Weekend in Philadelphia one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Wander among the 40-plus galleries in the Old City neighborhood (between Front and Third, and Market and Vine streets) on the first Friday evening of every month from 5-9 p.m.; www.phillyfunguide.com.
Getting there: One-way rates from $122 with a two-week advance purchase notice. Frequent daily nonstop service from AirTran, Delta, US Airways.
BUDGET
Eat: The masses choose their Philly cheesesteak sandwiches from rivals Geno's Steaks (1219 S. Ninth St., 215-389-0659, www.genosteaks.com) or Pat's King of Steaks (1237 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-468-1546, www.patskingofsteaks.com). Both are located at the corner of South Ninth Street and Passyunk Avenue. Only two words are necessary to order: your cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and "wit" or "wit-out" onions.
Stay: The new downtown Home2 Suites is steps away from the Reading Terminal Market, Chinatown, Metro and mainline train stations, shopping and dining. Spacious studios or one-bedroom suites feature movable furniture, a work space, living area with a sofa bed and a fully equipped kitchen. Amenities include a saline pool and a Spin2Cycle concept fitness/laundry area. Rates from $132 include complimentary breakfast (with many breakfast options) and Wi-Fi. 1200 Arch St. 215-627-1850, http://home2suites3.hilton.com/en/index.html.
Experience: Free Tours by Foot offers "name-your-own-price" walking tours. A four-hour "Real Philadelphia Tour" combines history, food, culture and a mural tour all in one. Advance reservations required; www.freetoursbyfoot.com. The best-known of Rodin's works, "The Thinker," sits outside the Rodin Museum in the entry courtyard. This intimate museum exhibits some of the world's most renowned masterpieces of sculpture, including more than 140 bronzes, marbles and plasters representing each phase of Auguste Rodin's career ($8 admission suggested). Don't miss the garden, which recently underwent a three-year rejuvenation (free year-round). 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 215-763-8100, www.rodinmuseum.org.
MODERATE
Stay: The sophisticated Sofitel Philadelphia blends French elegance with American style and is minutes from historic attractions and near Rittenhouse Square, which serves as the cornerstone of the new French Quarter. The hotel recently debuted a Rodin-inspired renovation with soft-colored guest rooms featuring custom-made carpets, drapes and feathertop beds. From $156. 120 S. 17th St. 215-569-8300, www.sofitel-philadelphia.com.
Eat: Beautiful food and ambiance meet at Talula's Garden. Unique is the chic decor and a pink granite cheese bar with the best "blues" described in detail by the owner. Seasonally inspired dishes (Local Brook Trout and Smokey Bacon, Crisp Brussels Sprouts, Parsnip Cream, Lemon, Cipollini Onion, and Bacon Vinaigrette) from $27-$30; Sunday brunch $9-$21. 210 W. Washington Square. 215-592-7787, www.talulasgarden.com.
Experience: The Brandywine River Museum is housed in a renovated 1864 gristmill on a stunning nature preserve. The museum is internationally known for its collection of works by three generations of Wyeths (the Andrew Wyeth gallery will be closed Oct. 21) and its collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting; $12. Outdoors, wildflower gardens surround the museum in glorious color from spring through autumn. Take a shuttle bus from the museum to the N.C. Wyeth house and studio, open through mid-November, $8 (under 6 not permitted). 100 Creek Road, Chadds Ford. 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org.
SPLURGE
Stay: The luxurious Loews Philadelphia, located in the heart of the city, has been recognized as one of the "World's Best" by Travel + Leisure readers. On site is the upscale, hip SoleFood Restaurant and Lounge, a full-service spa/salon, a cardio center and a two-lane heated lap pool. Rates from $209. 1200 Market St. 215-627-1200, www.loewshotels.com.
Eat: The City Tavern served many noteworthy guests in the 18th century such as Paul Revere and John Adams (established 1773). Today this refined spot serves craft beers and Colonial-inspired dishes (Colonial Turkey Pot Pie, $22) with a side of American history. Entrees $18-$35. 138 S. Second St. 215-413-1443, www.citytavern.com. Note: As a concessionaire of the National Park Service, the restaurant is closed during government shutdown.
Experience: Once a string of market sheds for farmers and food purveyors in the middle 19th century, today the Reading Terminal offers a vast selection of baked goods, meats, poultry, seafood, produce, flowers, ethnic foods, Amish specialties and eclectic restaurants — and it's a great spot to shop for unique, handmade pottery, jewelry and crafts from around the world. 51 N. 12th St. 215-922-2317, www.readingterminalmarket.org. The Franklin Institute, named after the noted American scientist and statesman Benjamin Franklin, is one of the oldest and premier centers of science education in the nation with three centers: the Science Center, the Franklin Center, and the Center for Innovation in Science Learning. It also houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial; $16.50. 222 N. 20th St. 215-448-1200, http://www2.fi.edu.
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