Philadelphia is home to some of the most important and fascinating art museums and historic attractions in the country, not to mention a superb (if underrated) dining scene and a rich selection of stylish hotels. Stroll around Independence National Historical Park to admire the buildings in which the founding fathers conceived of the United States, or to wander through Fairmount Park, with its groomed paths meandering along the Schuylkill River. Here’s a blueprint for spending a perfect weekend in the City of Brotherly Love.
Friday evening. On your first night, kick things off with a memorable meal. You’ll find a heady mix of international culinary influences, a dedication on the part of many chefs to sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, and a thriving craft-cocktail and beer scene. Chef and restaurant partners (in business and in life) Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran have made an indelible mark on Philadelphia by opening several outstanding eateries, all of them highly popular with the LGBT community — you might even dine at one of their restaurants each night of your visit, or consider making a progressive dinner one evening by sampling one or two items at a few different spots.