Philadelphia: What to Do, Eat, and See While at Summer Nationals

Fireworks at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia, PA, (June 15, 2021) — There’s always a lot going on in Philadelphia.

Being in the birthplace of America around July 4th brings with it amazing opportunities for experiences under the Wawa Welcome America series of events. It’s 16 days of events and activities running from Juneteenth to July 4th, including fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 9:30 to 11:30 on July 4th.

But special events aside, Philadelphia is always a great city for foodies and art lovers.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is always a good idea. After running up the iconic “Rocky” steps, you’ll be treated to a world-class selection of art housed in an incredible building overlooking the Schulykill River and Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row.

Located just down the Parkway is the Barnes Foundation. Once housed in a private home on the Main Line suburbs, this extensive collection is one of the world’s great collections of modern European paintings, assembled by one just man. Make an appointment — it is not to be missed.

The Franklin Institute is a must-see and is a sister museum to Stepping Stones in Norwalk, CT. It offers up exhibits that make science understandable, and interactive, to kids of all ages.

On the food front, there is something for everyone, literally. One standout is Vedge, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that is famous up and down the east coast. A little closer to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the fencing action, is the famous Reading Terminal Market. It is filled with food stalls that serve freshly prepared foods as well as stalls that allow you to buy farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and even meats.

Strategically located around the city on just about every block is Wawa. It’s the local version of your everything store, but with coffee that people drive out of their way for and made-to-order sandwiches that have inspired an annual “Hoagiefest,” this place is so much more.

Pat’s Cheesesteak

Everyone has their own favorite place for cheesesteaks. There’s Pat’s King of Steaks (the OG and inventor of the cheesesteak) and Geno’s Steaks across the street from each other in South Philly. Some swear by Jim’s on South Street (walkable from the Convention Center). True purists know it’s John’s Roast Pork that makes the best in the city, though its neighbor Frizwit! is giving John’s a run for the money. None of these places are fancy, but truth be told, they’re all delicious.

Here more TMFC member and staff favorites:

• Zack Brown: Graffiti Pier is a cool artsy thing to visit. People have spray-painted over every single surface, so there are hundreds of designs from hundreds of artists. It's on private property, but it's open to the public (the last time I went, there was a cop car outside, making sure people were safe).

• Sophie Cannon grew up in the Phila suburbs: The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. Take the Riverlink ferry for even more fun. Her mom, Jen, swears by the burgers at Village Whiskey.

• Fatima Largaespada fenced for Temple University: Dim Sum Garden on Race Street, a short walk from the Convention Center and El Rey for tacos.

• Daniel Mangan often visits his mom’s hometown: Bassett’s ice cream. “If it’s good enough for Obama, it’s good enough for me.” And it’s next to the Convention Center in the Reading Terminal Market.

• Lindsay Stapleton coached at Temple: Old City is “fun to walk around in,” as is the gentrified Fishtown. “It’s artsy, cool, and recently developed.”