Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Honeymoon In My Hometown: Philly Loves You Back!



True, I'm hop, skip and a jump away from the city, but I'm still head over heels crazy about Philly. Art enthusiasts, foodies, history buffs, shopaholics and sports fans alike will all find something to love about the City of Brotherly Love. For mini mooners, I'd advise staying in a smaller hotel that offers personalized attention in a unique setting; consider Rittenhouse 1715 or the Morris House Hotel.


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Day 1: Historic Philadelphia


Take a lot in, without spending much money. Independence Hall tours and visits to the Liberty Bell are free.







Be like the Bruschettas, and swing by Reading Terminal Market for a quick, cheap, tasty bite. (Ahhh! Engagement shoot teaser!)




Local favorites include Bassetts Ice Cream, Delilah's at the Terminal (she's been on Food Network twice!) and Termini Brothers Bakery.

Shops aplenty line Walnut Street in Center City -- help stimulate the economy!




Relax in one of Philly's public parks -- Washington Square's my favorite -- and then venture into the heart of Old City, where you can visit chic boutiques, make your own handbag or continue living in the past. Wander down Elfreth's Alley, "our nation's oldest residential street," or tour the Betsy Ross House.



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Every First Friday of the month, 5:00 p.m. kicks off a district-wide open house, during which shops extend their hours and art galleries (including the Bruschetta reception venue!) welcome the public with new exhibits and complimentary refreshments.


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Make a reservation (to ensure you get a table at a reasonble hour!) and dine at one of my favorite Old City restaurants: Amada, Cuba Libre, Farmacia, Fork, Tangerine or Triumph Brewing Company.





Day 2: Artsy Philly



The city's replete with museums, so find the one, two or three that pique your interest. Some suggestions?


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  • Eastern State Penitentiary -- which (hey, Philly girls!) also happens to an amazing location for unconventional wedding portraits or a trash the dress session!

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Have lunch in Center City. You can't go wrong with Continental Midtown, Matyson or Osteria (which, I know, technically isn't in Center City, but it's the best Italian food I've ever had!) -- be sure, though, to leave enough room for dessert! Capogiro, with locations at 13th & Sansom and 20th & Sansom, serves enticingly flavorful gelato and sorbet made fresh daily, using local ingredients.

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In the evening, take in a performance at one of the city's many performance spaces. The Avenue of the Arts boasts an impressive array of theaters, and is also home to the Academy of Music and Kimmel Center, where the Pennsylvania Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra perform.

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Or, swing on by University City to catch a concert at World Cafe Live -- a three-tiered concert hall located on the Penn campus (Daddy and Sister Bruschetta's alma mater!). Mr. Bruschetta and I love the live performance there, and have (happily) sat in the neck-crampingly close front row for Grey Eye Glances and Glen Phillips concerts.


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Day 3: Philly Like A Local

Start your morning with a leisurely walk along the Schuykill River (say it with me..."schoo-kill"). The little buildings you'll see make up Boathouse Row, and house racing shells for a number of area universities.


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And for lunch?

Gastronomes may groan, but you can't leave the city without sinking your teeth into an authentic cheesesteak. Make like Mr. and Mrs. Cupcake, and determine if Pat's or Geno's reigns supreme.

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Baseball season is fast approaching, so in the evening, head over to "the Cit" to cheer on the 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies! (Woooo! Go Phightins'!)

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I'm not the only one who feels so strongly about Philly!


Yo Philly girls! Did I leave anything out? And have I convinced anyone to come visit?

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