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The City of Brotherly Love: The Introduction of Philadelphia & what the city has to offer.....

philly skline close up of philly skyline

This will be a series of blogs for those of you not familiar with Philadelphia or those of you thinking about moving to this great city or within the region. In this particular blog, I am just going to point out many of the beautiful aspects of the City of Philadelphia. And then each day this week, I will take each highlighted topic and dissect each aspect of this wonderful city of Brotherly Love.

eagles

Sports - Great Sports Town..... Very passionate fans, winning or losing. Sure, they threw snow balls at Santa Clause one year at an Eagles game. And some people just don't have common sense. But for the most part, the Philadelphia Sports Fan is highly passionate and energized. The 4 major sports attractions are : Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Philadelphia 76'ers. We also have the Wings (Lacrosse) & Kixx (Soccer), The Soul (arena football), and the Philadelphia Park (horse racing). You also have car racing which can be seen at Pocono Raceway for both the Pennsylvania 500 and the Pocono 500.

liberty bell

Historic Sites & Famous people...... The city of Philadelphia is enriched in culture and history. Philadelphia can claim such famous people as Ben Franklin, Besty Griscom Ross (flag maker), George Washington (born in Va), W.C. Fields (comedian), Bill Cosby (actor), Tara Lipinski (figure skater), Wilt Chamberlain, Bernard Hopkins (boxer), Grace Kelly (actress), Will Smith, Frankie Avalon (musician), The Hooters (rock group), and so many more.

Such an historical event as the signing of the Declaration of Independence is what made us who we are today. The United States of America, but starting out as the 13 colonies.

art museum area

Museums & Parks & the Arts...... You can visit the Franklin Mint and the Smithsonian Art Institute Smithsonian: Museums. There is Fairmont Park,Walnut Street Theatre, and the newly built Kimmel Center, Inc.. At the Kimmel center, you can watch The Philadelphia Orchestra and many more muiscal talents.

There are many little ball fields, parks, and areas with fountains to hang around.

philly

Local Sites, Restaurants, & Pubs.....Again, the City of Philadelphia has so much to see and do. You can take drives down Kelly Drive and Boat House Row- Schuylkill River. There Longwood Gardens Longwood Gardens, Penns Landing, Valley Forge, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Declaration House, Congress Hall, Independence Hall, and the Battleship USS New Jersey Battleship USS New Jersey . Philly is even known for their fireworks during the 4th of July weekend that celebrates a major role in history.

Philadelphia has some great restaurants that will be mentioned later.Philadelphia Restaurant Reviews You also have a wonderful nite life in regards to the pubs and clubs that surround the city, from South Street, to Olde City, Delaware avenue, the museum area, and Manayunk.

Local colleges: Drexel University ( A great Engineering School), Temple University, University of Penn, Villanova University, and St. Josephs University (St. Joes).

philly train station

Surrounding Areas of Philly, Travel, & transportation..... The City of Philadelphia is geographically located near such cities and areas as: the Pocono's & Vermont for skiing, Atlantic City, the New Jersey shore, New York City, and Baltimore.

Philly is very easy to get around in regards to transportation. It has four bridges that connect Philadelphia to New Jersey. You can always catch a bus, taxi, or use the many trains that run underground.

Pats steaks

And you can't leave the city of Philadelphia until you have gone to either Pat's Steaks or Gino's. Philadelphia is known for their Cheesesteaks. Even when Monday Night Football was played here in Philly, John Madden would have a Philly Cheesesteak up in the booth. Don't go home without one.

By Jeff Belonger of Assured Lending Corp. "Meeting all of your financial needs for home ownership" jbelonger@assuredlendingcorp.com

Posted by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans on 11/19/2006 04:32 PM

Comments (72)

city of philadelphia, jeffmortgageman, city of brotherly love, fha, new jersey

This post has been included in Pennsylvania Information Philadelphia County, PA Information Philadelphia, PA Information

72 Comments on The City of Brotherly Love: The Introduction of Philadelphia & what the city has to offer.....

NOV

2006

Jeff,

Nice of you to talk about a city I grew up near. I lived in a suburb of Philly for about 10 or so years. Been to most of the places you mentioned. I still have a few friends back there. Heck, I even killed a deer while landing an airplane there. Fond memories.

