Two companies operate most of the pedicabs you’ll see out there; one offers open-air rickshaw-style rides, while the other offers seating in a futuristic pod-shaped thing.  Both operate in Center City, Northern Liberties, and the Art Museum area (none allowed in Old City yet, sadly) and charge $1 per block per person.  While they do face strict rules about where and when they can ride (not on certain streets during rush hour, for example), pedicabs are a hit with bicycle and green-travel folks.

Traveling by pedicab is a great way to see the city more intimately — not to mention a great way to support the local job market.  So next time you’ve got a few blocks to travel and you want to try something new, try hailing a pedicab instead of a taxicab!

Ernest Stuart on trombone

The following is an interview with Miriam Portney, a bartender at Time, a popular restaurant/bar/live music venue/nightspot on Sansom Street.  Sadly, Miriam has since left Time and moved to New York, but her insights into the venue and Philly’s night scene are excellent.

Q: Where do you work?

A: Time.

Q: Why should people go there?

A: We have over one hundred whiskeys, bourbons and scotches, a competitive beer selection and a lively music scene. Overnight it seems Sansom Street has become the new late-night and weekend hot spot. With three bars catering to different needs, it’s hard to leave. Chef Josh McCullough’s classic French training seeps into his dishes and onto the plate; the precision in which each dish is executed, the sweet and savory depth of his demi-glace, pan sauces, and stocks are proof that shortcuts do not have a place in his kitchen. The food is kept to his high standard and he is a master of his craft. He has a love for food and commitment to quality and presentation that can only be taught through a proper French brigade. That being said, my advice is to put your dining experience in his hands and try the tasting menu; he will not lead you astray. You will be introduced to unknown and familiar pleasures, such as bone marrow – perhaps quickly sauteed with wild mushrooms and presented in the bone or on small tea sandwiches with watercress and a fried quail egg. Grilled octopus with a bright citrus salad, homemade chilled ricotta raviolis with heirloom tomatoes… If bar food is calling to you, don’t fear, the tempura-battered onion rings, mysteriously delicious chicken wings, or  ”The Burger” with jack cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and hand-cut fries may be just what you need.

Q: Do people come for anything in particular? What are they looking for or expecting when they walk in? Is there one special drink?

A: While a lot of people come in wanting to try absinthe, it seems that desire is satisfied by a single sip or glass. What they end up returning for is the selection of whiskey, the atmosphere, the food, but mostly the music. Musicians come out to support their friends, often times with instruments in tow. They inevitably end up on stage and the three-piece band grows to eight or nine of Philly’s most talented jazz musicians. By last call [a little before 2am in Philly], the dance floor is full, the passers-by are crowding around the open windows, and there’s an indescribable excitement in the air.

Luke O'Reilly on keys

Q: How would you describe the clientele?

A: It varies; I’ve never seen a more eclectic crowd. The sports fans go straight for the whiskey bar to watch the game, eat wings, and talk whiskey. The young club crowd, dressed to kill, head upstairs for the swanky, dimly lit absinthe lounge, which, depending on the night, will host local deejays or private parties. The fine diners, local regulars, and musicians populate the dining room, which features the live music.

Masami Kuroki on guitar

Q: Sum up Philly in a word.

A: Loyal.

Q: Philly’s drinking character in a word?

A: Resilient.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about the Philly bar scene? Why is it unique?

A: The Broad Street subway line runs to and from the stadiums, and the three-block radius spanning the route is graced with pre-gamers, celebrators, and mourners alike. There are the staples that never change, the reliable and the constant in the bar world. Three-dollar city-wide specials at Bob and Barbara’s, the characters in McGlinchey’s at noon, the familiar faces at the Pen and Pencil [the ultra-secret members-only after hours club that was once a favorite of local literary types]…Then there are the forever changing trends that no one can control or predict, the things that are fresh and exciting. Once it rested on Old City or Delaware Avenue, but the valuable but fickle good favor of Philly drinkers has shifted and the sun now shines on Sansom Street, and until the undercurrent carries the crowd onward, we will relish this moment and continue to do what we do so well.

Q: What bars do you go to?

A: Jose Pistola’s for a good margarita or convenient sports event pre-game, Devil’s Den for happy hour, offering half-priced drafts (focusing on Belgian, German and micro-brews), McGlinchey’s if I don’t want to be recognized or judged, the Pen and Pencil for all my after-hours needs, and Johnny Brenda’s or Tritone to satisfy my inner hipster.

