Five Things to Love about Philly
1. History
Philadelphia is a city full of history. Independence Hall, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Valley Forge, the home of the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross, William Penn, Benjamin Franklin.. the list goes on and on. There is so much to see and learn. So many famous footsteps to walk in and see what they saw. Go and experience the birth of our country.
2. Passionate Sports Fans
One thing that Philadelphia has is passionate sports fans. We get a bad reputation for being rowdy and unsportmanslike, but we love our teams. We still get flack for booing and throwing snowballs at Santa Claus... yet that happened in 1968! You want an example of how passionate Philly sports fans are? The Sons of Ben is the supporter group for MLS Philadelphia Union. However the SoBs were founded in 2007, a year before the MLS awarded a team to the city of Philadelphia. They helped rally MLS to give an expansion team to the city. They existed 3 years before a team ever played a game in the city. That's passion.
3. Food
Philly is a town with great food. It is also more than cheese steaks. Soft pretzels are a staple. It is the home of hoagies. They're not subs, not heros, they're hoagies. There is something special about them and they're much more than just a sandwich. It is also the home of Chickie and Pete's famous Crab Fries. Or perhaps you prefer a little slice of Italy? That you can find at South 9th Street Curb Market, the oldest and largest outdoor market of its kind.Of course there are the cheesesteaks... the amazing cheesesteaks. Be sure to try one with the cheese of choice: Cheez Whiz. While you're eating, why not compare and try to find your own personal favorite. Will it be Geno's, Pat's, Tony Luke's or Jim's? Maybe another choice. There's only one way to find out.
4. Rocky Balboa
This one is also a no brainer. You have to include the Italian Stallion. He's the blue collar worker, the underdog that rises up. A personification of the city. And let's not discount those steps. Running up them is no joke.
5. Birthplace of the Fresh Prince
He's saved the world from aliens countless times, saved the wild west and has even been a bad boy down in Miami, but he will always be the Fresh Prince first. How can you hear this and not sing... "In west Philadelphia, born and raised..."Honorable Mentions
There's so much to love, that I had to give some honorable mentions. Like to shop? How about 400+ store, 3 food court, 20+ restaurant King of Prussia Mall? Want something colorful? How about the Mummers Parade, dating back to the 1800's? Have a sweet tooth? It is the home of the Tastykakes, so good that my family used to trade boxes of Tastykakes with my great uncle in Nebraska for boxes of Omaha steaks. Lastly, this is a running blog, so I have to mention the Philadelphia Marathon, a fantastic way to see the city and a race on my running bucket list.Even the New York Times recognizes Philadelphia as #3 on it's list of 52 places to Go in 2015 only behind Milan, Italy and Cuba. Yep, third on a list that looks world wide.
Linking Up
Our hosts:
Eat, Pray, Run DC
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Mar on the Run
Some other good reads, pulled from the link up:
Salt @ Run Salt RunStacey @ Running Muffin
Sherry @ Stay Fit N Healthy 4 You
I've only been to philly once, but would love to spend more time there based on your post. Perhaps a race this year and maybe Rock 'n Roll Philly would be a good choice!
ReplyDeleteI've heard some pretty good things about RnR in Philly. I think one year I want to get the multi race pass to do that, DC and VA Beach all in one year. Lacey over at Fairytales and Fitness ran RnR Philly this year. Seemed pretty positive overall, though travel / parking was an issue. Two good posts http://www.fairytalesandfitness.com/2014/09/how-to-navigate-confusion-that-is-rock.html and http://www.fairytalesandfitness.com/2014/09/comparing-rock-n-roll-races-not-all-are.html
DeleteI haven't gotten to spend a lot of time in Philly, but it's on my list of places I'd like to take the kids. I really have no excuse since it's so close to us...
ReplyDeleteI've been there a bunch of times but not in a while. We have been talking about taking a weekend trip for years now, but still hasn't happened. Maybe someday we'll actually follow through, haha.
DeleteI was in. Philadelphia with some family earlier this year and really enjoyed my run by the river. It's a beautiful city, and so close to DC! I'm definitely hoping to get back there for a visit this year.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful city and not too long of a trip from DC. I've thought it'd be cool to just jump on a train up to Philly sometime for a weekend getaway.
DeleteI loooooove the history; well, and Rocky Balboa, of course. :) Have a great weekend, John!
ReplyDeleteOf course love Rocky. Hope you have a great one too!
DeleteWould you believe I've been to PA never to Pittsburg or Philly? I had family in Clearfield and I've visited Gettysburg, but never made it to any cities.
ReplyDeleteBoth are good choice. I actually grew up about a half an hour from Gettysburg, so always enjoy visiting there and seeing the battlefields. Nice places to go if you like getting out in nature.
Deletei've mostly traveled to philly for work but gotten in a couple of runs there, which was awesome. i should go more since it's so easy to get to!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's definitely not difficult to get to from DC, though I need to actually make the trip, haha.
DeleteI have been all over the place, but have never been to Philly! It looks like a great place to visit. I hate to admit it, but most of my Philly knowledge comes from the movie National Treasure haha ;) Definitely on my list of places to see.
ReplyDeleteWell, if that's the only source, there are some accuracies in there (though so t go trying to sneak over ropes and pull any bricks from buildings). ;-)
DeleteI would love to visit Philly again! I remember seeing the Liberty Bell and also went to Tony Lukes. Must go back to try the other cheesesteak places hehe.
ReplyDeleteYou have to try them all, for "scientific purposes".
DeleteHaven't been to Philly in a while... but I love all cities, so I am sure I would find something fun to do !
ReplyDeleteIt's a really a cool city with a lot to offer. Worth the trip.
DeleteMy husband's cousins are from Philly. The way you and them talk about it really makes me want to visit. And as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Rays fan, I totally understand Philly's obnoxious fans. lol
ReplyDeleteWe used to go to the Ale House on Sundays for football, and there was always this Eagles fan there who I liked to rile up. I really had no foot to stand on with my teams, but it's always fun to get him started.
Well yeah, that's always fun to do with other teams fans. Frankly, I'm a Philly sports fan, I grew up knowing fully what it was like to have not leg to stand on but doing it anyway, haha.
DeleteI'll be back in Philly for the LOVE Run in March. I look forward to another trip to Reading Terminal and trying some more cheesesteaks :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good trip plan to me.
Deleteits a good trip with the best shoes. The 2014 Shoes is great this was just amazing but what do you think guys about for 2015 :)
ReplyDeleteLot of reasons to love philly..Philly has a surprise and wonderful place to visit..Engage your days with philly.
ReplyDeletefalling on ice back injury