Re: *** Offical Camden 2023 Thread ***
OK let me sell this because it’s my home venue:
Venue wise: the tailgate scene isn’t what it was, but it’s still pretty good. The view of the Philly skyline on a nice summer night with the sun going down and the band coming on is something special. At least twice they’ve launched into Seek Up right as the sun is setting and it’s magical. One of my favorite moments. It’s also pretty decent lawn imo. The Waterfront walk from some of the lots down to the venue is really pretty too. Seriously, the skyline is really great. Camden itself is a shithole but the views of Philly and the Ben Franklin bridge from the waterfront/venue are awesome. Also, we get some pretty decent sets with a couple surprises and special moments now and then. Usually good for a liberation or two or a debut.
As for what to do when in the area? That really depends. I’ll give some options.
What I usually do is get a hotel in Mt. Laurel or Cherry Hill, drive to Haddonfield or Collingswood and take the train in. Easy in, easy out. Traffic leaving the venue can be a bit of a pain in the ass so if you’re able to take a train or ferry to get there, do so. It’s a short walk from the City Hall stop to the venue, and usually you’ve got concert goers making the walk with you. Just be aware of your surroundings like you would anywhere else.
Honestly, I’ve usually been a night person and just hit my 30’s, so I would usually head out to night time activities after the show and sleep in the next day and kinda relax until showtime. Then I do the same N2 and check out the next morning. It’s fine for me because I don’t wanna spend a bunch and grew up in the area so the tourist spots don’t do much for me.
Let’s say you’ve got spare cash and ideal situation: here’s what I’d do. Book 3 nights starting Thursday until Sunday. Stay in Philly if you want, or stay across the river in Mt Laurel (not Camden. Don’t do it.) Check in is usually 3 or 4, so take Thursday to get situated. Whether you’re staying in Philly or Mt. Laurel or Cherry Hill NJ, go out to Collingswood or Haddonfield NJ for dinner. They’re both really nice little towns with great food. Not so much in the way of bars but good restaurants.
Friday and Saturday, explore Philly. Check out Manayunk and Fishtown, Fairmount, Rittenhouse Square, check out the stadiums if you’re a sports fan. If you are like me and are more interested in night time, there’s a lot of fun options. I love Concourse, it’s got an ice bar, a ball pit, slide to the dance floor, a mirror room. It’s a great time. Tons of other clubs and pubs all over town depending on what you’re into.
Or, do all the day time stuff and go to bed after the show. I have no recommendations there, I usually am just reenergizing for the second show. Definitely hit the art museum though, it’s great. Actually go into it though, don’t wait in line for the Rocky statue unless you have an overwhelming need to.
Then after the show on Sunday, explore some of the fun spots on your way back home (unless you’re flying). If you’re driving and going northeast, stop in Princeton and explore the university and the town. There’s a ton of great food and it’s a really nice area. Going north? Stop in the Lehigh Valley and visit Bethlehem or Easton. Again, lots of good food and arts stuff. Lehigh has a beautiful campus as well. Going west? Stop into Chester County. West Chester has a pretty nice main stretch to visit for a bit. Or if you’re going really far, Lancaster is surprisingly interesting. It’s like an actual small city, not just a bunch of Amish farms (although they’re there too and yes, the food is good too). Going south? This might be controversial but stop into Wilmington, DE. Yeah, there’s some shit awful parts but the downtown area is really nice with you guessed it, food. Going east? Idk, enjoy the Pine Barrens I guess.
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