indicates that the attraction is a favorite of mine, and highly
recommended. If the attractions listed below aren't enough, try looking
at Citysearch's list of
all
attractions in the Philadelphia area.
This museum is
world-reknowned for its large collection of priceless art, most notably
over 150 pieces by Renoir. Almost as impressive as the art are the
number of languages one hears from fellow museum-goers, as the museum is
so well known around the globe. An amazing museum, it is well worth the
trip, and unlikely that you will see such an impressive collection of
Renoir, Matisse, Monet, Manet, and even a bit of Picasso anywhere
else. The museum has a limit on visitors per day, so it's important to
get a reservation, preferably 30-60 days in advance. Unfortunately,the
museum is in Merion, PA, which is outside of Philadelphia, but still only
a short drive away. Therefore, it's probably most easily reached by those
with their own transportation.Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 9:30am - 5pm.
Admission: $5.00. Audio gues available for an additional $7.00. Reservations required. 610.667.0290, option 5.
Distance: 7 miles, or 15 minutes, from the reception site or City Hall.
Address: 300 N. Latches Ln., Merion Station, PA.
[ Directions ].
Hours: Daily, 9:30am-5pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day.
Admission: $9.75 adults, $8.50 children & seniors.
Distance: 1.4 miles, or a 4-minute drive, from the reception site at Broad & Cherry St.
Address: 20th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Hours: Mon - Sat, 10am-4pm, Sun 12pm-4pm.
Admission: $8.00 for adults, $5 for seniors, students with ID, and children 6-18.
Address: 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
An impressive museum both
inside an out, with a great view at the top of the steps (the steps
Stallone ran up in "Rocky" in 1975) down the Ben Franklin Parkway towards
center city and City Hall. An impressive, extensive art collection, with
a fairly large and very interesting armor gallery. Hours: Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm. Wed, open until 8:45pm. Closed Mondays & legal holidays.
Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children under 18, students with ID, and senior citizens. Sundays, free until 1pm.
Address: Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 26th St.
Just four blocks
from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum holds a large
collection of Rodin's work,
supposedly the largest collection in the United States outside of
Paris. Hours: Tues - Sun, 10am - 5pm. Closed Mondays and holidays.
Admission: Free, but a contribution of $3 is suggested. Photography is permitted; flash photography is not.
Address: Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 22nd St.
Places to Visit
Hours: 9am-5pm.
Admission: Free, although tickets are required from 9am-3pm daily, March-Oct.
Address: Chestnut St at 5th & 6th Sts, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Hours: 9am-5pm, extended hours July-August.
Admission: Free.
Address: Independence Mall, Market Street, between 5th and 6th Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
A gigantic collection
of gardens, with 20
indoor (the greenhouses alone will take you an hour!) and 20 outdoor
gardens, spread over 4 acres. A very extensive garden, not for the weak
of foot- it gets very tiring wandering up and down the paths through the
gardens. However, there are daffodils and myriads of tulips to enjoy,
among other flowers. The greenhouses are impressive, especially an entire
room of orchids, a room of rosebushes, and a room of bonsai trees. A treat
for the nature-lover, but bring your walking shoes. The only other
drawback is that it's about a 45-60 minute drive from
Philadelphia (30 miles), so it's best visited if you have your own means
of transportation. Longwood also does very interesting Fireworks
and Fountains on selected Friday evenings; they play orchestral
music, light the fountains with different colors which change with the
music throughout the eening, and set off fireworks. Perfect for the
family or for a romantic evening. Hours: April-May hours: 9am - 6pm.
Admission: Adults $12, $8 on Tuesdays. Youths 16-20, $6. Children 6-15, $2.
Address: Route 1, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
Distance: 30 miles, or 1 hour, from the reception site or City Hall.
[ Directions ]
The oldest zoo in
America, definitely a
treat for either kids /or/ adults. Personally, I find the zoo to be a
neat place for a date, as well as a good family outing. Lions, tigers,
bears, and a large, new primate exhibit.Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30am-4:45pm and 9:30am-5:45pm Sat-Sun, April-October.
Admission: $10.50 adults; $8 seniors and children 5-11.
Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Restaurants
(Please note that the web site is for
their restaurant in Atlanta: the site is shown to give you an idea of
the restaurant. For reservation information, see below.) Located in the
quaint, Chestnut Hill area of Philadelphia, the Melting Pot is an intimate
little fondue restaurant; it's great for a romantic dinner or family fun
(don't drop your bread in the cheese!), where you can huddle together in
your booth and eat far, far too much delicious fondue. A "fondue for
two" meal normally includes a salad for each of you, a cheese fondue
course (your choice) with bread, apples and vegetables for dipping, and an
entree fondue course,for which you can use oil, wine, or vegetable
broth. You can also add a chocolate fondue course, if you aren't too
stuffed already, with white, milk or dark chocolate, or a combination
among them. I'd definitely recommend the Cheddar cheese fondue for your
cheese course- it was delicious! The service is good, the atmosphere
cozy, and the food filling and delicious. Complimentary parking (down
the side street).Reservations: 215.242.3003.
Address: 8229 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118.
Distance: 12 miles (a 25-30 minute drive) from the reception site or City Hall.
Price: A 3-course "Fondue for Two" meal (salad course, cheese fondue course, and oil/wine/broth fondue course) is about $75.
Contrary to the way the name sounds, this is
a very nice restaurant. You don't absolutely need to be beyond
business casual, but I would recommend something better than
jeans. Ruth's Chris Steak Houses are in various locations in the US, and
will probably serve you the best steaks you've ever had. It's rumored that
they soak their steaks in butter for 24 hours before serving: completely
unhealthy, but worth the occassional splurge. If it's dinner for two, the
Porterhouse for two is very good. Highly recommended if you have a chance,
and you're willing to splurge a bit.Reservations: 215.790.1515.
Address: 260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102.
Distance: Only 0.7 miles from the reception site, on the far side of Broad Street beyond City Hall, you may very well be able to walk there and back, if your hotel is nearby.
Price: About $100 for two.