Fun Things to do in Phily Area?

[Abe Sargent]

Hola!


I have a friend come into the KOP next week on Monday night and will crash at my place for a few days. What is cool to do in teh area and good for January?


I am not a club or bar kinda guy, so looking for other stuff. Already have a few restaurants lined up, so preferably looking for other things, but if you have a really awesome food eating establishment that's on the cheaper side of life, lmk on that too.

[sterlingice]

I enjoyed going down to Pat/Geno's. Correction: I enjoyed it once I was there. I was not so keen on the trip down there.

Also, I liked a lot of the Independence National Park stuff.

Oh, and cheesily run up the Rocky steps?

SI

[JimboJ]

Check out the museum area downtown. Within a few blocks you have the Franklin Institute science museum, museum of natural history, and the art museum. if you're up for something more unusual, you can take a tour of the old eastern state penitentiary, or visit the Mutter Museum (a cool museum of medical oddities)

[JimboJ]

Also, if you want a good cheesesteak, skip the overrated Pats and Genos, and check out Tony Luke's in south Philly. Or head to Di'Nics in the reading terminal market downtown for an awesome roast pork sandwich.

[RedKingGold]

Dave and Buster's on the Waterfront may be the best bet for what you're looking for.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by JimboJ

Check out the museum area downtown. Within a few blocks you have the Franklin Institute science museum, museum of natural history, and the art museum. if you're up for something more unusual, you can take a tour of the old eastern state penitentiary, or visit the Mutter Museum (a cool museum of medical oddities)

While I've never been there, I've worked with two guys from Philly who have raved about the Franklin Institute.

[pbot]

Originally Posted by JimboJ

Also, if you want a good cheesesteak, skip the overrated Pats and Genos, and check out Tony Luke's in south Philly.

Absolutely. Pats and Genos are the LAST places I would take anyone for a cheesesteak, unless they just want to see what the hype is all about. If they want a good tasting cheesesteak just about any mom/pop type place in the Delaware Valley is better as well.

The aquarium in Camden is pretty good.

[claphamsa]

throw batteries at santa?

[EagleFan]

Originally Posted by claphamsa

throw batteries at santa?

Thank you for your helpful input into the matter... douchebag

[claphamsa]

Originally Posted by EagleFan

Thank you for your helpful input into the matter... douchebag

oh come now. its true, thats philly. I loved living there for 4 years... but thats the kinda city it is.

[EagleFan]

Not sure if the weather will cooperate but seeing some of the historical sites is nice (must see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall if he hasn't been to Philly before).

Dave & Busters is fun.

South Street is always a site to see, but probably not inline with what you were looking for.

Pat's and Geno's are a little overrated if you ask me. While walking around one time we found a little shop called The Philly Deli that had much better cheesesteaks. I believe it was on South Street though (it was a while back).

The Art Museum or Franlin Institute are always good places to go.

If he is into historical sites there are plenty to see, I would recommend a simple walking tour if the weather permits.

Xfinity Live can be fun with live entertainment and even better if there is a game going on.

[Ron Mexico]

I would second the Dave & Busters idea-- there's also one in Franklin Mills (Woodhaven Rd in NE Philly), which depending on what else you're doing, may be a little easier to get in and out from.

[sterlingice]

I think Pat and Genos is one of those things to do for the sake of doing it. Is Gino's East the best pizza in Chicago? No, I think Lou Malnati's is. However, there's something to be said for going to the famous location as well just to see what the hype is about.

SI

[corbes]

If you want something off the beaten path and are into art, try the Wharton Esherick museum in Paoli.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by claphamsa

throw batteries at santa?

I was thinking the same thing.

[QuikSand]

Cheap cheeseateaks are a strong play... I think the Reading Market Station is exactly the sort of place to go, grab some grub, look around at funky shops and so forth while you experience some of downtown.

Another fun and cheap (almost dirty, be forewarned) food spot here:
Maoz Vegetarian - Market East - Philadelphia, PA

And, if you're looking for art and culture, I think the best spot is the Barnes - their collection is really, really impressive and approachable. Lots of 19th century and later stuff, impressionists and other interesting pieces without drifting into the absurd or too nouveau. Really worth it.
The Barnes Foundation - Home


I'd say save your hajj to Dave and Buster's for another time, though I'm sure it's a lovely time for one and all.

[bob]

Lick the liberty bell.

[Karlifornia]

Dave & Busters? Don't do that

[bhlloy]

Is Dave and Busters some kind of localized chain or something? I assumed they were everywhere

[CraigSca]

They're all over - just opened in Dallas and Boise, according to their site.

[Subby]

Too bad it isn't baseball season. The Bank is one of the best baseball stadiums in the country.

One of my favorite things to do is to walk to the Art Museum and rub the Rocky statue and then go beyond that and walk along the river. The rowing houses are very cool - and it's a beautiful stroll.

[Logan]

I know that for a long time, it seemed like the Philly location was the only one in the northeast (there may have been one in Boston, no idea). So for everyone I knew in the NJ/NYC/Del/CT area, D&B was definitely a potential destination if you were in Philly, and could even be part of a trip to Philly.

[MrBug708]

How do you feel about throwing up on people?

[cschex]

D & B started in Dallas, I believe, they've been around this area for a long time. For example, the one in Austin has been here around 20 years.

[Abe Sargent]

Here are all of the things we did on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday....in order...


Tuesday

Shop at Wal-Mart for my next few months of food

Return gift from Best Buy and pick up a few games with the credit

Eat at Bahama Breeze and use my $10 off coupon - oh my goodness this was amazing food

Tour a few places, like my Seminary and show where things are

Watch the Hobbit at a local theatre

Ate dinner at Mesa Fresh Mexican Grill

And after dinner treat at Kiwi Frozen Yogurt

A bit of shopping at KOP mall to end what i like to call Get Stuff Done Day


Wednesday


Breakfast at Dunkin Donuts - i had wanted to try turkey sausage thing they advertise - it was good

Drive down to Philly and spend some time walking around and heading into random places, such as Philly Donuts with some shopping involved.

Reading Market Terminal for Lunch and shopping - I had lasagna

Franklin Institute for a few hours

Drive back to KOP and have dinner at Wegman's and get a little shopping there as well


Drive to Arnold's Family Fun Center for (fun)



Thursday

Breakfast at Wawas

Drive to Philly to do outside things (day was supposed to be without rain, unlike previous days)

Do Historical Things at Independence Park - Hall, Bell, etc

Drive to 9th Street Italian Market

Lunch at Pat's, just for fun

Walked to Market, had afterlunch coffee and Tiramisu at local cafe for 30 minutes. Stopped at lots of places, and got some amazing pepperoni that blows your mind with every bite from some place with "Brothers" in the name.

Drive back to KOP and take a nap at my apartment for an hour

Bahama Breeze again after Tilted Kilt is too full and has 30 minute wait. I have the best Coconut Shrimp I have ever had in my entire life.

Shop at a few places in KOP, and finish at Mall again.





And that was the three day excursion. A wanted to do some hings but ran out of time - Edgar Allen Poe, Zoo, etc. Several things came from this thread, so thanks!

[stevew]

Dropping a stack of wood on yourself.

[EagleFan]

Sounds like you had a nice three day stretch.