philadelphia
 

Okay, planning a trip to Philadelphia in April. We have never been and are curious about where to stay and things to do. Is Society Hill area a good place to stay?
Is it feasible to go to the Gettysburg area if only staying 3-4 days? Or Atlantic City? Any good restaurants I shouldn't miss?

Society HIll area is near the historic stuff if that is what you are looking for. Rittenhouse Square has shopping, closer to arm museum and other museums. It is more "downtown"

WHat kind of restaurants are you looking for

riddlekitty-

Welcome to Philadelphia! Society Hill is a decent area to stay. It is close to the Independenc Hall area, as well as Old City (many great restaurants) and South Street (hippie shops and restaurants). It is a bit farther from Rittenhouse Square area (more restaurants and shops) but will only be a nice 20mins stroll.

Usual things to do are:
Independence Hall area (Liberty Bell, new National Constitution Center), Betsy Ross house
Philadelphia Museum of Art (with special exhibition "Manet and the Sea" until end of May)
Plenty more other museums but don't know what your interests are.

There are some many great restaurants in Philadelphia I don't even know where to start. Just walk around Old City or Rittenhouse area and you won't go wrong.

Check out www.gophila.com - has plenty of info and links for visitors.

Never been to Gettysburg, so won't answer that question. Other possible day trips would be:
Lancaster area (Amish country)
Longwood Gardens (will be beautiful with tulips in April)

Let us know if you have any more specific questions.

Society Hill is a very safe, pretty place to stay. It's one of the oldest parts of the city with cobblestone streets and historic, well-taken care of townhomes. In my opinion South Street is overrated, but if you go, it has some good consignment stores (Green St.) and unique stores (American Pie). Be sure to stop in the used bookstore - unless they've already moved - and watch out for the black cat that likes to sleep in unexpected places. For eats, Copabanana is good for burgers and excellent margaritas, and Beau Monde and Azafran are examples of some of the city's unique restaurants. They are slightly off South St.

Many people (myself included) hate AC, but depending on where you're coming from, you might like it for the boardwalk and ocean. Gettyburg would be a whole day trip and you would need a car to get there.

April is my favorite month to go into the city. Mid-month, the cherry trees are blooming along Kelly and West River Drives. This is a great area to walk, rollerblade or bike ride. (The paths parallel the Schulykill River behind the Art Museum). If you go toward the end of the month, there is a beautiful azalea garden right behind the art museum.
We just ate at Tangerine and really liked it there. And eat a cheesesteak at Jim's Steaks on 4th and South Sts.

The National Constitution Center is must-see museum -- moving and surprising. The nightlife and restaurants in Old City are terrific -- Buddakhan, Fork, Novelty, The Continental, they're all there. Do a search for Philadelphia restaurants and you'll see some threads.

You have received some great advice so far. Gettysburg would be too far away if you are only in the area for 3-4 days. Easy day trips are New York City and Atlantic City.

Society Hill is a nice area, but it is not in the center of Downtown. The Rittenhouse Square or Parkway/Museums area is more centrally located.

Unless you are into gambling, don't bother with Atlantic City. It's a run down city with little of interest besides casinos and nostalgia.

Gettysburg would be a LONG day trip; and you'll probably find plenty to do for four days closer than there. If you do have an extra day for a trip, take US Hiway 30 towards Gettysburg, but stop in the Lancaster area before you get there.

A nice, short day trip would be driving out to Valley Forge Park and taking the tour. You could then shop till you drop at the King of Prussia Mall.

I think the advice to stick to Philly and closely surrounding areas are right on. Once my parents forced us to go to Gettysburg and it was incredibly boring compared to Philadelphia. Make sure to get a Philly Cheesesteak on South Street or at the two best Cheesesteak places ever which are described aptly by this guy:
"Author: Reid
Date: 07/28/2003, 11:24 am

Yes, you can get to Geno's or Pat's, which are across the street from each other, via the Broad Street subway. Take the subway southbound and get off at Ellsworth-Federal. Go east on either Ellsworth or Federal Streets to 9th Street (5 blocks) and turn right on 9th. Geno's and Pat's will be about 2 or 3 blocks down the street at 9th and Passyunk.

Check out www.gophila.com for more information on things to do in Philly."

I ate a Geno's one and it was to die for. But the one I ate in South Street was good too. For the bragging rights you do need to eat one for Geno's or Pat's though. If you've had a Cheesesteak any where besides Philly and think they're so so, you'll change your mind once you've had the genuine article, trust me!