Enjoying Philadelphia's Neighborhoods

Historic Philadelphia's pint-sized Betsy Ross House, built in 1760, was home to the seamstress who is widely believed to have made the first Stars and Stripes flag used to celebrate independence in July of 1776. (May 10, 2008)

A dramatic evening sky view of Philadelphia highlights the contrast of new and old living side by side. In the center of the shot stands the bronze statue of the city's founder, William Penn, sitting on top of the 511-foot City Hall Tower with its lighted clock. To the right, the Comcast Center stands as the tallest building between New York and Chicago. (July 25, 2008)

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center provides a fitting setting for the icon of freedom, and for the first time allows visitors to view exhibits focusing on the Bell's origins and its modern day role as an international icon of freedom.

Johnny Brenda's sister tavern and the city's preeminent gastropub, Standard Tap in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, invents a daily chalkboard menu worthy of its selection of excellent microbrews all made locally.

Located at Liberties Walk in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, Delicious Boutique and Corseterie looks more like a carnival than a shop. While they specialize in handmade corsets, the boutique also carries edgy clothing, jewelry, accessories and gifts from independent designers throughout the country.

The Italian Market in Philadelphia has evolved into a mix of both Italian vendors and Asian and Mexican ones, too. But traditional offerings such as cannolis, homemade sausages, imported meats and cheeses, luscious cappuccino, specialty cookware and fresh pastas make the market a favorite for visitors and residents alike.

Serving authentic Mexican fare, La Lupe is part of a new generation of ethnic restaurants located in and around Philadelphia's famed Italian Market.

Geno's Steaks, which sits at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia, just across the street from rival Pat's Steaks, has been slinging its famous cheesesteaks from the same location for 40 years. Like Pat's, Geno's is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

At Cantina Los Caballitos in South Philadelphia, diners nibble on Mexican dishes from the tempting food menu and sip on drinks from the extensive tequila menu.

The extensive beer selection, delicious bar food, pool table, darts and more make Good Dog Bar and Restaurant on South Street in Philadelphia a perfect spot for happy hours, dinner and late-night fun. The owner's chocolate labrador retriever inspired the edgy bar.

A colorful two-story-tall mural beckons hungry visitors to Lorenzo's Pizza, a popular South Street institution in Philadelphia where the super-sized slices taste even better when the bars let out at 2:00 a.m.

Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar uses ceramic tile, mirrors and found objects to create colorful and unusual mosaic murals, like his fantastical "Magic Gardens" on South Street.

The Philadelphia Mummers strut up Broad Street during the country's oldest folk parade. The day-long extravaganza, featuring colorful costumes and toe-tapping music, is a Philadelphia New Year's Day tradition not to be missed.

Fork, Ellen Yin's elegantly casual American bistro that helped pave the way for Old City's revival in the mid-1990s, is a Philadelphia neighborhood favorite and one of the city's most romantic eateries.

Located in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood, Farmicia is a restaurant and bar showcasing organic and locally sourced produce, farm-raised meats and breads from the city's Metropolitan Bakery.

On the First Friday of every month, Old City gallery owners in Philadelphia open their doors for a lively evening of new exhibitions and free refreshments.

Situated on Antique Row in Philadelphia, Blendo sells vintage furniture, ceramics glassware and clothing and accessories for men and women. Antique Row is on Pine Street between Broad and 9th in downtown Philadelphia.

The many galleries and shops of Old City Philadelphia unveil new exhibitions on the first Friday of every month. Festivities spill out onto the sidewalks, where musicians and performance artists entertain the First Friday crowds.

Overlooking Philadelphia's elegant Rittenhouse Square Park, Rouge is a people watcher's delight a see-and-be-seen sidewalk cafe, with an acclaimed menu and full bar.

More than a half-million holiday lights brighten the streets of Philadelphia, including Rittenhouse Square, as part of the Philadelphia Holiday Festival, a five-week celebration featuring performances by the Mummers, tree lightings, colonial holiday festivities and neighborhood programs.