The flag above Independence Hall
We’ve lived outside Philadelphia for a few months now and have had ample opportunity to do both the touristy stuff (well worth it) and some off-the-beaten-path stuff. A random sample of my favorites from the tourist-circuit follows.
The crowd outside tourist trap Pat's waiting for their Cheesesteaks.
Pat’s (above) and its competition, Geno’s (below) stand on opposite sides of the same intersection and peddle the classic Philly staple: the Cheesesteak. Neither are truly Philly’s best, but both are wildly successful, kitschy, and in an obviously beneficial pseudo-symbiotic relationship that should be the subject of multiple economic studies.
THERE IS A RIGHT WAY TO ORDER A CHEESESTEAK. Say this: “Yeeah, canigetta Wiz wit?” They will know.
Phil-licious.
Independence Mall, while bustling during the day with large groups of Asian tourists and their gigantic cameras and school groups on the Duck Tour Bus, empties out at night and becomes eerily quiet. Though you don’t feel transported into the past, you do feel a greater appreciation for the significance of the area. Most people go home and watch National Treasure immediately after the Mall at Night experience, I’m told.
Independence Hall at night.
The Liberty Bell, resting after a long day's work.
What I’ve found so striking in my 3 visits to the Liberty Bell is that no one actually looks at it – instead they stand in front of it and have their photo taken.
The city from the bridge.
The Walt Whitman Bridge and the Delaware Memorial Bridge both afford striking views of the city. The view is nearly always enough to shut me up. I love crossing these bridges, traffic be damned.
The tower at Independence Hall.
The famous stairs to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
I truly have come to adore Philadelphia, and I’m so happy we were able to find a home nearby. Next step: Taking ownership of South Jersey. (I’m working on it.)
