For most New Yorkers, a night out at Richard Rodgers Theatre seeing the mega-hit Hamilton remains an unrealized fantasy. If the sky-high cost of a ticket is just a little out of your price range, a weekend in Philadelphia walking in Hamilton’s footsteps could be just what you need to quench your thirst for this pop culture phenomenon.
Do:
The Alexander Hamilton Walking Tour app, provides visitors with a guided walking tour of the Old City, each stop inspired by a different event featured in the musical. While Lin Manuel Miranda himself noted that Philadelphia was unfairly snubbed in the musical, Philly was in fact the stage for many of Hamilton’s escapades. The app is available for $5 on the Apple store, and leads guests to sites such as the First Bank, and the probable site of the infamous Reynolds affair, which led to Hamilton’s political defamation.
The newly opened Museum of the American Revolution provides visitors with an in depth understanding of the key players and events leading to America’s independence. Of course, Hamilton himself is included, however the museum also offers visitors the chance to understand the important contributions of some of the lesser known influencers of the struggle for independence.
After a day of historical exploration, head to the newly opened Philadelphia Distilling, located in young, trendy Fishtown (think Bushwick equivalent). The distillery’s signature spirit is the Bluecoat Gin, taking its name from the American Colonial uniforms in the Revolutionary War. The distillery, which opened in February, is repurposed from the former Ajax Metal Company, and has an industrial-chic vibe. Tours are offered from Thursday to Sunday, and include a complimentary gin-based cocktail and an in-depth explanation of the history and distilling process.
Eat:
For dinner and drinks, Harp and Crown is a unique treat which is not to be missed. While the restaurant is large and bustling, tables are small and illuminated by candlelight giving the restaurant a cozy, intimate feel. Communal style eating is encouraged, and the menu includes a delectable variety of small plates to suit every palate. Favorites included the potato pizza with béchamel, rosemary and fontina cheese and the chicken fried mushrooms, consisting of crispy fried mushrooms, served with a sweet yet tangy yogurt sauce. After dinner, be sure to head to the bar downstairs, which is accessible via a hidden staircase that you could easily miss if you didn’t know about it beforehand. The lower level features bowling alley for pre or post dinner entertainment, and a small swanky bar with a Mad Men feel.
Stay:
The Kimpton Monaco provides guests with the perfect setting to discover Hamilton’s Philadelphia legacy. Located in the heart of Old City (you can literally see the Liberty Bell from some of the guest rooms), waking up at the Kimpton makes it easy to feel as if you are in the 18th century, all while not excluding any modern convenience. The décor is tastefully eclectic, with a polished feel. Guest rooms are spacious, and include thoughtful and eclectic amenities such as a yoga mat, plenty of outlets, and an optional in-room pet fish upon request. The staff goes above and beyond to pamper guests without intruding. Be sure not to miss the Monaco’s complimentary daily cocktail hour at 5pm, where guests can enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail. For those of us who Google search the area for a morning caffeine fix, the Monaco has you covered with complimentary tea and coffee service, offered every morning in the lobby.
Getting to Philly from NYC:
Amtrak from Penn Station takes just 90 minutes. Megabus and Bolt Bus are cheaper alternatives.
See our Philadelphia Transit Guide.
For more information go to visitphilly.com
Photo credits: J. Fusco and C. Smyth
Madeleine is an NYC based writer. Her favorite recent travel destinations include Southeast Asia, Australia, and the United States Southwest. While not traveling you can find her teaching yoga, exploring independent coffee shops, or cheering on the New York Mets.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram