Philly is nice. I go there several times a year, and there's lots to see and do.

The only thing I would suggest is a hotel closer to what they call "Center City". Penn's Landing is a bit out of the way and not really walking distance to any of the other attractions.

We have at least two Philadelphia members that I can think of: Johnny Ola and Big Daddy Don. And Beth lives in Baltimore, only about 2-3 hours away.

Good point PLaw. I think it's a good idea to be within walking distance of attractions. The Chicago hotel was very nice, but we weren't around anything we could walk to.


TIS

And don't forget the Liberty Bell, although I hear it's not what it's cracked up to be.

Philly is doable for me. It does sound like fun. And we can always cab over Penn's landing for dinner, because the Mosholu sounds like a must.

D'oh!!

Well, I am ok with Philly too, but I have a couple two/three questions: :p

This is a "weekend" thing right?
Is September firm, or are we flexible?
Does anyone one who knows at this point that they are going to be attending flying, or is it driving distance for all?

Also, for my NY friends who DO drive to Philly should we decide there; if I decide to go to NY for a couple days after the get-together, can I catch a ride with someone back to NY to any convenient point where I might get a cab to hotel??? I'll be glad to give an arm for gas money.

Lastly, to my friend Mary Cas, I sure hope you can make it, but if you can't, you better at least let me take you to lunch if I make it to NYC.

TIS

FYI Speaking of gas, I heard a report on MSNBC this morning saying fuel would skyrocket by this winter, which in turn would increase airfare considerably. They also said, although I don't understand fully why, that would in turn raise hotel rates on famous attractions as well.

TIS- I doubt any of us would allow you to get in a cab back to Philly.

TIS, It's definitely within driving distance for me and Mr. Babe. And I would hope that it would be earlier than September, or at least before the kids go back to school. This last one in NJ was in August, which I think works better. And of course you can catch a ride back up to NY with us. We'd be honored.

Right now I am more concerned with when and not so much where at this point. I agree with SB I like the time frame we had it over the Summer. Just my worth. If what TIS says is true about hotel rates being on the rise, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea letting Becky getting us a discount through one of the Hilton chains IF there is one close by. Just another

SC,

Don't worry I'll eat a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. yum-yum
I'll try anything once except seafood. I'm alergic to it.

Actually I wouldn't mind August either (all but the first week). I like the summer, humidity or not.

Mig, as far as hotel goes, that's what I heard this morning on MSN, but your guess is as good as mine, as to how "up" everything will go. I am a little more concerned, since I'm coming from the other side of the States, that my airfare will skyrocket, which could "pinch" my budget.

I'm open to whatever everyone else wants to do. Keep the suggestions flowing. Now's the time to talk about it.


TIS

Mig, I did some research and found this hotel, which is exactly 7 minutes away from the Moshulu and Penn's Landing where the Moshulu and other places are located on the waterfront.

>>"Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel.
Our excellent location and friendly staff offer value and service to business and leisure travelers. The Doubletree Hotel is ideally situated for groups. Our well-appointed guestrooms, suites, and executive accommodations on the private-access Tower Level feature gracious, traditional décor, generous work areas and high-speed internet access . Enjoy casual dining at the Academy Café, or your favorite beverages and light fare at The Standing O Bistro & Bar.

Our full service hotel provides concierge and tour services, as well as inviting onsite recreational amenities like a sparkling, indoor pool and whirlpool, sauna, fitness center, sundeck (great views of Broad Street and downtown Philadelphia), racquetball courts, and a rooftop garden and jogging track. A full compliment of business support services and flexible meeting and banquet space provides everything a corporate traveler might need to remain productive while in Philadelphia.<<"

Maybe Becky can give us some "inside" information on this hotel and find out what the rates per night will be. She can use a date, just for informations sake, of a check in on Friday August 18th to Sunday August 20th. Again, just using those dates for the purpose of getting a rate. Nothing more right now.


http://www.doubletree.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=AE331TQJHPLG2CSGBI YM22QKIYFCXUUC?moreDesc=true&ctyhocn=PHLBLDT


Don Cardi

DC - Thanks for highlighting the 2 most important parts of that info; now I don't have to read the rest!

