Wedding Blog
True, I’m hop, skip and a jump away from the city, but I’m still head over heels crazy about Philly. Art enthusiasts, foodies, history buffs, shopaholics and sports fans alike will all find something to love about the City of Brotherly Love. For minimooners, I’d advise staying in a smaller hotel that offers personalized attention in a unique setting; consider Rittenhouse 1715 or the Morris House Hotel.
Day 1: Historic Philadelphia
Take a lot in, without spending much money. Independence Hall tours and visits to the Liberty Bell are free.
Be like the Bruschettas, and swing by Reading Terminal Market for a quick, cheap, tasty bite. (Ahhh! Engagement shoot teaser!)
Local favorites include Bassetts Ice Cream, Delilah’s at the Terminal (she’s been on Food Network twice!) and Termini Brothers Bakery.
Shops aplenty line Walnut Street in Center City — help stimulate the economy!
Relax in one of Philly’s public parks — Washington Square’s my favorite — and then venture into the heart of Old City, where you can visit chic boutiques, make your own handbag or continue living in the past. Wander down Elfreth’s Alley, “our nation’s oldest residential street”, or tour the Betsy Ross House.
Every First Friday of the month, 5:00 PM kicks off a district-wide open house, during which shops extend their hours and art galleries (including the Bruschetta reception venue!) welcome the public with new exhibits and complimentary refreshments.
Make a reservation (to ensure you get a table at a reasonble hour!) and dine at one of my favorite Old City restaurants: Amada, Cuba Libre, Farmacia, Fork, Tangerine or Triumph Brewing Company.
Day 2: Artsy Philly
The city’s replete with museums, so find the one, two or three that pique your interest. Some suggestions?
Have lunch in Center City. You can’t go wrong with Continental Midtown, Matyson or Osteria (which, I know, technically isn’t in Center City, but it’s the best Italian food I’ve ever had!) — be sure, though, to leave enough room for dessert! Capogiro, with locations at 13th & Sansom and 20th & Sansom, serves enticingly flavorful gelato and sorbet made fresh daily, using local ingredients.
In the evening, take in a performance at one of the city’s many performance spaces. The Avenue of the Arts boasts an impressive array of theaters, and is also home to the Academy of Music and Kimmel Center, where the Pennsylvania Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra perform.
Or, swing on by University City to catch a concert at World Cafe Live — a three-tiered concert hall located on the Penn campus (Daddy and Sister Bruschetta’s alma mater!). Mr. Bruschetta and I love the live performance there, and have (happily) sat in the neck-crampingly close front row for Grey Eye Glances and Glen Phillips concerts.
Day 3: Philly Like A Local
Start your morning with a leisurely walk along the Schuykill River (say it with me…”schoo-kill”). The little buildings you’ll see make up Boathouse Row, and house racing shells for a number of area universities.
And for lunch?
Gastronomes may groan, but you can’t leave the city without sinking your teeth into an authentic cheesesteak. Make like Mr. and Mrs. Cupcake, and determine if Pat’s or Geno’s reigns supreme.
Baseball season is fast approaching, so in the evening, head over to “the Cit” to cheer on the 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies! (Woooo! Go Phightins’!)
I’m not the only one who feels so strongly about Philly!
Yo Philly girls! Did I leave anything out? And have I convinced anyone to come visit?
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I <3 Monks for lots of different beers and a yummy veggie burger. Though I hear their non veggie food is yummy too! Nice overview!
I have been totally convinced. Seriously. I’m texting FI about it being our vacay next year. I haven’t been since grade school, and I’m totally intrigued!
Awesome job on this post, Miss Bruschetta!! SO detailed.
I’m a huge cheese steak fan! I saw both Geno’s and Pat’s on The Food Network (my fav) and it’s definitely wanna of the first things I wanna do! I love taste tests! 
And YES, you’ve definitely enticed me to want to visit Philly sometime soon!
Philly will always hold a special place in my heart…
we got engaged in Rittenhouse Square - then had a wonderful weekend in the city: ate at Friday Saturday Sunday (our fave!), stayed at the Rittenhouse Hotel, and had brunch at Marathon Grill (yummm)
Nice recap, Bruschetta - you summed it well! and I’m excited to hear about your wedding in Philly!
Woot woot Philly! Great job putting this post together Miss B. I agree with D’orsay, Mr. Cupcake and I LOOOOOVE us some Monk’s (they have a beer BIBLE and amazing shoestring fries).
Yay Philly! I grew up in the burbs and this is such a great post. If someone does plan a trip to Philly, its worth heading out to Valley Forge for an afternoon. Historic site, and a beautiful place for a picnic and long walk 
@katrinab: I totally hemmed and hawed about whether or not to include a day with optional jaunts to the ‘burbs. South Jersey, where I live now, has some a.ma.zing. restaurants that are way cheaper than ones in the city just because of their location! And the Main Line, Conshohocken, Manayunk….augh! Too much to write about!
