Destination: Philadelphia

Independence Mall

WHY VISIT?

If you want to learn what has shaped this country and made it into what it is today, there's no better place to start than in its birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The list of city's "firsts" is as long as the lines for its famous cheesesteaks.

Did you know Philadelphia was the first capital of the U.S.?  (From 1790-1800) Or that the city is home to the first public grammar school, brick building, public library, hospital, public bank, and American flag?

The "City of Brotherly Love" is an easy weekend getaway only a 2 hour drive from New York and less than 3 hours from Washington, D.C. It's also easy to get to using the Philadelphia International Airport or Amtrak.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

The line to see the Liberty Bell looks long, but it moves very quickly.

Make sure to stay in the downtown or "Center City" area. It won't be hard because most of the hotels are located here.

Philly is a very walkable city; You really don't need a rental car here. Know there is a subway system and taxis are reasonably priced.

The subway has two lines: Market-Frankford line (Blue) runs east to west and the Broad Street line runs north to south. Both intersect at City Hall for free transfers.

The cheapest and easiest way to get from the airport to city center is the SEPTA R1 train line. It runs every 30 minutes (from 6 AM to midnight) - which is much faster than waiting for a taxi. You can not buy tickets in advance. Board the train and pay your $7/each to the ticket taker. The train makes 4 stops: University City (University of Pennsylvania campus), 30th Street Station (connect to AMTRAK, and convenient to Drexel University), Suburban Station (17th & JFK), and Market East (a few blocks east of City Hall).

If you chose a taxi from the airport, plan on paying the flat rate of $28.50 + $1/each person over 12 years old. No additional charges for baggage.

Spring, Summer & Fall are good times of the year to visit. I would avoid the 4th of July when crowds swarm the city.

A lot of the restaurants are cash-only. It's worth checking in advance.

Ordering a cheesesteak in Philly can be a stressful event. Be assertive and know what you want before you get to the front of the line.

Typically a Philly cheesesteak is made with beef. So all you need to decide is which toppings you want. First, pick the cheese: Cheez Whiz (a Philly fav), American, or Provolone. Second, onions are the typical topping. If you want these just say "with" (or "wit" if you want to sound like the locals). Other toppings include mushrooms and/or peppers. So if you want it with cheese whiz, onion, & pepper say, "whiz with peppers".

Jim's Steaks

TOP 10 TO SEE & DO:

1. Cheesesteak

There are few things Philadelphians take more seriously than this. The debate lives on as to which one is the city's best, but honestly, you can't go wrong. Forget the menu and follow the lead of locals when ordering (see intructions above). Try Jim's (conviently located at 4th & South Streets) or drive south to Pats (Near 9th & Passyunk) or it's archrival across the street at Geno's (Near 9th & Passyunk).

Independence Hall

2. Independence Hall

Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building. If you are able, make reservations in advance (link below). The nearby visitor center can help with maps, questions, and/or bathroom breaks. Open 9 AM - 5PM, 364 days a year (excluding Christmas).

Liberty Bell

3. Liberty Bell

Easy to visit and free. You'll have to be aggressive and quick to get that Kodak moment with the iconic symbol of freedom, liberty and justice that rang summoning Philadelphians to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. A visit here usually takes less than 30 minutes.

4. Rocky

Drink some raw eggs, throw on that hooded sweatshirt and run up up the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art just like the legendary movie character did. Don't forget to pose with the statue of him out front and to the right of the museum.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

5. Philadelphia Museum of Art

After you sprint up the stairs, why not go inside and take a peek at America's third-largest art museum. Plan on two hours to do the museum justice. ($14/adults, Closed Monday)

6. Benjamin Franklin grave site

As the saying goes, a penny saved is a penny earned, but a penny tossed on Franklin's grave could mean very good luck! Thousands of tourists do it every year. Visit Christ Church Burial Ground (5th & Arch Streets) only two blocks north of the Liberty Bell.

Citizen Bank Park

7. Citizens Bank Park

Drive or take a cab to root for the Phillies at this old-fashioned ballpark. It's also a great place to grab a cheesesteak at Tony Luke's (near the scoreboard). If you can't get tickets, just grab a beer with Phillies Phanatics at McFadden's right outside the park.