Q: What restaurants do you go to?

A: Garces Trading Company for lunch (I recommend splitting the tasting menu and a state-store priced bottle of wine). Modo Mio, a tiny BYOB serving fresh rustic Italian. For something cheap and good Nam Phoung serves my favorite bowl of Pho (the best hangover cure I know). Among the ever growing spattering of “tapas” bars, Bar Ferdinand is true to form. Adorned with dried roses and Christmas lights, the bar is where I prefer to sit while enjoying the many culinary delights offered in tapas form alongside a robust Spanish red wine.

Q: Do you have advice for tourists?

A: Park the car and walk the city. While it’s big enough to hold pockets of diverse neighborhoods, you can easily cover all of downtown in an afternoon, going from the Italian Market in South Philly to the Art Museum. For a good meal save the Pat’s and Geno’s madness for late night where it belongs and check out what else we have to offer.

Q: Anything not to do or say?

A: Leave your Yankees gear at home.

Q: If people have only one day in Philly what should they do?

A: Start off at the Mutter Museum and discover the genetic oddities in jars, walk through the Italian Market sipping on an espresso, stop for lunch at Paesano’s (a small gourmet sandwich joint by the same owners as Modo Mio). If it’s Monday through Friday, duck into the Devil’s Den for happy hour; if Saturday or Sunday head over to Northern Liberties to the Piazza [the Piazza at Schmidt's, a large Italian-style open piazza surrounded by restaurants and galleries and frequently featuring live music and other events, especially during the summer]. Peruse the farmers’ market, and, if you’re hungry, dip into Bar Ferdinand for a few tapas. If you like good live music, end your night with us at Time… If you make a few industry friends ask them to take you to the Pen and Pencil, after which you can stumble into a cab headed for Pat’s. Then, and only then, may you have a Philly cheesesteak. From Pat’s.

The interviewee, Miriam Portney, enjoying an after-hours drink

For those who want to save some money, see how the locals travel and get to work, or are just feeling intrepid, Septa is the way to go.  Septa — the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority — offers subways, buses, and a few trolleys all over Philadelphia.  For now, we’re going to focus on how to get around by bus without garnering evil looks from impatient Philadelphians trying to get to work.

One of the best tools Septa offers is a trip planner on its website.  Much like Mapquest, you can just type in where you want to leave from, your destination, and the approximate time you want to leave, then hit “Plan My Trip” and select your mode of transport (bus, in this case).  A plan will pop up, complete with exact times of buses and estimated traveling time.  Septa has many many routes — there will usually be more than one way for you to get somewhere — so using this tool will help you immensely.  Unfortunately, a complete map of the bus system does not exist, so your best bet is using this tool or asking someone which route to take.  Once you identify the proper route, you can find a map and schedule on Septa’s website by clicking on maps and stations or schedules, then selecting buses.  Here’s what you might encounter (this one is for the 40 bus, which runs from West Philly through Center City):

Map of the 40 bus route

Hmm, that trip planner is looking better and better, isn’t it?

Anyway, once you’ve got your route selected, you’ll need a few tips on traveling by Septa.  First of all, you MUST have exact change, which is currently $2.00.  The driver will not let you on without exact change.  The other way to travel — a far cheaper way — is to buy tokens ahead of time, which you can buy at the larger subway stations, some tourist destinations, and some supermarkets…Ask the concierge at your hotel about this or use the website’s comprehensive list of token vendors.  If you use tokens, each ride only costs $1.55, so it’s definitely worth the extra hassle of trying to find somewhere to buy them.  You can only buy tokens in packs of 2 or more.

Another great option for visitors is the One-Day Independence Pass, which lets you take an unlimited number of bus (and subway and trolley) rides in one day.  This costs $11 for an individual and $28 for a family of up to five.  Sounds like a great deal, if you ask me!  You can buy these passes at the aforementioned places, or, if your trip isn’t for a few weeks, you can purchase them online here and wait for them to arrive by snail mail.

Keep this in mind when figuring out how to pay for your rides: travelers over the age of 65 with either a valid PA senior citizen transit card OR a Medicare card travel free.  And children under 4 (accompanied by an adult) also travel free, as long as you don’t have more than two per adult.  Woohoo!  If you do have small children with you and are traveling with a stroller, Septa kindly requests that you fold it up before boarding the bus so as not to inconvenience other passengers.  Riders with disabilities also get a discounted fare of $1.00 (and Septa buses do accommodate wheelchairs).

