Fun in city after politics at Democratic National Convention

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Soon all eyes will be on Philadelphia as the City of Brotherly Love plays host to the Democratic National Convention, July 25-28.

"And that's, of course, one of the main reasons to do the convention is to expose Philadelphia to 18,000 media, 6,000 delegates and 30,000 other people," said VisitPhilly.com President and CEO Meryl Levitz.

When all the work is done at the Wells Fargo Center, the fun begins as the the delegates and attendees flock to the city for some after-hours activities.

"They want to get out and see where's the hot places to go, where's the Jazz, where's the cheesesteak I hear so much about," said Democratic National Convention CEO, the Rev. Leah D. Daughtry.

There will be no shortage of things to do. From restaurants to bars, historical sites and local, favorite eateries, there is something for everyone.

Convention leaders say outside of some private events, that most are too busy to attend, there is nothing is planed for the delegates and their guests.

"We purposely don't do that because we're free-thinking, free-spirited people, and folks want to find that great local restaurant and the great spot, the secret hidden place," said Rev. Daughtry.

Each establishment will decide what specials they will offer or what ways they will attract those visiting. Many restaurants say they are counting down the days and are eager for the crowds the convention will bring.

"We look for that all the time. Conventions, what is going on in town, and it always helps our business and it pretty much makes our business," said Joyce Amodei, Devon Seafood and Grill.

The Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association says there is a big push to get lawmakers to extend the hours of restaurants and bars from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. during the convention. They expect it to be voted on within the next several days, and if it passes, each establishment would have to get a permit.