8. South Street (and discovering South Philly)

This neighborhood has a real Bohemian-feel filled with shops, restaurants, & bars. It's also the hotspot for Philadelphia nightlife. I suggest waking up early and walking south on 9th street to the Italian Market (5 blocks south of South Street) for fresh goods like cheeses and breads and delicious cannoli. Geno's & Pat's Cheesteaks are nearby for lunch, as well.

9. City Hall

It's the largest municipal building in all of the U.S. - even larger than the U.S. Capitol. A statue of Philadelphia's founder & architect William Penn adorns the very top. Tour information is in Room 121. An hour and half tour is available starting at 12:30 PM and costs $10, but feel free to go in and just have a look. Head to the observation deck for the best views of the city. (Open 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, M-F, Broad & Market Streets) 


Also, make sure to check out artist Claes Oldenburg’s famous Clothespin out front. You may remember it from the movie "Trading Places".


10. Shane Handcrafted Candies

The oldest candy store in Philadelphia, and it also claims to be the oldest in America (established in 1876) transports you back in time for a sweet treat. 110 Market Street between Front and Second (3 blocks east of the Independence Visitors Center).


DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME:

• Betsy Ross House - Historic Georgian-style home where the first American flag was made pays tribute to the creator of the Stars and Stripes.
• U.S. Mint - Time is money, and it's not worth wasting it here.

USEFUL LINKS:

Map of downtown Philadelphia (PDF)

Independence Hall Reservations
Philadelphia Subway Map

Where to go when you gotta go

This post falls in to the category of things you never knew you couldn't live without!

Check out this new great new website: www.sitorsquat.com

Everything you need on how to know to find a restroom anywhere in the world! The super-helpful website (which has an application for smartphones, too) got a great writeup in the Chicago Tribune.

I still get a kick out of the fact that if you search Venice, Italy - which, in my opinion, is one of the most difficult cities to find a public restroom - only one, count 'em ONE toilet shows up!

But still, a very useful tool if you are on the road or walking an unfamiliar city. Check it out.

Destination: Virgin Islands

WHY VISIT?

Known for their beautiful white sand and bright blue water, the Virgin Islands are a beach-lover's paradise. Sailing, snorkeling, and swimming on the pristine shores make it a great island getaway.

The Virgin Islands are made up of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. I will focus on St. Thomas & St. John, U.S.V.I. However, while you are in the neighborhood make sure you hit up the British Virgin Islands as well. Plan on spending a week in the area.

My biggest complaint with the B.V.I. is the lack of reasonable accommodation. You'll find hotels ranging from 5-star hotels at 5-star prices to unkempt, cheap shacks. There's little in-between. That's why I recommend making St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. your home base and doing day trips or short stays on the neighboring islands.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

The U.S. Virgin Islands are made up of St. Thomas, St. John, & St. Croix. Located about 90 miles east of Puerto Rico.

The British Virgin Islands are made up of Jost Van Dyke (rhymes with "toast"), Tortola, Virgin Gorda, & Anegada (uninhabited). Located just a boat ride east of the U.S.V.I.

English is the spoken language.

Legal drinking age is 18 years.

Water is safe to drink.

U.S. dollars can be used in U.S.V.I. and B.V.I.

Bring your passport. Even though it is a U.S. territory, you will need a passport to return back stateside and/or visit the B.V.I.

St. Thomas & St. Croix both have airports, but it is typically more affordable to fly in to St. Thomas. Many major airlines have non-stops directly from the U.S.

Unlike other U.S. territories, driving is on the left. To add to the confusion, most cars in the U.S.V.I. are imported from the U.S. so the driver's side is also on the left.

Rental cars are not necessary, especially if you are content lying on the beach all day. But if you are looking to explore, it will be more cost-effective to use a rental car rather than a pricier taxi. You will need U.S. drivers license or temporary license to drive here.

You can bargain for most things on the island, except taxis. Use only licensed taxis (clearly labeled). Rates are fixed and prices are charged per person one way, and although the islands are small, it can get expensive quickly.

Taxis here are best described as "safari taxis" (trucks with the flatbed filled with benches). My advice: hold on.

Easy-to-use ferry service from St. Thomas to neighboring islands departs from Red Hook (also known as the East End). See link to schedule below.