I think you forgot to mention Pats Steaks, home of the best Cheesesteaks!

Jeff,

I'm originally from Pittsburgh, the other end of the great state of PA but I've visited Philadelphia quite often. You did an excellent job showcasing your city!! Great photos!

Hi Goose! The Philly area is so beautiful. I love Longwood Gardens. Also toured a mansion (the name escapes me); had to laugh at the George Washington reference. Everyone claims him! Is the famous restaurant Bookbinders still there? Love the Phillies too - The biggest joy to me about that whole area are the stone homes. I have not seen them anywhere else. A true local treasure.

Good post! Great Idea.

I had the pleasure of visiting Philly a few months ago and it was beautiful! Saw as many of the historic sights as I could in 3 days,...Dinner at the City Tavern etc. What an experience! I would recommend it to anyone. I will have to make it back there again soon for certain.

Any recommendations for repeat visit? I must have walked over 30 miles on the last trek! Still more to see.

Jeff,

Philly isn`t Philly without a picture of Gino`s....

Wow! Great information! This can only be part one! I think you should break it down town by town. You're on to a good topic, here.

Excellent pics!

Hey Jeff! Great overview! I look forward to reading further posts on spedific areas around Philly. Do one about that restaurant that is famous for Philly Steak Sandwiches!

Sorry to hear about Donovan. We lost today, BIG TIME, and to the Niners. YIKES!

Is Wannamaker's still there?

Excellent insight into the city Jeff.. Even though I passionately dislike the Eagles (I am a Giants Fan), I am looking forward to visiting the City of Brotherly Love someday very soon.

Kristal,

Wannamakers disappeared around the time the movie Mannequin came out (maybe shortly after). That movie was filmed inside (where she was hanggliding).

Carole,

The stone houses were really cool, I had a few near where i had lived. I lived outside West Chester along the Brandywine River. The Brandywine Battlefield park was about 10 minutes from my house.

Jeff,

Sorry for answering stuff here and taking over, just saw the questions and thought I would interject. You did a wonderful job on this post as has been mentioned numerous times. I look forward to more like this.

A lot of great talent came out of Philly, Are you going to go thee on one of your future blogs?

Jeff,

I am glad you are doing a series, because you can write a book about all that is great about Philly. (and many already have) I am a Philly Native (NE) and miss many things about the city. I was devastated watching the game today AAHHHH. I guess that although your area code is S. Jersey, I'll let you go.(since I owned a video store in Maple Shade years ago) Great job, looking forward to further installments.

NOV

2006

Very nice intro to Philly, Jeff. I've only been there once or twice many moons ago and only spent a day or two... not long enough to really 'see' it.

Great intro and photos. I'm looking forward to the additional blogs in your series. You can do one just on the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches. Who has the best?

Geeze Jeff, no Pat's , Geno's, Tony Luke discussion? :^)

Italian market is cool as is the Reading Terminal, Excellent Art Museum....Manayunk, South Street, ..........but best of all.........

........you guessed it, The Mummer's Parade.

Nice job Jeff

Robert...... killed a deer in regards to landing a plane? Must be an interesting story. Did you panic?

In regards to the Cheesesteaks... ouch. I even had a picture of a cheesesteak...lol I was busy watching my Eagles lose yesterday and I had a friend over. So...I actually rushed through part of this. Thanks for bringing this up so I can add that and talk about it later.

Linda...... thanks for the great comments. What is Pittsburgh? 4 hours from Philly?

Carole..... thanks for the nice compliments. Yes, everyone claims George Washington... lol That's why I put Virginia in there, his birth place. But he had a lot to do with this area and Valley Forge.

