Will travel for beer and art: I LOVE PHILADELPHIA!

You had me at these gorgeous cobblestone streets! My pining for Philadelphia finally became a reality. Reconnecting with a couchsurfer and dining at V Street (http://bit.ly/1KzJfkR) prompted my recent booking.

Couchsurfer turned friend Aura at Independence Beer Garden

I chose to stay at Apple Hostels, because I wanted to walk everywhere and this appeared to be the most centrally located accommodation on a budget. Unfortunately, I don't feel like I received a good value. The only two positive aspects about the hostel are the location and pleasant staff. Know that you will be packed in with 24 other females in the shared dorm. I didn't get any sleep and paid $85.26 for a two-night stay. That is the most I have ever paid for a dorm bed with that many people in the room.

City Hall

Philadelphia exceeded my expectations with its rich history, beautiful architecture, spectacular street art, delicious food, and craft beer. The city is quite walkable if you plan to stay where I did, which was in the Old City District.

Merchant's Exchange Building

The best way to travel to and from the airport is via the train (SEPTA). Buy your tickets inside a station, as it will save you money. http://www.septa.org/fares/ticket/

Here are my recommendations for a smashing time. I wasn't there long enough to go inside any museums, but that didn't stop me from taking snaps of the outside.

*V Street Restaurant
*Love Statue
*Mural Mile
*Reading Terminal Market
*Independence Beer Garden
*Sunday Open Blues Jam at Twisted Tail
*Tartes Bakery
*I Sushi
*Penn's Landing
*Merchant's Exchange Building
*Masonic Temple
*Chinatown
*Franklin Square
*Yards Brewing Co.
*Philadelphia City Hall
*Panorama (http://bit.ly/1QPGjEy)