26 | STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA


www.nitravelnews.com PHIL-ING FINE IN PHILLY PART 2 BY THE HOLIDAY NINJA


Our first destination was the iconic “Rocky Steps”, made famous


by


Sylvester S t a l l o n e ’ s character Rocky Balboa in the Rocky films. We


decided


to walk from our hotel and our 45-minute journey provided some unmissable photo opportunities, including the famous Philly “Love” sign, the Swann Memorial Fountain and Philadelphia City Hall with its 37-foot bronze statue of William


Penn perched on top. Upon reaching the “Rocky Steps” (which actually lead to the Philadelphia Museum of Art – but more on that later) we posed for some photos with a statue of Rocky Balboa with his arms aloft. We then turned on the Rocky theme music, full blast, and sprinted up the 72-steps just like the Italian Stallion himself – well almost!! After catching our breath and throwing a few shadow punches, our reward was a spectacular view of the Philly skyline – another epic photo opportunity! There was no time to rest as we had a date


at the widely acclaimed Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. It was created by artist Isaiah Zagar who used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirrors and international folk art to chronicle his life in an outside labyrinth sculpture garden. There are also two indoor galleries where you can enjoy Zagar’s art further and a well-stocked gift shop. Lunchtime! We opted for another American classic; pizza! The authentic Alice Pizza and Restaurant was the location for our pitstop. The Margarita & Bacon and Salami pizzas were square in design and absolutely delicious!! You can sit in for a meal or simply


grab a “slice” and go. They also have a fabulous offering of gelato for those with a sweet tooth and room for dessert! Next up was


a Mural Arts P h i l a d e l p h i a Walking Tour. In 1984 Mural Arts Philadelphia started an anti- graffiti campaign by replacing graffiti with street murals. Philly has grown to be an international leader in this area


with over 4,000 works of community-based public art. Rich was our tour guide, and he was easy to listen to and his passion for the subject was evident. He took us to some of the most well-known and beautiful artwork in the city. It was fascinating to learn how communities are consulted before any mural is commissioned and how they contribute to the final piece of art. This was another great way to see the city and learn the stories behind some of Philly’s most recognisable murals.


Philadelphia residents are huge supporters


of their sports’ teams and during our trip the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team secured their place in the World Series. You could feel the buzz around the city as the locals celebrated in style. Whilst we didn’t get to see the Phillies, we were extremely lucky to experience an NHL Ice Hockey game as the Philadelphia Flyers took on the San Jose Sharks. We arrived early and took in the atmosphere and marvelled at the state-of- the-art Wells Fargo Center. There were so many food and drink choices (which we, of course, sampled), a restaurant with a view of the ice, and even its own Tequila Bar!


Unfortunately, the Sharks were too good for the Flyers on the night, running out 3-0 victors – but it was an unforgettable night


out,


perfect for all ages. DAY 3 It was an


early start on the final day, and we headed straight


to


the historic Re adin g T erminal Market for


some


breakfast. The market is home to over 80 merchants who offer the best of Philadelphia’s famous special i t ies , as well as an unparalleled variety


of


international cuisine. After enjoying a bite to eat you can take home a myriad of


February 2023


items,


including fresh local groceries, uniquely t h e m e d souvenirs and Philadelphia


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