Across the Ist-a-Verse
Ma Phillyist is visiting later this week. We're totally psyched to see her—it's been since the holidays—but unfortunately, her visit coincides with the BlogPhiladelphia "unconference," which we do plan to be at. Mom assures us that it's okay, she can keep herself busy on Friday. But the problem is, she's done most of the busy-keeping activities in the city that we can think of: she's been to the Art Museum, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and a slew of other "major" tourist attractions. She's not a big shopper, and anyway, she'll be car-less, so sending her to King of Prussia for a day isn't really an option. So, what Phillyist wants to know is: where should we dispatch our mother so that she'll be busy and entertained for a full day without us?
(Yeah, yeah, we know. Insert "your mom" joke here.)
Image via Flickr user MoToMo.
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I'm not sure about the admission hours or price, if any, but there are several intriguing art galleries in the area of 2nd and Market streets that provide a great survey of the local art scene and may be worth at least a few hours of Mommy Dearest's time.
Also, I believe King Tut is visiting the Franklin Institute this month. I hear he isn't very talkative but that's okay because he's such a fashionable dresser.
Beyond that, maybe she could check out some of the artsy-fartsy films showing at the Ritz. I, for one, love artsy fartsy, regardless of my seemingly mocking attitude toward it.
Joe out.
I suggest the Philly City Hall inside tour. It begins at 12:30PM in Rm 121, and takes about 2hrs, ending on the observation center.
HughE
When my parents were recently in town we did Eastern State Penitentiary. The audio tour is fascinating, and the guided tour about famous escapes was really cool.
Reading Terminal Market is cool to do on your own, or the Preservation Alliance does a tour on Saturdays: http://www.preservationalliance.com/calendar_ongoing_detail.php?id=46
Also, if your mom is into architecture, the Philadelphia Society for Preservation of Landmarks does a bunch of different tours, the schedule is online at their web site: http://www.philalandmarks.org/landmarks.aspx
When my mom recently visited and I couldn't spend the day with her, she made the rounds of the city on the Double Decker Bus (she really enjoyed it) and hopped off at Eastern State which is a great tour (as someone previously suggested). I think she also walked around Fairmount Park for awhile.
And right across from Eastern State on Fairmount is a fabulous water ice place! The kiddie size is plenty big and inexpensive.
If Eastern State makes the grade, I'd suggest Rembrandt's for lunch at 23rd and Aspen-- really great burgers, even better atmosphere.
And here's a coupon to the Pen
http://www.easternstate.org/visit/coupon.php