For most Fall 2012 Temple freshmen, graduation is soon upon us. There are so many exciting things to do and sights to see in the beautiful city of Philadelphia. It is important that we take advantage of our last year of freedom and undergrad and enjoy our city while we can. Venture off campus, try out a new restaurant with friends, go on a stroll through a park, explore and make the most out the next year.

Grab a group of friends and save a Saturday afternoon for Rittenhouse Square.

Rittenhouse Square is home to several popular restaurants, retail stores and a tree-filled park, which you don’t see very often on Temple’s Campus. Pack a lunch, have a picnic in the park, or go out and explore the different restaurant options Rittenhouse Square has to offer. In my opinion, the park is friendly and one the most peaceful spots in the city to read or just relax with friends.

Save the date for the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival!

The Philadelphia Cheesesteak is one of cities most popular and delicious foods. Why not dedicate an entire day to celebrate it? If you love food and you love having a good time, check it out at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 24, 2015. Come hungry!

Travel down to 12^th and Arch Street and you’ll hit Reading Terminal Market.

The public market houses thousands of different types of fresh food, like fish, produce, cheese, ice cream, baked goods, flowers and more! It is nonstop fun every direction you turn and a really exciting place to visit. If you are in the mood for ethnic food or buying a new book, reading terminal market has it all! I once had the best ice cream I’ve ever had in my life there, no joke.

Love creativity? Love color? Love exploring? Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens blend all of that into one.

It truly lives up to its name in that it is a very magical place. It is also one of the most unique things I have ever seen! There is truly nothing like it. The garden covers an indoor and outdoor space that is about half of a city block. Take a picture when you visit, as it is one of the most creative and amazing places.

After taking an English Class, I learned about one of the most spectacular museums called The Barnes Foundation. If you are into art andexploring many masterpieces, you have to visit!

The Barnes Foundation is filled with early and modern art. There are also textiles and metal work, along with several other types of art. I went with a friend and we spent our entire day looking and awing over the pieces inside.

Keep your Friday night open and explore Spruce Street Harbor Park.

The Park just recently opened two years ago but has already been a huge success! There are hammocks all around for lounging and food to enjoy along the waterfront. There is dancing, walking, games and more at this beautifully lit park. You walk in and feel like you are in a dream. Colorful lights and people surround you and it is a blast.

One of the coolest things about Philadelphia is its history. The city houses the famous Liberty Bell.

The Liberty Bell is a great place to visit and really experience the history behind it. It is an icon of freedom and the attraction has hired people to tell stories behind the bells past. You can even take pictures! It is also located in a beautiful spot on 6^th and Market Street with trees surrounding the landscape.

The Philadelphia Zoo is never a let down! Grab your friends and check out the beautiful, friendly animals that inhabit it.

The Zoo is located in a Victorian Garden and is the home to all types of exciting animals. My first trip I could not take my eyes away from the Chimpanzees. It has almost every animal imaginable and it is a great place to make memories and get amazing pictures that will last a lifetime!