EXACTLY why I did it! Godfather!

:p

Don Cardi

I'll call her at work tonight that way she can look it up while I am on the phone with her and I will post the info.

Our own Mama Corleone of the GangsterBB taking care of it for us.

It would be great to get Our Mama Corleone and Our GangsterBB Godmother together at one of these things.


Don Cardi

That would be worth the drive alone just to meet the Godmother herself in person. You heard Don Cardi TIS we both have to show up.

Watch out, SC!! You're being shown up!

SB, you're on a roll today, putting both Plaw and SC to shame-- first the poem, now this!

Oh, Zia, you flatter me too much. Any way we can get YOU to Philly? Maybe the others want to do Ganster stuff, but I'm sure we can find some shopping....

And when you tell Mr. Babe that you need money for shopping, and he asks you how much, what are you gonna say?

"This Much!" (as she holds her pointer finger 4 inches from her thumb)

Don't worry, Mrs. Cardi will be right there with you.


Don Cardi

I tried to get in touch with Bec with no luck. She wasn't at home or work and she is not answering her cell. So I left a message on the house phone her cell phone and I also sent her a e-mail. The guy who answered the phone at the hotel told me that she is working tomorrow night. So I will try again tomorrow night. Sorry

Now you're talking!! I just got back from shopping, actually. There are very few things more fun than buying a bunch of stuff... I don't know why.

As for my showing up, I'm thinking about it. It really depends on when/where it is.

Now you're talking!! I just got back from shopping, actually. There are very few things more fun than buying a bunch of stuff... I don't know why.

As for my showing up, I'm thinking about it. It really depends on when/where it is. [/b][/quote]Zia,

I'll meet you at Ontario airport, and we'll fly out together. How far are you from Ontario???

TIS

If I go, that sounds like fun! I'm something like an hour and a half from Ontario. As opposed to like 20 minutes from LAX and like 30 minutes from Burbank. But that's okay, I don't mind.

Again, not to put too fine a point on it, but Penn's Landing and the waterfront is a good 16-20 blocks from Center City.

I've been to Philly maybe 20 times in the last 8-9 years, and the only time I was down there was to eat in one of the trendy restaurants.

Believe me, as far as I'm concerned, aside from the Mosholu there really aren't any "attractions" there.

We'd be much better off in Center City, where there are hotels and restaurants in all price ranges and you are walking distance to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, etc., and the all-important shopping.

Actually though, now that I think about it, why go to Philly at all when NYC is only 90 miles away?

It really has nothing to do with the fact that most of us East Coasters live closer to NYC, either.
Everything in NYC is better: Hotels, restaurants, shopping, attractions.....

Of course if you NY-NJers want to see Philly for a change of pace, that's one thing. But for the people coming from afar, going to Philadelphia when you could go to NYC is silly.

Yeah, God forbid any of you come to the Left Coast though, right? :rolleyes: :p

Well I don't know much about Philly, but you all know I love NYC, and like I mentioned in an earlier post, if I travel as far as Philly, I sure want to try for some time in NYC since I'd be that close.

Zia, ha ha..it's opposite for me, I'm about 40 mins. from Ontario and maybe an hour from John Wayne (OC) airport. I thought you were a little closer. I understand why you'd want to go to the nearest airport. And as far as the NYers coming to CA...we'll have to rent a big enough SUV and kidnap them. I wonder if they'll be able to handle all the sunshine. :p

TIS

They'd probably either go blind or melt.

Seriously though, I wouldn't mind Ontario. I've heard lines go way faster there, and it's a lot less crowded.

My mother used to warn me about going blind. I promised her I'd stop when I needed glasses.

When I first read this, I thought you were going to meet in Canada!

When I first read this, I thought you were going to meet in Canada! [/b][/quote]Ha ha ha I have a bad sense of direction, but if I drive to Canada to catch a plane, get me some help.

TIS

That would have been funny, especially since both of us were going along with it like there's nothing wrong with the idea-- the blonde leading the blonde.

So SC, finish the story... how's your eyesight now? :p