Philly Has More To Offer Than Cream Cheese

Dimitri & Greg in Philly
Originally uploaded by gyatman.

Philadephia, the "City of Brotherly Love", derives it's name from the Greek translation for...you guessed it...brotherly love. No sick jokes please...there are Greeks reading this.

There is however much more than brotherly love going on in Philly these days...in fact some fairly notable things have been going on there since the 1700s (if you're behind on US History). Unfortunately due to terrorist scares and post-9/11 security issues, the symbols of liberty, justice and freedom are heavily guarded and besieged by tourists lining up for hours just to see the relics of history which link us to our United States heritage. Not one to back down at the sight of sunburned tourists, restless children and souvenier vendors, I pressed forward to visit a few crucial sites in Philly. By the way...be sure to ride the PHLASH to get around (it's only $1 a ride). Here's my "must see" list for a visit:

The Liberty Bell - Often heard is "it's much smaller in real life than I thought it would be." Reminder however is that it's not the size of the bell...well you get it.

Independence Hall - Get here early to pick up a "free" ticket for admission...seriously...these go fast in the summer and once they're gone you're stuck outside imagining how it might have been.

The National Constitution Center - Honestly I didn't go inside but walked around it...not because I didn't want to go inside, but because we all couldn't agree on where to go next and it was really, really hot. It's really big, bright and impressive (all good signs of a sight worthwhile)

Christ Church Burial Ground - Ben Franklin lies here...and rumor has it that if you toss a penny on his grave it's good luck. Obviously a very cheap groundskeeper started this one.

Philadelphia Museum of Art - Beautiful museum, designed to give a seamless tour through art genres and nationalities. Incredible works and atmosphere that still have me awestruck.

Mutter Museum - As gross as the Philadelphia Museum of Art is beautiful. Disease, mutation, disection and fetuses line the walls of this shocking monument to human illness and death. Eat before you visit....your appetite will definitely thank you later.

Duck Tour - I know that in Boston I hated the Duck Tour...quacking at us in our crappy tour trolley...but the Duck is redeemed in Philly. It's fun, informative, aquatic and most importantly you get a free duck quacker (you'll have to see it to understand).

We also dined at two restaurants in Philly that need to be addressed (please be aware that Philly has one very happening food scene which requires future culinary visits)...one good and one just so-so (in my humble opinion). These two are:

Jim's Steaks - Call me a rookie or simply an uninformed steak eater...but my cheesesteak from Jim's was dull, very little cheese (Cheez Wiz of course) and not worth the waiting in line. Sorry Jim...I'd rather eat a real NY hot pastrami sandwich from Katz Deli (of "When Harry Met Sally" simulated orgasm fame")

Positano Coast - This restaurant was perfect after a day of touring. Modern Italian cuisine, based on the idea of sharing plates and experiencing a wide variety of foods. Be sure to try the Tiramisu (one of the best I've ever had...even in Italy and I'm not even a fan of it!)

I've left out some small things...and fogotten to tell some funny stories..but I think a visit to Philly is truly worth the time and effort. The city history is rich, the city cuisine is impressive (they've even got Chef Morimoto from Iron Chef here!) and the sights are phenomenal. There is definitely more to Philly that Cream Cheese, Cheesesteaks and Tastykake.