And another thing you should know about: transfers.  Once you board the bus (after you’ve slid your money into the little machine by the driver or deposited your token in the slot), you can slide an extra dollar into the machine and ask the driver for a transfer.  This ticket lets you get on another bus going in a similar direction, so it works if you have to take two or three buses to get to one place — but it’s not valid for buses going in the return direction.  Also, check the time punched on your transfer ticket; you may be able to dawdle for a few minutes before getting on that second bus, as long as you don’t take too long.

Before we get to the ins and outs of actually being on the bus, there’s one more thing you should know: Septa buses rarely stick to the posted schedule (sorry, Septa, but it’s true).  You might be standing under the Septa sign at a corner (see below) for 15 minutes waiting for a bus that’s supposed to run every 8 minutes.  And then, of course, 3 buses will go by at once (it’s like Murphy’s Law, but for Septa…Septa’s Law).

Septa signs on corners indicate which buses stop there.

Okay, so you’ve paid your fare and you’re on the bus.  Are there any rules?  Well, there are, but people rarely follow them.  You’ll see people scarfing down full meals right in front of the signs that say no food or drink.  But, if you want to be polite, it’s worth heeding those signs.  You’re free to sit wherever until the bus gets crowded, at which point seats in the front are supposed to be given up to the elderly and to others who look like they might need a seat (that pregnant woman carrying three bags of groceries, for example).  You’ll also see people blatantly ignoring this common courtesy, while the pregnant woman or the little old lady gives them the evil eye.

During rush hours and on popular routes, buses can get quite crowded — once in a while a bus might even fly right past a stop, invariably too full to take on any more passengers.  If you have to stand, the most important thing to remember is either to move to the back (as the driver will probably loudly remind you) or to make sure you let people pass you as they board.  Nothing gets people angrier than a bus appearing full simply because everyone is standing at the front when there’s plenty of room in the back!

When your stop is approaching — when it’s the next corner the bus could stop at — pull the cord or push the button on the side to signal to the driver that you’d like him or her to stop.  You’ll have to pay close attention to where you are as you’re traveling, unless you are able to stay near the front of the bus and happen to have a friendly and helpful driver…The electronic notification system telling passengers what intersection the bus is at often doesn’t work or is poorly timed — not to mention the fact that it only exists on newer buses.  My advice is to ask someone at your hotel what landmarks to look for as you approach the right bus stop.  If you’re on the bus and are thoroughly confused as to where you are, don’t be scared to ask someone politely for their help.  Philadelphians can actually be pretty helpful and friendly, despite the grumpy scowls we wear on our faces.

While many Philadelphians get quite a bit of satisfaction out of griping about Septa (the fares!  The untimeliness and frequent detours!  The drunk man talking loudly to himself in the back of the bus!), it is actually quite convenient, and it’s certainly cheaper than taking cabs everywhere.  So go find those tokens and get ready to act like a real Philadelphian!

Amish, not Quaker

The term Pennsylvania Dutch refers to descendants of German settlers of Pennsylvania (the German word for German is Deutsche, which is probably why others picked up the word Dutch).  The Pennsylvania Dutch do have their own language — a derivation of German — but that language is virtually extinct at this point, and modern Pennsylvania Dutch are indistinguishable from other modern Americans.  Pennsylvania Dutch are a variety of religions, including Lutheran, Mennonite, Baptist, Amish (yes, that’s a religion — more on that in a minute).  The Pennsylvania Dutch are similar to any other ethnic group whose relatives came in the 18th century…They may have some lasting cultural traditions (certain foods, for instance), but they are in other ways much like any other Americans.

The Amish (at least the Old Order ones, which is who most people think of when they think of the Amish) do very much stand out from other ethnic and religious groups in the U.S.  Amish is a Protestant religion (a particular denomination of Mennonite, actually), and most Amish are actually Pennsylvania Dutch — meaning (as you now know) they are descended from Pennsylvania Germans and spoke that particular dialect of German.  What makes the Amish stand out is that the rules of their church prohibit many modern conveniences, including electricity and more modern technologies.  They still drive horses and buggies (they will get in a car if necessary, but only if somebody else is driving); they wear old-fashioned dresses and overalls with bonnets and black hats; they value farm labor and de-emphasize education.  They are very much an insular community, as marriage outside of the church is forbidden.  Your child’s college roommate will most likely not be Amish, though there’s a chance he or she will be Pennsylvania Dutch — or Quaker, for that matter.  Oh, and the Amish don’t like to have their pictures taken, so please don’t run up to them, mouth agape, snapping photos.