Red Hook also has nightlife and restaurants. Catch a taxi ($6/each way from downtown) for a 30 minute to ride. Don't get stuck there though: many taxis won't take you back downtown after 9PM.

The U.S.V.I. do not participate in daylight savings time.

Electrical outlets are the same as in America.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st - November 30th with the highest occurrences of storms in August and September.

TOP 10 TO SEE & DO:

1. Magen's Bay (St. Thomas)
   It doesn't get any better than this! Conde Nast & National Geographic have both named it one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World. Grab a drink or snack from the bar/restaurant near the entrance, rent a chair, and walk down the beach away from the crowds to really enjoy this popular spot. Take a taxi to/from as the roads are extremely narrow and ride like a roller coaster. ($4/adult)

2. Trunk Bay (St. John)
   Bright blue waters and white sand beaches make this one of the most photogenic spots in all the islands. This beach is part of the National Park and is the only one on St. John that costs to enter. ($4/adult) Concessions are limited.
   
   
   
3. Paradise Point Sky Ride (St. Thomas)
   Ride in a gondola (photo above) to 700 feet above (photo below) Charlotte Amalie Harbor. At the top, take in the beautiful views and make sure and sip the island drink the "Bushwhacker". A delicious mix of cream of coconut, Kahlua, black rum, creme de cacao, and milk. (Cost is $21 for adults/$12 for children under 12)
   
   
   
4. Day Trip to the B.V.I. (Virgin Gorda, Marina Cay, Jost Van Dyke)
   Adventure Centers (inside the Marriott's Frenchman's Reef in St. Thomas) will coordinate a day trip for you on the Breakaway boat. The tour includes snacks and open bar, a narrated walking tour of the world-famous and must-do "Baths" on Virgin Gorda. Not recommended for kids. (Cost is $145 for adults + $30 for intl. cruising fees)

5. Soggy Dollar Bar (Jost Van Dyke, BVI)
   Home of the original Painkiller - a secret, island concoction of dark rum, cream of coconut, orange and pineapple juice. As the story goes, this legendary bar was named for a patron who reportedly anchored his boat, swam to shore for a drink, and paid with wet cash. This one is well worth the swim! Still debating whether to go? Check out their live beach camera. It's also worth noting this stop is included on the Breakaway boat trip mentioned above.
   

6. The Baths (Virgin Gorda)
   Giant boulders called batholiths strewn across the beaches were brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. An awe-inspiring, but treacherous 40 minute hike will show you the Baths inside-and-out. I would advise going with a tour-group or someone who knows the ropes.

7. Havana Blue (Inside Marriott's Frenchman's Reef, St. Thomas) & ZoZo's (Cruz Bay, St. John)
   The Virgin Islands are among the most expensive places to eat out, but no more than New York or London. Save up and splurge at one or both of these two favorites. Havana Blue is an open-air, Latin-themed bar/restaurant overlooking the water. Arrive early at ZoZo's and ask for a seat at the bar upstairs for perfect sunset views. Reservations are needed at both.

8. Pink Papaya (St. John)
   A perfect place to get a memorable gift or hand-crafted souvenir. This shop in downtown St. John (near the ferry dock) features original paintings and work from local artists.
   

9. Feed (if you're daring!) or pose with an iguana
   A reptile native to the Caribbean. Baby iguanas are bright green and adults can be dark green, brown or black. An adult iguana can get up to 6 feet long. They can be found in trees eating leaves their favorite food or scurrying on beaches or pavement. Some will approach you at resorts, accustomed to being fed, but do not corner or startle iguanas as they use their tail as a defensive whip.

10. Duffy's Love Shack (St. Thomas) An island legend that is a hot spot for tropical drinks and a real party atmosphere. Bring cash - they don't take credit cards. Open daily from 11:30 AM - 2 AM.

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME:

• Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) - Known as "downtown" this area is typically overrun with tourists off cruise ships. You'll find 300 or so jewelry and other shops (think: Coach, Guess, Ray Ban, etc), but not much you wouldn't find back home.

• Westin Resort (St. John) - A beautiful beach and pool, but a nightmare hotel stay. Avoid. Instead opt for Gallows Point or Caneel Bay Resort on St. John.

USEFUL LINKS:

St. Thomas Hotel

Adventure Center Tours & Day Trips

Ferry Schedule