Nine Things You Must Do When the Twins Visit Philadelphia

But love it or hate it, it's a fascinating city steeped in passion and history, and you're a damn fool if you go there and don't take a full swig of it. So, if you're going to any of the Twins-Phillies games this weekend, here are nine ('cuz it's baseball) things you must do during your visit.

Logistical

Stay in Center City – Don't wimp out. Philly's downtown, Center City, is gritty, but it's where everything is. Safe and easy to get to the ballpark via the Broad Street (subway) Line or your favorite ride-sharing service. Center City is also massive, which means there are plenty of hotels in every range. We've had excellent luck scouting them using the Hotel Tonight app.

Make a Friend - The easiest thing to do is ask them for recommendations about their city. They're proud of it, they want to share it, and you don't have to worry about a lot of BS. They'll tell you if something is great or sucks, just like they tell their professional athletes if they're playing like garbage.

Visit a Wawa - They're everywhere, and they're beloved. Is there anything exceptional about them? Not really, but they have good coffee, Tastycakes (try the Tasty pies), surprisingly decent hoagies, plus they're usually clean and friendly. They're so embedded in the social fabric that they're now involved in a cross-state rivalry with Sheets. When you have a sworn enemy, you know you're part of Philly.

Food and Drink

Eat Philly – Obviously, get a cheesesteak. Trying to find the best is a full-time job or a fool's errand – they're almost all great. Snack on a soft pretzel. If you want variety, Reading Terminal Market is lively and houses Dinic's Roast Pork Sandwich, which is world-famous and delicious. Other favorites of ours include Bud and Marilyn's or any Irish Pub.  

Drink at Dirty Frank's - My favorite dive bar in the world doesn't have a sign - look for the corner bar with various "Franks" painted on the outside - Sinatra, 'enstein, Pope Francis, etc. The clientele is as eclectic as the interior, with everyone just wanting cheap drinks, a lively vibe, and a good time. Cash-only.

Order a Citywide - Philly has its own drink: The Citywide Special. Yeah, it's just a bump and a beer, but every place from Dirty Frank's (Kamikaze & High Life stubby for $3) to the Ritz-Carleton has its variation.

Attractions

Independence Hall - It's where it all started, so check it (and the Liberty Bell, across the street) out, but don't stop there. South and east is the oldest area of Philly, so it's filled with colonial row homes and small buggy-wide alleyways. Walking late at night is incredibly cool, maybe on the way home from a bar, where you feel like you could bump into Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson on the right night.

If you have less time or want a bite, across the street from Independence Hall Park is PJ Clarke's, a solid eatery with great balcony views of the area. (Also, if you go in there, take advantage of the lobby in the Curtis Center.)

Barnes Museum – It's not usually on these lists, but it's my #1 recommendation, and anyone who has taken even an hour to try it has agreed with me. This art museum in Center City has a priceless collection (Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Cezanne, Renoir) that shames more famous art museums, all packed in about 23 small rooms. For instance, it has 46(!) Picasso works. Even better, rent "The Art of the Steal" documentary for the flight there and learn how it ended up in downtown Philly.

The Game, Duh

Schmooze with Twins fans – Before Saturday's game on 8/12, from 3-6, we'll meet at Chickie's and Pete's, just across the street from the sports complex. It's free, and if you let us know you're coming, you'll be entered for a free $40 gift card to help cover your tab.

In addition, The Voice of Reason™ and I will probably be doing some impromptu pregame and postgame meet-ups at other Philly haunts, so follow @TwinsGeek, @TwinsDaily, or @GleemanandGeek to keep up.

Philly demands a lot from its players and fans, and it's requiring a lot from you if you visit. So toughen up and lean into it a bit, huh? Maybe, just maybe, you'll also learn to love Philly. 

Not that we care.