Quakers have nothing to do with either of these two other groups.  Well, okay, Quakerism is a religion, and Quakers came to North America in the 18th century (and earlier), but that’s where the similarities end.  Quakers are Protestant; they are one of the many religious sects that emigrated from England searching for religious freedom.  Quakers are unusual among Christians in that they worship without any form of priest or pastor.  They believe that anyone can communicate with God or be in touch with “that of God within himself,” hence Meeting for Worship consists of sitting in silence together, with individuals speaking when they feel moved to.  Quakers are pacifists and believe in simplicity and humility, so their places of worship are quite plain.  While Quakers did once dress in simple, old-fashioned clothing, they long ago abandoned those outfits.   In short, much like the Pennsylvania Dutch, Quakers are indistinguishable (on the outside) from other Americans.  You might be sitting next to one right now.

How did these three different terms come to be confused?  You’ve got me.  It’s probably because they all live in eastern Pennsylvania.  Lancaster has enclaves of Amish, and the Pennsylvania Dutch stretch across much of eastern and central Pennsylvania.  Quakers were Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers (William Penn converted to Quakerism, much to his father’s dismay), and Quaker schools offer some of the best educations in Philadelphia.  But beyond their geographical proximity, these three groups are quite different, and one of the best ways to seem like a real Philadelphian is to not get them confused.

DeTours owner Rasa Vella explains the history of the Betsy Ross House

Okay, but aside from the simple fun of riding a Segway, DeTours really does offer a great product.  Rasa and her employees have a wealth of knowledge about the city — most of it important, some of it random (did you know Mothers’ Day was invented in Philadelphia?) — and they’re eager to share it.  DeTours is also the first company in the city to get permits to take those Segways all through the city.  The tour starts in Old City near the Betsy Ross House, and, after a short lesson in safe Segway practices, takes you through Old City, Center City, Chinatown, past City Hall, and all the way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  You’ll then loop back, taking a trip along the new Schuylkill River path, stopping at peaceful and quiet Schuylkill River Park (an under-appreciated spot in the city, says Rasa), and back through the “gayborhood” to Old City.  Rasa is also planning different types of tours to different city destinations (a cheesesteak tour, perhaps?), so be sure to check what the tour options are when you book your trip.

I’m so obsessed with riding Segways now that I almost forgot to mention that DeTours also offers bike tours and running tours.  And don’t worry, everything you’ll need is provided for you — the bike, the helmet, and a cute DeTours bag to throw all your stuff in.

Tours are all in small groups and last for a few hours, so wear your comfy shoes and don’t forget the sunscreen.  And be sure to bring the camera; your tour guide will happily photograph you with the Rocky statue, in front of City Hall, or anywhere else you’d like to pose.

Tours are in small groups, so you'll never miss information or get left behind. This was our triumphant group at the base of the Art Museum steps.

Where might you go to learn all about Cleopatra — her loves, her palaces, her jewelry, and the latest work of archaeologists trying to reconstruct her life?  Egypt?  No — Philadelphia!  The Franklin Institute has the honor of being the first stop on a world tour of a new exhibit on Cleopatra, called Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt.  The exhibit runs from now until January 2nd of 2011 and features an interpretation of the Queen’s life based on excavations being conducted by archaeologists Franck Goddio and Zahi Hawass.  It showcases artifacts from museums around the world as well as many new ones from underwater ruins of Cleopatra’s empire.

The exhibit is exciting not only for its historical interpretation but also for its use of a full range of audio-visual stimuli.  The exhibit, which has timed entries, begins with a short video on Cleopatra, what is known about her, and what is still being discovered.  Lights then rise on a sculpture of a Ptolemaic queen, and the audience is invited to enter what looks like an underwater excavation site.  An audio tour, large-scale photographs and maps, and audio “hot spots” (where you can stand to hear more information about a specific image and it sounds like the voice is speaking only to you) complement the collection of artifacts.  Adding to the experience are dark aquarium-style lighting and ethereal harp music playing throughout the exhibit.

