THE LIST
PHILADELPHIA
| 1 MAGIC GARDENS The maze of mosaics at 1020-1022 South Street sparkles with glittering tesserae and messages like “Philadelphia is the center of the art world,” thanks to the efforts of artist Isaiah Zagar. This breathtaking work of outsider art is even more meaningful because Zagar and the community had to fight to keep the structure from being destroyed. Open daily (March through November) www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org |
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| 2 MANAYUNK In this historic town set along the Schuylkill River, browse trendy boutiques, dozens of furniture stores and art galleries. Cafés, restaurants and bars line Main Street (and parking is free in the orange lots Mondays through Thursdays until 3pm.) www.manayunk.com |
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| 3 READING TERMINAL MARKET This 115-year-old Center City bazaar is always buzzing with vendors selling everything from raw honey and pickles to seafood and candles. Have a meal at the Dutch Eating Place or a scoop from Bassetts Ice Cream, America’s oldest ice cream company. www.readingterminalmarket.org |
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4 PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART Go to see the famous Rocky steps, but stay for the largest collection of works by Marcel Duchamp in the world, as well as modern works and Impressionist paintings (including van Gogh’s Sunflowers). www.philamuseum.org |
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5 HALLS OF HISTORY DID YOU KNOW? ´ From 1790 to 1800, Philadelphia was the capital of the United States. |
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| 6 STEVEN STARR’S RESTAURANT EMPIRE Buddakan may be a smash hit in New York, but the original Philly location deserves attention as well—and so do Starr’s other creations: The Continental (get a load of its fries, right); the futuristic Asian eatery Pod; Alma de Cuba, dishing out modern Cuban food… the list goes on. The French-influenced Parc opened just a few months ago. www.starr-restaurant.com |
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| 7 EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY It’s the perfect month for a fright, and America’s most historic prison can deliver. But this massive complex is a sight to see year-round. Walk the halls, and tour cells, solitary confinement yards, Death Row and Al Capone’s cell. |
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| 8 MONK’S CAFE This Belgian beer emporium can convert even the most dedicated wine drinker. (There’s a reason it’s one of All About Beer’s “Top 10 Places in the World to Have a Beer Before You Die.”) www.monkscafe.com |
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| 9 CHARLIE’S JEANS Sebastian McCall, owner of this Old City denim haven, has a magic touch when it comes to picking the best style (and there are more than 30 premium brands to sift through). www.charliesjeans.net |
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| 10 PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM Learning has never been so fun! On Oct. 18, this renowned children’s museum is being unveiled in its new home in Fairmont Park’s Memorial Hall. Expect imaginative and interactive exhibits that encourage education through play. www.pleasetouchmuseum.org |
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