Sign in with Facebook"You Can't Hurry the City of Brotherly Love" Philadelphia by richiecdisc
Philadelphia Travel Guide: 2,083 reviews and 4,048 photos
W. C. Fields once exclaimed, "All things considered, I'd rather be in Philadelphia," and as a boy growing up in what seemed the greatest city in the world, I assumed that meant he would in fact rather be in "Philly" than anywhere else. I was later disappointed to find out that he was facetiously comparing any number of hellish alternatives and implying that even being in Philadelphia was better. But to quote another comedian, Philadelphia doesn't get any respect. Overshadowed by The City known as New York, it is often mentioned almost fleetingly behind others of no more merit like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston. While, New York is the admitted global capital of the United States, I beg to differ on the second class status to heartless L.A., Midwestern farmers daughter Chicago, and stoic if historic Boston. Philly as locals affectionately refer to the "city of brotherly love," is a classic city in every sense, with sprawling ethnic neighborhoods, diverse arts and educational opportunities, world class as well as local verging on cult cuisine, varied and eclectic nightlife, and one of the most scenic if in need of repair city parks. It has all the historical significance and worthy sights as Boston, is more cosmopolitan than Chicago, and has so much more soul than Los Angeles. Add to this its ease of use; a compact and walk able main tourist area, easy to navigate and more drivable roads than The Big Apple, and you have a city that merits both international and domestic visitors to place it amongst the top cities if not sights in the U. S. to pay homage to.
It's funny how you tend to overlook the places you live, even the ones you grew up in. Though like any Philly boy, I was always justifiably proud of my hometown, I did not look at it as a particularly interesting place for a tourist to go. This impression had no factual basis. Quite to the contrary, I knew well about our having the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Any Philly boy knew well that good old Philadelphian Ben Franklin should have rightfully been first president of the United States. No, it was just a matter of taking a lot of those things for granted. The same goes for Philly cheese steaks and soft pretzels with mustard. It was hard for me to imagine a world without them. Thankfully, I married a girl from not only outside Philly but also the United States. By showing her my hometown I learned to appreciate what a cool place it was. I unfortunately have not documented it well here on VT but this latest incarnation of what has been a fairly lackluster page on my place of birth is hopefully a start towards rectifying that. As with all “old” pages that are re-worked, it is a bit disjointed and you can see the seems. Some of it is from our most recent visit, is more complete and hence useful. Some is from trips over the years with a more sketchy text. Finally, some are old family photos which show me growing up in a city I may have moved on from but it never quite moves on from you. It may not be the most extensive page on Philly but it's got a little bit of the heart and soul I once took for granted.
Reviews (30)
always a Philly fan
Sports & Outdoors
(1)
If you grew up in Philly, you are stuck with the Philly teams for life. This was not always so easy since they didn't... more travel advice
Reading Terminal Market
Things to Do
(10)
Though markets were common in Philadelphia as far back as William Penn's day, they were mostly outdoor affairs and... more travel advice
The Swann Memorial Fountain
Things to Do
(10)
The Swann Memorial Fountain is not something you can really miss in a visit to Philadelphia. One of the more pronounced... more travel advice
Betsy Ross House
Things to Do
(10)
The Betsy Ross House is one of Philadelphia's biggest tourist attractions. Reputedly the house that Betsy Ross lived in... more travel advice
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Comments (71)
who woulda thought you would be so cute! what happened now? lololol. joking! great old family photos, you all look like the mob! haha
You sell Philly well! I've never thought about going there, but you've definitely tempted me. I'd enjoy the Rodin museum, Elfred's Alley & other old houses, the market (and porter!), and the bars and restaurants too. And I loved seeing your old photos ;-)
Great Philly page! Philly really is a great tourist destination. Easy to navigate, lots of history, and great food & drink. Someday, I have to check out Isgro's for a cannoli and a sfogliatella -- my two favorite Italian pastries.
Now I know more about Philly and your childhood;) I only knew the airport before;)
Twenty years ago (in April) I visited Philadelphia for three weeks, as a friend studdied English there. I had a great time of course! I enjoyed reading about your hometown!
Now my Philly boy knows that Ben Franklin was a bit too old to become the first president ;)
Oh, I thought we will see something new in Columbia and instead it is Philadelphia :) But I see they have beers and pho, so that is just perfect for me :)))
Great to see that you are continuing :-)) Haha, and now I have a rough idea where your beery taste comes from. Cute kiddies pictures, haha, love that boy in the suit :-) And how could I missed Elfreth's Alley??? (I was in Philly once)
My wife grew up around Valley Forge so, I like visiting Philly it never ends in interesting thing to see and do.
YO!....never said I didnt like Pennsylvania or Philly. But Im a NYer (overshadow city LOL)My only problem with Philly is its too close to NJ LOL...all the best Mike