Jessica Billings & Adam Blitzer

EAT

Louie Louie

3611 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA

Louie Louie is a French-inspired American bistro in the heart of University City in Philadelphia. Colorful combinations of art nouveau mixed with a seventies vibe combine modern décor with the timelessness of a grand European cafe. The menu is inspired by French classical combinations of flavors using seasonal ingredients in a modern presentation complemented with colorful specialty cocktails, craft beer and matching wine list.

EAT

Vedge

1221 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA

The pioneering Vedge, set in a beautiful brownstone designed by Frank Furness, isn’t just a must-try vegan restaurant — it’s one of Philly’s best restaurants, period. Tofu and seitan play minor roles here; instead, the focus is on vegetables, treated with reverence and sophistication. If tables in the dining room are booked up, snag a seat at the front bar and order something off the list of natural wines.

Talula's Garden

Joni's

210 W. Washington Square
Philadelphia, PA

Born of Chester County’s famed Talula’s Table, this farm-to-table destination feels like the country — especially during warm months, when the planted courtyard is in bloom — right between city buildings and across the street from historic Washington Square. Dinner and Sunday brunch offer seasonal menus that star an extensive cheese selection.

EAT

Parc

227 S.18th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Diners may feel as though they’ve gone transatlantic while hanging out at Parc, a Parisian-inspired bistro from prolific and James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr. Perched at tables across from Rittenhouse Square, diners can take in views of the park’s ever-present foot traffic while supping on the restaurant’s crusty fresh breads, onion soup and mussels simmered in white wine, shallots and garlic.

DRINK

Johnny Brenda's

1201 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA

A Fishtown institution since 2005, Johnny Brenda’s leads the live music pack in showcasing independent bands. It’s home to several shows a day — upstairs and down — that feature local and visiting musicians. The kitchen is open late, so music fans can order burgers, salads, sandwiches, and snacks from the gastropub menu after the band’s done. When the weather’s nice, expect the patio to be bustling.

DRINK

R&D Cocktail Bar

1206 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Aaron Deary — who is also behind the drinks list at Suraya — runs the show at R&D Cocktail Bar (formerly Root). Featuring a mid-century aesthetic and small bites on the food menu, the moody bar has a cocktail list that changes regularly, with themes like 1950s and tiki.

DRINK

Standard Tap

901 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA

Standard Tap in Northern Liberties takes being a local favorite seriously. It sources much of its menu from local farms and growers, and serves draft beers exclusively from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Plus, it’s got one of Philly’s best outdoor seating areas on the covered upper deck. Take a look at the chalkboards around the bar to see what’s for dinner.

DRINK

South

600 N Broad St
Philadelphia, PA

Part bar, part restaurant, and part jazz club, South is a whole night out in one venue. Head to the farmhouse chic destination on North Broad Street for a bourbon punch in the bar/lounge or get tickets for a performance — the full food and drink menus are available in the jazz club too.

DO

The Liberty Bell Center

526 Market Street
Philadelphia. PA

Many of the visitors to Independence National Historical Park line up to see the Liberty Bell, one of the park’s — and the country’s — most iconic attractions.

DO

Philadelphia Museum of Art

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia. PA

The Philadelphia Museum of Art and its the “Rocky Steps” may have been immortalized in the classic Rocky film franchise, but the cultural institution is even more impressive inside. The astounding collection here comprises art from across the globe and through the ages—to make the museum one of the most important art destinations in the country.

DO

Franklin Square

200 N. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA

One of the original five squares in William Penn’s plan for the city, Franklin Square is now a modern and fun family park, with a Philly-themed miniature golf course, a dazzling fountain, playgrounds and an old-fashioned carousel featuring famous Philly horses. When hunger strikes, SquareBurger (open seasonally) delivers with awesome burgers, fries and shakes — including the Cake Shake, made with Philadelphia’s own Tastykakes.

DO

Eastern State Penitentiary

2027 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

The Eastern State Penitentiary was built in 1829 with the aim of rehabilitating criminals through solitary confinement. At the time of its opening, it was considered the world’s most expensive and high-tech prison. Willie Sutton and Al Capone were some of the prison’s notable “guests,” and visitors can see Capone’s lavish cell as it was during his stay. The prison closed in 1971, and today it is open to the public as a museum.

SHOP

9th Street Italian Market

S 9th St
Philadelphia, PA

Billed as the oldest and largest working market in the US, historic 9th Street looks, sounds and smells more or less as it did when it was founded in the early 1900s. In those days, if you were on the quest for fresh cheese, pastries, herbs, produce, seafood, meats and pastas, you could buy it from sidewalk carts and store-front businesses along the street. Today’s outdoor market, which runs from Wharton to Fitzwater streets, continues to fill that niche. What’s more, visitors also find folks vending everything from cookware to antiques, jewelry to sporting goods both indoors and on the sidewalk.

SHOP

King of Prussia Mall

160 N Gulph Rd
King of Prussia, PA

Home to more 400 stores, boutiques and restaurants, King of Prussia Mall is one of the country’s largest shopping centers. Recognized as the East Coast’s premier shopping destination, this upscale retail complex is anchored by well-known powerhouses like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Sears and JCPenney. Additional retailers located in the center include Lilly Pulitzer, Ann Taylor, Tory Burch, LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, Apple, Banana Republic, Bose and Coach, among others.

SHOP

Roots

8436 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

It can often be a drag to go shopping and find that shops carry similar things, or things that just don’t seem all that original or exciting. Enter Roots in lovely little Chestnut Hill that aims to displace that boring shopping dilemma. This store carries cute items, fashion-forward clothing and great gift ideas, and is just a fun place to visit. Besides being in quaint Chestnut Hill, the shop is perfect for picking up a unique item that you perhaps wouldn’t find somewhere else. Shop for hats, tops, accessories, purses or other items to complete your look.

SHOP

The Little Apple

4353 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA

Located in the Manayunk section of the city, this quaint little shop offers a great opportunity to browse, or happen upon the perfect gift. They carry everything from cards and jewelry to vintage and repurposed home goods. Cute soaps, books, candles, baby items and lovely little whatchamacallits are to be found here as well. It’s a browser’s dream, and especially great when you need a little something for someone, but you don’t know what you want until you see it. Friendly staff and attentive service make this place a must visit while strolling through Manayunk, or make a trip here for a friend or coworker’s birthday. While here, enjoy the rest of Manayunk for a pleasant day trip.