Looking for activities in Philadelphia (people and places too!) to be grateful for this holiday season? Here is an A to Z description of Philly gems!
A is for Adventure Aquarium, just across the Delaware River, a go-to destination for folks who love all things fishy!
B is for the Barnes Foundation, a one-of-a-kind compilation of incredible artworks, uniquely arranged by the eccentric Dr. Albert Barnes.
C is for Curtis Institute. Philly is home to the world’s greatest music conservatory. The top-notch free Curtis concerts are a best-kept secret.
D is for Dalessandro’s Cheesesteaks. In a town of heavyweights when it comes to meat and cheese, this Roxborough spot beats them all!
E is for Eastern State Penitentiary. Tour this former prison that once housed Al Capone!
F is for Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park, an ever-popular destination for walkers, runners, cyclists, and horseback riders.
G is for Germantown/Mt. Airy/Chestnut Hill, adjoining neighborhoods with lovely, historic houses.
H is for Horn and Hardart. Philly was the site of the world’s first automat, circa 1888. H and H is still a stellar center city sandwich spot.
I is for Isgro Pasticceria. The line down the block for cannolis says it all!
J is for Jazz, and boy does Philly swing! Chris’s Jazz Cafe and the Philadelphia Clef Club are but a few jumping jazz joints.
K is for Kelly Drive, the gorgeous road along the Schuylkill River. By day, cheer at the rowing regattas. By night, marvel at the brightly lit buildings on Boathouse Row.
L is for Love Park. One of the favorite activities in Philadelphia is taking a photo in front to the iconic Love sculpture in this charming “pocket park.”
M is for Mummers Parade: feathers, banjos, and strutting down Broad Street in this only-in-Philly New Year’s Day spectacle.
N is for Northern Liberties, a terrific neighborhood of brewpubs and concert venues.
O is for Once Upon a Nation Benches. Visit the Independence Park area and find gifted storytellers spinning tales of Philadelphia’s past.
P is for Phillies (and Flyers, and Eagles, and Sixers). This is one sports loving town!
Q is for Quaker Meeting House in Old City. It’s the nation’s largest, and Philly’s oldest, place for Friends’ worship.
R is for the Rocky statue, atop the steps of the Art Museum. Run up, wave your arms in the air, and shout “Yo, Adrian!” A must-do of all activities in Philadelphia.
S is for Sesame Place, the only park dedicated to all things Sesame Street. And who doesn’t love Elmo?
T is for Talula’s Table in Kennett Square. This cozy restaurant has just one table, and reservations are accepted exactly one year ahead. Worth the wait!
U is for University of Pennsylvania. It’s Philadelphia’s own Ivy League university, with a beautiful museum of antiquities.
V is for Valley Forge National Park. Commune with nature where Washington’s troops weathered that famous winter.
W is for Walnut Street Theatre. The nation’s oldest continually operating theatre (since 1809), the Walnut offers a full season of wonderful, professional productions.
X is for (W) XPN. XPN is a Philly treasure, a radio station with a truly eclectic mix of folk, rock, and world music.
Y is for Yannick Nezet-Seguin, the beloved conductor of the equally beloved Philadelphia Orchestra. Nothing beats the renowned Philadelphia Sound.
Z is for Zoo, America’s first and still one of the best activities in Philadelphia! Talk to the animals like Doctor Doolittle did, and have a blast at the zoo!
So there you have it, 26 great reasons to be grateful, and to call Philly home!
Image Source: Flickr/Michael Righi
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