Heading to Philadelphia and confused as to what to do? Look no further! They say traveling to any city requires research, and the best advice usually comes from a local. So, we’ve brought you some things that locals advise should be at the top of your list of attractions in Philly:
Philadelphia Museum of Art:
Take inspiration from the fictional Philly boxer, Rocky Balboa, and head up the stairs leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Here, you get to see artworks throughout the years through some 200 galleries. Some landmarks to keep in mind are the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris), the Frank Gehry-redesigned western entrance, and the Marcel Duchamp rooms.
Franklin Institute
Featuring a larger-than-life model of the beating heart, the Franklin Institute is a great place to start your Philly tour. Apart from being a right of passage for the native school children, this museum has fun activities and rotating exhibits to help explore electricity, physics, space, and technology.
Reading Terminal Market
Home to the country’s oldest continuously-operating indoor market, the Reading Terminal makes for a traveler’s attraction. Try to get there early to avoid the lunch rush, and take your time experiencing the plethora of offerings. Browse through the market and put together your own assortment from food standouts like the Guatemalan street food from El Merkury, the soft pretzels from Miller’s Twist, and much more.
The LOVE Statue
The most recognizable public art piece in the city, the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, makes for an Instagram-worthy post. Make your way to the JFK Plaza, which is more commonly known as Love Park, and click a photo to commemorate your visit.
The Barnes
Catering to the art connoisseur, the Barnes houses the largest collection of artwork by the French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Thanks to the work of the late scientist Albert C. Barnes, you can now see this collection along with a number of modern, post-impressionist, and impressionist pieces. Some highlights of the Barnes also include the works of Picasso, Matisse, and Van Gogh, among others.
Zagar’s Magic Gardens
Started in 1991, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens contains indoor and outdoor art exhibits carefully curated by the artist Isaiah Zagar. Using daily items like bicycle wheels, bottles, etc., he made the breathtaking handmade mosaics there. Visiting with kids? Grab a scavenger hunt sheet and have fun exploring the gardens!
Head to These 4 Places in North America for a Ski Trip With Your Girlfriends
Girls’ ski trips are a perfect way to spend time with your girlfriends. Whether it’s sharing the slopes or a night out on the town, girls’ ski trips can be a lot of fun. If you and your gal pals are also planning a ski trip this year, here are the four best places in North America to go.
Breckenridge, Colorado
This is one of those places that has it all for a snowy girls’ ski trip. Breckenridge is located in the Rocky Mountains and has many other activities to do besides skiing. There are several places around the town where you can go skiing, including Copper Mountain, Vail, and Keystone Ski Resort. If you’re looking to do something else during your trip, there are also plenty of things to do, like hiking and mountain biking.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
It’s one of the most popular destinations for a ladies ski trip. The town is filled with luxurious lodges and resorts, as well as some of the best ski runs in North America. If you’re looking for an epic girls’ ski trip destination, we recommend Jackson Hole because it’s located right on the Continental Divide in Grand Tetons National Park — home to spectacularly beautiful peaks like Grand Teton and Mount Moran!
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain is located in Southern California and offers some of the world’s best backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Mammoth Mountain opened in 1967 and has since been a popular destination for skiers from around the world. The resort boasts over 1,000 acres of terrain, including several runs that are rated among the steepest in North America. Mammoth Mountain also offers a wide variety of ski programs for all levels of skiers, including lessons, group courses, and private lessons.
Whistler, Canada
Whistler is a winter wonderland with all the snow sports you could hope for. There are over 100 ski lifts in Whistler and the longest run on Blackcomb Mountain is almost 16 kilometers. The area offers a wide variety of terrain, from groomed runs to backcountry powder, and there are tons of options for activities like après and nightlife. The town itself is small enough that you can walk everywhere, but it’s also big enough that there’s always something new to discover if you spend some extra time exploring! If you want to get out of town for a day or two, we recommend hiking up Blackcomb Mountain or taking a short scenic drive up Highway 99 through Osoyoos Lake Provincial Park.