THINGS TO DO

Art + History + Eat + Shop

The Barnes Foundation:
320 North 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19130
http://www.barnesfoundation.org

First, watch “The Art of the Steal”  (available on iTunes) which will give you a better understanding of the art and the story behind Albert Barnes and his collection of one of the best art collections ever curated.

Philadelphia Museum of Art:
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
http://www.philamuseum.org

On display from June 28, 2016 through September 5, 2016, you can view one of the nation’s leading collections of contemporary art. Assembled by Philadelphians Keith and Katherine Sachs, this collection features some of the most prominent European and American artists of the past fifty years. A large number of the works have been generously donated or pledged as promised gifts to the Museum, signaling the couple’s deep commitment to the institution and the city of Philadelphia.

After or before your trip to the iconic art museum, make sure to visit to the east entrance of the building and take a run up “The Rocky Steps” for your own heroic moment.
TO THE RIGHT OF THE BASE OF THE ART MUSEUM STEPS

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

If you’ve visited Delilah’s Steaks or seen pictures of the space and ever wondered but were to shy to ask what the story was behind the mural Tommy had commissioned for the indoor wall, you must visit The Magic Gardens. 

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a nonprofit visionary art environment and community arts center located in Isaiah Zagar’s largest public artwork.

Spanning half a block on Philadelphia’s famous South Street, the museum includes an immersive outdoor art installation and indoor galleries. Isaiah Zagar is an award-winning mosaic mural artist whose work can be found on more than 200 public walls throughout the city of Philadelphia and around the world.

We recommend watching the 2008 documentary, In a Dream, which shares the story of Isiah Zagar as told by his son Jermiah Zagar.

The Liberty Bell
6th Street & Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Opposite Independence Hall, you'll find the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. Now residing in a huge glass gazebo, this 2,080-pound piece of history was once mounted in the belfry of Independence Hall. It was used to mark important historic events, most notably at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Get a little weird and visit The Eastern State Penitentiary
2124 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130

The castle-like Eastern State Penitentiary is one of Philadelphia's most important historic sites. Having opened in 1829, this Quaker-inspired prison sought to reform prisoners using isolation and reflection rather than capital punishment and physical abuse. Although it was shut down in the 1970s, the Eastern State Penitentiary led the way to reform in the judicial system

Please Touch Museum
4231 Ave of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Many say this children's museum is one of the best in the country, offering dozens of hands-on displays related to everything from fine arts to construction zones. You and your kids can travel to Wonderland with Alice, practice your reading skills in the Story Castle and hone your science skills in the lab. There are also plenty of opportunities to get creative, with daily arts and crafts projects. And when tummies begin to rumble, the Please Taste Café serves plenty of healthy snacks that both you and your little ones will love.

Joe’s Soda Pop & Steaks
1 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
http://joessteaks.com

Hayley’s favorite: Vagabond
37 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA
http://www.vagabondboutique.com

* Women’s contemporary & vintage 

Independence Hall
143 South Third Street | Philadelphia, PA 19106

If you're interested in history, you must visit this red-brick Georgian-style building (located in Independence National Historical Park in the Old City), It was here that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated, drafted and signed by our forefathers. You can also see surviving copies of the declaration, the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation, all displayed in the West Wing's Great Essentials Exhibit.

Rittenhouse Square
18th and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103

While it was once a grazing area for livestock, Rittenhouse Square is now one of the swankiest areas in the city. Named for David Rittenhouse, the first director of the United States Mint, this neighborhood now features plenty of top-notch restaurants, elegant stores and trendy nightlife venues. The park itself is a great place for a picnic or an outdoor stroll.

Philadelphia Zoo
3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104-1196

Having opened way back in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is the first and oldest zoo in the country, but this 42-acre facility does a great job of hiding its years. With almost 2,000 animals residing here, there is plenty to keep you and your kids entertained for the entire day. Swing by the PECO Primate Reserve and check out the gorillas and the orangutans or come face to face with lions, tigers and jaguars at the Bank of America Big Cat Falls. Other top sites include the Tortoise Trail, the African Plains and Bear Country. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor concessions, but you're also welcome to bring your own picnic.

Tommy’s favorite: Steve’s Prince of Steaks
41 S. 16th Street Philadelphia, PA 19102

http://www.stevesprinceofsteaks.com

Meat-eaters, we challenge you to a Philly Cheesesteak crawl.

Daleassandro’s Steaks
600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128
http://www.dalessandros.com

Joan Shepp
1811 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
http://www.joanshepp.com

* Renowned eclectic designer