Entitled "Donovan McNabb’s Weekend with the Guys," the tour is concentrated largely in Old City, where McNabb encourages visitors to explore the vast dining and nightlife scene, including Bluezette, 32, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar and World Fusion. According to the Eagles’ number five, no weekend with the boys is complete without a little sports action. Not only does McNabb promote his own team, but he also suggests that fans check out one of the city’s other professional sports teams. In true Philly fashion, the Chicago native warns visitors not to miss out on a cheesesteak, a run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps Rocky Balboa-style and a trip to the Liberty Bell Center.
Donovan McNabb’s Weekend with the Guys
Night One
Check into the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, and head right to the 33rd floor, where you’ll get an awesome view of City Hall. Once you’re settled, hail a cab to Old City, just a few blocks east, for dinner. There are plenty of spots to choose from here, but be warned: If it’s the weekend, you’ll need to make reservations. Old City is one happening neighborhood. One of my favorite places to eat is Bluezette for some serious soul food. (Oprah’s a fan too! How could we both be wrong?) If you’re up for some after-dinner drinks, stop by 32 on 2nd Street, and get ready to party.
Day One
It’s a given: Every weekend with the guys must include a sporting event. Lucky for you, Philadelphia has nine professional teams. If you’re here in fall or winter, plan on checking out my guys, the Eagles, at the new Lincoln Financial Field. If it’s spring or summer, snag tickets for a Phillies’ game at Citizens Bank Park, another brand new spot. And, don’t forget the Flyers (hockey), Sixers (basketball), Kixx (indoor soccer), Soul (arena football) and other teams that play in South Philly at the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum, home to the Rocky and Dr. J statues. Now that’s a photo op you don’t want to miss.
Night Two
Time to head back to my favorite neighborhood, Old City, to refuel. There’s no better place to do that than at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar. Not only will you feel like you’re in Old Havana (or on an amazing movie set), but you’ll eat in high Cuban style, feasting on authentic dishes such as empanadas, black bean hummus and ropa vieja. On weekend evenings, stick around for the salsa dancing show. Then, continue the night a few blocks away at World Fusion. And, if (or should I say when?) the late-night munchies hit, remember that the city’s rival cheesesteak joints (Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s) are open 24/7.
Day Two
Reserve your second day in town for checking out some classic Philly icons. Of course, no trip to the city is complete without a stop at the Liberty Bell Center. Seeing the Bell in its new home is a real treat - one sure to leave you feeling patriotic. Your next stop is uptown, and it’s at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can (and should) run up the steps Rocky Balboa-style. Then, head inside to see one of the most amazing art collections in the world.
Attractions
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market Street
(215) 627-1200
Bluezette
246 Market Street
(215) 627-3866
32
16 S. 2nd Street
(215) 627-3132
Lincoln Financial Field
One Lincoln Financial Field Way
(215) 463-5500
Citizens Bank Park
One Citizens Bank Way
(215) 463-1000
Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum
3601 S. Broad Street
(215) 336-3600
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
10 S. 2nd Street
(215) 627-0666
World Fusion
123 Chestnut Street
(215) 629-1100
Pat’s King of Steaks
1237 E. Passyunk Avenue
(215) 468-1546
Geno’s
1219 S. 9th Street
(215) 389-0659
Liberty Bell Center
Market Street between 5th & 6th Streets
(215) 965-2305
Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
(215) 763-8100
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) builds the region’s economy and image through destination marketing to increase the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county region. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.