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48 hours in gay-friendly Philadelphia
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Photo by Troy Petenbrink
What makes Philadelphia so memorable is its unique blend of experiences both educational and entertaining.
By day, visitors can explore four centuries of history and architecture, quaint neighborhoods, remarkable museum collections and endless shopping. When the sun sets, the city heats up with acclaimed performing arts, delectable dining and thriving nightlife.
The sixth-largest city (just behind Phoenix) in the U.S., Philadelphia is easy to navigate and full of friendly people and hometown charm. In addition, the "city of brotherly [and sisterly] love" has actively positioned itself as a destination of choice for gay travelers.
In the fall of 2003, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation launched a multi-year, multi-million dollar national campaign promoting the city as a gay-friendly place. According to the 13th annual LGBT Tourism Study, conducted by Community Marketing Inc., a research and marketing firm specializing in gay tourism, Philadelphia ranked among the top 15 most visited US leisure destination for gay travelers.
Friday
2 pm: At Home in the Gayborhood
At the intersection of Spruce and S. 12th Street is Alexander Inn, a charming historic hotel that offers plenty of modern amenities. The 48-room property sits in the middle of Philadelphia’s gayborhood, the local term for the city’s gay district that is home to numerous gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses as well as a large percentage of the city’s gay residents.
Alexander’s rooms are non-smoking; all with private bath and wireless Internet access. Onsite there is a small fitness center and comfy lounge where the daily breakfast buffet and 24-hour fresh fruit and snacks are found. The staff will make you feel like you just returned home and will be happy to update you on the latest places to see and be seen.
3 pm: Museum Touring
You’re almost guaranteed to see someone running up the stairs of Philadelphia Museum of Art to reenact the famous scene from Rocky. But this world-class museum has much more to offer than serving as an ad hoc Stairmaster. Since the Museum’s founding in 1876, its renowned collections have grown to include more than 225,000 objects.
The collections range from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including celebrated masterpieces such as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Cézanne’s Large Bathers, to works by the great 19th-century Philadelphia gay artist, Thomas Eakins.
Adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the Rodin Museum, with its elegant gardens and stunning Beaux-Arts. It contains 127 bronzes, marbles, plasters, terra cottas and waxes, representing every aspect of the artist’s career and all his major projects. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is also worth a visit. The Institute is hosting Galileo the Medici & the Age of Astronomy, an 'out-of-this world' exhibit that includes one of the two remaining Galileo telescopes, which runs through September 7, 2009.
7 pm: Dining BYOB-Style
Fresh squeezed lime, blood orange puree and fresh mint is just one of the unique margarita mixes that Lolita offers. What it does not offer; however, is the tequila, you need to supply your own. Lolita, serving amazing contemporary Mexican fare, is one of more than 200 BYOB restaurants in Philadelphia.
Chef Marcie Turney is the owner of Lolita, along with her partner in life and business, Valerie Safran, and believes the "bring your own" format gives her one less thing to worry about among the many demands of running a restaurant. Turney says she welcomes the extra time to concentrate on her cooking, which includes such wonder dishes as shiitake mushrooms and cheese enchiladas with chipotle marinated shrimp. If Mexican is not your taste, just across the street is Turney and Safran's new Indian restaurant, Bindi.
9:30 pm: Did I Hear Cocktails?
Woody’s is an institution among Philadelphia’s many gay bars and clubs. Open since 1980 and recently remodeled, the two level complex includes multiple bars and a large dance floor. And while Woody’s serves as a favorite meeting spot for mostly gay men, lesbians will be pleased to know there is a place just for them. A rarity among many city’s, Sisters caters to Philadelphia fabulously queer ladies seven days a week. Downstairs features a giant oval bar and a restaurant. The basement pool area offers a chill out space and the upstairs dance floor rocks to the latest billboard hits.
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Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
10 am: Where Freedom Rings
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s an easy walk to Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park that offers 55 acres of insight into the birth of the United States. The park is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the site where the Declaration of Independence was first adopted and the U.S. Constitution was written. Another key component is the National Constitution Center, recently built to celebrate the document through interactive, multimedia exhibits. The Constitution Center’s inclusive content notes the document’s impact on the rights of gays and lesbians and other minorities.
12:30 pm: Wit or Wit Out?
Who would think that a simple sandwich of thinly sliced steak could so define a city, but it certainly has for Philadelphia. Two of the city’s best known places for cheesesteak are Pat’s King of Steaks, which started the phenomena in 1930, and its rival Geno’s Steaks, which opened in 1966. The two restaurants are located across the street from each other on 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue. Ordering a cheesesteak is an artform. First you must decide if you want it "wit" or "wit out" onions and the type of cheese you want on it. Cheez Wiz is the preferred topping of choice for many but American and provolone is also popular. Ordering Swiss cheese is a big no-no.
2 pm: Seeking Treasure
Pine Street between 9th and 12th Streets is known as Antiques Row, where you’ll find a wealth of stores featuring antiques and collectibles. You will want to be sure to stop by Twist, which carries new and vintage furniture and accessories, and the cool modern style of the Seraphin Gallery.
6:30 pm: Dinner, Show and Dancing
Serving contemporary American dishes, Knock is a local favorite that will make any visitor feel welcomed. It offers a festive bar in the front and a stylish relaxed rear dining room. From Knock, you can head to one of Philadelphia’s many performing arts space, such as the architecturally stunning Kimmel Center, home to the city’s orchestra and ballet company, or the Prince Music Theatre, which showcases the American Music Theater Festival as well as a venue for the city’s International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. After the show, it will be just the right time to head back to Alexander Inn to grab a quick disco nap and change clothes before heading out for some late night dancing. The dance floor at Pure doesn’t even begin to get pumping until after midnight on Saturday nights.
Sunday
11 am: Chihuahua with OJ
You won’t want to sleep-in too late after partying on Saturday night if you expect to get a seat at Sabrina’s Café. With a location in Philadelphia’s Italian Market neighborhood, this cozy restaurant is the city’s hot spot for Sunday brunch. The Barking Chihuahua might sound more like a mixed drink than a breakfast dish but it’s actually scrambled eggs, black beans, red peppers and cheese rolled in a tortilla and topped with sour cream and a spicy tomato sauce. Creative - but tasty - cooking is the name of the game here.
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