Phillies Game!

If you've been in Philadelphia longer than 5 minutes, you might notice an abundance of red and white clad people walking around.  These, my friends, are Phillies fans and they are not to be trifled with.  But seriously, if you are into baseball and visiting the city during baseball season, or if you live here, going to a Phillies game is a must-do.  Not even counting the fact that they are playing baseball, here are the other awesome things that going to a Phillies game has to offer: beer, cheesesteaks, Chickie's and Pete's fries, BBQ, soft serve ice cream, hating on people entertainment.  In case it escaped you, the percentage of things I just listed that are food-related is high.  Thats because eating like you aren't supposed to is a hallmark of sporting events! 

Its pretty easy to get tickets, as long as you arrive a little early you can buy them right at the box office.  You might be stuck with standing room, but its pretty easy to sneak into the actual seats without much hassle.  You just have to get up if the other people actually get there.  Other than that, sit back, relax, and probably watch the Phillies win because they are pretty damn good at baseball.  Might I suggest some tailgating beforehand?!

The Philadelphia Zoo

This past Labor Day weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting the first zoo in the country: The Philadelphia Zoo.  The zoo is on the small side, with total viewing of each animal accomplished in approximately 3.5 - 4 hours, depending on the amount of time you commit to each animal.  However, this zoo contains quite a few very unique animals, along with all of the usual zoo occupants.  Another feature of the zoo is the extensive children's area, including a petting zoo and other small animals in open habitats.  This is also the first zoo that I've been to that has healthy options for lunch such as wraps and apple wedges as compared to the usual zoo fare of artery halting burgers and fries.

The front gate

Penguin statue in front of the lake where you can rent a swan paddle boat

Another zoo attraction is the aviary.  In the aviary they have a wide array of various bird species that are literally flying into your head.  No seriously, a lady got hit by a bird when we were there.  The free atmosphere really allows you to get some stellar up close and personal shots of the birds.

Exhibit A

And of course, no zoo would be complete without an elephant shrew.

Elephant shrew

On display was one of the zoo's most recent additions: a baby giraffe:

Other favorites include penguins and the hippopotamus.

And what zoo would be complete without the plethora of these:

The zoo's most numerous occupants

There you have it folks!  Overall rating of zoo outing: A- to account for some general rudeness, stroller incidents and aforementioned crying children.

The 411:
What: The Philadelphia Zoo
When: The zoo is open year round except Thanksgiving day, December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.  However, as you can probably figure out, its not going to be much fun traipsing around the zoo in the dead of winter.  The zoo is open 9:30 - 5 daily.
Where: 3400 W Girard Ave Philadelphia PA 19104
Why: Zoological fun and excitement!  For animal lovers, outdoorsy types, adventurous spirits!
Cost: Adult: $18, Children ages 2-11: $15, Children under age 2: free.  Parking 12 dollars.  If you suspect that you will visit the zoo more than once a year, I suggest you invest in a membership.  Membership for one person (gets in one other person free per visit) is $59 and you get free parking too.  So all in all, pretty affordable for a couple, or even a couple with a child under the age of 2!

I definitely recommend the zoo for those of you who live in Philly or are visiting!   

More information!

Neighborhoods

Just as a reference, I've created a picture that roughly outlines the major neighborhoods in Philadelphia and where they are.  I will work further to create more detailed images (example: Center City can be further split into Chinatown, Downtown etc etc).

The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

Point of Interest #2

My second point of interest in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell.  The Liberty Bell has long been a symbol of America, often remembered for the distinguishing crack that runs from the base of the bell 3/4 of the way to the top of the bell.  The bell was the official bell of the Pennsylvania State House, today called Independence Hall (see below).  Generally rung for public announcements, the bell was rung on July 8, 1776 to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.  The inscription on the bell reads:

Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof Lev. XXV X
By Order of the ASSEMBLY of the Province of PENSYLVANIA [sic] for the State House in Philad
Pass and Stow
MCCCLIII (1753)

