|
 |
|
Print Preview
Donovan McNabb's Weekend With The Guys
Old City hotspots, the new Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park, the Liberty Bell, all topped off with the obligatory late-night cheesesteak run
|
|
Heading to an Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field
Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
|
Location:
Center City Philadelphia and its great neighborhoods
Transportation:
On foot or in a taxi
Duration:
Two nights and two days
Ready for a weekend of sports, culture, food and drink with the guys? Well, Philadelphia is the city for you.
Within a few short blocks, you can find a great sports bar (where the locals zealously root for the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers), a gastropub (where locally brewed beers are on tap), a world-class museum (where you can get some light exercise in) and a dance floor.
In this itinerary, you’ll visit Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb’s favorite spots and hangouts. You’ll be venturing into Old City hotspots, hitting up Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park, taking in historic sites like the Liberty Bell, and topping it all off with the obligatory late-night cheesesteak run.
Friday
|
5 P.M.
|
Check into your Center City hotel. The city is full of great, historic hotels in every neighborhood, but for this itinerary, Center City’s the best place for you to be. The Loews is a great choice — once you check in, head right to the 33rd floor, where you’ll get an awesome view of City Hall, topped by the famous William Penn figure.
|
|
6 P.M.
|
Once you’re settled, hail a cab to Old City, just a few blocks east, for dinner. There are plenty of spots to choose from here, but be warned: If it’s the weekend, you’ll need to make reservations. Old City is one happening neighborhood.
My recommendation? Try Amada, one of the best restaurants in the city. You’ll be able to score some delicious tapas, rivaled only by the drink specials and occasional flamenco dancers.
|
|
9:30 P.M.
|
If you’re up for some after-dinner drinks, stop by 32° on 2nd Street and get ready to party. And I mean, party. Don’t be surprised if you’re dancing and sipping drinks until 2 A.M.
But that's just one option in a neighborhood known for its nightlife. Take a walk around Old City and find your own scene, whether it be martinis at Continental, microbrews at Triumph Brewing Company or a concert at The Khyber.
|
Saturday
|
10 A.M.
|
4) Everybody Who Knows Goes to Melrose
This morning, we’re heading to Melrose Diner, a Philadelphia staple since 1935. As they say, “Everybody who knows goes to Melrose.” And it’s little wonder why — they have the best French toast in town (according to its loyal customers). Don’t be surprised if you wind up sharing a booth with a stranger — it’s tradition here.
|
|
12 P.M.
|
It’s a given: Every weekend with the guys must include a sporting event.
Lucky for you, Philadelphia has nine professional teams. If you’re here in fall or winter, plan on checking out my guys, the Eagles, at Lincoln Financial Field.
If it’s spring or summer, snag tickets for a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park, one of the best ballparks in the country. You can have great ballpark food at Tony Luke’s and Chickie and Pete’s while watching my guys Chase Utley, Cole Hamels and Ryan Howard represent Philly. It’s always fun — especially when they win.
And, don’t forget the Sixers (basketball), Flyers (hockey), Kixx (indoor soccer), Soul (arena football) and other teams that play in South Philly at the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum, home to the Dr. J statue. Now that’s a photo op you don’t want to miss.
|
|
7 P.M.
|
Tonight, we’re hitting up Rittenhouse Square, the largely upscale area just west of City Hall. With some of the city’s best restaurants rubbing elbows with each other, you have plenty of dinner options.
The best way to plan your meal is to figure out where to get the best beer. In this neighborhood, that’s Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant, where the homemade brews come in the Grog, BoHo Pils, Golden Ale and Son of Swami varieties, while the top-notch bar fare goes the way of ribs, gourmet burgers, mussels and jambalaya.
If you’re in the mood for steak — and to splurge a bit — try Barclay Prime, the “steak joint” operated by famous restaurateur Stephen Starr. Really ready to luxuriate? Order the $100 cheesesteak appetizer, usually (and probably smartly) split between two people. Trust me, it’s one of the best cheesesteaks you’ll ever have.
|
|
10 P.M.
|
After dinner, it’s time to sit back and sip. Meeting and greeting is easy at Pearl, the new lounge and nightclub at 19th and Chestnut Streets. The disco décor is reminiscent of Studio 54, with a modern Philly twist.
If beer is on your mental menu, your best bet is Drinker’s Pub, located just across the street from Pearl. A giant cut-out of Elvis will greet you on your way in, as will an amicable crowd of thirsty Philadelphians. Bottoms up!
|
|
1 A.M.
|
8) Late Night Cheesesteaks
|
Sunday
|
11 A.M.
|
9) Biscuits and Bloody Marys
For brunch, go to Silk City Diner. Their huevos rancheros always hit the spot, the Bloody Marys are spicy and flavorful and the biscuits are the stuff of foodie legend.
|
|
1 P.M.
|
Reserve the rest of your last day in town for checking out some classic Philly icons.
From Silk Cty, it’s just a short walk to The Liberty Bell Center — there’s no way you can make a trip to Philadelphia without checking it out. It’s a lot bigger than it looks in pictures, and will definitely make you feel at least a little patriotic.
|
|
|
11) Arms, Armor and Balboa
Then, head inside to see one of the most amazing art collections in the world. The arms and armor wing — including armor for horses and young kids — is always a blast from the past.
|
Hotels + More
|
|
Transportation
If you're traveling from New York, New England, DC, Baltimore, Harrisburg, etc., Amtrak is easy — and you can get 50% off a companion fare when you use our special discount code V454. Book online at Amtrak or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Driving
If you drive here, stash your car off-street until you leave. Though you might enjoy an occasional cab, trolley or carriage ride, there’s nothing you can’t reach on foot. Parking regulations are enforced in the historic area, and you may find yourself getting towed with un-municipal efficiency.
Accommodations
You can’t get much more young and fun than the aloft Philadelphia Airport, which combines modern design, interactive resources and lots of cool extras to make your Philly stay fresh and affordable.
The Independent, meanwhile, is a new boutique hotel right in Center City. Each guest room features its own unique design, while the building — an example of Georgian-Revival architecture — is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Sofitel is a great choice for the weekend. Its location a block from Rittenhouse Square is basically unbeatable, close to several of the dining and site-seeing destinations we've mentioned. And there aren't many hotels as luxurious and as friendly as the Sofitel.
The Hyatt Regency is one of the historic area’s newest hotels, a tower right on the Delaware River. You can sit at the outdoor bar and listen to the creak-creak of moored boats.
The Philly Overnight® Hotel Package is a popular getaway — and a terrific deal. It’s available throughout the year and gives you free parking (worth $50 or more) and special offers and discounts - in addition to deluxe accommodations in Center City Philadelphia. Check out the package, then pick your favorite hotel.
More food and drink, please!
Of course, what we've recommended is just a sample of the amazing range of food and drink in Philadelphia. Take a closer look at the city's Dining and Nightlife offerings and pick your favorites.
|
|