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Explore, Discover, Escape – Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, may not be a sea-side vacation destination (although there are some spectacular river views), but with all of its history and charm, Philadelphia still makes a pretty novel destination to explore, discover, and escape.

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Where to Stay:

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While Philadelphia boasts a selection of top-notch, 5-star hotels, The Rittenhouse Hotel exudes classic luxury, and it located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, which has been dubbed the Central Park of Philadelphia.  Surrounded by some of the finest restaurants in Philadelphia, and in walking distance of beautiful antique shops on Pine, high-end designer stores on Walnut, and outdoor shops along the Square, its location couldn’t be more ideal.

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When you leave the hotel you’ll be immersed in the action and liveliness of Philadelphia.  Wear something comfortable, I suggest the Silk Color Block Tunic with a flirty lace skirt peeking out underneath, and bring a tote bag for all the goodies you may pick up while shopping.  Be sure to equip it with a spare pair of flats since you’ll be doing a lot of walking.  Explore the park across the street with a bagel from Le Bus, and stop by Parc for their delicious a french onion soup for a quick lunch to fuel your shopping adventures.

Where to Eat:

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You could throw a stone and find a great restaurant in Philly, but if you’re looking for a more unique dining experience, stop by the Reading Terminal Market, a downtown farmer’s market where you’ll find baked goods, artesian cheeses, gourmet delicacies, seafood and meats as far as the eye can see.  While you’re at it, you might as well have an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak, a trademark of Philadelphia.  You’ll find a lot of debate over who serves the best version, but the leaders tend to fall on Pat’s King of Steaks, and it’s across the street neighbor, Geno’s Steaks, located in the Italian Market.  Make sure you take the time to read the “rules” of ordering though, or you’ll find yourself hungry.

What to See:

There is so much to see in Philadelphia!  There are the usual stops to tour if you’re a history lover, like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Constitution Center, but you’ll also want to stroll along the cobble streets in Olde City, where you can indulge in outdoor date night drinks before taking in an independent film at the old Ritz Five theater.

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For date night exploring around Olde City, tuck in your Silk Color Block Tunic and throw on a midi skirt.

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Stroll along the Schuylkill River where you’ll catch a glimpse of the rowers on the river, the beautiful architecture of historic Boathouse Row, and the four-acres of picturesque Azalea Gardens behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  While you’re at the Museum of Art, don’t forget to run the steps the way Rocky did, and of course, visit the stunning exhibits.  This is also a prime spot to view Philadelphia’s beloved Benjamin Franklin atop of City Hall.

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The Washed Linen Sweater is so light-weight, you’ll want to wrap it around your waist in case it gets chilly walking along the water.  Since the museums are all heavily air-conditioned, throw on your Washed Linen Sweater with a lacy skirt for a summer-appropriate, all white ensemble, that will help fend off the chill so you can enjoy the art and culture.