John Costello / The Philadelphia InquirerPhiladelphia is a city that is not only rich in history, but one that is packed with activities and yummy places to grab a bite to eat.
The late night munchies are bitter sweet. It’s something that not everyone wants to attest to, but at 11 o’clock on a Wednesday night, Lorenzo and Son’s pizzeria on South Street offers students some of the most mouth-watering slices of pizza that could make anyone forget they failed a test. While pizza is always a safe bet, no one comes to the city of brotherly love without trying a cheese steak from either Geno’s or Pat’s, both conveniently located on 9th and Passyunk streets.
The hard part is deciding which to go with. Good luck.
If a trip to south Philly sounds a little exhausting, students from neighboring colleges often frequently visut Manayunk, a section of the city that is roughly 20 minutes away from Cabrini. The Manayunk Brewery has great food for low prices; it even has a sushi bar for those who are trying to cut down on the burgers and fries. Le Bus, located on Main Street in Manayunk, is also a good time, and a great place to go on a first date fellas! With reasonable prices and baked goods that are to die for, it is definitely college student friendly.
Known as the birthplace of freedom, Philadelphia offers students a history lesson with attractions like the Liberty Bell, the National Convention center and the Betsy Ross house. Instead of reading about it in the text books, visitors should stop by Washington Square to listen to story tellers about the city’s history while enjoying a nice picnic or game of ultimate frisbee.
During the Halloween season, the Eastern State Penitentiary, a historic prison most famous for believing that solitary confinement was the ultimate reformation plan, opens its doors as the “Terror behind the walls.” But, don’t let the fear factor keep you from grabbing a few friends and visiting this historical site, the prison offers day tours as well.
Penn’s Landing is also a great spot to spend some free time because there’s always an event or concert going on that is likely to be open to the public. For more information on upcoming events, visit the location’s website at www.pennslandingcorp.com
Biking and rollerblading are great for those who want to stay active while at school and in Philadelphia, Kelly Drive is a popular choice to hang out while you work out. If biking and blading seem a little bland, visitors can also try kayaking or canoeing along Kelly Drive, located on the Schuylkill River.
When the weather gets a little colder, there are fewer outdoor activities to do in the city; however a trip to the Philadelphia Art Museum or the Ben Franklin Institute are decent options, especially when there are traveling exhibits in town.
College Day on the Parkway, an event that opens the doors of galleries and museums to college students usually takes placae on the last Saturday in Sept. This year, it will take on Saturday, Sept. 29.
Visit websites like gophila.com and philly.com for special events, restaurants and all of the on-the- spot, must-know information before heading downtown. Don’t forget to visit ticketmaster.com for information on all concerts and sporting events as well.
Enjoy your stay and welcome to Philadelphia.
