Oh to be a Mummer, now that New Year’s is almost here!
This is the 103rd year for Philadelphia’s New Year’s Day Mummers Parade, and this is one of those festivities that sound like so much fun.  I’m hoping that a few of my Philly readers chime in here and let me know if it’s as much fun as it sounds.  (Kelly?  Caroline?  Anyone?)
The history of the Mummers goes back to the Roman Festival of Saturnalia.  Latin laborers wore masks and marched around giving gifts.  There was also a Celtic version that was a little bit more like trick-or-treat, featuring costumes …read more

I’m a big history buff, and have previously written about my fascination with the charter documents in the founding of our country.  When making a list of the things that I wanted to do in Philadelphia, seeing the Liberty Bell was top on my list.
I’m not entirely sure what I expected.  I was certainly romanced by the concept of the bell ““ its historical significance and message of freedom ““ and it remains one of the most identifying symbols of the American Revolution.  It has been an enduring symbol of independence, freedom, and liberty. 
Originally, a bell was cast in London …read more

Earlier this month, I spent a weekend in Philadelphia. I had never been there before, and it was a visit that I looked forward to.
As I planned for the trip, I mentioned to friends that I was going, and asked what they thought I should see and do while I was there. There were two recurring themes: the Liberty Bell, and the movie Rocky.
I was able to see the Liberty Bell, the museum steps that Rocky ran during his workouts, and much more. I’ll be posting about some of the highlights of my Philadelphia trip over …read more

I have an upcoming trip planned to Philadelphia, and was going through my resources trying to get ideas about where to stay, what to do and see, and, of course, what and where to eat.
I noticed that Sound About Philly has added a new walking and podcast tour, this one called Philly Noir.  It’s a walking tour that covers African American culture, history, and experiences (past and present), and includes food, the arts, history and sports.  There are 11 tour segments, and you can download, and then mix and match them based on your interests and time. 
Here’s a sampling of …read more

For those readers who’ll be in Philadelphia over the New Year, you won’t want to miss the 102nd New Year’s Day Mummers Parade.
So who are the Mummers?  The forerunners appear to date back to 400 B.C. and the Roman Festival of Saturnalia.  In that era, Latin laborers marched in masks through a day of satire and gift exchange; the Celtic version was a variation of the “trick-or-treat” theme.  Since that time, the bacchanalia of New Year’s celebrations have taken many twists and turns, but hthe revelry and enthusiasm of its origins remains.
The first “official” Philadelphia Mummers Parade was held in 1901, and …read more

It’s been fun discovering and researching all the events going on during the Halloween season.  Some are just plain fun, while others are scary, unique, or just plain odd.
Here’s one from Philadelphia:
Does the thought of going to prison terrify you?  I know it does me, and I’ve actually spent time teaching adult education classes in a prison.  The clanking of the doors, the sense of being cut off from the rest of the world, and the loss of personal freedom are all frightening and humbling experiences.
So how do you feel about the thought of being in a prison. . . …read more

Looking for a way to visit a city, avoiding the tourist traps, and checking out the not-so-mainstream parts instead?
If Philadelphia is your plans, you may be interested in the SoundAboutPhilly downloadable audio tours and maps, which focus on “lesser-known city experiences and combine interesting tales, fun facts and lively music to tell the area’s story.” 
Even better ““ they’re FREE!
Here’s the info on the tours now available:

“History Unplugged” covers 300 years of history, focusing on what you didn’t learn in your American History class.
“Flavorhoods” covers dining in Philadelphia’s ethnic neighborhoods.
“My Philly” features recommendations from local Philadelphians.

Additional tours will be rolled out one …read more

Apparently, Philadelphia has First Saturdays, too.
The Saturday afternoon following First Friday, the First Saturday Gallery Tours provides an interactive educational session to help interested people learn about art.
Rather than the large, dare I say “party” atmosphere of the night before, these Saturday afternoons provide a smaller, more intimate setting. You can learn about art from the artists themselves, as well as gallery owners and curators, as they provide lectures, panel discussions, and workshops on the art exhibitions around the city.
Check the Old City Arts website for specific schedules.

San Francisco has its First Thursdays, and Philadelphia has First Fridays. 
Enjoy and celebrate Philadelphia’s art scene in Old City on the First Friday of every month.  Sponsored by the Old City Arts Association, First Friday is an open house of over 40 of the neighborhood’s galleries, most of them located between Front and Third, and Market and Vine Streets.  Most of the galleries stay open till 9 pm.
It’s a casual atmosphere, so leave all your pretentiousness at home.  Serious art collectors, city dwellers, families and singles all show up for the festivities.  You can check out the art, people, and the …read more