Day 3 

Jumpstart your third day in Philly with an invigorating visit to Cogito Coffee. Their selection of single-origin brews in a relaxing ambiance are just what you need prior to strolling over to the conference to check out “Dermatology Jeopardy” with ACEP Now’s Associate Editor Dr. Catherine A. Marco, MD, FACEP. Afterward, you’ll be itching (pun intended) to get back outside. No day would be complete for emergency physicians without outdoor adventure opportunities. For those seeking some exercise, rent a bike or throw on your sneakers and head to Kelly Drive. This picturesque trail winds along the Schuylkill River and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. As you make your way through the scenic route, make a stop at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to sprint up the art-museum steps ,Rocky style, and enjoy a great view of the city. Farther out of the city, head into Fairmont Park and check out the Forbidden Drive Trail.  

After such an adventurous day, head to East Passyunk Avenue, home to a plethora of amazing restaurants including River Twice, Ember and Ash, and Gabriella’s. End your night by grabbing some ice cream at Milk Jawn or D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats, and sit outside at the singing fountain for great people-watching.  

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA downtown skyline. SeanPavonePhoto

Day 4 

Today’s morning joe comes from Elixir, a city favorite using locally sourced ingredients. Back at the conference with coffee in hand, check out “Fixing Faces Painlessly: Facial Anesthesia, Regional Blocks” with Lauren M. Westafer, DO, FACEP.  For an afternoon lunch, the heart of Chinatown is just a couple of blocks’ walk. Dim Sum Garden is a popular choice for authentic dim sum, while Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodles serves up freshly made noodles. While the food itself is delicious, the experience of watching chefs hand stretch the noodles will mesmerize even those of us who have seen everything in our line of work. Walk off the culinary masterpieces by strolling to the historic district. Here you can step into the past, where I encourage you to visit Independence Hall. You’ll find other landmarks across the street such as the Liberty Bell, the African American Museum, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, and the National Constitution Center. Grab some popcorn for the ACEP23 Closing Session, where EM leaders and a healthcare economist are going to dive into some of the hot-button issues affecting our specialty, including private equity and corporatization. Luckily, there’s a cash bar and a space for conversation after this dicey session.