(When you aren't playing golf...)
Posted: 11 March 2014
Updated: 11 April 2018
I have lived in the Philadelphia area all my life and I haven't seen and done everything there is to do. So you won't expect to see it all in a weekend! I will add to this as I go so check back from time to time and if you have specific interests I can help with be sure to comment below.
This is a link to the official Philadelphia visitors website. There is a wealth of good information and it's a good place to start.
Stadium District - Home of the Phillies, Sixers, Flyers, & Eagles
Camden Waterfront Attractions - Water Taxi to Philly, Major League Aquarium, One Big Bad Battleship
Penns Landing - Philadelphia Waterfront Attractions
Independence Seaport Museum - Admiral Dewey's flagship The Olympia and a WWII submarine the Becuna 'anchor' this very interesting historical attraction. A water taxi service is available to the Camden waterfront attractions.
Moshulu - More than just a restaurant
S.S. United States - Trivia question... What ship holds the record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic by a passenger liner? See her if you can, no tours that I'm aware of and it's only 50/50 she won't end up as scrap. A foundation is trying to save this massive liner, but it's a major undertaking and funding is uncertain. Recent news as of Feb. 2016 looks promising!
Riverlink - In season ferry service between Camden/Penns Landing waterfronts.
The Mummers Museum - Located a little South and West of Penns Landing proper, this is a unique and worthwhile detour to discover the true rhythm of Philadelphia
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum - Not really near the Penns Landing area, closer to the airport. How did I not know this was here?? I'll have to check this one out for myself and report back soon! Sounds way too interesting for a gear head like myself to miss...
South Street Headhouse District - This is the cultural heartbeat of Philadelphia. Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Galleries and More!
Magic Gardens - Want to pause for a moment of reflection... You've found the right place!
Mystical Emporium - Have you ever wondered what your golf game really needs to get to the next level??? Maybe you just need a little magic!
Historic District - Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, African-American Museum, Jewish-American Museum, US Mint. Many other historic sites and attractions all within a few blocks of each other.
Parkway Museum District - Along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway you will find some of the worlds finest museums. The Rodin, The Barnes, The Academy of Natural Science, The Franklin Institute & Fels Planetarium, and at the head of the parkway the impressive steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The Art Museum - Check out the collection of medieval arms and armor, some very interesting artifacts!!!
The Mutter Museum - Skeletons, Brains, Surgical Tools, and if that's not enough... Count 'em! 139 skulls!!!
Eastern State Penitentiary - Willie Sutton lived here because "That's where the bank robbers are". Built in 1829 closed in 1971. They wanted to tear it down until they found out it was built so well it would cost a fortune!!! See Al Capone's "luxury suite"...
Avenue of the Arts - Broad Street, The Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, City Hall
Market East - The Gallery, Convention Center, Market East transportation center and underground concourse.
The Gallery Currently undergoing a major renovation this 3 block shopping entertainment center is scheduled to reopen in 2017.
Philadelphia Theater - Comprehensive listings for Philadelphia concerts and shows. Large venues, small venues and everything in between.
Philadelphia Brew Scene - Craft Beers & Microbrews, some of the finest beers on the planet are created right here in the Philadelphia region. Dock Street, Red Bell, Victory, Yards, and of course Yuengling!
Philly's Signature Hole - Food
The Italian Market, it doesn't get any more Philly than this Yo!
Reading Terminal Market - This is what heaven smells like! There isn't another place on the planet where it's possible to just breath deeply and gain weight!
Top Steakhouses - Pretty good list of the very best places to get some top quality cow!
Adult Entertainment - Casinos, Horse Racing & OTB, Gentlemen's Clubs...
SugarHouse Casino - Along the Delaware Ave. waterfront just above the Penns Landing area.
Parx Casino & Racing - Just north of Philadelphia in Bucks County. Horse racing in season and full casino.
Turf Club - OTB near the South Philly stadiums.
Delaware Park - Casino, Horse Racing & a 1st Class Golf Course. Located just south of Wilmington, Del. it's a little more than a half hour drive from center city.
Gentlemen's Clubs - Too numerous and varied to list, fortunately I don't have to someone already did! Each has it's own unique if somewhat sleazy charm.
Praise & Worship - After the previous night's gluttony and debauchery perhaps some spiritual cleansing is in order...
Quaker Meetings - William Penn was Philadelphia's founder and it's most famous Quaker.
Mother Bethel - African Methodist Episcopal Church. The history of this congregation dates back to the 1790's.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul - Constructed in 1846 and completed in 1864, this magnificent example Roman-Corinthian architecture and the Cathedral Organ are a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. Regular schedule of Catholic Mass.
Islamic Worship & Study - Comprehensive resource for locating area mosques & masjids for all Islamic denominations.
Mikveh Israel - The Synagogue of the American Revolution is the oldest continuous congregation in the US.
Golf History in Philadelphia - There are a number of historically significant courses in this area. I'll try to find as much information as I can and included it here.
Pine Valley - Detailed information on the founding and history of the most exclusive course on the planet
Golf Association of Philadelphia - GAP is the USGA governing body for the Philadelphia area. Click the Membership tab then Member Clubs. Several have extensive and interesting histories provided on their pages.
Billy Penn's Hat - The skyline and buildings of Philadelphia. It all starts with Billy Penn's Hat atop his statue mounted above City Hall.
Here is a list of the tallest buildings in the city.
The Drake Driving in or around the city you may notice something unusual in the skyline silhouette. It's not a bird or a plane. it's...
The Second Bank of America Wandering on Chestnut Street towards the river front on the left is this classical Greek Temple... Some interesting history of banking & finance is associated with this imposing edifice.
U.S. Customs House Local lore insists this building was the inspiration for the 'Ghost Buster's' movie building.
PSFS Building (now Loews Philadelphia Hotel) An icon of the local skyline this 'International' style skyscraper's neon sign has overlooked Philadelphia since 1932
The Divine Lorraine Now sad and abandoned this once grand Victorian still inspires wonder as you pass.
The Packard Building Once the cradle of luxurious automobiles, now home the luxury apartments. This impressive facade waits to greet visitors entering from the East.
The Inquirer Building The bone white tower and it's ornate clock overlook all of the Northern reaches of the city.
This & That - Bits and pieces of legend, lore, and the obscure
Santa Speaks - Hear it from the Jolly Elf himself... R.I.P. Frank Olivo
Streetcar Strike - The fight for equality got on the right track in Philadelphia
Greenspaces - Wissahickon, Pennypack, Schuylkill, Fairmount
Pennypack Park - Pennypack creek winds through Northeast Philly on it's way to the Delaware River.
Fairmount Park - Along the banks of the Schuylkill River, numerous historic sites and local attractions.
Philadelphia Zoo - Located in Fairmount Park since 1874, one the finest zoological gardens in the country.
Schuylkill River Trail - When complete a 130 mile hike/bike trail will stretch from The Appalachian Trail to Downtown Philadelphia.
Morris Arboretum - Trees, Plants, a Canopy adventure walk, and tree climbing classes!! for women...
