Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Cheesesteaks, Swans and More!

Getting There.

Into every vacation a little rain must fall, right?  So there we were motoring up the interstate just as happy as if we had good sense.  Uh oh, looks like some bad weather ahead.  It had been an overcast day so some rain wasn't unexpected, but nevertheless not appreciated - as least not by the passenger - ME!

At 12:06 it looked like this
At 12:09 it looked like this.
"So, can YOU see anything?" 

And yes, the wipers were running!


The Sights and Tastes of Philadelphia.  

The historical city of Philadelphia was home to Ben Franklin (there is even a bridge named after him) and the Liberty Bell.  The Liberty Bell has a new home in the new Liberty Bell Center.  Admission is free to see the bell.



What else is Philadelphia famous for?  That's right!  The Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.  If you want a great, authentic Philly Cheesesteak, then check out Jim's.  There was a line out the door and around the corner.  It seemed like a long line but it was a small shop so how bad could it be?  However, what we didn't know was that the line snaked up and back inside the shop to where you place your order. 

Yes, it was worth the wait!
We stayed two nights at the Hyatt Regency along the Delaware River.  (Don't you just love Priceline?)  We got a great room and the hotel staff were friendly and helpful.  Wouldn't you know on my first ever day in Philly, I came down with an raging, down-for-the-count headache.  Even after dragging into the restaurant at 9:30, we weren't rushed and cheerfully served a tasty dinner.

If you want to see the Delaware like George Washington, for the small price of around $10 an hour you can take one of these cute swan paddle boats on a tour along the river. At night you can sit along the river and gaze at the many lights on the water.

Swans on the Delaware?

On our last night in the city, we sat by the river trying to decide where to have dinner.  Like with any big city, there are an overwhelming number of culinary choices.  Eventually we asked the concierge where to go (you know there's always someone willing to tell you).  

Some of the places we had considered were on his extensive list of "good" places.  The Chart House topped his list of seafood offerings, so we said "let's do it".  The concierge made the reservation for us, got us the best table and experienced servers.  We were treated like royalty plus we got a free dessert.  Now with that dessert we ordered dessert wine, which was more than the dessert and sodas would have cost.  The evening was concluded with a nice walk back along the river to the hotel.

Here is the view from our corner table.

The Chart House overlooking the Delaware River

The Last Day.

It was quite the morning, beginning with a thunderstorm and pouring rain (ending any chance of going to the zoo) and culminating in me setting off the car alarm by trying to get out of the car. We fended off our starvation at the South Street Diner with a couple orders of pancakes. 

This lovely lady was standing guard outside of one the shops as we made our way back to the car after breakfast. 

Philadelphia Street Art

Since we were unable to go to the zoo because of the morning thundershower, we checked out the Independence Seaport Museum.  It was chock full of exhibits, both visual and interactive.  There were replicas of many historic boats and ships, and so much more.  In addition to the exhibits, there is an active workshop in which skilled workmen, as well as volunteers, build and/or rebuild ships in the old styles.

The workshop at the Independence Seaport Museum


On the way out of the city, we saw one of Philadelphia's cable cars.  While it is a common sight here, it is interesting to us because the only trolleys we have are just buses in disguise.


And that concludes our tour of Philadelphia, PA.  I hope you enjoyed yourselves, and please recommend us to your friends.

11 comments:

  1. Linda,

    I love travel posts. It's so much to see where a friend has visited and to get the commentary along the way. It's looks like you guys are a lot of fun...with the exception of the headache...and you make me want to visit this historical city.

    Your photographs are great!

    Have a good day:~)

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  2. Thanks Sara, I'm glad you enjoyed the tour. I'm afraid I didn't do it justice, and we didn't get around to everything we wanted to see. Two days doesn't give you a lot of time.

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  3. I dind't know they had cable cars there. Cool!

    The city of Freedom looks like it affords much viewing and munching pleasure.

    Did you hug the bell? I think I would.

    Yes, I've be in rain like that and had to pull over. No real rain here since October, tho, yikes.

    xo

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  4. Jannie- There was indeed much to see and as many places to eat. Difficult to choose between all the choices. You must go through security to see the Bell. They might frown on bell hugging. That rain was wicked. Speaking of rain, are you safe from the fires?

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  5. Wow I loved all your pictures, but can't get over the first two in particular! Seeing the wall of rain, and then seeing the actual rain.. that was amazing!

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  6. Hi Linda .. gosh no picture of the cheesesteaks! That storm looks horrendous ... but the tour of the town - I loved looking at your sights and views .. and sounds like you had a great few days. The boatyard museum looks wonderful .. cheers thanks for taking us on a tour .. Hilary

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  7. Katherine- Amazing, scary. I'd rather see it from inside a building than a car. Fortunately, it didn't last too long, but that wasn't the only deluge of the trip.

    Hilary- Sorry, it was too good to pause for a picture. Other than the downpours, it was all fun. Stay tuned for the next installment of the PA vacation.

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  8. Holy crap. When it rains like that, I have to pull over and wait for it to pass!

    And, this post REALLY made me want to take a little trip out to Philadelphia. It's only an hour away from my house, but I haven't been there in YEARS.

    Lovely view from your table over looking the water.

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  9. Meleah- I've gotta say that was some impressive rain. We were going about 40 mph with the flashers on.

    I didn't know you were that close. Maybe next time we can meet up.

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  10. Just looking at the picture of the intense rain at 12:09 is making me feel anxious. Gah, I HATE driving in rain like that.

    As if someone is going to say, not me! I LOVE driving in that kind of downpour.

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  11. Cardiogirl- I was rather anxious myself. Hubby doesn't mind the rain, but even he doesn't like that much rain.

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