Oh, I love Philly! Such a great food town with the BYO’s! Really love Old City and the Italian Market. We have actually stayed at Rittenhouse 1715, and thought it was quaint…but the area of Rittenhouse Square is fantastic! We were wishing we lived in one of those wonderful row houses! Great write-up.
YaY!!!!! You left out our pathetic eagles!! Thanks for all these ideas for my wedding website for guests. I have been very lazy with things to do for my OOT guests.
Yay Philly! Great post, Miss B. I’ve lived near Philly for 7 years now and have still only been to half of the places you mentioned. FI and I better get movin’!
You’ve convinced me to visit. FH and decided awhile ago that at least once a year we are going to try a visit a US city in a new state every year… these honeymoon in my home town’s have giving us trips for YEARS to come
Philly gal here! You did a great job! It’s a shame though that all the great things about Philly are downtown…it used to be a great neighborhood city…but even where I grew up isnt that great any more. Dont forget about Ritas waterice and of coarse…Philadelphia Soft Pretzel bakery…my dad used to work at the one in South Philly…it’s different than the new ones…its the original!
I love these posts.
We can only go on a mini-moon after our wedding and these are definitely helping us make a decision where to go for a long weekend!
Thank you so much!
Check out Northern Liberties (from just north of Spring Garden, between Front Streets and I think about Fifth Streets; it seems to center around Second Street running north from Spring Garden) for an up-and-coming neighborhood — small boutiques and art galleries, great small restaurants, the Standard Tap, super-fun bowling at North Bowl, and Honey’s Sit ‘n’ Eat! The best breakfast in Philadelphia (remember, cash only!).
If you go in the summer, you can check out the Philadelphia Orchestra’s summer home at the Mann Center, the outdoor ampitheatre in Fairmount Park. The Philadelphia Zoo is also near there. The wintertime always turns out some great college basketball (go Temple!).
The Rodin Museum on the Ben Franklin Parkway, near the Art Museum, is nifty. We used to spend hours in college just wandering around Old City with all the spiffy stores and galleries. At night, check out the bars and clubs down that way, near Second Street and Chestnut, in that area. There’s always a lot going on down there.
There’s also a bunch of good restaurants up near Eastern State Penitentiary: Rembrandt’s, London Grill, there’s a coffee shop right across the street from the old prison called Mug Shots. That’s in the Fairmount neighborhood, like Fairmount Avenue and Corinthian, around 21st-ish street.
I miss Philadelphia! I can’t wait until we get to move back! =)
Unless you have a weak stomach, I also suggest the Mutter Museum! And if it’s winter, the Riverink and the holiday light show at Lord & Taylor — been going to it every year since I was a baby.
Wooo Philly!
I highly second North Bowl and Northern Libs. Check out Sang Kee in China Town BEST CHINESE FOOD EVER. I highly second National Constitution Center. For great dining check out any Stephen Star restuarant in the city. Another cool bowling alley is Lucky Strikes. Nice job Miss B
I almost wanted to play the Rocky theme song for our grand exit! LOL
And my dress is named Balboa!! Hehehe
I lived in Philly for 3 years and we’re considering moving back after our wedding (August 29!!) - I love it there. We’re doing our engagement shoot there next week. Any suggestions for fabulous places to take our pics?
I too love Philly! I lived there 3 years then moved to Chicago with the fiance. Your post definitely makes me want to go back.
I really miss Quizzo - which is really popular in the local bars/pubs!
Ooooh, for engagement pictures, there’s always the Art Museum. The Waterworks, right behind the museum on the river, looks totally awesome as the sun is going down. There’s the standard nighttime, middle-of-South-Broad-Street/Avenue of the Arts, looking up at City Hall shot. You get all the nifty lights around you, but you have to be wiling to stand on the median in the middle of the street. Old City has all those interesting nooks and crannies to hang out in. It really depends on what you’re looking for.
I second the Mutter Museum suggestion…truly interesting stuff there!
I miss Philly….6 more weeks till I move home
@princetonbride: So many spots — but it depends on what you’re looking for (parks, urban, etc.) Stay tuned for more on the Bruschetta engagements!
@Cole B: Great suggestions! It’s a big city, huh?
@jurisstudent: Thanks for the additional ideas!
@MightySapphire: LOL — who designed “Balboa”?!
Yay Glen Phillips!!!!! YAY YAY YAY! 
Philly is a great concert town - anything that misses Baltimore/DC is sure to hit Philly, and it’s all within driving distance.
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Mrs. Bruschetta, Philadelphia
Age and Occupation: 25, Communication Professional
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Physical Therapy Graduate Student
Engagement Date: November 30, 2007
Wedding Date: August 2009
Venue: St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. House
About Me: I’m a self-proclaimed grammar geek who loves singing (like, really belting it) in the car. My mister and I are planning a vibrant summer soiree celebrating our passions – including food and Philly – and when we make it official, we’ll have been together for eight years! Being super competitive is in my nature, and talking excessively is in my genes. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction, but can always easily find my way into Mr. Bruschetta’s arms.
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