Taking the role of tour guide seriously

Once again, Philadelphia plays host to the world.

People love to come to Philadelphia for 4th of July week … and, what’s not to love.

Aside from celebrating the birth of this incredible country, Philly really knows how to throw a party.

The Wawa Welcome America event – complete with concerts on the Ben Franklin Parkway and a fireworks display that tops all other cities – has become an economic dynamo. Hotels operate at close to 90 percent occupancy all week. The museums are packed. The restaurants, which suffer during the rest of the hot summer, do outstanding business.

Against that backdrop, a call came from a longtime friend in the golf business. “We’re coming to Philly for 4th of July weekend.”

And, as true Philadelphians, we are rolling out the welcome mat.

Andy Mears is a native of Michigan but now lives in Chicago and is Director of Development for the First Tee of Greater Chicago. He and his girlfriend, Denise, plus his son, Zachary and his girlfriend Shauna, were making the trip east.

First stop is Gettysburg, where Zach will take part in a major Civil War re-enactment battle. They arrive July 4 and the battle takes place on July 5. Then they continue for a condensed but heavy dose of Philly and the suburbs on July 6 and 7.

Their request was simply, “We want to do as much of the entire Philly tourist scene as possible before leaving on Sunday.”

With that directive … a detailed plan was formulated.

Arrival around 6 p.m. Friday means dinner on the deck – featuring as much of the truly local delicacies as possible. The menu: For starters there will be Corropolese Bakery’s famous tomato pie, sliced Italian bread and hoagie dip. Hot out of the oven, Franzone’s heralded sweet-sauce pizza, accompanied by the iconic Mr. Ron’s cole slaw. From the grill there will be some of Venezia Meat Market’s Italian sausage.

Of course, to wash it all down there will be an assortment of beer from America’s Oldest Brewery – Yuengling. The sampling: Lager, Light Lager and the new Golden Pilsner.

Dessert will be cut fresh fruit, topped by some homemade Limoncello – courtesy of our friends at the Holy Saviour Club.

After that culinary prelude, the Philly indoctrination continues on Saturday.

Light breakfast (plenty of eat-

ing is planned for the rest of the day) is enough fuel before an early departure

for a ride through Valley Forge National Park. Fortunately, Phil Cavalcante of Kutztown Autos is providing a Buick Enclave that comfortably seats seven passengers for the day of sightseeing.

After continuing through the Main Line, the first sights of the city will take place along Kelly Drive. Of course, the terminus of that portion will bring us to the front of the Art Museum for the mandatory

run up the steps.

Having worked up an appetite, it is on to the Reading Terminal Market for lunch. More Philly-style treats. There might even be a shared cannoli or two for dessert.

Next stop, Independence Hall. The trip would not be complete without seeing where it all began. Then it is on to the National Constitution Center at 525 Arch Street. The museum features many hands-on exhibits that bring the Constitution to life.

Some foot-touring past Elfreth’s Alley – America’s oldest continually inhabited residential street – and other points of interest such as the Betsy Ross House and Christ Church (Benjamin Franklin’s grave) should work up quite a thirst. That means a trip into Center City.

SkyGarten, on the 51st

floor of 1717 Arch Street, is promoted as “Philadelphia’s first beer garden in the sky.” Views of the city, from inside the venue or from the surrounding open-air deck, are incredible. No wonder this site is one of the most popular locations for watching the fireworks show on July 4.

Rested and refreshed, it’s time for a twilight drive past some other true Philly attractions – the Italian market and South Street.

As the lights of the city start to come on, dinner takes prime importance. By popular demand, the choice is the dueling cheesesteak icons – Pat’s and Geno’s. Over the years, televised coverage of too many sporting events has focused on this location – to the point where firsttime visitors feel compelled to stand on the sidewalk and order, “One Whiz wit.”

To the uninitiated, that is a cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz and onions. And, of course, have your money ready. Cash only.

For a nightcap, there will be a quick stop at Xfinity Live, the dining and entertainment center in the midst of Philadelphia’s three major athletic venues – Citizens Bank Park, the Lincoln Financial Center and the Wells Fargo Center.

Finally, the drive up the infamous Schuylkill Expressway will afford our visitors an illuminated view of the spectacular Boat House Row and all of its riverside beauty.

Being a tour guide can be an exacting task. One small mistake and the day can be ruined. But it is a job that native Philadelphians take seriously – with a large dose of pride … and that ever-present chip on the shoulder.