The City of Brotherly Love and the heartland of America’s colonial history is home to 1.5 million people who love food, beer, the outdoors and fun, making it an ideal place to spend Father’s Day weekend. You can find deals on flights to Philadelphia, and before you know it, you’ll be strolling the city’s cobblestone streets and beautiful waterfront eating a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Whatever Dad’s interests, you’ll find interesting exhibits, festivals, activities and restaurants in a city that mixes 21st century hospitality with 18th century charm.

History Buff

From Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell to the National Constitution Center, Philadelphia offers multiple opportunities to explore the past. Further afield is a location on the Delaware River said to be where William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, signed a peace treaty with the local Lenape tribe.  Perhaps less widely known is Elfreth Alley, said to be America’s oldest residential street, now home to a museum and private residences.

Teeing Off

If your dad loves art and golf, then the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the perfect place for Father’s Day weekend. Now until July 7, the museum’s new exhibit, The Art of Golf, displays work by Scottish painter Charles Lees, as well as paintings, sketches and sculptures by other Scottish artists. The exhibit coincides with the upcoming U.S. Open Championship at Merion Golf Club running from June 10-16. The 72 stone  steps leading up to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is where the famous scene of victory from 1976 film “Rocky” was shot. The scene became a metaphor for overcoming challenges and is now known as the “Rocky Steps.”

Have Dad take a break from his favorite spy novel for a tour at the Franklin Institute’s newest exhibit, Spy: The Secret World of Espionage. Visitors will see more than 200 artifacts, including several from the Central Intelligence Agency, as well as the ice axe that killed Russian revolutionary hero Leon Trotsky. The exhibit focuses on the science and technology of spying, and how both national and individual spies influenced events and our world’s history. The exhibit runs until October 6.

Birthplace of the Cheesesteak

Sightseeing makes everyone hungry so head on to Pat’s King of Steaks at 9th and Wharton Streets for a bite of the Philadelphia classic cheesesteak. Pat’s claim is that its founder, Pat Olivieri, created the now famous sandwich back in 1930 when the eatery first opened. The restaurant has drawn movie stars, musicians, politicians and athletes looking for a tasty bite of Philadelphia tradition. If you’re looking to branch out, Pat’s also serves pizza steak, mushroom pepper steak or various combinations of these ingredients as well as hot dogs and fish cakes. When ordering, specify what kind of cheese you want and whether you want fried onions. There is a particular local way to do this and you can visit http://www.visitphilly.com to learn how. Pat’s is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and only accepts cash.

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photo: yurilong