0789, cara@gptmc.com

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