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Weekend Getaways
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Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is perhaps one of our favorite cities for a weekend getaway. This city is rich in history and culture and has so much to offer its visitors. Only about a 3 to 4 hour drive from most locations in Connecticut, you can easily make the "City of Brotherly Love" a fun weekend getaway!
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Things To Do:
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| Sure, Philadelphia is known for the liberty bell and where our forefathers signed the declaration of independence, but there is so much more to this great city! |
Shopping
Philadelphia has many wonderful areas for shopping. However, our two favorite areas to stroll are Chestnut Street and Old City. Chestnut Street is lined with great places to eat and shop such as Khiels, Urban Outfitters, Burberry and Ralf Lauren. Old City, one of Philly's newer, hipper places to eat, go out, and live, boasts many cute boutiques and cozy spots to stop in for lunch. Stop into the popular hangout the Continental, (Continentalmartinibar.com. 138 Market Street, 215-923-6069) for a martini or one of our great restaurant recommendations such as Morimoto or Buddakan.
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 Museums
Philadelphia is chock full of tons of great museums for both kids and adults. Who wouldn't want to climb the stairs to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 26th street 215-763-8100. Philamuseum.org) made famous by Rocky Balboa? The museum always has fabulous exhibits that change every few months and a terrific permanent collection of works from Renoir, Van Gough, Cezanne, Monet, Picasso, Duchamp, Miro and Rubens.  For a real treat try the Rodin Museum (Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 22nd street 215-568-6026) situated right down the street on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This outdoor museum is so unique because it displays Rodin's beautiful sculptures in nature, as he would have intended them to be shown. If you have children, or are still a kid at heart, then Philadelphia's Please Touch Museum (210 North 21st street, 215-963-0667. Pleasetouchmuseum.org) is right up your alley. Here, children interact with the changing exhibits and really get a hands on experience. For example, children can follow Alice down the rabbit hole and find themselves in the wacky wonderland of mirrors and distortions just like Alice did in the classic story of Alice in Wonderland.
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Where to Stay:
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 $$$$ Four Seasons
Located just steps away from many of Philly's best museums and hottest restaurants, The Four Seasons is all about classic, elegant style, first class service and total luxury. With a full service spa, pool, gym and 5 star dining, you won't want to leave your hotel. (Fourseasons.com. One Logan Square, 215-963-1500. Rooms start at $290 and up)!
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 $$$ The Rittenhouse Hotel
Ranked among one of the world's best places to stay, the Rittenhouse Hotel is sure to become one of your favorite hotels. Located on Rittenhouse square, this hotel is just steps away from Philly's best shops and restaurants. The hotel plays host to a fabulous restaurant (Lacroix), spa, fitness center as well as beautifully decorated & luxurious rooms
(Rittenhousehotel.com. 210 West Rittenhouse Square, 800-635-1042. Rooms start at $260 and up).
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$ Best Western Independence Park Inn
Situated in Philly's Old City district, this small boutique hotel packs a lot for the price. You are steps away from great locations, restaurants and famous city sites. With rooms starting at less than $200, it can't be beat.
(Bestwestern.com. 235 Chestnut Steet, 215-922-4443)!
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Where to Eat:
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$$$-$$$$ If you are looking for an excellent place to eat, and budget is not an issue, try one of our favorite places to eat:
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 Morimoto
Japanese. Run by world renowned chef and Iron Chef, Masharu Morimoto. You will love the sleek, modern decor that boasts bamboo ceilings and changing neon lit booths. This is a place to see and be seen (morimotorestaurant.com 723 Chestnut Street, 215-413-9070).
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Buddakan
Asian Inspired. This hip restaurant reminds us a bit of Tao in New York with its Asian inspired them and large gold Buddha presiding over the space. With large family style servings and a creative drink menu this place is not to be missed. (Buddakan.com 325 Chestnut Street, 215-574-9440)
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 Rouge
If you want a great meal with an even better location, than Rouge is the place for you. Situated right on the heart of Rittenhouse Square, lucky diners can sit outside on the street, share a delicious meal and see who's who is Philly. This French-Asian menu is especially popular with the after-work crowd looking for a place to grab a martini and some garlicky steamed mussels. Be sure to call ahead as there are not many tables (205 South 18th street).
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Bookbinders
If you want to visit a classic Philly establishment and have some delicious seafood, we suggest you try Bookbinders. This restaurant has been around for over 140 years and has hosted some of the city's most notable characters. We love the old school charm of the waiters dressed in white jackets and the large lobster tank in the entrance where you can pick your own dinner (Bookbinders.biz 125 Walnut Street 215-925-7027).
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 $-$$ Reading Terminal Market
Welcome to heaven!! Housed between Arch and Filbert streets & 11th and 12th, you will find Reading Terminal Market. In the market you can find just about anything and everything your stomach desires. From fresh fish, to meats, pastries, flowers and veggies, you can pick something up to bring back to your hotel or sit down at one of the many vendors (Readingterminalmarket.org).
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 $ Jim's Steaks
You cannot, I repeat, cannot visit Philadelphia without visiting at least one of the city's most famous cheese steak establishments. Our favorite is Jim's Steaks (212-928-1911) on 4th and South Street. You most likely will have to wait in a substantial line to get your steak, but believe us as it is well worth the wait and an experience in itself! Absolutely nothing compares to the delicious, fresh Italian bread they serve their hoagies on. But, take our advice and be sure to know exactly what you want, and how to order it before you are up. For example, do you want it "wit" or "wit-out", meaning with or without onions. Also, know the type of cheese. We highly recommend trying the crowd and local favorite, cheese-wiz. When you're done, take a stroll around the neighborhood which is commonly referred to as South Street. There are lots of cute shops, restaurants and characters in the area.
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