rdugirl

My son and I will fly into Philly from Raleigh on Black Friday (UGH!) and arrive at Noon. He is 16 and wants to shop for clothes and eat! We have to be back at the airport for a 7 pm return flight to Raleigh. So, I figure we can take SEPTA into the city, but what is the best place to go for walkable shopping and eating (cheesesteak of course)

Crazy I know, but we had SW funds we had to use or lose!

bachslunch

South Street between Broad and 5th is arguably one of the better places in the city to find shopping for teens. There's a counter-culture feel to this street's shopping options that is likely to please all but very buttoned-down youngsters. In addition, what is arguably the best cheesesteak option in the city can be found here, Jim's Steaks.

Resist any recommendations you may get to head south of here multiple blocks to either Geno's or Pat's for a cheesesteak. I've tried this sandwich at several Philly locations, and despite the fame of these two rivals, these places put out the worst I've ever had.

ElleD9

You have a couple of choices in center city. You can take the train to Market East (8th and Market) You will exit right by the Gallery mall. You can google the Gallery, but I wouldn't deem it a top shopping destination in the city. The Reading Terminal Market is nearby and fabulous, but much better for food than other shopping.

http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/

From Market East you could walk 7 or so blocks south to South St. This area will likely appeal more to your son as it is trendy/youth oriented with stores geared toward that clientele.

http://www.southstreet.com/

Jim's steaks at 4th and South are some of the best in the city (IMHO).

If you take the train to Suburban station (16th/17th & JFK, 1 block north of Market) You can walk 4 blocks south to Walnut Street/Rittenhouse Square. This area has smarter, more upscale shopping between 15th and 19th (and tastier/healthier alternatives to cheese steaks if you are interested).

http://www.rittenhouserow.org/index2.html

For cheesesteaks at that end of town, check out Tony Luke's on 18th between Chestnut and Walnut. They also do an amazing roast pork sandwich.

I think you'll find PHL center city to be an easily navigable/walkable area and you should be able to do this visit easily in your time frame. Hope the weather cooperates and you have an enjoyable visit.

Ellie

ElleD9

Bachs,

Didn't see your response before I posted.

RDU, I will second Bachs recommendation to resist any suggestions to visit Pat's or Geno's (pointless unless you are young, out very late, and have consumed many adult beverages).

Ellie

rdugirl

Thank you Ellie and Bach! Great suggestions. I think we will hit South Street and Jim's steaks first and if time allows go to Reading Terminal Market. I have been to RTM once before while in town for U2 and loved it.

We are originally from the Harrisburg area and my son is begging me to move from Raleigh back to PA, specificallly Philly. I'm an RN but it seems the job market for us is not what it used to be! I have been doing some research on the different areas just in case. Where exactly is the University Square area? It seemed like it might be a viable option should we decide to make a move? Rittenhouse is great, but pricey!

Thanks again! Hoping the weather isn't to cold!!

bachslunch

Glad we could help.

If you're going to Reading Terminal Market, there are scads of good places there. If you only choose one option, I'd head to DiNic's and get a roast pork sandwich with sharp provolone and greens (broccoli rabe is a good choice). Some folks like this sandwich even better than the much-lauded cheesesteak. I can't see a good reason to argue -- I love both. The RTM is especially fun on the days when the Amish food vendors set up shop (might be Wed.-Sat., but can't remember for sure). Dutch Eating Place is a great diner-type option and a good place to try scrapple if you're so inclined. Also consider Salumeria for Italian style hoagies and Bassett's for ice cream, as well as Termini Brothers (pastries) or Famous 4th Street (cookies).

rdugirl

All of the above sound delicious! Looking forward to exploring and possibly relocating. I will let you know how it went. Weather is supposed to be sunny and 40, burr..

If we do decide to make the big move back east, I would love to pick your brain a bit more?

Have a great Thanksgiving! Thanks again!

Birdie

rdugirl, it's University City and a very reasonable walk across the river from the Rittenhouse Square area. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) is located there as well as the Veterans Hospital and Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP). It's a mixed neighborhood with a lot of students and professionals. You can find gorgeous renovated Victorians and dumpy apartment buildings. You may want to take your son shopping up there and take a look around. I realize your time is very limited but the train from the airport goes to 30th St Station which is just on the edge of the neighborhood. There are a lot of shops up there geared towards the young adult shoppper.

www.universitycity.org

I don't know what type of school you'll enroll your son in. I think you'd have to check out the city public schools very carefully. Some of the best public schools in the country are out in the Philly suburbs so worth a look.

Whether you shop in the Rittenhouse Square area or University City, stop in Urban Outfitters. It appeals to a certain type of teen but that may include your son.

rdugirl

Birdie,

Thanks for the info. School isn't an issue. His HS education will be complete prior to any move we would make next year. Urban Outfitters is great but I'm looking for shops that are more 'local' rather than national stores we have right here in Raleigh. I'm sure there are plenty around. I will check out the link.

Birdie

Your best bet may be South St for shopping. University City and Rittenhouse Square will have mostly chain stores. There are a lot of great neighborhoods to live in in Philadelphia, each with their own personality. I lived in UC when I was in my 20's and loved it but that was 25 years ago.

rdugirl

Hmm..Being that I'm soon to be 45, mabye I better rethink UC? Of course it is only a number, and I consider myself to be fairly 'hip' the twenty something crowd isn't what I'm looking for. My son would probably love it! Any suggestions for other neighborhoods that are close to hospitals appreciated.

Thanks!

wrestlpsu

beeline to SOUTH STREET....your son will thank you

irelandfan

Do you mind me asking how your trip went? Have you any recommendations after the fact?
I am going to be in Philly next week for about 36 hours and I'm looking to plan my visit to get the most out of a short time.

Amy

Not that I'm saying you're a senior citizen, irelandfan, but here's one itinerary which has links to a few more: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...r-citizens.cfm

If your interest is in history, there's so much to see and do in Center City from the Delaware River to City Hall that you could easily spend all of your time there. If you like art, go to the Rodin and the Art Museum on the Parkway. There are interesting neighborhoods to stroll if you're just into wandering (although the weather might not be conducive to that) or you could do a tour that just involves food, both in its raw form and finished products.

A day in Center City and a day in another area altogether is an option, too, of course; Chestnut Hill and Manayunk are two interesting places, or go out to University City and visit the U of PA Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

Or...okay, that might be enough to start with--but if you have more questions, please ask!