THE GENTLEMAN ABROAD – PHILADELPHIA
by Julie-Anna Vogel
AH… PHILADELPHIA… city of brotherly love, cradle of liberty, birthplace of America, the sixth borough.
A city of U.S. firsts: the first hospital, bank, zoo, mint, World’s Fair, and Thanksgiving Parade. It is home to the Liberty Bell, a piece of Einstein’s brain, and more public art than any other city in America. Here, the Declaration of Independence was first read, Rocky ran up the steps of the Art Museum, and Grace Kelly’s father made his fortune.
The famous and infamous gentlemen who have called the city home are too many to mention, but a few standouts include Bill Paley, Legs Diamond, Chubby Checker, Bradley Cooper, and Edgar Allan Poe. George Washington was inaugurated as President in the city’s Congress Hall while D.C. was under construction. Be sure to toss a penny into Ben Franklin’s grave for good luck, and then enjoy all the other oh-so-Philly experiences.
GET SOME CULTURE – Philadelphia has more than 112 museums, featuring treasures including dinosaurs, Van Gogh’s and Renoirs, relics from the American Revolution, and a giant heart you can walk through. But for something truly unique, visit the Mütter Museum. Founded as a learning institution for medical professionals in 1858, it opened to the public in the mid-1970s. The collection of medical oddities includes casts and the liver of Chang and Eng Bunker, the original Siamese twins, the Hyrtl Skull Collection—which was assembled to prove that the shape of skulls does not determine race or intelligence—and a series of objects found in people’s stomachs. Bizarre and fascinating. www.muttermuseum.org
HAVE A CHEESESTEAK – Legend has it that they were invented by Pat Olivieri at his hotdog stand in 1930. Ordered ‘wit’ or ‘wit-out’ onions, this sandwich starts with thinly sliced, griddle-frizzled beef, then cheese—either provolone (the original) or Cheez Whiz (the most popular)—all scooped into an Amoroso roll. Cut it in half, wrap it in wax paper, and eat. They are served all over the city, but I think Pat’s King of Steaks (yes, the original spot) and their archrival, Gino’s across the street, are the only true places to indulge.
www.patskingofsteaks.com www.genosteaks.com
POSE WITH THE BELL – The Liberty Bell, inscribed with the message “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” serves as a powerful symbol of freedom for abolitionists, suffragists, and other advocates worldwide. It’s a must-take picture in front of the Bell with its iconic backdrop of Independence Hall, and visitors can enjoy free access to the Liberty Bell Center year-round.
Liberty Bell Center, 526 Market Street
BE ROCKY – Since Rocky’s triumphant run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps in 1976, these 72 steps have become a global attraction. Visitors pump their fists as they enjoy the view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline. Cheesy? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely! And don’t forget to snap a photo with the bronze statue of Rocky, created for Rocky III, before exploring one of the country’s finest art museums. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
GET SCARED – at Eastern State Penitentiary. Once the most expensive prison in America, it was famous for its distinctive architecture and draconian discipline. It opened in 1829 as a place to reform rather than punish, though to a modern eye, it seems unreasonably cruel—solitary confinement and isolation. Closed in 1971, it has fallen largely into ruin. Tourists can visit and see where Al Capone lived and the tunnel that Willie Sutton escaped from. Special tours are organized at Halloween. Boo.
www.easternstate.org
GO SHOPPING – In South Street and Queen Village, Totem and Ps & Qs are loaded with famous American menswear and hip, local brands. You’ll also find gifts for those left behind at home.
www.psandqs.com
CATCH A GAME – Often credited as the best sports city in America, Philadelphia has crazy passionate and knowledgeable fans across the Big Four sports: hockey, baseball, football, and basketball. The city is also home to a Major League Soccer team and top-tier college sports. www.visitphilly.com/sports/
HAVE A DRINK – at Skyhigh in the Four Seasons Hotel. Ride the breathtaking glass elevator to the 60th floor of the Comcast building. The views are out of this world, and the cocktails are divine.
www.skyhighphiladelphia.com
