48 Hours in Philadelphia
Do you live on the East Coast and you’ve never visited Philly? Us, too. It was a sin we had to rectify. So what does one do with only 48 hours in one of America’s oldest cities?
We arrived in Philly late in the afternoon after leaving in the post-Friday exodus out of Manhattan. We booked our accommodation on Hotel Tonight opting for a pet-friendly stay so that Mr Winston could join in on the family fun. Our choice? Le Meridian in the city centre. Being a light stroll from all the nearby attractions, the position of our hotel couldn’t have been more perfect.
After an early night of room service and movies, Saturday called for an action-packed day filled with all Philly had to offer. We started our morning walking the length of the famous Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This scenic boulevard runs through the heart of Philly. Often compared to the Champs Elysees in Paris this gorgeous and well thought out avenue stretches from Logan Circle to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (our first destination of the day). After walking towards the gorgeous and stately museum set at the pinnacle of the parkway, we were greeted with an artistic feast for the eyes.
The vast collections of art make this museum one of the largest in the United States. With more than 240,000 works of art spanning 2000 years, we would suggest spending a lazy morning walking the halls of history. The best part of the museum? In order to get in, one has to walk (or run) up the iconic ‘Rocky Stairs’ made famous by Sylvester Stallone. While the museum is famous for housing Picasso’s, Monet’s and Lautrec’s, the highlight is undoubtedly Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
After spending the day meandering museum mile, it was off to the Liberty Bell to see the iconic symbol of American Independence followed by a trip to the very place the constitution was signed by Alexander Hamilton and the gang. All that history is bound to work up an appetite in one blonde blogger, so it was off to the famous Reading Terminal Market for lunch. Philadelphia’s busiest and America’s oldest market since 1893 is now home to locally grown and exotic products, baked goods and confections. From traditional Amish foods served by cuties in hats and suspenders to the best chocolate chip cookies in Philly. Oh, and of course a plethora of Philly Cheese Steaks. The market is the perfect place for a family lunch filled with gastro centric entertainment.
After this, it was time to head home and freshen up for dinner at Buddakan. And while this seems like the basic bitch choice, given there is already one in New York, YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH BUDDAKAN, OK?!?
The 10-foot-tall Buddha might catch your eye but it is the food that will have you talking long after you leave. Beloved dishes like edamame dumplings, Kobe beef satay as well as cilantro cocktails are what makes this spot the hottest joint in town.
The next morning called for lazy Sunday strolls around the cute boutiques in town from Chestnut to Walnut Streets. We ended up at the gorgeous Rittenhouse Square for a cup of coffee on the sidewalk while shoppers idled by. This is definitely a city that exudes romance in the Fall. While enjoying the orange and brown hues of Autumn, we can only imagine how the quaint shop windows will come alive in during the Christmas season.
It was with a satisfied heart that we packed our car and headed back to Manhattan. Our short getaway was just what the love doctor ordered for a romantic weekend away.
