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Hang with the Locals In Philadelphia

Description:

This guide will have you bumping elbows with locals (literally in some cases, like at the Reading Terminal Market!). You'll visit the historic neighborhood of Germantown, have a "special" at Bob and Barbara's, and check out the local art scene at the Center for Emerging Visual Artists. By the time you're done in Philly, you'll really feel like you know the city.

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Author: Abby

Day 1 - Philadelphia

This day will take you to Germantown, one of Philadelphia's oldest and most interesting neighborhoods. Begin by visiting the Germantown Historical Society, which will probably direct you to some of the most fascinating homes and sites in the area, one of which is Cliveden. After visiting Cliveden, check out Awbury Arboretum, a small sanctuary in the heart of the city. Before you head back downtown, be sure to drive around and take in the historic architecture that gives Germantown its unique character. When you're ready for dinner, head back downtown and try Kanella for some authentic Cypreot food. Then make your way south to Bob and Barbara's, a local stand-by and a favorite of many of Philadelphia's hipsters. If you want to seem like a local, order "the special" -- a Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam, all for three dollars.

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Germantown Historical Society

Location:

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5501 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144-2225

Phone:

215 844 1683

Cliveden

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Location:

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6401 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19119

Phone:

215 848 1777

Awbury Arboretum

Location:

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1 Awbury Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19138

Phone:

215 849 2855

Kanella

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Location:

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266 S. 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone:

215-922-1773

Bob and Barbara's Lounge

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Location:

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1509 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19146

Phone:

215 545-4511

Latham Hotel

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Location:

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135 S 17th St
At Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone:

+1 215 563 7474

Day 2 - Philadelphia

Rent a bike or bring your own and join the Bicycle Club for a ride on your second morning in Philly. Then head to the Reading Terminal Market, which will be bustling with shoppers on a Saturday, and elbow your way through the crowds until you spot whatever delicious food it is you want to eat. After that, head to another popular local market, the Italian Market, where you can take a Chef's Tour or just browse and shop on your own. For dinner -- if you haven't filled yourself up by tasting things all day -- try Nodding Head, a popular restaurant and brewery with a few excellent microbrews. For a quieter scene, have an after-dinner drink and maybe a dessert at Tria, a lovely wine bar with two locations downtown.

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Bicycle Club of Philadelphia

Location:

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Various locations
PO Box 30235
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone:

215 735 2453

Reading Terminal Market

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Location:

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12th & Arch Sts
12th and Arch sts
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone:

1 215 922 2317

Chef's Tour of the Italian Market

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Location:

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1817 Addison Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146

Phone:

215 772 0739

Nodding Head Brewery & Restaurant

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Location:

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1516 Sansom St
2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Phone:

215 569 9525

Tria

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Location:

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123 South 18th Street
18th & Sansom Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone:

215 972 8742

Day 3 - Philadelphia

This day will give you a taste of Philadelphia's art scene. The Print Center always has something fascinating on display, and the Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CEVA) is a great place to see the work of up-and-coming artists in Philadelphia. If you'd like to shop a bit, check out Indigo Arts in Old City, and then wander down 3rd Street past adorable clothing and home boutiques. Finally, head to Monk's Cafe for some delicious Belgian mussels and an unbelievable selection of beer. If their "Beer Bible" is too overwhelming for you, ask the bartender for help choosing: the bartenders here are always knowledgeable and helpful. After Monk's, if you haven't had your fill of delicious beer, make your way to Drinker's, a popular pub and pick-up scene in the heart of Center City.

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