1. Describe the spirit of Philadelphia in your own words.

Philly has been called the biggest small town in America. It rivals any major urban center in its diverse cultural opportunities, yet also has a cozy, small-town feel. While Center City is a bustling metropolis, the close-knit neighborhoods where families have been rooted for generations, and everyone knows your name, make up the heart of the city. Like Rocky Balboa, Philly’s favorite fictional son, Philly has a scrappy, fighting spirit, excessive pride, loyalty, and determination. But under the tough exterior, Philadelphians are friendly and fun-loving. There are no prouder locals anywhere in the world, and while we enjoy a weekend visit to nearby New York, our underdog complex is a myth; we genuinely believe that Philly is better.

2. What is your favorite restaurant in Philly?

On a weekday when I don’t feel like cooking, we head to Nam Phuong, a great, inexpensive Vietnamese restaurant on Washington Avenue, or to Good Dog for a perfect burger. There are so many great BYOB (bring your own bottle) restaurants in town, and I always BYOB when possible (it saves so much money); Dmitri's and Mercato are two of the best. For a special occasion, XIX Restaurant (on the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue Hotel) cannot be beat for romantic atmosphere and amazing views.

3. It’s 5pm and you’re ready for a happy hour cocktail. Where do you go?

I most often will choose a good old dive, like Bob & Barbara’s, or else Oscar's, where the Friday happy hour often turns into a raucous dance party. If I’m in the mood for good glass of wine or a fancy cocktail, Vintage is a wine bar with a $3 happy hour wine menu. There’s also Bump, a gay bar that attracts gay and straight people alike for its cheap, delicious —and strong—drinks.

4. Let’s talk transportation. What’s the best way to get around town?

In Center City, walking and biking are excellent options for navigating the flat grid of streets, while avoiding parking and traffic. Public transit is extensive is Center City, and you can get anywhere by bus, subway, or regional rail line. A car comes in handy for exploring Fairmount Park of the Northwest section of the city, where things are more spread out and public transit is less extensive. When going out for a night on the town, walking or grabbing a cab is usually the quickest and easiest.

5. What is the best place, or places, to stay on a budget?

There are two good options for budget travelers: Bank Street Youth Hostel in the heart of Old City and Chamounix Mansion in Fairmount Park, both offering dorm-style accommodations and a few semi-private quarters. Chamounix is a very cool, converted historic mansion, but is a bit off the main drag, so having a car is useful when staying there. For those looking for a reasonably-priced digs with a bit more privacy, check out some of the smaller bed-and-breakfasts in Center City East or South Philly, where you can stay in a cozy room in a converted home for less money than you’d spend at a hotel.

6. If money is no option, where is the ultimate place to rest your head? ?

The Rittenhouse Hotel overlooks Rittenhouse Square, the park in the heart of Center City surrounded by many of the swankiest restaurants and shops in the city. It is in the perfect location, with every amenity. Mark Wahlberg, Oprah, Bill Clinton, and Tom Hanks are among the many visiting celebrities who have stayed here. Need I say more?

7. When is the best time of the year to visit?

Philly has four typical Northeast seasons. Each one is beautiful in its own right, but spring and fall are generally beautiful and mild, while winter and summer can be brutally cold or hot at times. Summer is the most crowded with tourists, with long lines at some of the most popular attractions, and slightly higher hotel rates. May and September are excellent months to visit, because it’s a bit less crowded and hot than summer, but all the seasonal attractions are still open.

8. What’s your favorite Philly neighborhood, and why?

South Philly is top-notch for eating, as it is home to the Italian Market, and a slew of affordable Italian, Asian and Mexican restaurants. It’s also one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, with a strong sense of community and local flavor. For nightlife, Northern Liberties is tops, with lots of great bars and clubs, and a hip young energy. The swank Rittenhouse area of Center City West is where a lot of the action is, and is good for strolling and people-watching.

9. What is there to do with kids in Philadelphia?

All of the historic sites are very family-friendly, offering a great way to teach kids about history in a fun setting. The Please Touch Museum just underwent a massive expansion and reopened in a much larger and better site in Fairmount Park. Kids love it, as well as the Franklin Institute (and IMAX theatre), the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Constitution Center, which all offer interactive, hands-on exhibits. Smith Playground is a cool 100+-year-old playground and playhouse in Fairmount Park. It has a giant old wooden slide that can fit about 10 kids across, and is definitely off the tourist track, but very popular with locals. I had many a memorable birthday party there in my youth!

10. Tell us something you think people would be surprised to know about Philly.

Philly is home to more murals than any other city in the world, with more than 2,800 murals beautifying walls across the city, courtesy of the Mural Arts Program. Trolley tours led by a knowledgeable guide offer a chance to check out the elaborate works of art, and to see a glimpse of some neighborhoods most people wouldn’t otherwise see. Also, I’m not sure if people know that Philly has the largest urban park system in the world. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound.