May Mini Vacation 2009

It is hard to resist "gobbling" up one of Bassett's overstuffed turkey sandwiches. Their fresh turkeys are cooked to the point of culinary mastery. A variety of baked breads that are made on site create the perfect turkey club. If Thanksgiving is just too far away, try one of Bassett's turkey dinners with all the trimmings. Located in the Gallery shopping mall. Bassett's is a great place to stop for lunch while touring or shopping. Eat in, take out, and delivery is available.

The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown commands a towering presence in the heart of America's original capital. Surrounded by rich revolutionary history and culture, this center city hotel exceeds the expectations of both business and leisure travelers. Business guests will enjoy the hotel's close proximity to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and vacationers can take in the sights of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell located within eight blocks. A collection of Philadelphia's finest restaurants are located on-site or within walking distance of the hotel in addition to the city's best shopping and entertainment venues. The hotel is easy to reach by any mode of transportation. Ideal for commuters, the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown is just one mile from the 30th Street Train Station and nine miles from Philadelphia International Airport. In addition to the desirable location, the hotel offers a variety of venues for wedding receptions, meetings, and conferences. The hotel amenities include the gym, whirlpool, swimming pool, sauna, gift shop, florist, hairdressers, and laundry room. Meals can be had at the hotel's Allie's American Grill/Outside Patio, Champions Sports Bar, JW Steakhouse, Starbucks, or through room service. Other service includes valet laundry, concierge services, and valet parking (additional charge per day). The rooms feature high-speed Internet access, work desks, voicemails, dataports, cable TV, weekday newspaper delivery, complimentary coffee, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers.

Philadelphia, the birthplace of modern American democracy, was founded by William Penn in the late 17th century. The city’s name translates to “City of Brotherly Love” and has been a symbol of freedom since its inception. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is the country's fifth-largest city.

Philly’s Old City houses its most historic attractions (the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, Independence Hall), as well as a burgeoning young artist and student community.

Philadelphia is one of America’s most walkable cities, which adds to its tourist appeal. Philly is marked extremely well by “Walk! Philadelphia” signs on each block (sometimes only several feet apart) that guide visitors toward shopping, dining, art galleries, cultural attractions and public transportation. Visit the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, home to many museums such as the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (from the Rocky movies).

Philadelphia has the largest collection of public art in America, courtesy of the city’s innovative Mural Arts Program, designed to stop graffiti and enliven the city’s buildings. Other notable public art includes the many glass mosaics found throughout the city; a sampling can be seen on South Street east of Broad.

The interiors of Morimoto team the effects of light with glass and cutting-edge furniture to create a truly unique ambiance. Apart from the main dining room, you can choose to sit in the lounge at the mezzanine level, or in the Omakase Room. Try the Chef's Choice Menu (a multi-course tasting menu), or go a la carte with dishes like the Rock Shrimp Tempura, and Morimoto Sashimi. For the more adventurous, visit the Raw Bar or the Sushi Bar - you won't be disappointed. Special drinks like Kyuri Martini and Greenterni (grapefruit vodka and green tea syrup) put the perfect spin on your meal, and a wide range of delicious desserts is also available.

The rum is never gone at the Rum Bar lounge. Over 80 kinds of rum, an astonishing array of other spirits, and a knowledgeable bartending staff bring you a great place for groups, to party or just relax. And with a nice variety of hot and cold Caribbean-style tapas, you won't go hungry either. Located about four blocks south of Market street, it's an easy walk to and from public transit. Eye-patches and peg-legs welcome.

The barbequed steaks have the very obvious southern flavor stamped all over them. And from the sea produce, the Blackened Catfish can charm every fish monger. In the cocktails department, Savannah dares going sensuous with the Sexual Chocolate Martini. While the red walls and strategic lighting give the place a feisty look, don't miss the almost ellipse shaped mirror; check yourself in it before your date pops up!