I have been to this glorious city once before and there are still a million things that I haven’t seen. History can be found on every corner. Philadelphia Freedom.
Philadelphia Freedom
Sweet Boy and Sweet Girl leave a penny at the graves of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Franklin. Because “A penny saved, is a penny earned”. This was a lesson learned earlier in the day while visiting the Philadelphia Mint. No pictures are allowed though.
The original Miss Independence and her escort on the green in front of Independence Hall where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted within its fine walls. It was built between 1732 and 1753 in the Georgian style by famed architect Edmund Wooley on land purchased by Andrew Hamilton.
The Liberty Bell was once located in the bell tower steeple of Independence Hall (visible in the above photo). The bell is believed to have been rung to commemorate the occasion of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was also used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions in the days before texting and email.
The bell cracked during ringing and was recast twice. The original bell now resides in a new facility directly across the street from Independence Hall. It is an iconic symbol of American independence.
Too cool for school, we took a break from sightseeing and did a little shopping.
White Dog Cafe
Then it was time for dinner at the White Dog Cafe. This nationally recognized restaurant was begun in 1983 by activist Judy Wicks. The restaurant was one of the first to practice the concept of using sustainable ingredients in its menu selections.
All of the artwork and sculptures within the restaurant feature charming examples of different dog themes.
While I was surprised that no images of “Dogs Playing Poker” graced the walls, I did get a giggle by some of the artwork painted on the bathroom walls.
Rittenhouse Square
The next day found us in Rittenhouse Square. We had brunch at a location on the square that deserves a post entirely its own. (Stay tuned.)
Rittenhouse Square is one of five original open~space parks planned by William Penn (developer and planner of Philadelphia). It was originally called Southwest Square but was renamed in 1825 after David Rittenhouse, a renowned astronomer, first director of the U.S. Mint and a descendant of the first paper-maker in Philadelphia, the German immigrant William Rittenhouse.
The centrally designed park is truly lovely and a delight for children and animals alike.
In my best Dug the dog voice: SQUIRREL!
You can get him, Maddie.
Sweet Boy being fed to the lion.
Ahhhh, serenity now.
Sweet Boy trying to see if the hype is true.
The Divine Miss M and introducing K Fed.
In the nineteenth century, several luxurious townhomes were constructed around the square. A few are currently for sale. I think if everyone pitched in, this could be ours.
The Original Anthropologie
Right around the corner was Anthropologie. This was the first time I paid more attention to the actual store rather than its contents.
Can you blame me? Spectacular swag and garland molding.
Too beautiful for words.
When I finally got around to it, I saw that the store displays were breathtaking as well.
While riding down from the third floor K Fed and Miss M took a load off.
Di Bruno
After a quick stop into Di Bruno to gaze longingly at the cheeses and other delicacies, we had to make a decision.
We had to select what to put into our hamper for the two-hour journey to the Jersey Shore.
Watch out Snooki, Laurie G aka Hotpockets, Tiny T aka Burnt Muffin Top and their precious posse are bound for the beach.
Laura
Laura,
You probably passed Thomas walking to his office through Rittenhouse Square.
He was the good looking one in the suit. (smiles) That is Anthropology I shop in, unless I go to Christiana Mall in DE. Too bad about the duck tour. I know Sweet Boy and his escort would have enjoyed the silly adventure.
Your Friend,
Deborah
What a wonderful trip Laura!
I love history and you have some awesome pics and great stories too!
Cute kiddies too, I bet they will always remember this!
Hugs,
Cindy
I absolutely LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Philly!!! LOVE IT!!! And toooooooooooooooo funny!!!! I was standing in some of those exact same places last July! LOL! :):):):):):) Gorgeous photos Laura! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Now girl, you were right in my back yard! Wish I would have known – we could have met in person. Glad you enjoyed your stay in the City of Brotherly Love- it has a special place in my heart. Have fun “Down the Shore!”.
xoxo,
Kim
What a wonderful historic tour. And YES.. we should all pitch in to buy the townhouse. Beautiful!!
