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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 / V I S I T E B O N Y . C O M 7170 V I S I T E B O N Y . C O M / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

L I V E Travel

JAMMIN MUSIC, YUMMY FOOD

AND A HISTORY THAT WONT

BORE. EMBRACE EVERYTHING THE CITY OF

BROTHERLY LOVE HAS TO OFFER.

10 Must-See Spots In Philadelphia

Theres so much more to Philly than great cheesesteaksthough you shouldnt pass up the chance to indulge in the messy-yet-savory sandwiches. During my 96 hours in the birthplace of American de-mocracy, I donned my Chuck Taylors and hit the streets to experience some of the best live music and diverse creativ-ity east of the Mississippi River. After all, the city has been churning out some of the best tunes over the past 30 years from The Stylistics and The OJays to Hall & Oates and Boyz II Men to radio personality Lady B and rap-pers Eve and the Ruff Ryders and, of course, beloved sons The Roots. Plus, with so much history, including the Liberty Bell and the first African Methodist Episcopal church in existence, the metropolis past comes alive with every turn of the corner. EBONY travels to Philadelphia to see whats so fresh about one of the countrys oldest cities.

B y A M Y E L I S A K E I T H

E A T & E X P L O R E

lIndependence National Historical Park A visit to Pennsylvania is not complete

without experiencing some of the landmarks associ-ated with our great nation. Learn about the famous crack in the Liberty Bell; see where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; enlist in the Continental Army or go on a trea-sure hunt with family-friendly activities; and read placards featuring facts about George Washingtons slaves. 525 Market St.

Philadelphia Museum of ArtRun up the famous Rocky stairs and jog with arms pumping in the air before en-tering the citys largest art museum. The collection of over 225,000 pieces spans centuries and includes a current exhibi-tion that pays tribute to African-American fashion designer Patrick Kelly. Come back next year for one of the largest exhibitions of Black art featuring 19th-century paint-ings from Henry Ossawa Tanner. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.

Mother Bethel A.M.E. ChurchWalk on hallowed ground when you visit this historic place of worship, the founding site of the na-tions first Black denomi-nation. Established in 1787, the sanctuary rests upon the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African-Americans. For a dose of the Holy Ghost and a word from Pastor Mark Taylor, attend ser-vice on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. 419 S. 6th St.

Reading Terminal Market The regions best local foods are available under one roof. Once a railroad station with an underground collection of butcher shops, it is now chock-full of delicious eateries. Our favorites? Dutch Eating Places apple cinnamon French toast; Tommy DiNics pork and beef sandwiches; and fruit pies from Amish-owned Beilers Bakery.51 N. 12th St.

Ms. Tootsies Soul Food Caf An eatery for the grown and sexy, Ms. Tootsies pairs down-home cuisine with upscale ambiance for the best of both worlds. The smothered pork chops, mac n cheese and cornbread with strawberry butter are well worth the sometimes hour-long wait. 1314 South St.

Franklin Square Little kids will beam with delight while riding the Parx Liberty carousel and playing in the Franklin Square park. After work-ing up an appetite, hit SquareBurger to grab a legendary Cake Shake, a yummy combo of ice cream and local favorite, Tastykake.200 N. 6th St.

Silk City Diner, Lounge & Garden Forget club-hopping: plan to spend all night at this restaurant/bar/nightclub hybrid where a tasty pork belly empanada goes perfectly with a mojito and nonstop dancing to your favorite 90s jams. Even at Sunday brunch, this spot has an energetic vibe.435 Spring Garden St.

Eastern State Penitentiary Tour the prison that mob boss Al Capone once called home. He was just one of the 75,000 inmates who spent time here, some of whom were introduced to a new form of punish-ment: solitary confine-ment. Day, evening and haunted tours along with exhibitions round out the offerings. Tickets: $14 for adults, $10 for children.2027 Fairmount Ave.

Philadelphias Magic Gardens Heads will swivel at this visionary gallery and com-munity center that pre-serves the mosaic art of the citys most respected muralist, Isaiah Zagar. Full of Instagram-worthy scenes, his largest instal-lation includes a massive sculpture garden. And he even teaches monthly classes. Entry fee: $7 for adults, $3 for ages 612. 1020 South St.

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Jims SteaksPrepare to salivate while waiting in line to get your hands on a cheesesteak from Jims. The fast-moving crew will ask, Cheez Whiz? Peppers? American or provolone? And youd better be ready to answer. Whatever the selection, youll be more than satisfied with the meaty meal. Afterward, walk off that full stomach by heading to see .The Roots mural., a three-story in-stallation honoring the hip-hop group at 512 S. Broad St., at the World Communications Charter School, where the band first came together. 400 South St.

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