Philly Facts, Philadelphia

Living in the city is cool because there's always something to do. You can walk out your front door and have a dozen restaurant choices within a block of your front door. You can stumble onto new art galleries or a street performer entertaining a crowd down the block. And if you're a kid, you'll love running from block to block finding little parks and places to play. This is Three Bears Park in Society Hill where my sister takes my nephew to play on the swings and slides.

I know Philly has a bit of a rough-around-the edges, blue collar reputation, but as long as you're not an opposing team at a professional sporting event, the locals are really friendly!

They don't call it the City of Brotherly Love for nothing!

Some medical surveys have concluded that 'Philly' is the most overweight city in America, and it's no wonder. Any time I've treated a guest to a true Philly cheesetake they beg for more.Philadelphia soft pretzels are also a taste treat must when you visit.The ethnic make up of Philadelphia lends itself to a variety of foods and you can find some of the best of your favorite cuisine somewhere in Philly. Tipping in restaurants is usually around 15%.Most people in Phila. are busy BUT a lot will take the time to try to help you if you ask for it.Drivers like to honk their horns a lot, so don't get flustered and definitely DON'T get verbal or make gestures... road rage is alive and well in Phila.

If you’re visiting the historic area, you might like to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through old city and the Independence National Park Area.

Carriage tours can be found on Independence Mall at Chestnut St.. between 5th and 6th St.

Patriotism is taught at an early age in Philadelphia! I was recently there for the July 4th (U.S. Independence Day) celebration and the atmosphere was really lively and fun. On the 4th, some of the best fireworks displays you'll ever seen are an annual ritual at both Penn's Landing and on the Ben Franklin Parkway in front of the Philadelphia Museum on Art.

By 1776, Philadelphia was the second largest English-speaking city in the world, second only to London.

Penn, who was fleeing religious persecution in his native England, founded the first city in the world to grant tolerance to all religions.

It was also the first planned city, a community designed before it was occupied, a city with five parks within a short walk of every compass point.

Map of the Historic District :

Like other Northeast cities, Philadelphia's weather changes dramatically from season to season. The spring is warm and mild, while summers can be very humid and hot. Winters are cold and often snowy..

If you are expecting the dismal Philadelphia portrayed in the Rocky movies, be prepared for a pleasant surprise. Generally-speaking, Philadelphians are friendly and helpful to visitors. There isn't any specific way to interact with people except to respect others and be yourself.

The city is very diverse, economically, racially and culturally. As for the well-known accent, there actually is no predominant 'Philly accent,' but you will hear the famous 'yo' now and then.

The Art Museum has a special policy on Sundays; you pay as much as you wish. It seems late in the afternoon, it's pretty empty as well and the view of the city from atop the steps is magnificent. Perched on the hill, this plateau often has breezes while the streets below are sweltering.

PHILADELPHIA IS A HISTORIC CITY. AS ONE WALKS THE STREETS OF 'OLD CITY' IN DOWNTOWN PHILADELPHIA, AS YOU LOOK AROUND, YOU CAN SEE HISTORY COME TO LIFE. FROM THE HALL OF INDEPENDENCE TO THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, IT'S ALL HERE.......
WE ALSO HAVE GREAT MUSEUMS, RESTURANTS AND EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY...SO MANY THINGS, I HAVE YET TO SEE THEM ALL!!