Mary & Morgan
Things To Do
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia's premier science museum. Great for kids. When Mary was little, she and her dad used to go here all the time. Morgan would like to note that this museum features the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial by sculptor James Earle Fraser.
Franklin Square
One of Philadelphia's five original city squares, Franklin Square has a carousel, a snack bar, and holiday-themed mini golf. It is named for writer, inventor, and statesman Benjamin Franklin.
Benjamin Franklin Bridge
This bridge connects Philadelphia's Old City with Camden's waterfront, where you can visit the Adventure Aquarium or the Battleship New Jersey. Nearby is the "Bolt of Lightning" sculpture, which commemorates the moment when electricity was discovered by the scientist Benjamin Franklin.
Benjamin Franklin's Grave
Benjamin Franklin is buried here with his common-law wife, Deborah. Throw pennies on the grave for good luck! After all, "a penny saved is a penny earned!" (-Ben Franklin)
Fragments of Franklin Court
A "ghost structure" stands here where Benjamin Franklin once lived.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It features some of Philadelphia's best museums – including the Rodin Museum; the Academy of Natural Sciences (feat. dinosaur bones that were discovered in Mary's hometown!); the Free Library of Philadelphia; the Barnes Foundation; and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which also boasts the Rocky steps. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway also houses a Morgan Dummitt original. His sculpture "Join or Die" resides in The Logan. It is inspired by a political cartoon from... Ben Franklin.
Okay, Just Kidding.
Here are some of our actual recommendations: RESTAURANTS Harp & Crown for an A+ weekend brunch buffet. Reservations recommended. Parc. Reservations recommended. The Dandelion, where Mary & Morgan had some of their early dates! Alpen Rose, Mary's favorite restaurant in the city. Reservations required, and you must book a month in advance. Frieda is lovely for breakfast or lunch, and in a perfect location if you've just visited Ben Franklin's house! I'll stop. HANGING OUT The museums on the Parkway, above, are an actual recommendation. The Barnes Museum is world-class if you like the Impressionists. The Franklin Institute and the Natural History Museum are great for kids. Rittenhouse Square is Mary & Morgan's favorite place to hang. We also love grabbing a coffee and strolling through South Philly's Italian Market. Finally, Old City is lovely and houses the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall, where the Declaration and the Constitution were signed (by Ben Franklin).