MAD ABOUT PHILLY

CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE

PHILLY IS FOR LOVERS... OF CHEESE STEAK, HISTORY & CULTURE

     My mother works a lot in Philadelphia, and since I live in Manhattan, and being a proud PA woman, I always hop on the train and take the quick ride over to see her!  We love to explore the city and uncover fabulous restaurants that only Philly can offer.  Here I will dive into some great restaurants you MUST try and beautiful places you should see whenever you happen to visit this incredible city!

EATS: Dante & Luigi's  Oh, my goodness. The pasta is to actually die for, and the waiters and staff are super friendly and outgoing.  Fun fact: it is the oldest Italian restaurant in Philadelphia!  It checked everything off on my dream foodie list.  I highly recommend the house "gravy" or sauce that is made fresh and simmers for hours and hours to delicious perfection.  Also, this beautiful place is located in an old Victorian era home decorated to replicate how it was decorated during the turn of the century.  If anyone knows me well, they know I am a history lover of anything from the past, and Dante & Luigi's is a step back in time where your taste buds will thank you.

SEE: The Barnes Foundation  If you are an artist, art history nerd or lover of all things beautiful, you must spend an afternoon at this immaculate collection of artwork.  The Barnes Foundation was established by Albert C. Barnes in 1922 to “promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture.” The Barnes holds an extremely fine collection of both famous and inspiring artists.  The walls boast: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, Amedeo Modigliani, Chaim Soutine, and Giorgio de Chirico.  I spent a few hours here and left happier, lighter and brighter! 

LEARN: Philadelphia City Hall  City Hall is the largest municipal building in the United States, and to me, the most beautiful and visually impressive!  The public rooms are among the most lavish in the City, and make you feel like you have time traveled to the dawn of our country. The City Council Chamber, the Mayor’s Reception Room, Conversation Hall and the Supreme Court Room are the most ornate.  You must check it out and soak in the history that this gorgeous place and city has to offer!

STAY: The Logan  This centrally located hotel used to be The Four Seasons, and is now The Logan.  Staying here is both perfect and convenient to walk and explore throughout the city.  The restaurant downstairs, The Urban Farmer is delicious for breakfast and snacks!  I love not having to get into a car or taxi to explore the city, and walk everywhere on foot from this hotel.

NEXT UP: Something that is definitely on my list for my next visit to Philly is to visit the infamous and beautiful Boathouse Row ! Rowers and University of Pennsylvania students of all ages and skill levels flock to the Schuylkill River to practice, compete and soak in the environment.  At night, lights outline one of the city’s loveliest views, which is known as Boathouse Row! 

Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/museums-attractions/philadelphia/boathouse-row/ 
Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/history/philadelphia/city-hall/
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