Alyssa & Taylor
Things To Do
The Rocky Statue
There's only one masterpiece worth seeing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and it's the larger-than-life Rocky Balboa statue, rendered in bronze the way the champ deserves to be. Flex with the Italian Stallion himself for a photo that is sure to be your holiday Christmas card this year, and maybe every year from now on. It's hands down the best gun show in town-- no matter what my Father-in-law tells you. This historic site hosts a feast for the eyes as well as the THIGHS as not far off sits the 72 step stair master miracle as seen in the film Rocky. Jog to the top without stoping, raise your fists and scream "ADRIAN" as loud as you can.
The Franklin Institute
No pilgrimage to Philadelphia would be complete without a visit to the Franklin Institute, a temple erected in honor of Philly's most daring kite enthusiast. Enter via the grand rotunda where the looming presence of Franklin is made literal, his visage hewn beautifully in hulking marble, capturing what historians believe to be his impression Abraham Lincoln on the back of the penny. (That's the 1959-2008 Lincoln Memorial penny for all you numismatists out there). Take a stroll through the largest medically-accurate heart on the eastern seaboard. Stare down the boney jaws of Tyrannosaurus Rex, affectionately known as the "Benjamin Franklin of the Cretaceous." Exit via the gift shop with a baking soda/ vinegar powered submarine. *We've had a lot of laughs here today on this page but in all seriousness the Franklin Institute is awesome and definitely worth checking out if you like science and brass drinking fountains. ALSO THEY HAVE A REAL STEAM LOCOMOTIVE. IT MOVES & YOU CAN RIDE IN IT.
Liberty Bell
This is 100% real-- taking a picture with the Liberty Bell is called a "Bellfie." I was on the fence about this bell, but now I'm all in. Do yourself a favor and go get a Bellfie before you head home. Whatever you do-- DO NOT mention the crack in the bell to any of the staff. They are very embarrassed about it. We all know it's there, but it's just not something we talk about.
Independence Hall
Take a tour of iconic Independence Hall, known for it's role as a location in the hit Nicolas Cage film "National Treasure."
Buy A Philly Cheesesteak From Pretty Much Anywhere
Philosophers and scholars alike have argued for centuries over who is the best at putting steak and cheese on bread. The short answer: They're all good. Pat's, Geno's, Max's, Rocko's, Sonny's, Larry's, Angelo's, Campo's, Woodrow's, Ishkabibble's, Jim's, Ralph's, Tony's, Joey's, Frankie's-- walk into any restaurant named after some dude and order a cheesesteak. You can't go wrong-- I bet you didn't even notice that I made up half of those names (Ishkabibble's is REAL). And besides: real Philly locals know that the best Cheesesteaks come from a guy with a cart outside a subway station. (IMPORTANT: In Philadelphia you can be fined or even jailed for not sharing at least some of your cheesesteak with a pigeon.)
Philadelphia Museum of Art
"Guaranteed to have art or your money back."
City Tavern (Museum)
I had a rosemary beer here once, it was brewed from a recipe one of the Founding Fathers created 300 years ago and it was GREAT.
Philadelphia City Hall
Apparently you can go up in William Penn's Hat, but that might just be a rumor.
Longwood Gardens
Just a short drive southwest of Philadelphia, take a stroll through the world famous "Longwood Gardens," the horticultural feast for the eyes brought to life by Pierre S. DuPont.
New York City
For those planning an extended stay, NYC is only a 2-3 hour drive/train ride north. Fair warning they have a significant dearth of Rocky Balboa statues.
Washington, DC
If all these statues of Benjamin Franklin have you thirsty for more founding fathers, visit our nation's capital. Washington, DC is only a few hours south of Philadelphia by car or train.