I just visited Philadelphia for my first time, and I must say, it did not disappoint. Staying in Voorhees, NJ, I sampled the PATCO subway system, which takes South Jersey residents across the Delaware for little more than $2. If you want to walk and shop, Rittenhouse Square is a lovely park leading to Walnut St., the shopping epicenter of this patriotic town.

The Philadelphia Art Museum has a world renowned collection (and some world renowned steps, which the statue of Rocky pays homage to) featuring some of Marcel Duchamp’s most game changing pieces, including “Fountain,” “Bicycle Wheel” and the deliciously voyeuristic “Etant Donee.”

For dinner, head to South Street, party central in this revolutionary town. Try Core de Roma on 2nd, which doesn’t misrepresent -  house made bread with navy beans to begin, a stunning list of daily specials, and a not to be missed bolognese took me back to Italy. Take Papa GiGi’s suggestions – he and his four sons own the joint and mingle with the crowd as the food is served.

This blue collar town shows a lot of passion wherever you go. The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in the Historic District serve as a reminder that this was the one time capital of the United States. When all is said and done, it’s easy to see why Ben Franklin ran away from Boston to come to Philadelphia – it’s a happy medium, geographically and sensationally, between all the other Atlantic ports.