What's Up, Philly?

Credit: Christian Carollo of photoblog Picture Philly

A few weeks ago, two of my girl friends from Pitt came to visit me in my hometown. Mary is from southern West Virginia, and Kristina was raised in Latrobe, near Pittsburgh. Neither of them had ever been to Philadelphia.

I grew up in Malvern, Pennsylvania. That's in Chester County, in the western suburbs of Philadelphia referred to as the Main Line. Malvern is less than 30 miles from Center City; about a 40 minute drive, depending on traffic. Throughout my life I had gone into Philadelphia for many reasons: museums, field trips, sporting events, parties, restaurants, concerts... Even when I was in school in Pittsburgh I drove home once every 4 to 6 weeks, and often made the trip into the city to see friends. 

Which is why I was surprised to learn that my friends had never been before. It's true that Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are about as far east and as far west as you can get in Pennsylvania, respectively. It's a 300 mile drive on the Interstate from one to the other. Yet I felt that at some time or another most Philadelphians would have visited Pittsburgh and vice versa. Apparently not. These cities are very different and have distinct cultures, not to mention a heated sports rivalry. Even I have to admit that before enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh, I knew absolutely nothing about whatever lie west of Harrisburg. 

Anyhow, to prepare for Kristina and Mary's visit, I thought hard about the best things to do in my city, the City of Brotherly Love. And this list is what I came up with. Here are some of the best things for students to do in Philadelphia year-round.

ART

Philadelphia Museum of Art   A world-class collection in a beautiful building. Take the back exit for a view of Boathouse Row. $14 for students, closed on Mondays. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, click here for more information.

Barnes Foundation   So long as your tickets are reserved in advance, you will enjoy a wonderful and uniquely curated collection at Barnes. $10 for students, closed on Tuesdays. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, click here for more information. 

FOOD

Reading Terminal Market   This year marks the 120th anniversary of the historic Reading Terminal farmer's market. Given its location in center city beside major hotels, bus and train terminals, this indoor market could well be your first or last stop during your visit. Although the booths can be hit-or-miss, there are several established and consistently delicious food stands worth visiting. [I suggest ending with Bassett's Ice Cream or Hope's Cookies!]  51 North 12th Street, click here for more information. 

Pat's and Geno's   Ahh, the Philly cheesesteak. True, you've probably tried one elsewhere, but it only hails from one place. If you end up in South Philly for any reason, you cannot leave without trying either Pat's King of Steaks or Geno's Steaks. Decide if you want your cheesesteak 'wit' or 'wit-out' onions and what kind of 'whiz' (cheese) you're going for. As far as the best cheesesteak in Philly goes, Cathy of food blog Gastronomy said it best: "While there are definitely superior cheesesteaks to be eaten in Philadelphia, it's Pat and Geno who get the most press and accolades due to their hilarious rivalry and close proximity." It's time to take a side. Head to 9th Street and East Passyunk Avenue and you'll find them both. 

MUSIC

Theater of Living Arts   Converted from a single-screen movie theater into a small concert venue, the TLA on South Street has something going on almost every night of the week. See up-and-coming acts like Emeli Sandé, White Panda, and Kimbra, as well as bigger names like Newfound Glory, Waka Flocka Flame and Owl City. 334 South Street, click here for more information. 

Trocadero   The Troc is located on the border between Center City and China Town and can boast that it is "the only 19th century Victorian theater still in operation in the United States." It is only very slightly larger than the TLA. This fall Bloc Party, Stephen Marley, and Sean Paul will all be playing here.  1003 Arch Street, click here for more information. 

Electric Factory   Before you ask, yes it was converted from an electric factory... into one of the biggest venues in Philly. Look to the Electric Factory for a constant line-up of big names in music. In the next two months catch Tyga, Alanis Morissette, Citizen Cope, and Taking Back Sunday will be getting down on this stage.  421 N. 7th Street, click here for more information. 

Mann Center   The Mann Center for Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization. This Fairmount Park concert venue can seat 5000 people inside (not to mention outdoor and lawn seating) and presents a range of music and performance art from classical to contemporary. Upcoming events include Bon Iver, Animal Collective, and Disco Biscuits. 5201 Parkside Avenue, click here for more information. 

HISTORY/LANDMARKS

John F. Kennedy Plaza   It's a simple park, with a large fountain and plenty of steps and benches (occasionally being used by the homeless). What makes this tiny plaza special? It's former reputation as a beloved skateboarding locale and, oh yeah, the LOVE sculpture designed by Robert Indiana. You've just gotta snap that touristy picture (or pay the hustlers there $1 to do it for you.) Intersection of 16th Street and John J. Kennedy Boulevard.

Historic Philadelphia   Philadelphia used to be the capital of our great nation and is home to such historical gems as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Both of these sites are free to visit (though timed tickets required to tour Independence Hall). My favorite place to go for history is the third museum on Independence Mall: the National Constitution Center. There is a charge for admission ($13 for students) but I think it's worth it. Constitution Center at 525 Arch Street. Independence Hall & Cracked Bell at 6th and Chestnut. 

SHOPPING

Rittenhouse Square   It may surprise you to learn that Philadelphia was named one of the World's 10 Best Cities for Parks by Frommer's. Rittenhouse Park is just one small park among many, but it is a peaceful lunch spot in Center City, surrounded by luxurious hotels. It also marks the beginning of some great shopping. Walnut Street, which branches off of the park, as well as Chestnut Street, which is one block away and runs parallel to Walnut, are probably two of the the chicest and highest-density streets in the city for shopping. BONUS: In Pennsylvania, clothing is tax-free! Check out visitphilly.com's ideal three-day shopping itinerary.

South Street   When visiting South Street, I usually begin around 10th and wander all the way down to the Pier over the Delaware River. If you come here to shop, you'll find plenty of delightfully counter-cultural stores to explore. Try Condom Kingdom for laughs (read: penis pasta); I also like Garland of Letters and Retrospect Vintage. In between thrift shops and hookah bars, there are plenty of spots to grab a bite or a beer. On the cheaper side, Johnny Rockets and Lorenzo's are reliable. Keep an eye out for the tile and mirror mosaics on alley walls.  ***Note: Lorenzo's is recovering from a fire this June - Get Better Soon!

SPORTS

If driving to the stadiums is too daunting - or you don't have a car to tailgate with - there are other ways to reach the stadiums. Either take the subway (Broad Street Line southbound from Center City) or hail a taxi; neither option will break the bank. Standing room tickets can be found cheap. Be prepared for, ahem, passionate fans.

Citizens Bank Park   Catch a Phillies game from April to September. Click here for more information. 
Wells Fargo Center   Watch our fly boys knock the puck around from October to April.  Click here for more information. 
Lincoln Financial Field   E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! Watch 'em fly from September to December. Click here for more information. 

For special events and seasonal or once-a-year occurrences, the best websites to check are Philadelphia Magazine and Uwishunu (the official tourism blog of Philadelphia).