Visit the strip of museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris: 1) the Barnes Foundation; 2) The Franklin Institute; 3) The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University; and 4) the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Be sure to take a stroll behind the Art Museum to capture breathtaking views of the Schuykill River. It's one of Cheryl-Lyn and Jason's all time favorite places in the city.
While you are visiting the Art Museum, don't forget to snap a photo with the bronze statue of Rocky, originally created for Rocky III. Or take the challenge and run up the 72 steps leading to the front of the Art Museum known as the "Rocky Steps."
Once made up of undeveloped piers and underutilized public spaces, the Delaware River waterfront has become one of the most activated spaces in Philadelphia thanks to the opening of exciting attractions and parks: Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier, Blue Cross River Rink, and Spruce Street Harbor Park (Cheryl-Lyn's favorite).
Chow down at Reading Terminal Market on a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch vendors. Some of our favorites are Dutch Eating Place, Little Thai Market, Sang Kee Peking Duck, and Beiler's.
Philly's dining scene is simply awesome. The WSJ called Philly "a booming cultural and culinary destination" and Time placed Philadelphia on its "World's Greatest Places 2021" list due to its vibrant culinary scene. You can't go wrong with a Stephen Starr, Michael Schulson, Marc Vetri, Michael Solomonov, or Jose Garces restaurant. But your options abound.
Wondering where to get the best Philly cheesesteak? Stay away from tourist traps like Pat's and Geno's and check out Max's Steaks, Ishkabibble’s, or Dalessandro's Steaks and Hoagies for authentic Philly cheesesteak.
Tucked away in a dark and moody space behind a nondescript door, the Ranstead Room is Philadelphia’s best-kept nightlife secret. Not everyone knows where to go or how to get in, but if you take the time to figure it out, the city’s best cocktails, crafted by some of the finest bartenders in the game, await. Try to get your name on the waitlist before 9 p.m.
Need to brush up on your dance moves before the reception? Brasil’s is known as Philadelphia's “premier salsa club of its time” hosting, to an international, multi-cultural, multi-dance level community. Don't go too hard. You'll need to save your energy for Sunday night!
One of Jason's picks--Ashton is a modern, upscale cigar lounge and cocktail bar with an extensive menu of whiskey, cocktails, spirits, and cigars. For those staying in Bensalem, visit a nearby cigar shop and lounge, Holt's Cigar Company, located at 12270 Townsend Rd, Philadelphia, PA.