Amanda & Gary
Things To Do
Independence National Historical Park
We love exploring national parks! Sites include Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Advanced tickets required to tour Independence Hall ($1) but access to the grounds and Liberty Bell are free.
Philadelphia Distilling
We love a good cocktail, and Philly Distilling doesn't disappoint. We're especially fans of the Elderflower and Barrel-Aged Bluecoat.
New Liberty Distillery
It's no secret, Gary loves a good whiskey. Head to New Liberty for one of his local favorites!
Yards Brewing Company
Some of our favorite Pennsylvania Brews. You can't go wrong with a Philadelphia Pale Ale, Brawler, or any of the "Ales of the Revolution" Series. Their food is great too!
Weckerly’s Ice Cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Weckerly's is our favorite Philly dessert place. From your standard black and white to a vegan pb&j (with the creamiest peanut butter sorbet you've ever had), the ice cream sandwiches never disappoint. Check their Instagram Stories for daily offerings at both their Fishtown and West Philly Scoop Shops!
Reading Terminal Market
Skip the cheesesteaks, and instead get a roast pork sandwich from DiNic's, ice cream from Bassetts, and donuts from Beiler's!
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Channel your inner Rocky Balboa and race up the art museum steps and take in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, or head inside to see one of the nation's best art collections.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Founded by Charles Willson Peale - the father of American museums, one of only 2 artists George Washington liked to sit for, and Continental Army Soldier - in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts displays a collection of historic and contemporary American art. Check out the MASSIVE (103 3/4" x 78 7/8") self portrait of Peale - The Artist in His Museum (1822). This is one of Amanda's favorite paintings!
Love Park
Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love after all. John F. Kennedy Plaza, more commonly referred to as Love Park, is home to a reproduction of Robert Indiana's 1970 LOVE sculpture (original on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art). Take in views of City Hall, including the Billy Penn statue that sits high above the streets of Philadelphia, and is believed to have "cursed" Philly sports once One Liberty Place was built in 1987. The Phillies and Eagles have since won a championship (after a smaller Billy Penn statue was placed on top the new Comcast Building), but the curse remains for the Sixers and the Flyers (to the delight of us Penguins fans).
Philadelphia Zoo
The first zoo in America, the Philadelphia Zoo was chartered in 1859 and opened it's doors in 1874. The big cats and primates are always a favorite for us. We also love the meerkats, but they can contract COVID, so for their safety they are not on exhibit at the moment.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Now known for its "Behind the Walls" Halloween nights, Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. Built between 1822 and 1836, this was the country's first penitentiary, built to instill regret, or penitence, in its prisoners, and was once home to some of America's most notable criminals, including "Slick Willie" Sutton and Al Capone. FUN FACT: Eastern State Penitentiary had running water and central heat before the White House. Yes, that White House...
The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
The Mütter is not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely worth a visit! Dedicated to medical history, the museum now contains medical specimens, models, and instruments in a "cabinet" style museum - an ode to the early museums.
Penn's Landing
Explore the Delaware River Waterfront and find beer gardens, stunning views of the river, and open spaces. Our favorite is Spruce Street Harbor Park, a short walk from Independence Hall, with its hammocks and great beer selection.
The Franklin Institute
One of the oldest science museums in the country, we visited here many times on school field trips (and even as adults). Museum highlights include the Giant Heart (it's the correct size for a 220' tall person!), Foucault's Pendulum, and Baldwin 60,000 Steam Train Engine. Don't forget to take a selfie with the Ben Franklin Memorial on your way out!
Mummers Museum
Is there anything more Philadelphia than the Mummers? In colonial Philadelphia, Swedish immigrants introduced "mummery" to the city, an old tradition of visiting friends in the days after Christmas dressed up as if it was a masquerade party. Philadelphia adopted the Mummers Day Parade in 1901, and recent parades exhibited nearly 10,000 individuals in ornate costumes marching down Broad Street.
Tria
Tria is our favorite wine bar in the city. Visit either their Rittenhouse or Washington Square West locations for a great selection of wine and small plates.