Orlando City looks to stay on top of the Eastern conference leaderboard as they travel to face conference foe Philadelphia Union Friday night. While you’re there take advantage of the city’s rich history and local fare.
The Venue
The Philadelphia Union calls Talen Energy Stadium home, a 18,500 seat soccer-specific stadium located in Chester, Pennsylvania. The stadium stands right next to the Delaware River with views of the Commodore Barry Bridge. The official supporter group for the Philadelphia Union is Sons of Ben, who helped establish the momentum leading to the creation of the Philadelphia Union of MLS.
Sights to See
Independence Hall
Take in a bit of our country’s history with a stop at Independence Hall, one of the most historical landmarks in the United States. The Declaration of Independence was signed in this building on July 4, 1776. This is also the site where the American Flag was first unveiled in 1777, and ten years after that, the US Constitution was drafted in this building.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Atop the seventy-two steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art sit the bronze footprints that commemorate where icon Rocky Balboa completed his fist-pumping training sessions. So what better time than now to reenact the famous scene? Please take a video and it them to me.
Wells Fargo Center
If you’re looking for something to do Thursday or Saturday why not go watch some hockey before the NHL heads into the postseason? The Flyers are set to host the Maple Leafs on Thursday and the Penguins on Saturday for their last home games of the season.
Restaurants and Bars
Pat’s & Geno’s
If you go to Philly and don’t eat a cheesesteak, does the trip really count? Pat’s and Geno’s isn’t one cheesesteak shop, they are actually two competitors across the street from each other. Pat’s claim to fame is that it’s founder, Pat Olivieri, created the cheesesteak sandwich back in 1930, so it is the oldest cheesesteak in Philly. Geno’s opened their location right across the street 36 years later and claims to have perfected the sandwich. My recommendation would be to try both and ALWAYS wit’ whiz, but that’s just me.
And unless you want to be cussed out make sure you know how to properly order the sandwich before arriving. Here is a short demonstration video thanks to the kind people of Philly:
Federal Donut’s
Federal Donuts has officially made it on the list of Philly's most notable restaurants. With five locations around town -- it’s easy to say that it's one of the city's most popular options, and certainly the only place where they serve perfectly savory fried chicken and donuts. Regardless of location, you can choose from their selection of delicious cake donuts in two options -- Hot Fresh (sugar coated) or Fancy (glazed, dipped, or topped).
Oscar’s Tavern
Oscar’s has all the things one looks for in a good dive: cheap drinks, standard but solid bar food, and perfectly dim drinking lighting, thanks to year-round Christmas lights. It’s cash only, but assuming you have at least a $20 in your pocket, that’s enough to drink a hefty 92oz of lager while still leaving your bartender a decent tip.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Philadelphia’s oldest continually running bar is a city staple, the Irish pub has been around since 1860, and considering how difficult it can be to maneuver through its crowd any weekend night, it’s not going anywhere... especially when you consider all the celebs that have visited its hallowed halls -- everyone from Tennessee Williams to Backstreet Boys’ resident blondie Nick Carter has visited the storied spot.
