fun in philly this sunday?

November 2, 2006 1:37 PM

i am taking an unplanned visit to philadelphia THIS SUNDAY and i was wondering if anyone in philly knew of anything particularly fun/cool/artsy/weird/foodie going on? i may also try to stay for monday.

i'll be in the center city area, but i will have a car with me. also, anyone know a cool downtown hotel i might book that won't break the bank?
thanks!

posted by metasav to travel & transportation (20 comments total)

Try Priceline for a hotel. You might be able to get a decent place for as little as $50. If not priceline, check here.

As for food, try the food events listing from Philly Weekly. (Their regular events listing is pretty good also.) GoPhila.com has some ideas too.
posted by tozturk at 1:48 PM on November 2, 2006

I loved The Mutter Museum
posted by cocoagirl at 1:49 PM on November 2, 2006

Oops, I also forgot. Philadelphia Magazine usually has some things to do, but it looks like there's nothing for this Sunday.
posted by tozturk at 1:55 PM on November 2, 2006

Ooh, seconding the Mutter Museum!
posted by trishthedish at 2:10 PM on November 2, 2006

I really recommend the food at Lolita (BYOB), Audrey Claire (BYOB), and Friday Saturday Sunday (not-BYOB).
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:23 PM on November 2, 2006

the Institute of Contemporary Art is usually always interesting, but it's a very small museum. And drinking a PBR while watching Nate Wiley and the Crowdpleasers at Bob and Barbara's is among my quintessential Philly experiences.
posted by gnutron at 2:23 PM on November 2, 2006

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is open free ("pay what you wish") on Sundays.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:27 PM on November 2, 2006

No visit to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to Pat's King of Steaks. I drool at the prospect.
posted by roue at 3:06 PM on November 2, 2006

And since there has been a Pat's post, I must now post the obligatory Geno's post. It's right across the corner from Pat's.
Both claim to be the best.
Why not do a taste test and put the competition to rest??
Hope you have a great time in Philly!
posted by NoraCharles at 3:15 PM on November 2, 2006

+1 Mutter Museum.
posted by adamrice at 4:00 PM on November 2, 2006

FRANKLIN INSTITUTE

Seriously, it's amazing how, despite the fact that we all went as kids and loved the place, it's still pretty awesome as an adult. SCIENCE!
posted by DoctorFedora at 4:15 PM on November 2, 2006

Second the Franklin Institute. They have an IMAX theater there if you're not interested in the exhibits, but you really need to see the "perpetual motion" machine they have (is it still there?). That, and they usually have temporary exhibits most of the year (I remember one on the science of Star Trek, and another on bicycle history).

Check out South Street. Lots of kooky (and kinky) shops along the 5 blocks or so near the water. Condom Kingdom is a must if you go there.

Penn's Landing is just about at the end of South Street. There are some restaurants, a Dave and Buster's, etc.

You could also cross the bridge in to Camden and go to the Aquarium. The USS New Jersey is parked right outside, too.
posted by backseatpilot at 4:50 PM on November 2, 2006

Screw cheesesteak. Go get a sandwich at Sarcone's. Absolutely the most amazing bread roll I've ever had in my whole entire life, ever.

Hotels -- the Alexander Inn looks nice from the outside when I walk past. It's in the gay neighborhood in Center City and it's not unreasonably priced at all.
posted by footnote at 4:54 PM on November 2, 2006

Another food recommendation -- you'll have to drive -- The Standard Tap.
posted by footnote at 4:56 PM on November 2, 2006

Lots of advice in previous threads.

Ansill just got written up in Esquire. Also newer and noteworthy in the small plates/tapas category: Gayle and Amada. I really really love Southwark, also.

If you want an actually-good cheesesteak, as opposed to the kind you get at 4 am, go to Tony Lukes. Or better, get the roast pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe.

For artsy, I gotta put in a plug for Mum Puppetheatre, who do some really neat stuff.
posted by desuetude at 4:58 PM on November 2, 2006

Definitely the Franklin Institute. Never been to the Mutter, but hear it's cool.

Comfort Inn on Columbus Blvd/Delaware Ave is pretty affordable. Staying RIGHT in CC is pretty pricey. Club Quarters often has deals on hotels.com or priceline. It's in the heart of things.

You could check out Robin's Books or Giovanni's Room if you're into indy book stores.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 5:01 PM on November 2, 2006

How weird/fun/artsy are you looking for? How old are you?
posted by larva at 6:52 PM on November 2, 2006

um...thanks for all the suggestions!! to larva, i'm 30. so, to me that means i'm still up for punk rock, or a weird s/m dive, or the opera, or a good wine bar, a gallery show or the best neighborhood to see street art. ya dig?
posted by metasav at 12:13 AM on November 3, 2006

Well, there's NERDCON! at the Rotunda. Then there's a DIY show at DANGER DANGER if you are interested in experiencing the Philly Underground Scene! Good luck :)
posted by larva at 11:59 AM on November 3, 2006

If you like wine bars, check out Tria.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:09 PM on November 3, 2006