|
If you're beginning a career with Bloomingdale's or Macy's East in the Philadelphia area, you'll soon understand why this city is the cradle of independence - in more ways than one. As home of the "most historic mile in the country," who wouldn't recognize Philadelphia as the birthplace of democracy ... the place where Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and Thomas Jefferson did some of their best work? Yet as a modern and dynamic marketplace today - not to mention one of America's largest cities - Philly provides everything you need to spread your wings and develop your personal life outside of work. If you're looking to indulge your creative spirit, you've come to the right place. Just take your pick. Center City (along South Broad Street) has been affectionately labeled the Avenue of Arts, a moniker that serves it well. Dense with theaters, concert halls, jazz clubs and ballet studios, artistic expression is the Avenue's trademark. Home as well to the University of Arts, Center City's commercial properties are quickly becoming downtown's envied residential mecca. And if performing arts just aren't your gig, try a visit to Old City - a Philly neighborhood where nearly two dozen of the city's art galleries live and breathe. And after a day of exploring the city's art scene, you will definitely work up an appetite. It's certainly no secret that Philadelphia is famed for its homegrown Philly cheesesteak sandwich (it's up to you to decide whose is better - both Pat's and Geno's in South Philly claim to be the original) but what most don't know is that half a dozen of the city's eateries are almost always listed in polls of the nation's best restaurants. The Rittenhouse Square District is prolific with a bounty of Philadelphia's finest dining, and Old City is pegged as the metropolitan's most recent area of restaurant development. A highlight of the restaurant scene in Philadelphia is Morimoto, named for its head chef of Food Network fame. The sushi here is known across the country as some of the best, and Morimoto has earned numerous awards for its Japanese dishes. The energetic nightlife that erupts from Philadelphia's twilight hours is one of the city's newer inventions. In fact before 1976, the city's sidewalks were rumored to close at a shameful 9 p.m. Nowadays ... well it's quite a different story. Entertainment in this city seeps from all corners. Philadelphia's nocturnal creatures soothe their insomnia at hotspots along the waterfront like Old City and South St. One of the most popular places to be on weekend nights is Denim, located in Center City. Catering to both high-class and casual customers, Denim has a VIP lounge and plays an array of music every night. The Five Spot in Old City is the official headquarters for the city's big-band/swing scene (free dance lessons help sweeten the pot!). Tattooed Mom and Fiso Lounge are just two of the commonly frequented establishments in the South St. line-up. The Khyber is the locals' fave for live (and loud) music. And for a little comedic relief, Comedy Sportz and The Laugh House promise to keep you in stitches. For a more relaxed night, belly up to the bar at the Cherry Street Tavern.
|
