Philadelphia: The City of Neighborhoods
by Julia Del Viscio





The fifth largest city in the country, Philadelphia has more than 150 different neighborhoods, each with its own character and attractions. From the historic district, to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with its many museums, to the Italian Market area in South Philadelphia, the "city of neighborhoods" can accommodate almost any interest.

The best place to start your exploration is at the Visitors Center at 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, tel. 215/636-1666 or at the Independence National Historical Park Visitors Center at 3rd and Chestnut Streets, tel. 215/597-8974. The staff will not only help you to tailor your itinerary to meet your particular preferences, they'll give you all the information you need to get around the city quickly and easily. Workers can provide information on SEPTA, the city's transit system. Ask specifically about the PHILLY PHLASH, the special downtown bus loop which runs through Philadelphia's major tourist districts.

The jewel of the historic district is Independence National Historical Park. Here, within one square mile you can visit over a dozen historic landmarks and monuments. Not to be missed are, of course, the Liberty Bell, in the Liberty Bell Pavilion on Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets, and Independence Hall, on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Constitution was written. Another must-see, especially if you're bringing the kids along, is Franklin Court on Market Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. Highlights of Franklin Court include "Ghost House", a re-creation of Benjamin Franklin's house, the B. Free Franklin Post office, a real print shop where workers hand stamp your postcards with Franklin's signature, and an underground museum with a phone bank where kids can dial up the Founding Fathers.

If you really want to make your kids' hair stand up, take a short ride on the PHILLY PHLASH to the museum area on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. One of the many fun, interactive science exhibits at the Franklin Institute (20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway) is the static electricity generator or "hair ball". Touch the static generator, and the built-up static charge passes through you and makes your hair stand up! Other popular stops at the Institute are the human heart and Fels Planetarium.

The Academy of Natural Sciences, not far from the Franklin Institute provides hands-on fun for older kids in its nature center. But the big draw here is the new Dinosaur Hall. Part of this year's Dinofest, it is the Academy's newly expanded dinosaur exhibit.

Tucked away behind a lovely garden is the Rodin Museum (22nd Street and The Benjamin Franklin Parkway). Don't miss "The Thinker", "The Burghers of Calais" and the sizable collection of other sculptures and drawings.

The grand-dame on the Parkway is, of course, The Philadelphia Museum of Art (26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway). The collection features extensive holdings from the United States, Asia, and Europe in many different media.

Not far from the historic area is Penn's Landing, located east of Columbus Blvd., between Market and South Streets. Music, food, and family fun are the norm throughout the summer at this waterfront site of many concerts, ethnic festivals and large city celebrations. Philadelphia's huge 4th of July splash, the Sunoco Welcome America celebration, and the Independence Blue Cross YO! Philadelphia festival draw crowds from near and far.

One of the highlights of the Penn's Landing area is the Independence Seaport Museum, 211 Columbus Blvd. at Walnut Street. Visitors to the museum can participate in interactive exhibits and explore Admiral Dewey's U.S.S. Olympia and the U.S.S. Becuna, a World War ll submarine.

Another highlight is the Riverlink, the ferry service which runs between Philadelphia and Camden NJ every thirty minutes. The ferry docks right next to the New Jersey State Aquarium in Camden. If you desire a more elaborate cruise on the Delaware, consider The Spirit of Philadelphia. Sight-see along the waterfront and enjoy dinner, dancing, and a live floor show.

And if dancing is your thing, the waterfront is the place to be in Philadelphia. Egypt, KatManDu, Rock Lobster, and Dave and Buster's are just a few of the entertainment hot spots on Columbus Blvd.

For a more off-beat experience go to South Street between Front and 7th Streets. The "hippest street in town" has tattoo parlors, the Gap, and everything in between. Here you can find various eateries, bars, and book stores, new age and regular, flower shops and leather stores. One of the highlights is the T.L.A. (Theater of the Living Arts) which features live avant-garde performances.

For more traditional cultural experience, visit the Avenue of the Arts on Broad Street between Catharine and Vine Streets. The Academy of Music, the Wilma Theater, the Merriam Theater at the University of the Arts, and the Freedom Theatre are all relatively close to each other along Broad Street. The oldest theater in America, the Walnut Street Theatre is just a few blocks away, at 9th and Walnut Streets. The Forrest Theatre, home to many large-scale productions such as Les Miserables and the Phantom of the Opera is located at 11th and Walnut Streets.

Before the show, sample one of Philadelphia's finest attractions- the food! Susanna Foo (1512 Walnut Street) serves the best (and most expensive ) Chinese food in town. For a much less expensive, but tasty alternative, try the South East Restaurant (1000 Arch Street) in the heart of China Town.

For seafood, Old Original Bookbinder's (125 Walnut Street) and the Striped Bass (1500 Walnut Street) reign supreme on the upscale end. For a more affordable option try the Sansom Street Oyster House (1516 Sansom Street). Visit the Chart House (555 Columbus Blvd.) for a breathtaking view of the Delaware River and of The Ben Franklin Bridge at night. For the true steak lover, it's The Prime Rib (1701 Locust Street) or Ruth's Chris Steak House (260 S. Broad Street).

And if you're looking for the best Italian food, go right to the source, South Philadelphia. There is a large Italian community here, and it is a mecca of Italian cuisine. Don't miss the Italian Market on 9th Street, a large, open-air venue with many cheese, fruit, meat, and specialty item shops.

There are so many good Italian restaurants in South Philly, but the most enjoyable has to be the Victor Cafe (1303 Dickinson Street). The opera record collection at Victor's is legendary, but the real treat comes from the staff. Waiters and waitresses serenade you with live arias as you dine.

Finally, no trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to the Reading Terminal. This highly-rated farmers' market is a fascinating nexus of converging cultures, and each offers its own culinary delight. With over eighty concessions, the variety is extensive, and the sights, tastes, and aromas are wonderful.

For a complete guide to dining and other attractions in Philadelphia, visit the city's information web site at www.libertynet.org/phila-visitor.

Rich with history, culture, and ethnic diversity; exciting with so many restaurants and entertainment options, the city of neighborhoods truly has something for everyone.