Hip Trips with Cheldin

Philadelphia: FIT FOR A QUEEN!

 

Summer is winding down, and it’s the perfect time for some much needed pampering and to be treated like a royal, especially with the world premiere of the Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt exhibition at the Franklin Institute. So grab your girlfriends (or boyfriends) for a fabulous getaway to Philadelphia and discover your inner queen or king. Enjoy all that Philadelphia has to offer and experience the best in beauty, styling, dining and entertainment!

 

First Stop:  Northern Liberties for manis and pedis and treats, oh my!

Stop by Spa East in Northern Liberties to get the best manicure and pedicure the city has to offer. You (plus your hands and feet) will thank me later!

After a relaxing mani-pedi, stop by Brown Betty Dessert Boutique for a sweet mid-day treat! Skip the cobb salad and choose cupcakes for lunch instead! You deserve it! 

Insider tip:  Try the red velvet cupcake.                                                                                                  

Spa East

1040 N. 2nd Street, Unit 301 (Off of Liberty Walk)

Brown Betty Dessert Boutique

1030   2nd Street (Off of Liberty Walk)

 

Second Stop:  Center City/Rittenhouse Row for a head to toe makeover with shopping, facials and more!

Get a little shopping in along Rittenhouse Row – one of Philly’s best shopping districts.  Splurge on a fabulous dress or some cute accessories at any of the shops and boutiques.  And did I mention that all clothes are tax free in Pennsylvania? 

Next, visit my girl Ursula, of Ursula's About PHace, and be pampered with the ultimate facial and have your makeup done to perfection in her makeup studio. Trust me on this, you will look and feel like a queen afterward!

Rittenhouse Row

Walnut Street between Broad and 21st Streets

Ursula's About PHace

1700 Sansom Street

 

The Main Event: The Museum District for Cleopatra and dining in style

Head over to the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia and go to Rembrandt’s. This restaurant is only minutes from the Franklin Institute and offers some of the best food in Philadelphia – from unique brick oven pizzas to traditional meals, Rembrandt’s has a dish to satisfy everyone within your party.

Now that you’re looking and feeling like royalty – it’s time to unleash your inner heiress and finally see  Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt!  The audio tour, breathtaking exhibition décor and layout, and the incredible artifacts make you feel like you’re actually walking through Alexandria, Egypt with the Queen herself!

Insider tip:  Final entry to this exhibit is 7pm, so make sure to make an early dinner reservation at Rembrandt’s so you won’t be late!

Rembrandt’s Restaurant and Bar
741 N. 23rd St.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt

The Franklin Institute  

222 North 20th Street

 

Final stop:  Center City for dessert and drinks

Once you’ve visited the fabulous Cleo exhibition and learned about her life of decadence, you may be looking for some delicious decadence of your own. 

Head back to Center City to finish your evening the proper way – dessert and drinks! Enjoy a perfectly made dessert from one of Philadelphia newest restaurants R2L. Feel free to ask, for a sweet masterpiece by one of the most amazing pastry chefs in the country, Peter Scarola.  Pair one of Peter’s tasty creations with a colorful cocktail from the spectacular bar.  This restaurant also has one of the best views of the city from practically every seat in the restaurant.

Still want to indulge in more?  Why not show off your new look and party with the stars at two of my favorite rooftop sky bars –  Vango Lounge and Sky Barand Continental Midtown’s rooftop!  They are must-stops on your day of luxury. 

Insider tip:  Try the Astronaut pop martini at Continental Midtown

R2L

Two Liberty Place

37th Floor

Vango Lounge and Sky Bar

116 South 18th Street

Continental Midtown rooftop bar

1801 Chestnut Street

 

Experience the ultimate pampering when you stay over and book the Cleo hotel package!