In regards to the stone homes and such. You will find a lot of these homes in and around the Main Line area which is West of the City. Near Villanova and such. And yes, Bookbinders is still there. They renovated it and I think they opened a 2nd one. I need to check on that.

Angela...... thanks for stopping by. When I was little though, I got sick of friends and relatives visiting.... lol We took them to the same places every time. So, what does Vero Beach have to offer?

Christopher..... yes, this city has much to offer. In regards to where to visit next? Not sure, because I am not sure what you did see. I could ask my parents, who showed my Aunt and her 2 kids around a few months back. Apparently they renovated a few things. I just can't remember at this time what he was impressed with... lol Again, I'll get back to you on that later.

Scott....... I know.... Robert mentioned the same thing. Like I said, I rushed through this last minute. I will add that. Thanks and thanks for stopping by.

Brian....... thanks for the great comments... I will look into the many towns also...thanks for the idea. Maybe list them in my sites and then do a segment on that specifically.

Rich........ Thanks for the compliments. Yes, adding the chessesteak place... lol And McNabb.... can it get any worse with in regards to Philly sports? ;o( Things just happen...

There are way to many things to ever be able to fit into a blog about Philly. I grew up right outside the Northeast in Bucks county. The history is incredible!

I am a huge Flyers fan (hate the Devils). Passionate fans...LOL...to say the least.

Thanks for sharing with AR!

PS.... ya forgot "Rocky" 8>)

Kristal...... To answer your question, Wannamakers has been gone for some time now. I think Macy's just closed up on Market street also. Some of the slow economy is hurting the city of Philadelphia.

Carl..... thanks for stopping by and the compliment. But a Giants fan? OUCH.... lol I think the Eagles play the Giants in 3 weeks up at Giants Stadium.... too bad McNabb will be out for that game.

Robert...... not at all....no worries here. Please, answer away. I don't read all the comments before I comment. I just go right down the line, read them and then answer them.

Ginger...... yes, I will mention this in just one blog. Thanks for bringing this up. It will be under historic sites and famous people.

Adam...... thanks for the nice compliment.... Yes, the Eagles loss...a big ouch. What was the name of your video store? Was it right there on Rte 73 next to Nissan... in a 3 store strip mall?

I didn't notice any information on the weather. My recollection of my many business trips to PHL was cold, colder and coldest! Of course - all the trips were in the middle of winter!

Leanne...... Thanks for stopping by and the compliment. And the door is always open to come back out again and even have a tour guide. Me... that goes for any member here on Active Rain.

Sharon..... thanks for the kind words. Who has the best? hhhhhmmm that is tough. There is even another place that is known for their pork sandwhichs, roast beef, and ostrich meat. Yes, ostrich meat. I would have thought that I would have never tried it.... but you can tell the difference. It's good and very good for you because it's lean.... very little fat.

Rob...... ah, Rob.... thanks for the reminder. Tony Luke's.... that is the place with the ostrich meat. Again, thanks for the reminder. That will be in my restaurant portion of one of my upcoming blogs.

Ann..... I am a Flyers fan.... but I am not sure for how much longer... lol Gee... can't they win a game? thanks for stopping by.

Rob...... I know... Rocky. rocky He will be featured in my next blog.

Tony...... hhhhhmmm... weather. So much information.... but I am sure I could squeeze that in... thanks

And Scott, Robert, and a few others that mentioned that I forgot the cheesesteak... I added it. thanks. but here is one on me. ;o)

Thanks Jeff....I will anxiously await your next blog and....your contact!

It was called Video Eden, not sure if it is still there. Sold it years ago, and the new owner expanded it. Kings Hwy and Lenola, same center as Barnacle Ben's Seafood. (It seems everyone knows Bens in the area)

Everybody knows the cheesesteak places. And there are too many things to mention. Historic- people forget about Elfreths Alley and stuff like that. Independence Mall area is great but there are lots of other fascinating places. Looking forward to what you will include. For anyone considering moving there, it has a lot to offer, and I am sure Jeff could direct you well.

