Chris Meck & Jim Graham for GrahamStudios.com
By Lauren McCutcheon
Getting a true feeling for all that is Philadelphia means being willing to embrace extremes. One minute, you're immersed in American history. The next, you're elbow-to-elbow in a crowd of modern-day foodies. You'll be able to embrace nature at the country's largest city park, glimpse the city's unique brand of chic at Rittenhouse Square, see cutting-edge art in Old City
The cracked bell that no longer tolls seems to top every tourist's to-do list. Go see the Liberty Bell early, but also walk by it again after dusk, when its bronze cast seems to glow inside its modern glass-and-steel house.
Photo Caption: The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
When you get to the top of the steps at Philadelphia Museum of Art, turn around, pump your fists in the air, and belt out a few bars of "Gonna Fly Now" (or just play it in the soundtrack in your head). Then, get your photo taken with the boxer's statue at the foot of the museum.
Photo Caption: The steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are known for Rocky Balboa's famous movie run.
You'll find an amazing array of Matisses (1869
Don't tell, but the Phillies are my favorite of all of the local teams, and not just because they brought home the Series in 2008 and went all the way in 2009. Led by soft-spoken sage Charlie Manuel, the Phils have a special vibe that's spirited and modest. (Plus, you gotta admit: Those fellas are easy on the eyes.) Go catch a game at Citizens Bank Park, and when that ball soars "outta here," watch
You'll find dozens of local vendors at Reading Terminal Market, boasting every sort of fare Philadelphia has to offer, from oysters to cheesesteaks, cannoli to shoofly pie. Even though it's crazy-packed on Saturday mornings, that's when I like to go, to soak in the hustle and bustle
Go on the first Friday of each month, and you'll be treated to edgy art, welcoming crowds, and free wine and beer
At this popular cafe, for less than $3, you can enjoy a silky-foamed coffee in a handsome Fima Deruta cup and discover why Food and Wine rated this spot the best cafe in the country.
Photo Caption: La Colombe has been rated the best cafe in the country.
It's the country's largest city park; my favorite place to roam there is called Valley Green, with its wide pathways, historic bridges, and free admission. The area is especially pretty in fall when the leaves change colors and in winter when you can just imagine the horse-and-carriages of yesteryear jingle-belling through the snow.
Photo Caption: Wissahickon Creek in the Valley Green section of Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.
The impossibly narrow space of Di Bruno Brothers' House of Cheese in the Italian Market is full of charming cheesemongers who talk you into blowing all your money on an herbcoated raw sheep's milk concoction from the wilds of Provence, or an extra-sharp Provolone aged for two years in Italy.
Photo Caption: Di Bruno Bros. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
These futuristically goofy "personal transporters" really are the best way to roam the larger-than-it-looks area around the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Who cares that you'll look kinda goofy? You've got the best ride in town!
Photo Caption: Tourists ride Segway i2 Gliders near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The time to go is late afternoon to late evening, when a seat at a sidewalk table at one of the seen-and-be-seen watering holes will ensure you a view of the most stylish impromptu parade in town.
Photo Caption: Rittenhouse Square is a prime spot to relax and indulge in some people watching.
What Mardi Gras is to New Orleans, this oddly engaging, entirely debauched New Year's Day parade is to Philadelphia, only much chillier and much less organized, if you can picture that. (Imagine a bunch of contractors dressed in sequins, feathers, and face paint, stopping along Broad Street to dance and march to loud pop tunes, and you've got an idea of Mummery.)
Photo Caption: The glittery spectacle of the Mummers Parade on New Year's Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It may look like an imposing venue, but ever since the Please Touch Museum moved in, it's as welcoming as a playground
Getting a true feeling for all that is Philadelphia means being willing to embrace extremes. One minute, you're immersed in American history. The next, you're elbow-to-elbow in a crowd of modern-day foodies. You'll be able to embrace nature at the country's largest city park, glimpse the city's unique brand of chic at Rittenhouse Square, see cutting-edge art in Old City
Photo Caption: The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Photo Caption: The steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are known for Rocky Balboa's famous movie run.
Photo Caption: La Colombe has been rated the best cafe in the country.
Photo Caption: Wissahickon Creek in the Valley Green section of Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.
Photo Caption: Di Bruno Bros. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Photo Caption: Tourists ride Segway i2 Gliders near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Photo Caption: Rittenhouse Square is a prime spot to relax and indulge in some people watching.
Photo Caption: The glittery spectacle of the Mummers Parade on New Year's Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.