But this exhibit is only part of Cleopatra’s visit to Philadelphia.  The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (a must-see for lovers of history or archaeology) is offering a joint ticket so that visitors can take advantage of the Museum’s exceptional collection of Egyptian artifacts.  At the National Constitution Center, visitors can learn more about Marc Antony and Julius Caesar (Cleopatra’s most powerful lovers) in the exhibit Ancient Rome and America, running through August 1st.  Hotels are also joining in the Egyptian excitement: eleven Philadelphia hotels are offering VIP deals that include tickets to the Franklin Institute exhibit with an overnight stay.  And finally, visitphilly.com, a great source of information for anyone planning a visit here, offers tips for even more Cleopatra-related activities.

And you thought you had to go halfway around the world to see the latest Egyptian excavations…

Trusty concierge Albert Lee, also known as Mr. Philadelphia

I wanted to find out what a concierge might tell people about Philly and where to hang out, so I sent some questions to Albert Lee, concierge at the Independence Visitor Center at the corner of 6th and Market. Here’s what he wrote (my questions are in bold):

Where do you send visitors when they want to have a drink near the Visitor Center?

All this sightseeing is hard work and nothing soothes the soul better than a little liquid refreshment. Wine lovers will gladly embrace Ristorante Panorama, an Italian restaurant and wine bar located at Front & Market Streets inside the Penn’s View Inn. With 120 wines by the glass served daily, the hardest part is where to begin. If beer is more your drink of choice, stop by Triumph Brewery at 117 Chestnut Street for some homemade brew. Nothing quenches the thirst like beer made just for you!

How about when they want a light/casual lunch?

Whether its sunny skies or dark clouds, Fork is the ideal picnic lunch, just indoors. Freshly baked artisan breads coupled with fine cheeses and oh so sweet desserts make this little nook in Old City the perfect place to stop and recharge.

Where do you tell couples to go if they’re looking for something (a restaurant or a drink) romantic?

One word: Chifa. From the mind of Jose Garces, the newly crowned Iron Chef, this Peruvian & Chinese infused eatery serves up the heat in their downstairs lounge. Surrounded by a fury of red lanterns and a spread of plush couches, romance is merely a drink away.

Girls’ night?

Preparing for an evening of gossip, dress up and Kodak moments? Start here: Martinis are great, especially when they are served from the 37th floor of a high-rise condominium. R2L (Restaurant at 2 Liberty) has skyline views of our major metropolis to go along with specialty cocktails such as the Millionaire and the Velvet Rope guaranteed to put you on Cloud 9. Dinner is served at Matyson, one of Philadelphia’s premier BYO’s. Specializing in New American cuisine, the joyful combination of sweet and savory is sure to provide a party for the palate. But be sure to make room for dessert at the Naked Chocolate Café. Voted by USA Today as one of the top ten best chocolate destinations to visit, this is as close to dessert heaven as humanly possible. Can’t go wrong with their Aztec chocolate, for a little decadence here goes a long way. And now it’s time to dance off the calories with a trip to G Lounge. Located on the lower level of Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, this ultra chic lounge provides VIP service, pulsating dance music and a bevy of beautiful people to groove with into the early morning.

Guys’ night?

Hi-fives, handshakes, and chest bumps are good signs that men are at play. Here is where I suggest the “frat” should go. Why enjoy one thin slice of Prime Rib when a buffet of succulently sizzled meats awaits you at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse? Embrace the inner “caveman” as gauchos roam the dining floor with 16 different rotisserie meats ready to be ravaged and enjoyed. Once the plate has been cleaned, it’s time to gather the brosephs for some good ol’ fashioned sing along. Jolly’s Piano Bar on 21st and Chestnut serves up the perfect blend of beer and song. Yes, there are dueling pianos that play everything from the classic Neil Diamond to the hip-hop beats of Jay Z. Conclude the evening or morning at Lorenzo’s Pizzeria. No toppings, no credit, no seats, no problem. Where $2.75 buys a behemoth sized slice of cheese pie guaranteed to soak up all the day’s remains.

Where to end a guys' night out? Lorenzo's Pizza, of course.

Where can people go for a good local vibe?

