A couple of restaurant suggestions near Independence Mall area...

First, there is always Cosi, a cozy coffeeshop/sandwich/salad place, which is good for eating alone with a book. (It's a NYC-DC-Philly chain)

A couple of good Italian places: Raddichio Cafe which is a bit cheaper than Ristorante Panaroma and Wine Bar. But Panaroma has a great selection of wines by the glass, and might be nicer by oneself.

Bistro 7 is pretty good, and there is a nice "bar" by the kitchen where one can eat and watch the chef cook (they don't serve alcohol, hence the quotes around bar). Karma has great Indian food in a low key setting. Fork is very good new American style food, in an elegant setting. They also have a gourmet take-out place, Fork Etc, which might be a nice option if the weather is picnic friendly.

Also, it is a bit farther afield, but you really should have a gelato from Cappigrio Gelato at 13th & Sansom (between Chestnut & Walnut). It's the best ice cream I've had in this country.

Best place to linger for along tiem eating and reading is the Trident Bookstore Cafe on Newbury Street. ITs ok there to bring books and magazines to your table and then put them back when you are done. Sebatsians inside the Boston Public Library allows you to take library books into the cafe with you mostly light food there).

Check out Panicifico, Les Deserts and Cafe Vanille on Charles Street for relaxing and reading.

ON Hanover Street in the Nroth End Cafe Pompei and Cafe Vittoria.

In Philly try Corsi's-many of them
If its warm enough Loie-sitting outside and La Colombe right next to it.
Good luck

My experience in Both Boston and Philly is that cafe/coffee houses are great for reading/hanging out by yourself, restaurants not as good or comfortable.

I suspect Katie has gone and come back by now...

Why would you think that? In the OP, she said she was traveling in October.

I stayed at the Longwood Inn in Brookline. It is about two blocks from the T and very convenient. The rooms have individual window ac units, some have toilets and others share. It is a nice area and, last summer, when we were getting on the T, Governor Dukakis was waiting as well for a ride into Boston proper. He lives in the area. The price is around $75-100. You don't get breakfast but downtown Brookline is just a few minutes away.

The OP has reported that she already made her hotel reservation for Boston.

So, how was he Thomas Bond B & B. I just booked it for October and want to be surer I made a good choice.

You do not need a car in either city.

I recommend flying. Airfare rates between the 2 cities are not high. I just bought a Boston-Philadelphia ticket for $85 (United). This is probably less expensive than a car rental, and certainly a lot easier than driving.

For great info on Phila., check out
www.gophila.com
They list activities, hotels, restaurants, etc.

I really enjoyed the Thomas Bond house. It felt historic and was very close to all of the Revolutionary period historic sites. It probably isn't the best place to see if you are not focusing on that aspect of Philadelphia.

There were no elevators, which made it a little difficult to get to the top floors, where I stayed. It didn't bother me at all, but it would be difficult for people with mobility issues.

The breakfast was very good. I would stay there again if I return to Philadelphia.

If you are interested, my trip report is at http://lostinfounders.blogspot.com/2...1_archive.html. The posts from October 19, 2005 - October 22, 2005 are related to Philadelphia.

Enjoy your trip! Philadelphia in October was wonderful!

Thank you for the info and I loved your comments and will reread them before I go. The mint sounds interesting and I can prepare for that ahead of time. Barnes sounds great!

I'll be in Philadelphia from Monday - Thur in September. Unfortunately the barnes Foundation is not open on those days. Too bad.

About the Mint. They don't allow cameras in and have no place to store them.

I would just like to emphasize what others have said :

Rent a car for a day trip to Concord and Lexington. They are a great visit !

But, do not drive to Philadelphia from Boston ! This is one of the most heavily traveled routes in the East, and with many trucks both night and day.Take a train. Or, as someone suggested, fly.

Well - you won;t need a car in downtown Philly - so unless you plan on heading out of town Iwoud bag the car and just take the train. Definitley cheaper - and more comfy - than paying for a car to sit, plus parking, while not being used.

Amtrak from Boston through DC is very reliable and has numerous trains a day.

She took this trip 2 years ago so I doubt she is still looking for transportation advice.

I would not exclude the Phila Museum of Art. They are having a major Renoir exhibition in October-so you might wish to check that out. I also would make a little time for the Rodin Museum--second largest collection of Rodin sculptures in the world.

The new Constitution Center is supposed to be worthwhile with plenty of interactive exhibits. This is walking distance from the Thomas Bond House.

Thomas Bond House is in Olde City, and there are a ton of dining options there. I have not eaten in that section in ages, but remember the more high end restaurants like the Fork and Buddakan as being very good. There is a huge singles scene there, too, since many nightspots are around there.

I am not sure if you are into Egyptology, but the Archeological Museum at the Univ. of Penn has one of the top two Egyptology collections in the country.

You might wish to rent a car to go out to Valley Forge for the day. It is rather difficult to get out there with public transport.

THE POST IS TWO YEARS OLD>>>>>the link to her trip report is also posted above

Hey,

Maybe she wants to go back again and use the same thread for more ideas.

The original post was two years ago but I am going to Philadelphia and Estern Virginia this October, 2007. Any suggests are appreciated.

beasy,

My wife and I visited Philadelphia last year and had a good time. The old city center with Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell is very walkable and comfortably done in a day, especially so in October, I would surmise. I've got a list of a dozen or so Philadelphia to-do's listed here:
http://piytravel.com/pages/where/na/...phia_brief.piy

I highly encourage you to take a stroll over to the Reading Terminal Market for lunch. They have a great selection of food vendors.

If you are visiting eastern Virginia, I suppose that will include Williamsburg. If so, I highly recommend that you make reservations for dinner (however many nights you are there) at one or more of the historic restaurants that operate in the colonial section. That was the highlight of our trip years ago.

Good luck!