Photo Courtesy of L&H
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is only around 2 hours away from NYC, great for a convenient, 1-night-getaway and it offers an immense amount of culture and history (one fun fact: the adoption of the Declaration of Independence took place here in 1776). As well, the food scene is top notch – I must admit! I’ve visited nearly 10 times now and each trip, I enjoy my experience more and more. It’s quite easy taking the train directly from NYC via Amtrak, but I personally prefer driving our car directly from Hoboken.
Leave late Saturday morning and arrive to Philly to enjoy the below on your first day:
Photo Courtesy of L&H
- Grab lunch and experience Reading Market Terminal, a historic public market that officially evolved in 1892. Reading Market is now a home to multiple amazing restaurants, locally grown exotic produce, Amish specialities, fresh meats/seafoods/poultry and wonderful baked goods. I love visiting on a Saturday – even when it’s busy and there is only standing room to eat.
- Immerse yourself in outstanding art at The Barnes Foundation’s Philly location, which was unveiled in 2012. Not only does this museum hold one of the finest collections of Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, the building’s gorgeous design and architecture synthesizes the components of art, nature, education, and aesthetic – the guiding principles of the Foundation. I want to visit soon so I can go back again!
- Explore Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which is Philadelphia’s most monumental mile of art, architecture, science, public art, education and more. The Barnes Foundation is on this parkway, so you can easily walk around and take in the sight seeing. Some top places to visit (listed on this interactive map) include: Rodin Museum, The Rocky Statue (I’m never amazed by this though) and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- After a long walk around, check in to your hotel to recharge for dinner. I’ve only stayed near Ben Franklin Parkway/Art Museums or I stay outside of the city with friends, but there are many affordable hotels!
- Dinner in Old City at High Street on Market, Queens Village at Little Fish BYOB or Center City at The Farm and Fisherman (*also BYOB). Be prepared and make a reservation through Open Table before the weekend.
Wake up at your leisure on Sunday and enjoy Philly before heading home:
Photo Courtesy of L&H
- Stuff your face and grab a coffee at Federal Donuts Center City location. Enough said. I can’t wait to go back to get another Blueberry Mascarpone Fancy Donut.
- Check out Rittenhouse Square if it’s warm and the sun is shining, which is only a couple blocks away from Federal Donuts. This square is one of my favorite parks to walk through and there are awesome restaurants and shops that surround it.
- Continue on to burn some calories (the donuts) with a longer walk to the Historic Mile area: Liberty Bell, President’s House, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin’s Grave, Betsy Ross House and so on! It’s really fun to explore, even if you just walk by everything quickly.
- Depending on if you have a car or not, I always love to stop in Manayunk for a late lunch to see a dear friend of mine! I love this little area outside of the city as it has a similar, charming feel like Hoboken. One main street filled with cute cafes and shops.
*Also, you may want to find time to stuff your face with a true Philly classic – a cheesesteak. I’ve only been to Geno’s Steaks and it definitely was tasty. Just make sure you learn how to order before you get up to the window: “one provolone without.” This would would secure you a single cheesesteak [one] made with provolone cheese [provolone] and without fried onions [without]. You’ll understand after you read this article.
Hope you have a wonderful time on your next weekend getaway to Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love!