Dec 26, 2012

Posted by in Blog, Featured, Postcards, Travel Porn | 8 Comments

Photo Essay: Funky Philadelphia

When you think of Philadelphia, PA, you probably think of old stuff. Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, the Declaration of Independence, and all that.

You may not think of distinct (and walkable!) neighborhoods full of modern boutiques, outdoor art spaces, and ethnic markets. But you should.

During my month-long road trip earlier this fall, one of my favorite stops was Philly. Not only because I visited my friend Brandy (whom I hadn’t seen in FIVE years), but because it was the only place that really surprised me. Though I’d been to Philly many years before, I discovered a new and unique side to the city while on Brandy’s fabulous walking tour.

I hope these photos will give you a feel for Philadelphia’s funky neighborhoods!

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South Street.

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Brandy enjoying the view at the beautiful Magic Gardens.

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Such a cool outdoor art museum.

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I LOVE Magic Gardens.

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How cool would it be to have this out your front door?

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Philly = art city.

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HUGE murals were everywhere.

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Why not?

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Really old street.

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The pursuit of Happiness.

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Downtown Philly.

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In Philly, they just call them cheesesteaks.

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Mural in the Old City.

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300 varieties of sausage?! 300?

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Open-air markets in the Italian Market neighborhood.

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Grocery delivery service in the Italian Market neighborhood.

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At the gourmet food store Di Bruno Brothers. I’d like to do Supermarket Sweep in here.

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Cheese. Yup.

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Our new friend, Michael. Go to him if you want to buy lots of delicious food.

Have you been to Philadelphia? What did you think? 

This post was brought to you by Titan Travel, who specialise in USA touring holidays and other escorted tours.

  1. Rick Pollack says:

    Susan, you made me home sick. I was hatched and raised there many years ago and hope to get back in 2013. Hope you had a cheesesteak, soft pretzel, Tasty Kake…I gotta stop, I’m getting hungry. Have a great holiday and a wonder and traveling New Year!

    • Get back there, Rick… I think you deserve some good Philly eating! Happy 2013 and safe travels to you, as well!

  2. Amazing pictures!! I went to school in Philadelphia and lived there for 4 years…my favorite neighborhood by far was Old City. Those cobblestone streets are beautiful and I love the nightlife there. Hope you had time to get a cheesesteak at Pat’s or Geno’s!
    Kristine recently posted..Real world pressuresMy Profile

    • Thanks, Kristine! I didn’t have a chance to check out the nightlife (just chilled with my friend both nights), but it looked like it’d be a lot of fun!

  3. My cousin lives in Philly, and judging by your photos, he fits right in. He’s an artist, cartoonist, and composer. He writes a Vegan column for the newspaper and used to have a syndicated cartoon there, too. We’ve fallen out of touch, but maybe a trip to Philly to reconnect is in order. :)
    Juliann recently posted..Regrets? I’ve Had So FewMy Profile

    • That sounds just about right. You should definitely visit him! I was so pleasantly surprised by Philly, and I think you would be, too!

  4. When I think of Philly, I think of only one thing, THE DEAD MILKMEN!!

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