My husband and I are planning a trip to Philly in Oct with an eye toward possibly moving there (from DC) in Dec 2006. I'm seeking suggestions to make by husband say "wow, this is the town for us," because I'm already sold on Philly and he wants to go to Chicago. He's never been to Philly and is a little afraid to move somewhere where we know a total of no one.

When we visit, we are staying in Rittenhouse Sq. I plan to take him to the Italian Mkt, plus visit Soso and UC so he sees what our buck will buy in Philly. Oh, and he's obsessed with the Iron Chef (don't ask) so we are going to Morimoto's.

Any other suggestions what I should show him?

fairmount park (both sides of the river) and wissahickon park.

I think a selling point for Philadelphia is weather-related. Since you guys are coming from D.C., I doubt you're used to the brutal winters they get in Chicago. Chicagoans are always hit with the worst snowstorms. Whereas in Philly, while it certainly gets cold, we get a fraction of the winter precipitation that cities like Cleveland, Buffalo, and Chicago get.

Chinatown, we have a real one.

Good point. We're also an hour from the beach and an hour from skiing.

def wissahickon park. I'd rec renting a bike either in manayunk (bike shop below Seat Gym) or behind the art museum. if bike riding is not possible, you can take the trai nor bus to get to the park. be sure to stroll forbidden drive.
what does yoru husband like?
oh, def check out the reading terminal at 12th and filbert. cannoli/cheesecake slice from termini's. pretzel from fisher's, cookie from fourth st, or a cheap breakfast from the dutch eating place. my favorite food stands are martin's meats (for sausage and bacon), harry g. och's (old school dry aged meat), amish produce stand, gaodshall's poultry, downtown cheese (the only place that seems to reliably stock jamon serrano), and the juice guy in the middle back (try his juice and you'll know what I mean).
vietnam on north 11th st is a great restaurant. if he likes beer, take him to the foodery on 10th and pine (sells singles). the corner of 11th and pine is a small park where you can enjoy this tasty beverage. Art Museum. although it's smaller than chicago's (I believe), it's pretty cool. I always liked the way the incorporated "ruins" into the actual museum bldg. Sunday is "pay what you can." the trail behind the art museum (Kelly Drive). Perhaps dinner at Rembrandt's in fairmount. Coffee at La Colombe during teh day (19th st north of walnut) or Capriccio's for late night cappucino (17th and locust). Sundays Tria has a half priced wine and cheese. if prices aren;t a big deal, they do have a good beer, wine, and cheese selection (18th and sansom). my favorite cheap place, minar palace (INdian). sorry, sidetracked with food as I'm apt to do. As for nightlife, there is helium comedy club, ortlieb's jazzhaus and chris jazz cafe are both excellent. If you like such things, the Philadelphia Orchestra which is one of the best in the country. the orchestra has, historically, been one of the few areas where the city has been able to consistently best it's neighbor to the north. it's also a good excuse to check out the kimmel center.

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Awesome! Great sugggestions! We welcome food suggestions- we are both very athletic, but that just means we can eat a lot, and we do.

He probably won't be interested in the Art Museum or Symphony (those will be my domain) but Chinatown sounds great, (since DC recently lost its Chinatown to gentrification-- now renamed "the East End"), renting bikes, and a tour of UC. Sounds like UC has a pretty cool little strip too.

as for renting bikes, I'd recomend taking the R6 to manayunk and renting them there. that way you can ride the schuylkill train and wissahickon which are tow fo the prettier rides around.

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If you're coming in October, take some time to walk around the Society Hill neighborhood--it's absolutely beautiful in the fall. South St. and Headhouse Square are also right there, too.

Another 2¢ in addition the other post..

Since you will be in the city once and after that who knows, here are some places i like -- I'm not from Philadelphia, and once I find a place I tend to stick to it, so I may have somewhat of a tourist's taste.. anyways..

*I think Monks would be a kick -- the archetypal philadelphia belgian bar (and it's footsteps from the Square..)
* Definitely second the Vietnam recommendation..
* DEFINITELY second the DUTCH EATING PLACE recommendation as well as 4th street cookies..
* Villa di Roma 1) or Ralph's 2) in the Italian Market (but remember i'm not a local..)
* Must concur again - Minar Palace is good.. too bad they don't deliver to Catharine st..
* Los Catrines Tequilas -- is upscale Mexican - has its own vibe -- nice/quirky ambiance for a visitor.. not sure if I think its overpriced or not.. i wouldn't call it craveworthy, but it's definitely good food and a point of interest.. it is also close to the Square..

I thought Eastern State Penitentary, in the Fairmount district was cool -- the country's first Penitentary..

You might consider checking out entertainment venues -- besides the Kimmel center (broad st.), the Annenberg Center or World Cafe Live (U City), and Zanzibar Blue (a jazz club, also Broad Street)

If you are able to get out to Chestnut Hill which is also a nice excursion, I remember CinCin being a good restaurant.. Personally, I think that Center City and U City have enough to fill a week, but others are more on the "see the surrounding area" tip.. Not sure what would convince your husband, but like I said..