The nation's largest landscaped city park has winding creeks, rustic trails, and some cruisy areas.  The Rodin Museum and Philadelphia Museum of Art anchor the park's south end, with a long stretch of riverside green stretching  northward.

Looking to get away from the city but not travel too far, and the beach isn't your thing? New Hope PA has a score of beautiful small hotels and b&bs to choose among. Check our article for places to stay and things to see.

To the west, Faunbrook B&B in an elegant grand manor, circa 1860, was once owned by a Civil War-era congressman in West Chester, PA 30 miles from Philadelphia. The two-acre setting is the perfect venue for social events, and you'll be within an easy drive of attractions such as Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Museum and Gardens, the Brandywine River Museum (Wyeth paintings), and the QVC Studio headquarters. Phone 610-436-5788 or see their website for information.

Known in gay circles as Judy Garland Park, this neighborhood park near the river at the east end of Spruce Street, (at 25th St) has cruising in less well illuminated areas, particularly behind the nearby railroad tracks. As always  -at your own risk.

Going to market. The Reading Terminal Market  has mouth-watering baked goods, meat, fish, fresh flowers, Amish specialties, crafts, and restaurants serving  food from around the world. A new Farmers’ Market is now open every Sunday from May until mid--November, 9am-1pm. N 12th at Arch Street.

Uncovering history. Check out the book by Thom Nickels, Gay and Lesbian Philadelphia, available at Giovanni's Room, 345 S 12th Street. Philly's own, and one of the few great gay bookstores still around, this shop is worth a trip for that reason alone.