If you want something other than cheesesteaks, but still want "rustic" try Walt's for crabs on 2nd St, and Nick's Roast Beef, also 2nd st.(I think). That's if they are still there. (I've lived in Phoenix for 12 years now)

Christopher....... Hopefully I will have something posted by this evening...the next part to Philly.

Adam.... lol Ya know.... there is a lot to say and I did rush through the second part of it, because I wanted to get it out to AR & the public... and enjoy the rest of Sunday and football.

Great one... Nick's Roast Beef...awesome roast beef sandwiches and it's still there, at least from May of 2005, which was the last time that I was there. But I don't think that place would ever disappear.

I can now see my restaurant blog for Philly being a long one. In regards to the name of the videa store. I never heard of it and I wasn't as familiar with that area.

Hey Jeff - Drexel University business school is pretty good too! (gotta defend my alumni!!)

Jeff - if you haven't tried something different recently....

Pasion!

Frommer's Review
Pasion!'s chef Guillermo Pernot, author of the cookbook Ceviche, is a young star, named as one of Food & Wine's 10 best new American chefs. The stylish restaurant is Philadelphia's finest Nuevo Latino destination with authentic Latin ingredients, exotic presentation, and various preparation styles. The food is incredible, the atmosphere upscale but fun.

Pasion!'s dining rooms have warmth and mystery, with stone walls, louvered, draped windows, and candlelit sconces. Floral prints and stripes, sea grass cloth, and bamboo details evoke a tented tropical courtyard. The 12 stools at the granite and weathered wood bar in the rear -- a great, relaxed dining spot -- perch near the unhurried and spotless open kitchen. Cuisine itself is intense. Many people start and end with one of five ceviche courses (marinated fresh, raw fish) offered daily (three for $28), and move on to cumin-crusted roasted salmon, Argentinean sirloin, or unusual grilled or baked root vegetables. Desserts feature sweet pastries and custards, and wines are the expected California and South American vintages, with bottles averaging $45 and glasses at about $8.50.

I've never been to philly but ive been to ny and nj. mcnabb is out for the season................ what happened to rutgers? cincy blasted them

WOW.

Jeff and I would probably be the only one to pass on the Philly Cheesesteak. I was the only one in the family to order the hambuger.

But, I have been to Philly, and yes your post is dead one. I look forward to reading many more.

Jeff- Great Blog !! I wrote a couple just like yours but I don't get too many readers...What is the secret to getting more exposure to blogs ???

Jeff, you just made me want to take trip to Philly. Yo, let's hook up for a cheesesteak!

Ravi.... yes, they also have a good business school. Many of these colleges are very good to excellent academic colleges. There was actually something on TV or the news about citys like Philly, that have good to excellent schools and how they try to recruit certain students. And they mentioned that a big part of this recruiting is the city itself. They said Boston is a big competitor of theirs.

Rob....... this restaurant sounds great. Thanks for the heads up. Stephen Starr is one of the big Philadelphia restaurant owners who owns several restaurants. He usually does well, when opening a restaurant.

One of my favorite and unique restaurants is The Pod. It's a sushi restaurant with flair and color. It's located near U. of Penn, near 35th street & Market.

Eddy..... I can't fathom having McNabb out yet for the season. The way they are talking, it could be a whole year. This is not good.

Rutgers? lol I don't follow them even though I have lived in NJ about 75% of my life. I went to West Virginia University.

Susan..... thanks for the wonderful comments. Like I said..I should have a new one out by this evening.

Lauren..... thanks for such the kind words. My secret? Not sure... I hated writing when I was growing up, but I have always had that creative mind and eye for presentation. Other than that.... just some great people in Active Rain...

And Lauren....I was just thinking this... it doesn't hurt to have a great city to talk about either. Nothing against other cities... but the history alone helps greatly.

Mary... I am dead serious... if you and or your husband ever make a trip up this way, you need to let me know.

