Philly- BSM 09

Regarded as the best farmers' market in America at least in Philadelphia, the Reading Terminal Market is a terrific place to sample all the culinary grandeur Philadelphia has to offer. Experience the traditional cheese steak, a custom-made deli sandwich, or an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch hearty home cooked breakfast prepared by Amish farmers. Aside from the prepared foods, over 80 food merchants purvey fresh fish and meats as well as an assortment of exotic and local fruits and vegetables.

This little hollow across from City Hall is most noteworthy for Robert Indiana's 1978 "Love" sculpture. The piece has become a popular symbol for the "City of Brotherly Love" and its image is plastered all over the city. It's 20-foot-tall appeal lies in its simplicity: The letters L, O, V, E, stacked on top of each other. During a usual lunch hour the park attracts an odd combination of Armani clad businesspeople and skateboarders who skinny-dip their modes of transport in this concrete pond. They're actually fun to watch.

The Atwater Kent Museum is committed to preserving the history of Philadelphia. Objects of every nature are displayed to convey the noteworthy history of Philadelphia since it's founding about 300 years ago, including some exhibits from the 1876 Centennial. The building itself complements the antiquity of its 80,000 items; it was constructed in 1826. Educational programs, tours and special activities are offered. The gift shop carries an assortment of trinkets and souvenirs.

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.