Far from its rough reputation of the 1970s, the Philly of today is a place bursting with young artisans.
Metro finds the places to stay, play and drink.
WHERE TO WAKE UP
Hotel Palomar (www.hotelpalomarphiladelphia.com)
Palomar is the current, must-stay spot in Philadelphia, in the city’s historic Architects Building.
With complimentary wine hour each night in chic lobby, rooms from $159 and a beautifully-detailed restaurant Square 1682, you won’t want to leave.
WHERE TO SPEND THE MORNING
Walking tour
After a coffee at Parc (227 S. 18th St.) overlooking the beautiful Rittenhouse Square you should walk the cobblestone streets to the birthplace of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution: Independence Hall (5th and Chestnut Streets.) The Liberty Bell across the road is also a must.
WHERE TO LUNCH
Garces Trading Company (www.garcestradingcompany.com)
A gourmet market and cafe by famed Philadelphia restaurateur Jose Garces, the delicious sandwiches ($10) and gourmet pizzas ($20) can be enjoyed in or out of the restaurant. Wine to go is available if you feel like a picnic.
WHERE TO SPEND THE AFTERNOON
South Philly
There’s the gritty 1970s Philly of Sly Stallone’s Rocky and there’s the Philly of now — a place bursting with young artisans. To see both, take a stroll in South Philly where the Italian Market — old-school cafes, delis and bakeries — mix with the young designer boutiques Passyunk Avenue.
WHERE TO HAVE DINNER
Vetri (www.vetriristorante.com)
Reservations at Vetri are very hard to come by and with good reason. In an old townhouse, there aren’t many tables and their menu of rustic Italian fare is incredible. Not only one of the best restaurants in Philly, it’s also lauded as one of the best in America.
HOW TO SPEND THE NIGHT
Johnny Brenda’s (www.johnnybrendas.com)
Johnny Brenda’s, in up-and-coming Fishtown, is the place to see all the beautiful artist-types and catch a great live music or spoken word act. With a great selection of the hometown, craft brews on tap ($4) and a chill laid-back ambience, it’s a taste of modern Philadelphia
Bookings
For flights, prices, times and bookings see www.visitphilly.com
