Philadelphia Rises

Just spent a few days in Philly and was pleasantly surprised at how nice a city it has turned into. The times I had been there a while back it seemed like a dump.

Now it seems like a very cool city. When did this change start to take place and who lead the charge?

 

If you don't mind, tell me where you went.
I fly in tomorrow for a wedding and spending the weekend there. And I want to hit the cool spots.

 

Philadelphia never fell. It's negative publicity comes from assholes who have NEVER stepped foot in the city.
Can you get your ass kicked free of charge? You most certainly can.
Can you have an outstanding time without paying through the nose? You most certainly can.
In short, Of all the cities in Megalopolis (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington), Philly is your best bet.

 

Their French Quarter has some pretty nice restaurants. Their Chinatown is small but good and they do have places to make bubble tea.

I wouldn't go so far as to call Philly your "best" bet in comparison to those listed by Boots. I would put Philly at third, NYC, Boston and then Philly.

 

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/features/philly0510/philly.html

 

staying at the Marriott downtown. it looks centrally located
Philly is odd to me, it seems like no one goes there. I've probably talked to 40 people and the only two who knew anything about Philly or had even been were former locals.
Historically, lots to see and do. Yet no one goes.
Bachelor party tomorrow night in Atlantic City, starts at some place called Game On. I heard something about a mechanical bull...

 

That article is dead on with what I noticed. Eveyone seems to get along.

City is very clean.

 

IF you want to go broke, by all means go to New York or Boston.
To get your money's worth in Megalopolis, Philly is it.

 

Actually, if I ever move to the U.S., it'll be to Philadelphia. I couldn't explain why, exactly, but I really, really like it.

Those brownstones near downtown, that pocket -- man, that's a gorgeous bit of city.

 

Boots, it really all depends on where you go. I do think Boston is a bit expensive at points, but there are always places that you can find within a budget.

 

Where were you to see those brownstone? South Philly? North Philly? Society Hill? West Philly?

 

One hundred and sixty three homicides this year.

Philly is the closest big city to where I grew up, and I could never picture myself living there.