Jeff,

I wish I had seen this site before September. I was just up in Philly. We did get to Pat's after much wandering. We got lost downtown looking for things though. I was driving and my navigator couldn't read a map. Next time I'm up for training, I'll look you up. We did get over to AC though and showed my buddy what a casino looks like. That was an experience! see ya man.

-jeff

Jeff,

Great post and awesome pics! I've been to Philly just once, but we really enjoyed our brief visit. There was so much to do and we had so little time. We made a promise to ourselves that some day we'd go back and stay longer. One thing I remember is how very clean your city was!

I look forward to your follow-up posts!

Ann Cummings

Jeff...... sure, next time you are up this way, please look me up. thanks

Ann..... thanks for the great compliments. Well...like I have told so many, if ever in the area, please look me up.

For anyone interested... I just unleashed the 1st part of this series.... Sports in Philadelphia.

The City of Brotherly Loved: Part 1 - Philadelphia Sports ...... A series of blogs.

"And you can't leave the city of Philadelphia until you have gone to either Pat's Steaks or Gino's"... how about Pat's AND Ginos?
I was in Philly last year just for two days and because we didn't have enough time for too many meals, we had a cheeseteak at Gino's and then went across the street to Pat's and had another one. We just had to compare. I can't really decide which one is better, but definitely with whiz...

Yael.... lol well, if you did that within an hour, one might be extremely stuffed. lol

Well....if you are ever back in the area...seriously, look me up. What made you make the trip in the first place?

NOV

2006

I spent less than 24 hours in Philly on a job interview in the 90's. All I managed to see was the inside of the Ritz Carlton and of the office building across the street. I wish I had had time to see more. Thanks for showing me a bit more. Adding the famous people is a fun touch.

Jeff, you are right, we were stuffed (unbottoned pants an everything...lol), but it was so delicious, it really didin't matter. I was there for my cousin's bar mitzvah, so mostly it was family events and meals, but we did manage to escapa family gatherings for a couple of hours and have a cheesesteak (two actually)

Maureen...... Yes, too bad that you didn't have 2 full days just to see a few sites... a great restaurant, then a great bar.... at least to get something else out of Philly.

Yael.... unbuttoned? lol That's a lot of food. Well, like I said... always give me a heads up if back in this area.

DEC

2006

I read this whole series now. Just an excellent job. This must have taken some long hours.

Jim..... thanks for the kind words... It take a long time. If I had to guess, a total of 7 blogs for this post... at least 12 to 15 hours or more. thanks again

¿Además de Leanne, sabrían ellos si fuimos la manera lejos tema si yo lo dije en español? Aunque necesite un sitio web que traduce.

DEC

2006

Jeff... this is a great introduction to Philly. I enjoyed reading it.

Neil.... thanks and I enjoyed writing it. I learned some great things. thanks

DEC

2006

What about the Iverson deal. Anything?

Phillies got a great quality starter and they didn't have to pay as much as one would think.

Last, Eagles play the Giants this weekend and the Dallas Cowgirl's next week. Playoffs are sounding good depending on this weekend.

Jim... In regards to Iverson... I love the guy as a player, but he is a cancer. It's ashame. Too bad we didn't have a true big guy to play along him, like Shaq.

The Phillies.. yes, awesome. We might actually have a better than good rotation. Need a set up guy and I am happy.

The Eagles... if they can make the playoffs, they could be trouble to some teams. Sure, maybe I am thinking from the heart... but Garcia is playing smart football.

Thanks for stopping by...

JUN

2007

Lived in Philly for 13 years. Consider myself a "naturalized" Philadelphian.

We could write for years about what is great about Philly...always something going on. I miss it terribly.

I visit as much as I can and go by my old haunts. It really brings back memories.

If you visit, you HAVE to visit South Street and Penn's Landing. The people you will see is worth the trip alone.

Steve.... what made you move out to Lancaster County? And where in Philly did you live last? And yes, South Street can certainly be an area for people watching. Thanks for stopping by.

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2008

E-A-G-L-E-S! Eagles!

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