Philly Weekend Fun

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What else comes to mind when you think of the City of Brotherly Love? How about great food, world-class museums, and unique historical excursions. Read on for our top Philly recs for a weekend (or day trip) of fun:

1) Get cultured
Philly’s art museums are legendary. Not only do they house world famous collections, but their architecture is an attraction in and of itself. We have to start with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, probably most famous for its cameo in Rocky (oh, and maybe some Monets).  See where art meets the streets with a mural tour, or check out the Victorian Woodmere Museum, once home to a local oil tycoon. Little ones will love the Franklin Institute, with exhibits that go behind the scenes of their favorite Pixar films, or an immersive IMAX experience into a National Park. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University boasts a real T-Rex (rawr!) and live animal presentations, plus plenty of hands on exhibits.

2) Bites n’ sips
Philly cheesesteaks are a hometown staple, with famous rivalries between cheesetseak shops vying for local and tourist loyalty. Our sources cite Tony Lukes, Dalessandro’s Steaks (Jimmy Fallon is a fan), and John’s Roast Pork as some of the top spots to get your gooey, tasty, filling fix. Need a pick-me-up after a day of walking in the founding fathers’ shoes? Local coffee stops like Cake and the Beanstalk have fresh brews and pastries, or step back in time to the Franklin Fountain, a restored soda fountain with old timey treats like egg creams, 25 flavors of soda, and specialty sundaes. For a a perfect date idea, try Parc with a stroll through Rittenhouse Square afterwards, or a stop at Tria wine bar. No matter your tastes Philly has something for everyone.

3) Historical stops
Let freedom ring, and snag a #LibertyBellSelfie with a stop at the Liberty Bell Center. Head next door to Independence Hall and see where America all began when 56 brave men signed the Declaration of Independence from England in 1776. Then head over to the Philadelphia Zoo for some family fun, where you can see lions, tigers and bears stroll above you in enclosed mesh walkways. Want to get away from the hustle and bustle? Longwood Gardens boasts 40 indoor and outdoor gardens that take horticulture to a whole new level. Looking for a unique museum experience? It’s not for the faint of heart, but the Mutter Museum of medical oddities is one you won’t want to miss.

Sound like a plan? Make it happen at www.amtrak.com, and be sure to check out Northeast Corridor fare sales for both Northeast Regional Trains and Acela. All Aboard!