A few weeks ago I found myself in Philadelphia, PA for a magazine photo shoot. With about 8-hours of down time between scouting and the shoot, I set out with my camera, a desire to explore, some helpful advice from visitphilly.com, and an empty stomach. After a full afternoon/evening I come to know why people refer to this as the “City of Brotherly Love” (aside from the fact that Philadelphia is actually Greek for brotherly love which is derived from philos, “love” or “friendship”, and adelphos, “brother”. Sadly 8-hours was barely enough to scratch the surface of what this great city has to offer. If you find yourself in Philly, here are a few things that I learned to help you along your way.
The Washington Monument Fountain, situated just inside the northwest edge of Eakins Oval, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs, is shilouetted against a backdrop of scattered clouds.
Pat’s King of Steaks was the first steak sandwich, dating back to 1930 so naturally it was the first one I tried, and my favorite amongst the three that I tried with Tony Luke’s and Geno’s Steak’s coming in a respectable 2nd and third.
As a side note, the lines at all of these locations while long, move very quickly. No one on either side of the counter likes a slow/indecisive orderer. If it is your first time take a look at the link for Pat’s above for a quick rundown on how to order like a local.
Having been raised in the south, I sometimes assume incorrectly that people above the Mason Dixon Line aren’t as friendly. By and large, this isn’t true and Philly is a prime example of this. Make sure you meet as many people as possible.
During the summer months the outdoor beer gardens in Philly are second to none. Make sure to check out VisitPhilly.com’s List of “The Best Beer Gardens in Philadelphia”. My personal favorite was Pop-Up Park on The Oval, which made me feel like I was back in the south with strings of outdoor lighting and lanterns dispersed amongst sprawling hardwood trees, with plenty of seating, cold beer and slices of pizza. If you get the evening right you can also check out the competition of the city’s bocce ball league.
The Steak Wit Wiz at Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia, PA is a staple for visitors ranging from President Barack Obama to celebrity chef, Rachel Ray.
An inlay impression at the top of the Rocky Steps, in Philadelphia, PA of the Converse sneakers that Sylvester Stallone wore in the movie “Rocky” was installed to replace the Rocky statue created by A. Thomas Schomberg in 1982 which was installed for the filming of “Rocky III”. After filming was complete, a debate arose between the Art Museum and Philadelphia’s Art Commission over the meaning of “art”. City officials, who argued that the statue was not “art” but a “movie prop”, and it was eventually moved to a grassy area at the base of the stairs.
International tourists run up the 72 stone steps of the The Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, PA, that were made famous by the Oscar-winning film Rocky and five of its sequels.
The skyline of the city of Philadelphia, Pa is seen down the length of Benjamin Frankly Parkway from the top of the Rocky Steps at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, overlooks Eakins Oval park.
Manasses Guth Covered Bridge is a 108-foot-long, Burr Truss bridge, that crosses Jordan Creek near South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was originally constructed in 1858, rebuilt in 1882, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Manasses Guth Covered Bridge is a 108-foot-long, Burr Truss bridge, that crosses Jordan Creek near South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was originally constructed in 1858, rebuilt in 1882, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Residents and visitors to The Oval in Philadelphia’s famed Benjamin Franklin Parkway, take part in one of the city’s pop up beer gardens under a canopy of warm party lights and festive lanterns.
Walking and jogging along Benjamin Franklin Parkway in front of the Rodin Museum on a summer afternoon in Philadelphia, Pa. The Indoor/outdoor sculpture museum boasts the largest collection of Auguste Rodin’s work outside Paris.
A young couple kisses while posing for a portrait in front of the famous LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana at JFK Plaza (aka Love Park) in Philadelphia, PA.
Michael Grant, also known as “Philly Jesus” talks to two men about his faith at JFK Plaza in Philadelphia, PA on Wednesday, July 30, 2014. For the last three months, Grant has dressed as Jesus Christ, and walked the streets of Philadelphia to share the Christian gospel by example.
The famous LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana Is lit by the setting sun at JFK Plaza (aka Love Park) in Philadelphia, PA.
The sun sets on the intersection of 16th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, PA.
Harry O’s Passyunk Gardens is a volunteer run community garden in South Philadelphia, PA that was created in 2011 for a taping of the Rachael Ray Show. The space’s mission statement says “Harry O’s Passyunk Gardens seeks to provide an inclusive green space in the heart of South Philly where neighbors and visitors can participate in urban gardening and create a community-oriented environment.
Street art depicting a flock of colorful birds can be seen across the street from Pat’s King of Steaks in the Italian Market neighborhood of South Philadelphia, PA.
Irving Fields is a formerly homeless man who made money by drawing portraits of people at Pat’s King of Steaks in the Italian Market neighborhood of South Philadelphia, PA.
Irving Fields is a formerly homeless man who made money by drawing portraits of people at Pat’s King of Steaks in the Italian Market neighborhood of South Philadelphia, PA. Fields has continued to draw portraits for money after finding a home because he enjoyed doing it.
Sadly 8-hours just wasn’t enough to check out everything I wanted to. I would recommend a minimum of 3-days if you want to be able to see all of the historic sights in addition to the the new favorites.