Karen
Ladybug Creek
Good Morning Laura Sweetie…
Oh my gosh what a beautiful share today. I love it.
I can't get over how green and lush everything is. How very beautiful. I love the architecture of each of the things that you have shared. From the homes to the stores, and the photo of the two kiddos with their pennies laid down, just priceless. Laura they both have the faces of angels.
DS is sure growing up isn't he? I look at the grandkids this year and for the first time in a long time, felt really old.
Thank you for sharing and taking me along on your beautiful journey. I can't wait to see what you selected to go into your basket for the beach.
Many hugs and much love, Sherry
Laura…you are just too adorable!!! I loved this post…Snooki has nothing on you!
Love,
LuLu♥
O M G ! You were here in Philly!? How did I miss that you were traveling this way? Are you already headed to the shore? What part? Wow I am full of questions. You know that door knocker on the black door you took a pic of…if it the one I am thinking about on Delancy…I have been in that house MANY times. 😉 How awesome was DiBruno Bros? 🙂 Hate that I missed you!
I so want to see the Liberty Bell!! Looks like a good time had by all!! Love the bathroom graffitti!! What a great trip!
Bonjour Laura,
Looks like you and the kids had a fabulous time in Philly. Thanks for sharing all the fun.
Hava a wonderful day,
Mimi
Laura, there are way way too many great things to love about your post and your visit to comment on; it would be so nice to spend the afternoon in and around Rittenhouse square; I have always loved those townhouses!
I always say (like so many others) that I want to live in Anthro' but now I know exactly which one! Incredible, can you imagine getting to work there every day. Sublime.
Now I want to go to Philadelphia so bad…..good pictures!!
The first place we would have to go is the steps for my husband….huge Rocky fan!!!
Laura, looks like everyone is having fun on this trip to such a wonderful city.
Watch out in Joisey and please, I do not want to see you featured as The Situation's next conquest!
I spent several summers as a child at the Jersey Shore and it's a lot of fun – at least from my 10 year-old self's memory. Have fun! And tell K-fed to duck when Snooki throws her drink at him.
laura, great photos….kiddos got me laughing!
let's all chip in and get one of those brick fronts for sure. woohoo!!!
Wonderful post, Laura! It looks like you had so much fun. I hate to say I have never been to Philly, but it is on the list!
Love your photos! I live about an hour from Philly and don't get there nearly as much as I'd like. So much history, beautiful architecture, and wonderful food. Gotta love it!
Thank you so much for your kind comment on my post about my sister. I am so overjoyed to hear your story! God is so good, isn't He?
Blessings to you!
Ah, now you're in my neck of the woods! No matter how many school trips I have taken with my children to the places you have photographed, I never get tired of visiting again and again.
Hope your trip “down the shore” was okay. I heard there was stormy weather.
Laura,
You have such an adorable family!!! It seems like only yesterday when mine were that small! They grow so quickly!!!
I will be in Philly on Sunday and we are taking a trip to Anthropoligy as well. I will have to look up Di Bruno.. I could get in trouble there!
Have a wonderful time at the shore!
Yvonne
I'm SO enjoying your trip in pictures….makes me feel like I've been somewhere! 🙂 My hubs took a business trip to Philly a few years ago and truly enjoyed every minute of it. (he's a HUGE history buff..he was def in his element). He and his buddy both wore black leather blazers (not planned) and several people mistook them for undercover cops! Now how funny is that! Even one of the guards at one of the historical sights thought they were cops and was about to let them pass on through…my hubby had to tell them they weren't policemen. I guess a leather blazer will really take you places! lol Thanks again for sharing your trip, it's been so fun to see!
Blessings & Hugs
Missy 🙂
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thanks for sharing…grew up here nice to read some of the history,,,,