There is just something about Northern Liberties. Maybe it’s all the independent boutiques or unique culinary flavors but No Libs has local written all over it. Named the first “suburb” of Philadelphia, this closely knit area has tourist highlights but with a neighborhood setting. Be sure to visit the Piazza at Schmidts, a converted brewery turned open-air plaza with free year-round entertainment complete with artists’ studios, boutiques, restaurants and even apartments. Barely a 10-minute walk from the Visitor Center, it’s history of a different kind.

Where do you like to go out?

Singing is not my forte but I love watching others do it, badly. Yakitori Boy in Chinatown doubles as a Japanese restaurant and karaoke bar. Amateurs who can barely carry a tune perform while downing saki bombs for the shared amusement of the crowd. And if I can’t resist blasting out in song, they have private rooms to soundproof my shrieking.

Do people often ask you about cheesesteaks (where they can get the best one, if it’s worth trying, etc.)? If so, what do you tell them?

Where to eat an “authentic Philly cheesesteak” is always on the tip of their tongue. To me, it’s really more about what direction they are headed towards rather than the actual pilgrimage. No matter where one orders this steak and cheese, it’s the real deal. I will say though, standing in line at 2 A.M. at Pat’s or Geno’s (whoever has the shorter line) is very much a celebrated tradition dating back to my high school graduation. But I do believe one should have a bite because this sopping greasy mess of a sandwich is worth trying once. If you are near the Visitor Center, stop by any of these locations to grab your own “Philly cheesesteak”: Grande Olde Cheesesteak inside the Bourse Food Court, 21 South 5th St.; Campo’s Deli at 214 Market Street; and Sonny’s Famous Steaks at 228 Market Street. After all, you are in Philadelphia.

What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?

I would have to say the people. We are often called the City of Neighborhoods. Mount Airy, Northern Liberties, Queen Village, and Chinatown, to name a few, all have their own vibe, their own culture, and their own spirit. Surrounding these neighborhoods are murals created and decided on by their residents. It’s this collaboration that provides the fuel that makes the world take notice.

Some of Philly's neighborhoods

Philadelphians are not New Yorkers or Bostonians because we’re just simply Philly. A booming metropolis with a blue collar attitude, our people are every shade of the rainbow. This urban city has been my home my entire life. I’ve watched it grow to accept some amazing accolades, including being acclaimed as the next great city by National Geographic. Wait, it already is. Talk to any one of us; you’ll see why.

If you’ve read many of my posts, you’re probably getting the idea that I love beer.  It says a lot about beer in Philadelphia that Yuengling, which beat out 31 other countries’ beers, isn’t considered anything special around here.  Yuengling is so ubiquitous in Philadelphia that some call it Schuylkill Water (after the river slicing through Philadelphia), and if you order a “lager” in any bar in the city, the bartender will know you want a Yuengling.  Craft brews abound in this city, as do special beer happy hours (with much more than just the standards on sale).  Many of the city’s best and most popular bars serve all local beer.  More and more I’m coming to realize that Philadelphia just may be the beer capital of the U.S.  Go Yuengling for bringing Philadelphia (okay, fine, Pottstown) to the international stage!

That assignment got me thinking about food in Philly.  Granted, I think about food in Philly every day (and a lot every weekend), but this got me thinking a little more specifically: Why are there no cheap lunches in this city?  The only conclusion I could come up with is that there is a huge market for delicious food and innovative restaurants here.  The restaurant scene is one of the main aspects of Philadelphia’s character.  So with so many skilled chefs and creative food entrepreneurs, the cheap lunch isn’t really something Philadelphians value.  Well, okay, we value the cheap lunch, but we also know we can get some pretty darn good food at those street vendors.  (A tip: A friend claims that the vendors who cook real pork bacon always have better food all around.)

Evidence of Philly’s food culture?  A new marketing campaign focused on locally grown, sustainable food.  It’s called HomeGrown, and it highlights the 46 farmers’ markets in the area and the 45,000 farms in and around Philadelphia.  It also calls attention to restaurants that use fresh, local ingredients as much as possible, like the White Dog Cafe, Fork, and newcomer Noble.

So go forth: eat (local food), drink (local craft beers), and be merry.

And (feeling insecure about my photos) here’s one I found on Flickr by someone named Elisabeth Baker, who apparently takes lovely photos.  This is also from behind the Art Museum, but (I think) from the lower path where the gazebo juts out toward the waterfall: