I was travelling again for work and ended up in Philadelphia PA for a few days. The current city is so much more than William Penn could have ever imagined. With over a million and a half residents this colorful city is a collection of some 109 neighborhoods, all with their distinct character.
With all the different neighborhoods it is difficult not to find some great food for whatever you are craving. Along Benjamin Franklin Parkway there are numerous restaurants which my taste buds had the pleasure of trying a few. Of course I couldn't leave the city without getting a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. A good friend of mine came down for a few hours to visit and we stopped by Con Murphy's Irish Pub for a pint and some good grub. I got a great Philly cheese steak and Greg got a pot pie. Who goes to Philly and doesn't get a cheese steak? We hung out for awhile enjoying a couple beers then walked around the city for awhile. It's always great seeing old friends.
Most of my time was spent in and around Logan Square. The large parks, and ornate architecture can make people stop to take notice. Walking along Benjamin Franklin Parkway you will pass some amazing places; the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Rodin Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia City Hall, and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
The Museum of Art is a great attraction in its own right, but it is most likely known for the "Rocky Steps" and the bronze statue. The statue has since been moved off to the side of the art museum, but remains on the museum grounds. During peak hours you have to wait in line to get a picture as it still draws crowds to this day. A quick picture and a run up the steps are major attractions in Philly.
The Rodin museum was first opened in 1929 and after a recent extensive renovation it is very similar to what visitors would have experienced the opening year. Many of Rodin's famous works are on display in and around the museum. The Burghers of Calais and The Thinker are on display outside for everyone's enjoyment. There are over 120 of Rodin's sculptures at this museum and you should give this attraction some serious thought.
Philadelphia City Hall is the largest municipal building the United States has to offer. Like most large government undertakings, this building was either deemed the marble monstrosity or the marble masterpiece. During its 30 year construction there was a heated debate over scope of the design and costs of such an elaborate building. Alexander Calder created over 250 sculptures to include the 36' tall statue of William Penn atop the building. At 548' Philadelphia City Hall was the tallest building in the city until 1987 and it offers breath taking views. You can purchase tickets at 15 minute intervals for less than $10 and take the elevator all the way to William Penn's feet.
I enjoyed my time in Philadelphia and am looking forward to heading back to see more of the city. If you're travelling the East coast you can read about our NYC trip here.
With all the different neighborhoods it is difficult not to find some great food for whatever you are craving. Along Benjamin Franklin Parkway there are numerous restaurants which my taste buds had the pleasure of trying a few. Of course I couldn't leave the city without getting a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. A good friend of mine came down for a few hours to visit and we stopped by Con Murphy's Irish Pub for a pint and some good grub. I got a great Philly cheese steak and Greg got a pot pie. Who goes to Philly and doesn't get a cheese steak? We hung out for awhile enjoying a couple beers then walked around the city for awhile. It's always great seeing old friends.
Most of my time was spent in and around Logan Square. The large parks, and ornate architecture can make people stop to take notice. Walking along Benjamin Franklin Parkway you will pass some amazing places; the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Rodin Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia City Hall, and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
The Museum of Art is a great attraction in its own right, but it is most likely known for the "Rocky Steps" and the bronze statue. The statue has since been moved off to the side of the art museum, but remains on the museum grounds. During peak hours you have to wait in line to get a picture as it still draws crowds to this day. A quick picture and a run up the steps are major attractions in Philly.
The Rodin museum was first opened in 1929 and after a recent extensive renovation it is very similar to what visitors would have experienced the opening year. Many of Rodin's famous works are on display in and around the museum. The Burghers of Calais and The Thinker are on display outside for everyone's enjoyment. There are over 120 of Rodin's sculptures at this museum and you should give this attraction some serious thought.
Philadelphia City Hall is the largest municipal building the United States has to offer. Like most large government undertakings, this building was either deemed the marble monstrosity or the marble masterpiece. During its 30 year construction there was a heated debate over scope of the design and costs of such an elaborate building. Alexander Calder created over 250 sculptures to include the 36' tall statue of William Penn atop the building. At 548' Philadelphia City Hall was the tallest building in the city until 1987 and it offers breath taking views. You can purchase tickets at 15 minute intervals for less than $10 and take the elevator all the way to William Penn's feet.
I enjoyed my time in Philadelphia and am looking forward to heading back to see more of the city. If you're travelling the East coast you can read about our NYC trip here.