IF YOU GO

• For visitor information, contact the Independence Visitor Center at 1-800-537-7676 or see www.gophila.com.

• The chic Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1-888-575-6397, is in a prime downtown location. Even better, the hotel is in the PSFS Building, the world's first Modernist skyscraper. Built in 1932, it's considered one of the nation's more significant architectural structures, and is a National Historic Landmark. The Alexander Inn, 1-877- ALEX-INN, is one of Philly's more popular boutique hotels. The 48-room hotel features free wireless Internet access and 24-hour fitness center, plus a breakfast buffet and 24-hour fresh-fruit-and-snack table.

• Before you go, make dining reservations at Osteria, 1-215-763-0920, an über-popular Italian place nominated as one of the James Beard Foundation's Best New Restaurants of 2008. Just north of downtown Philly, it serves such delicious fare as wood-fired pizzas topped with egg, octopus or robiola cheese and goat cheese gnocchi with crispy prosciutto. For more casual eats, try White Dog Café, 1-215-386-9224, near Penn's campus. The eatery serves American cuisine "with an environmental twist," purchasing ingredients from local, sustainable farms whenever possible. It's also known for its social activism.

• If you have time to shop, check out some of the stores in the Midtown Village neighborhood, such as duross & langel, 117 S. 13th St. This local soapmaker crafts all of its soaps, shampoos, body washes and candles in the store, plus offers soapmaking workshops. At P.H.A.G., 1225 Walnut St., you can browse through the Philadelphia Home Art Garden's specialty decor, including Warhol area rugs, a talking garden gnome and the inventive bungee birdfeeder.