fun in philly for the 4th: part 1

Let me begin by saying that it was 100 degree temps this weekend in philly and as I sit out on my back porch typing up this post…with the cool breezes… it seems like the heat was so long ago.   Instead of measuring where we walked in blocks it would seem more appropriate that we measured in ounces of perspiration.  gross? Well, yea it was.  HOT! We took the train in from Downingtown.  One dollar to park and no traffic hassle.  The mission… a concert in Camden for Dan’s 40th birthday.

We stayed at thePenn’s View Hotel and caught the ferry over to NJ.  Easy.  Highly recommend the hotel and that mode of transportation for concerts in NJ. Penn’s View  is right at the river front, in Old City, just across the street from the subway terminal and 1-2 blocks from some great food, pubs and clubs (we don’t do clubs but more power to you).  Oh, and a few blocks from Independence Mall.

I have a little pocket map and an iPhone with apps but this is the travel mag that I crumpled all which way and stuffed in my bag because it was loaded with great info.   With a map in the back, it broke down attractions, food and events by areas of the city.  Pick it up, if you see it. I will not go on and on about what we did but just share a few posts.

Because we stayed in Old City and it was stupid hot as all get out we did not walk down to Rittenhouse.  Not many antique shops on antique row but there are a few funky shops and a specialty beer store.   I’m a thrift shop junky girl and have more fun looking for treasures in the 2nd hand shops.  Let’s start in the South Street area, shall we. Lucky for my wallet we did not have a car… spotted a set of gorgeous Spode.  We found this HUGE thrift shop just a block south on 5th and South Street.  The shop is called Philly Aids Thrift.  It is gigantic … loads of books and dishes.  Oh, I saw sets of Homer Laughlin (rose & poppy pattern) and even a Limoges.

    

Wait, is it wrong for me to drive in today …. to go back for those plates?

A must see on your visit to Philly is Philadelphia’s Magical Gardens.  period.  Created by Isaiah Zagar, this is one of  many places throughout the city – most concentrated – that you can catch his amazing vision of the world in mosaic.   It is stunning, inspiring, colorful, weird, sharp, whimsical and quieting.

Isaiah’s work is more than just mosaic.

Because it was so hot and there is so much glass I felt, quite honestly, like a little ant under the burning ray of a microscope.   Still, we found a spot under a hand carved pergola with a bicycle chandelier to catch a break in the shade.

       

…and his words, in this space, say it best and what an honor to share his sanctuary.

On to lunch on south street… torn between Souvlaki on South and something new we decided on the Tattooed Mom.  I’ll sum it up like this… metal head meets punk rock, hot pink cindy lauper in the 80’s style but as a decor, candy and games on the tables BUT vegan and vegetarian offerings….not the healthy kind … talking vegan cheesesteak (boca burger chopped up in a bun… we ordered with cheese wiz and grilled onions), fried things and more.  There is meat on the menu and drink specials at the right time of day. Funky.   Must admit a restaurant pet peeve…wall to wall carpet… it skeeves me out.

Their signature pink puss.

Strolling in old city… Tartes Fine Cakes .  We brought home the lavender pound cake.  moist. yum.  gotta love the pink scooter….

  

Chic little shops and gigantic used book store in old city… new and vintage clothing…

   love… (singing) loooovee this little shop… because it is owned by the creators of Root, Art in the Age.  Root is a locally produced and made with organic ingredients spirits.   They have a great blog site with recipes but also a flagship store.   It is not stocked to the ceiling but is full of locally made or handmade goodies.

   

Just had to sneak this photo in (from the magical gardens)  oh to have hair like this … okay back to old city

We enjoyed the Triumph Brewing.  They brew.  It is only their beers on tap.  I had the lager, the freshest on tap.  Smooth, light but still with flavor.  I don’t like a heavy beer.   The Summer Bock was nice but too hoppy for me.  Dan is the IPA connoisseur.   Nigel (bar tender who looked like Hugh Jackman) had 2 IPA’s on tap.  After tasting both (made my mouth pucker) he settled on the Bengal IPA.   Triumph has seating outdoors, a stage and large bar with table on the first floor and a great little bar on the second floor, where we sat.  Drinks and nosh before fireworks.

Nigel also makes a whiskey sour, old school … with egg whites.  Dan loves a good whiskey sour and really enjoyed this frothy beverage.  I, on the other hand, and grossed out by eggs and raw… seriously…ugh.   Dan highly recommends this specialty of Nigel’s.

great menu but we had a big lunch… on a hot day… so we settled on the caprese pizza

So, we loved the Plough & the Stars.  Also in Old City, it was easy to grab a seat at the bar or outdoors for lunch or just before dinner.   Great beer, menu, atmosphere and service.   We had the fish tacos.  Oh brother, who keeps drinking??? Is that mine.   Also got the recommendation for the Farmicia… to be continued…