What’s happening in the month of AUGUST
Philadelphia spent the first week of this month in the national spotlight, thanks to the Republican National Convention . But now that the city is back to normal (even a little empty, since so many residents are downashore), August is a great month to revisit some of our favorite Philly attractions. Here’s just a few to get you started:
· Visit the Art Museum/Run the Rocky Steps -- A good 20 minute walk from most points in Center City, the Art Museum features special Wednesday night programs and is still free on Sunday mornings. The building is a marvel itself, and features one of the most extensive art collections in the country. For added nostalgia, start your visit by running those famous Rocky steps. Don’t forget to turn around at the top and take a look at how much our city skyline has changed since the 70s -- you will be amazed.
· Tour City Hall -- It’s kind of dark, parts of it smell funny and no one knows where anything is, but the tour is still worth taking, even if you’ve lived here forever. City Hall’s architecture is beautiful, and there’s a fabulous view from the observation tower. Volunteer guides from The Foundation for Architecture conduct tours daily, Monday to Friday, at 12:30 p.m., leaving from room 121. There are also tours of the tower that run every 15 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. All tours are free! For more information, or to arrange a special tour, call (215) 686-2840.
· Have lunch at the Reading Terminal -- No matter how empty the city seems, you’ll still need a sharp eye to land a table here, particularly if you come during the noon to 1:30 lunchtime crush. But it’s worth it. Grab a hoagie, or a gyro, or Mexican food, or a sandwich or just about anything else under the sun and compete for a plastic table in the entirely-too-small dining area. Don’t forget to people watch -- you could find yourself next to a City Council representative, a semi-famous local celebrity or just another hungry lunchtime visitor. Check out Le Bus for great bread, Termini’s for awesome Italian pastries and the Amish fruit and vegetable stands for some of the best produce in the city. 12th and Arch Streets.
· Go to a Phillies game -- The Phillies draw about 20,000 a game to a stadium that seats 65,000, so you’re always guaranteed a ticket. Grab a $7 general admission ticket, choose a seat in the upper decks and enjoy a hot summer day or night. Check out Chickie n’ Pete’s cafe, located on the concourse of the 200 level, which sells terrific shrimp and their world famous “crab fries.” Broad Street and Pattison Avenue. · Get a cheesesteak already! -- You know you want to. For the best, head to Geno’s, at 9th street and Passyunk Ave., or Tony Luke’s , at Packer and Oregon Ave.
· Visit the Delaware Avenue nightclubs -- Situated along the river, the nightclubs are always packed. The advent of “open ‘til 6 a.m.” permits often makes weekends on Delaware Avenue feel like one giant frat party. Katmandu, Rock Lobster and the Eighth Floor all have restaurants that accompany their dance floors, but Egypt is still the choice for hardcore dancers. Or, head off the beaten path to Shampoo or Envy for more serious dancing and socializing.
· See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall -- We know it’s been awhile, but it’s worth the visit to Independence Mall (Fifth and Market streets) and see the Liberty Bell in its glass house, or tour Independence Hall (http://www.nps.gov/inde/visit.html). You can also hop a tour trolley here for a more extended tour of Philly’s sights. Guaranteed to make you swell up with good old fashioned American pride.
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