If you haven’t visited the City of Brotherly Love before, you’re in for an amazing time! Known for Benjamin Franklin and BYOB’s, not only does this city have unbeatable museums and historic sites, but it is also know as a well-known foodie destination. No list would ever be complete, but here are some top sights and eating establishments worth your spare time as you dash between EDVOTEK professional development workshops, sessions, and the Exhibitor Hall!
Time for Sightseeing?
- If you go to Philadelphia, but miss out on seeing the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall, were you actually there? Philly is drowning in American Revolution & Founding Father nostalgia…so make sure you follow their footsteps and take those tours! Other highlights include the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, and Christ Church Burial Ground.
- So.Many.Museums! If you’re looking to add an extra side of science to your trip..consider The Franklin Institute or The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Or if you want to do your best Rocky impersonation, jog the steps of the The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Other options include the The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia or the Philadelphia Zoo (America’s First Zoo!).
- Visit the iconic LOVE Sculpture in Love Park (aka John F. Kennedy Plaza)…it’s one of the City of Brotherly Love’s best known art installations!
- If you have the time, take a stroll through Fairmount Park, which straddles both sides of the Schuylkill River. Site of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, Fairmount Park comprises over 2000 acres, and includes Boathouse Row, multiple historic properties, trails, and lots and lots of public art installations.
Where to Eat & Drink:
- No trip to Philly is complete without trying a famous Philly Cheesesteak. Your mileage may vary, but the two most well-known & popular shops are Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, both located in South Philly. I’m partial to Pat’s (the self-proclaimed original) and don’t forget to order “wit” or “wit-out!”
- The famous indoor farmer’s market, Reading Terminal Market, is just steps from the convention center and can satisfy any and all food cravings. There’s a little bit of everything, from baked goods to flowers, sandwiches to Caribbean cuisine, and juice bars to ice cream. Take your time wandering the food stalls and find your perfect meal.
- McGillin’s Old Ale House is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia! Opening its doors in 1860, the tavern continues to play a large part in local Philadelphia celebrations, including the Eagles Super Bowl Parade in 2025.
- Honorable Mentions include Monk’s Cafe (a personal favorite) which has an extensive beer list, classic soda fountain joint The Franklin Fountain, and Dim Sum Garden (all the soup dumplings).
Philadelphia is the perfect walkable city with endless activities and places to explore, so we hope that you take a little time outside of the convention center and enjoy your time visiting (after attending one of EDVOTEK’s workshops, of course!)
Follow this space for weekly posts on our upcoming March NSTA Philadelphia Workshops! See below for our most recent entries:
- Put the M Into STEM: Quantitative Techniques for the Biotech Lab (this workshop will be run on Thursday, 3/27 at 2:20PM in Room #102A)
- Color Your Classroom: Engaging Students with Bacteria and Bio-Art! (this workshop will be run on Friday, 3/28 at 8AM in Room #103C)
The Official Blog of Edvotek® 
1 comment
Comments are closed.