We, four young-senior ladies . . . we still call ourselves “girls” just returned last night from 3.5 days in Philadelphia. It was our first time there for all of us and we were armed with suggestions from you Fodorites.

We had an absolutely marvelous time . . . the weather was warm (low 70s) and sunny . . . we told everyone we brought the weather with us from Texas (high 80s).

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Midtown, Walnut/13th. We had booked one room w/2 double beds for $136/night including taxes and a terrific breakfast (details later). We wanted two rooms but they were full for our dates (Nov 3-7) so we just played like we were young and poor and had a slumber party. Even though I had called to reconfirm our reservation and let them know that we would be arriving around midnight, we arrived to no room.

They “walked” us to the Holiday Inn Stadium, paid for breakfast, and the taxi each way . . . in addition, we were not charged for the room.

We returned to the HI Midtown Fri morning and were given room 1210, a large double room with a big desk, padded desk chair, side chair w/ottoman, long padded bench, dresser, tv, iron/board, coffee, hairdryer, and best of all for four women sharing one room . . . the sink/dressing table was outside of the bathroom! This was a really nice room and the hotel was in a good location . . . we would definitely stay there again and recommend it.

Breakfast was complementary and was cheese omelets, hard-boiled eggs, bagels, muffins, toast, fresh fruit, four kinds of cereals, three kinds of juices, coffee. There was free Internet in the lobby.

We visited Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Chestnut Hill, Italian Market, South Street, Reading Terminal Market, the Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, and the Seaport Museum (inc the Baruda submarine and the Olympia) . . . we wanted to visit the Battleship New Jersey but the ferry stopped running the end of Oct. We also did stop in the Curtis Center and saw the glass mosaic . . . thanks for suggesting it. As we were walking to the Italian Market, we ran across an interesting exhibit of art . . . the Magic Garden, you have to see it to believe it. Funky art . . . and fun.

We had cheesesteaks at both Pat’s and Geno’s . . . Geno’s won . . . we had our best meal at the Villa di Roma in the Italian Market . . . we had the 3-pepper chicken and dumplings in spicy sauce at the hole-in-the-wall place raved about on Chowhound–Szechuan Tasty House. We liked the chicken but LOVED the spicy dumplings . . . they were 8/$3! We had roast pork w/cheese and peppers at Dinic’s . . . we had more places to eat than we had days.

The transit strike didn’t impact us at all as we walked everyplace or took the Flash (free for seniors) and we took the SEPTA, the regional train, to Chestnut Hill.

We loved Philly, the people were friendly, the sites were interesting, the weather was wonderful, the food was great . . . it was a perfect “girls weekend” destination.

Thanks for all the tips and good advice you gave us.
Sandy (in Denton)

So glad you enjoyed our city. You certainly packed a lot into a short time!

Sounds yummy all the way around. Thanks for the tips, esp. Villa Di Roma and STH. Will check those out on our next trip.
What was the Magic Garden?

Yes, we packed a lot in, only had 3.5 days and 'way too much to do/see/eat . . . no flies on us!

The Magic Garden is on South/Alder, "it's a 3-story mosaic mural in a former rat-infested vacant lot" (that's pretty much a quote from the sign on the fence) . . . it's "art" from trash and pretty interesting . . . see here: http://www.citynoise.org/article/1999.

All around this area were glass/tile mosaics on the sides of buildings . . . in fact, Philly has wonderful murals painted on many of their buildings. We love big art.

The Szechuan Tasty House is at 902 Arch, it's Thai and the food is very inexpensive and delicious . . . don't miss those dumplings!

Rachel Ray ate at Villa di Roma, 936 S 9th, when she did her $40/day show in Philly . . . I ordered the Chicken Neopolitan (chunks of chicken breasts cooked in a mushroom/garlic sauce) and it was wonderful. We asked our friendly waitress what RR ordered . . . Chicken Sicilan. That episode of her show will show in our area towards the end of Nov.

I think you have to try to get a bad meal in Philly!

Sandy (in Denton)

Hi Sandy, Enjoyed your report! Philly is a wonderful city! Glad your room woes were resolved so nicely. Will be listing your food places for the future. Thanks.

Nice report, Sandy. I haven't been in downtown Philly for many years. As an indication of how long it's been, when I went there was a common joke:
A big quiz show is broadcasting, and they announce the first prize: One week's vacation in Philadelphia. Then the second prize: Two weeks' vacation in Philadelphia...

I know it's nicer now, but I can't ever forget that joke.

Sandy thanks so much. The holiday Inn acted in an impressive manner, that is so rare today.

As a Philadelphian, I'm curious why you picked Philly to visit?

Knowing "these girls" from all of their trip reports in the past, they love to travel!