7. Independence National Historic Park
Even if you're not a big history buff, you can't visit Philadelphia and
not soak up at least a whiff or two of the city's amazingly rich
heritage. The Old City neighborhood contains the bulk of the pre-1800s
attractions, most them centered around Independence National Historical
Park, which celebrates the very birth of our nation. Most famous is the
Liberty Bell Pavilion, site of America's beloved and cracked 2,000-pound
bell. Although commonly thought to have played a significant role in
Colonial history, the Liberty Bell actually rose to prominence during
the 1830s as a symbol of the movement to abolish slavery.
Nearby Independence Hall is where the Second Continental Congress met in
1775, the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, the Articles
of Confederation were signed in 1778, and the Constitution was adopted
in 1787. It was also the site of the city's first major civil rights
demonstrations (which included the concerns of lesbians and gays). The
list of important sights within the park goes on and on - you could
easily spend a full day here.
8. Giovanni's Room
In an age when independent bookstores are struggling to keep their doors
open, this wonderful GLBT bookstore that's been going strong since 1973
is a true marvel. The homey two-floor shop on the edge of the Gayborhood
has hundreds of queer titles plus a wealth of feminist works. There are
several community bulletin boards, a wide range of periodicals, and a
handful of skin mags, too. The staff is extremely helpful and has a real
knack for finding out-of-print, import, or hard-to-find titles.
9. Coffee Klatch
Arguably the gayest java joint in town, Village Coffee House anchors the
Gayborhood, offering caffeine addicts a cozy interior space as well as a
charming enclosed patio that overlooks a neighborhood garden. Here you
can sip specialty drinks (made with Fair Trade coffee beans), ogle cute
patrons, and nosh on cookies, cheesecake, and tasty sandwiches.
A short walk away, the gay-friendly cafe More Than Just Ice Cream has
been a fixture in the 'hood for years, serving up what some insist is
the best apple pie in world (sorry, Mom...). As the name suggests, you
can also order ice cream (and delicious sundaes, specifically), but
there are also fresh sandwiches, soul-warming soups, and plenty of
coffee and tea drinks. It's the best place in town to while away a rainy
Sunday afternoon.
Andrew Collins is the
author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and as well as numerous other
guidebooks.
The Hunk
