What's good to do in Philadelphia in December when travelling on a shoestring budget?

We're already going to the Mutter Museum, the main point of the trip, and are staying at the Alexander Inn. Our group consists of two goths (one a singer, one a body piercer), a demolitionist/ driver, and a goat farmer/soapmaker - regular historical stuff doesn't really hold our attention.

They have first class soup kitchens, I belive.

Play is the snow or ice, Get talked to by rude people. Maybe even a mugging to top it off

Jerry----SoCal :)

Take a stroll down South Street
The Art Museum is FREE on Sunday mornings (There are also several other museums in the area).

Cozy up somewhere with a cheesesteak and watch the Eagles!!!

It sounds like South Street is going to be the best spot for you to hit. Bars, stores, catch a show or two...definitely stay away from Old City...it may make you guys crazy.

Check out this website"
http://www.morbidoutlook.com/lifestyle/scenereports/2002_06_philly.html

It lists museums and cheap places to eat and stay.

The Art Museum on Sundays before 1pm is 'give a donation' for admission. There is a great exhibit on medieval armor and weapons that might appeal to the group. Pay attention to the architecture around. Much of the appeal of the museum is the outside.

Personally I think South Street hit its peak over a decade ago & it hasnt been the same since but some people like it. There are always ideas for the week in the CITY PAPER. This is probably the best place to find the out-of-the-ordinary stuff going on in the week you are in town. Also take a look at Craigslist.com they also list activites going on.

You would probably enjoy Reading Terminal it is in Chinatown. I think 12th & Filbert. It is an indoor market. you can find unusual food and trinkets abound. Everything from Soul Food to Bratwurst to Sushi to fresh pretzels. You will see a very eclectic group of people in the Terminal. Talk to the people in the terminal. They will always tell you what is going on in the city. There is often live music played in the center while you eat.

A few blocks away from the Terminal is the Trocadero. You can check out the site www.thetroc.com to see the upcoming shows. They offer a more alternative type of music experiences.

I like the more unusual nights out but also check out philly2night.com sometimes the give good info on cool stuff. One of the rock radio stations in town is 93.3 WMMR google their site for the events they offer. if you join the mailing list of both these sites they often send you evites which get you in without a cover and tell you the drink specials.

Get a cheesesteak-- they are cheap and yummy!
Get a hot pretzel from a vendor. They're great AND they keep your hands warm!
Run up the steps to the Art Musuem like Rocky (it's harder than it looks!)
Visit boathouse row at night
Pick up the Metro paper and see what cool alternative bands are playing around town--- usually with cheap or now cover charges.
Go over to Camden so you can see the whole skyline-- plus the bridges are cool