The first line is a verse from the Bible, from the chapter of Leviticus (Lev. XXV X).  In the second line, Pennsylvania is spelled incorrectly, as this version of the word was an accepted spelling during the 1700's.  Pass and Stow are the names of the craftsmen who re-cast the bell in Philadelphia after it cracked soon after it arrived from England. After it was recast, the bell first had a small crack in 1846 that evolved into the crack that is seen today when it was rung for George Washington's birthday celebration on February 23, 1846.  The bell weighs in at 2080 pounds and is primarily composed of copper and tin, with lesser amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold and silver.
(All bell facts attributed to a document provided on the National Parks Services website)

 Point of Interest #3

Independence Hall is known primarily as the building where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.  Independence Hall was also the original home of the Liberty Bell (above) but today holds the Centennial Bell.  If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of either the Declaration or the Constitution, you are out of luck because those permanently reside at the National Archives in Washington DC.  But, you can see where they were made, signed and put into action!  Independence Hall is very nice to walk around and is surrounded by a few different parks, the Liberty Bell and the Constitution Center (across the mall facing Independence Hall, saved for another entry).

The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are at the heart of Center City, Philadelphia and are definitely both worth seeing if you live in the city or are visiting.  Both locations are very tourist friendly and you won't be alone whipping out your camera to snap multiple shots of these historic locations. 

You can see the proximity of the Bell to Independence Hall in this picture.  Directly across the street

The 411:
What: The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
When: Year round
Where: The Liberty Bell is located on Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets; Independence Hall is located at 520 Chestnut Street (Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets)
Why: Historical, interesting, Declaration of Independence signing, symbol of America, did I mention historical?  Lots of history and reading!
Cost: Free!  The Liberty Bell is free for all visitors, though you may have to wait in line.  Don't be discouraged by a long line, even if it spans the entire building you will be inside within 10 minutes.  It can get a bit crowded, but generally people move through the exhibit pretty quickly.  Independence Hall is free as well, however tickets ARE required for entrance.  They can be reserved online and by phone before you go there.

Welcome to My Blog!

Starting today I made a pact with myself to start recording the fun, interesting and overall awesome things to do in Philadelphia.  I just moved here on June 1 and I will be sticking around for the next 4 years.  So whether you are a traveler or a resident of Philadelphia, I hope that my insights and information will be helpful as you explore the city.  On every post I will include all information you will need to do the same activity that I have just done, including price, location and other details.

Point of Interest #1:

The first activity, in fact the activity that inspired this blog, is The University Of Pennsylvania.  Founded by Ben Franklin in 1740, this Ivy League university is worth a visit if you are visiting Philadelphia or if you are a resident.  I have the pleasure of working practically on Penn's campus and walk through campus almost everyday (albeit, on the way to Starbucks on the corner of 33rd and Walnut).  Walking around campus takes you out of the city and into a world where traffic and city noise are nonexistent.  There are a few points of interest surrounding Penn's campus, including the Penn bookstore where you can pick up all of your Penn swag.  The bookstore is on the corner of 36th and Walnut and has everything from Penn merchandise to textbooks to regular reading books, with extra books relating to Philadelphia available.  For those interested in shopping, there are numerous chain stores lining Walnut street between 33rd and 38th including Gap and Ann Taylor.  Overall, when visiting University City or even passing through, a visit to Penn's campus is a must-see in Philadelphia.

Entrance to campus, 37th and Spruce Streets

One of the many gargoyles that line the building above along Spruce St between 37th and 35th Streets

Cohen Hall, home to The College at Penn

College Hall and Cohen Hall

Same as above, zoomed out a bit

Reminds me of a castle

Same building as above, close up

Benjamin Franklin in front of College Hall, the oldest building on the West Philadelphia campus

College Hall, home to undergraduate admissions, the university president and classrooms

Philadelphia means "brotherly love" in Greek..

The 411:
What: University of Pennsylvania
Where: 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Why: Beautiful campus, art on campus, walking tour, historical
When: As with most outdoor activities, I suggest that you do this during warmer months though the campus might take on a completely different beauty during the winter
Cost: Free!  For those of you who are concerned about budget like myself, you will appreciate this.