I know several churchmembers are from Philly; I have been there once and found it very special. Noel travels there about every other year for a conference, but we visited together on our way back from dropping Joey off for college in 2013. Our first trip as empty nesters.
We stayed in a hotel right next to the Reading Terminal (indoor market with everything imaginable). That place is like something overseas, crowded and full of color and energy. We loved it. We also got our first Philly Cheesesteaks ever there, from a booth with very little room to eat. We took them back to our hotel.
We walked to the art museum our first day, walking the famous Rocky Steps to get inside and visit the beautiful galleries.
The next day, a local friend took us on a driving tour, including the swank area called Boathouse Row where Grace Kelly grew up before her acting days and her days as Princess of Monaco.
Our third day we had to leave for home, so we got up super early and walked to the Liberty Bell/Independence Hall/history museum district, noticing on the way how many of Philly's homeless sleep in the doorways of shops and restaurants after they close at night. We were walking by their bedrooms as they slept. So sad.
We also loved the architecture of the beautiful City Hall, near our hotel, though I don't have a picture of it here.
Just a very historical, beautiful place to visit.
AUG 10, 2013