Philadelphia here I come .. Recommendations?

[Don Edwards]

Hey Folks, Lisa and I are heading to Phillie for a long weekend doing the tourist thing, are there any places off the beaten path that we should see, go to, eat at, or visit?



We are at the Residence Inn Marriott next to City Hall guess that is right downtown, is it a safe area? Are there places in the city one should not visit at night?



Thanks in Advance



Don Monkeyboy

 

[Thomas Rogers]

You are within walking distance of a lot:



- Major museums



- Reading Terminal Market



- Portofino's Italian restaurant on Walnut St



As for safety at night, stay in well lit, main streets. Philly has a very good nightlife with lots of good clubs. But, it is an old city with some old, narrow, dark side streets. Stay away from them.



TJR

 

[Marc Mulhern]

responded to the wrong topic....sorry about that.



Marc

 

[alex schneebacher]

Try a philly cheese steak at Gino's and Pat's. They are right across the street from each other and both claim to be the best.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Go to Geno's and show your support for their sign that reads:

This is AMERICA ... WHEN ORDERING, 'SPEAK ENGLISH.'

 

[Jeff Geist]

Old City (or Manayunk) for bars and restaurants

South Street on a Friday night should be a lot of fun

The Franklin Institute (used to have lazer light shows at the Planetarium; I saw a few Pink Floyd sessions back in the day).

Pat's/Geno's (Pat's gets my vote)

Penn's Landing (for some music or food)

Philadelphia Zoo (you'll have to take the train or cab). They just reconstructed the Big Cats area and it's awesome. You are literally face to face with these animals (minus the 2 inch thick protective plexiglass)

Philadelphia Art Museum (If that's your thing)

Philadelphia Phillies play Cincinnati this weekend

Ferry ride across the river to the NJ State Aquarium (this was just redone and heard the new shark tank is really cool)



Oh...and if Lisa likes to shop (or if you do)...rent a car and take her to the King of Prussia Mall (about 20-30 minutes west of Philly). This mall is the nation's largest retail shopping mall. There are some 400 different shops and plenty of places to eat.



It all depends on what you like. Tons of museums, parks and ways to get around. I have never had a problem with safety when in Philly but you still need to keep your eyes open.



Enjoy your weekend.

 

[Don Edwards]

I just got a woohoo from behind me,,,, looks like shopping is going to be on the list.



Thanks for all the info folks,



It is 12:40 and we are in Wlliamsport PA here for the night then a nice easy drive into the city tomorow morning.



Any major concerts going on? What about Casinos? SuperPowerBall Lottery?



Thanks again



Don Monkeyboy

 

[Jeff Geist]

Maria Carey is at the Wachovia Complex. Any casino worth going to is in Atlantic City (about an hour and a half from Philly). Powerball is ONLY at $20 million.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Don Monkeyboy, my wife and I are staying the whole weekend at AC. If you plan on hitting the casinos, we will be staying at the Borgata. Look us up for a drink if you want...just leave a message for us at the desk and gimme your cell and I will call you back. (real name: Tom Rogers).

 

[Paul Maurer 2]

Check out Zanzibar Blue- nightclub w/great music- if its still around....

 

[Don Edwards]

Hey Folks, again thanks for the information, Lisa and I are doing mosty tourist things today maybe hit the king of prussia mall a little later.



We ate at Maggiano's last night, we did not know it was a chain of italian restaurants and it was good, I was stuffed. We had eaten at a Maggiano's in Boston last year and saw the resaurant last night and decided to eat there.



Atlantic City is somewhere we want to go but it looks like it might have to be one of the next trips this way. Labour day weekend we are going to Montreal, and first weekend of October we are going to Vegas so Atlantic City is a side thought.



We are going to do a bunch of walking around and hit some of the local food places and historic sites.



Thanks again Everyone



Don Monkeyboy

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Don Monkeyboy...all that way and you eat at a chain restaurant. What's up with that?



AC was good this weekend. Didn't lose that much (was up almost $500 at one time...but if you play long enough...), and went to the Willie Nelson concert Saturday night (John Fogerty also played and we saw him too).



TJR

 

[Don Edwards]

Yeah a chain resturant, and didn't know it, it was still good.



Ate at Ruby's Diner and just ate at Jim's Steaks on South street,,, Mmmm good



I am eating way too much



Home bound tomorrow morning



talk with you all soon



Don Monkeyboy

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Did you go to KOP mall? Or is there a Ruby's downtown?



TJR

 

[Don Edwards]

Yes made it to the King Of Prussia Mall. and that was where I ate at Ruby's Diner, Did I mention free refills of French Fries? Are they nuts,,,, I love Fries...LOL



Took me 9 hours to get home with a one hour stop



Don Monkeyboy