November

The perfect getaway weekend in Philadelphia is during Thanksgiving. If you are not going home for the holidays I have the perfect itinerary for you. It will probably be less stressful as well, then going to a relative’s house. I know how hectic family dinners can get. I sometimes wish I could do something fun with friends or my boyfriend instead.

On Thursday, the day of thanksgiving, Philadelphia has the annual Thanksgiving Parade. This parade is the country’s oldest and the best! The parade is fantastic; I went last year with friends and had an amazing time. After the parade, I would suggest strolling down to the Reading Terminal Market where you can get apple cider and apple cider doughnuts. Yum! The Amish that come down to this market make the apple cider fresh everyday. Later that night I would suggest going out to one of the many amazing restaurants where Thanksgiving dinner will be served. These places include: Thirteen at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Lacroix at the Rittenhouse Hotel or Tavern 17 at the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel. The next day is Black Friday, which means SHOPPING! The Christmas Village’s opening day is Black Friday. This place will be great for buying trinkets for the holiday season. If you are looking for an array of clothing stores Walnut Street is your answer. The discounts throughout the shops on Walnut Street will be magnificent. After a long day of shopping I suggest making reservations for a massage at either Rescue at the Rittenhouse Spa, Blue Mercury or Adolf Biecker. On Saturday, go to XIX Nineteen at the Hyatt at the Bellevue for the opening reception for the festival of the trees.

On Sunday, conclude your weekend, by going to the Comcast Building and see a free 15-minute 3D show of Christmas lights with traditional holiday music. The show runs between 10a.m-8p.m. I have heard from many of my friends that this is a spectacular sight. You could also end your weekend by being a kid again and seeing Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Logan Square. However, if you are into trains you can go to the Reading Terminal Market where the Holiday Railroad will be set up. It is 500 square feet of model railroad and a third of a mile of track. The train goes through a miniature replication of Philadelphia. This will surely be a fun-filled weekend where you get to experience the beauty of Philadelphia.

October

We got spoiled in September because we have Labor Day weekend. But then, we have a long month of September and in October there are no holidays! Therefore we do not get any days off work! So, I suggest ladies gather up your friends, get a hotel room for the weekend and have fun in your OWN city. Then you can make a mess in the hotel room without worrying about cleaning it up the next morning. This is clearly the best part, no housework.

The average temperature in October is in the high 50’s. This means you can still wear an attractive outfit without it being covered by a bulky coat. I would suggest doing something with the girls the weekend of October 22^nd-24^th. This weekend will be the end of the arts and culture week in Center City. Tickets for events including: theatre, art, music and museums will be half-priced. The Center City Arts and Culture Week starts on October 17^th and runs until October 23^rd. I would suggest getting a room at either Loews Hotel or Downtown Marriott. I would recommend on Friday night, after a long week, go out for happy hour. I believe that the best places would be either XIX for the cocktail specials or Brasserie Perrier for wine specials. These restaurants are also great places to eat so get dinner when you are there.

On Saturday, you and the girls should get tickets and go to a fabulous show or walk around the art museum. I know growing up in Philadelphia it was rare that I would have thought about walking around the Art Museum or going into the Franklin Institute. It is fun ladies! I went there last week with my two best friends and had a blast. Then on Saturday Night, the young professionals network has an Oktoberfest at Noche on 19^th and Chestnut. The event will be held from 9p.m-11p.m and for ten dollars you get to beer taste.

On Sunday you can wake up and go home with lots of fun memories. Take advance of the city you live in. As Madonna says, “Girls just wanna have fun.”

September

Just because Philadelphia is where we live does not mean we cannot enjoy the sights and scenery of this beloved place. During this economic recession, flying to Cancun or Punta Cana is just out of the cards. So lets have fun in our own backyard especially during the fall, there are lots of activities and restaurants have special deals. Rittenhouse Row is the place to stay when coming to Philadelphia. It has unique boutiques, renowned restaurants and historical sites in close proximity.

The end of September marks the beginning of Center City Restaurant Week. During this week participating restaurants including Alma De Cuba, Bleu Martini and Estia are offering three course meals for only $20 for lunch and $35 for dinner. This phenomenal deal will surely make any couple want to go out and grab a bite to eat. Even if you are single, gather a bunch of your girlfriends and go out to some of Philadelphia’s most expensive restaurants. You are going to get the meal of a lifetime for a heavily discounted price! After your meal, head back to one of the classy hotels in Center City Philadelphia. These include the Loews, Hotel Rittenhouse Hotel, Crowne Plaza, The Four Seasons and Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown Hotel. These hotels prices will be lower during the off-season so you are able to enjoy luxury for less. Get a good night sleep because tomorrow morning will be another fun-filled September day in Philadelphia.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at local spots that include: Dutch Eating Place, Ants Pants Café and Café Coco. After a delicious inexpensive breakfast head over to the Franklin Institute (convenient 6 blocks away) where the Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt exhibition is held. The price for a ticket is a bit pricey but it is definitely worth the price. The ticket for an adult between Monday-Thursday is $26.50 and Friday-Sunday is $29.50.

If you are looking for something free the Art Museum is a great place to browse. After the Art Museum, head 18^th and Chestnut where you can have a private stripper pole lesson at Master Jays Moves. This is a fun event to do with girlfriends. Then after a riveting workout

session head over to Parc Bistro and enjoy the savory food. Later that night, go to Lucky Strike and play a round of bowling with a loved one or a group of friends. If you go early enough you can grab the happy hour specials! Just because its September does not mean you cannot have a great weekend with friends or a loved one. Go out and enjoy the spirit of Philadelphia!