Getting to Philly Without a Car: Or How SEPTA Drains Your Soul

When I worked in the city, but lived in Wilmington, I would take SEPTA Regional Rail from the Claymont station. 

My journey was filled with delays, broken trains, shortages of cars, and coughing, sneezing, sniffing carriers of sickness and infection, ie other passengers.  (I'm not a germaphobe - you are!)

And now the stars must align, traffic must be light, and I have to be guaranteed of parking in order for me to head into the city.  What can I say, I’m old. I find that driving in the city makes me hate humanity and taking SEPTA makes me near suicidal.

Let’s talk about SEPTA.  Poor, beleaguered SEPTA. There is a SEPTA station right in Wilmington. But if you want to park anywhere near safe and close by – it’s $13 for the day. And you still have to pay to take the train in. If you don’t want to pay for parking, you have to drive about 12 minutes (depending on traffic, of course) to the Claymont station.  But you better get there early because if you don’t – you will park far far away.

 

Your car - it's just over that hill...

And that’s not the worst – if you work normal business hours, leaving the lot takes 15 minutes unless you sprint off the train and manage to get into your car before the rest of the hoard descends.

Rabid hoards sprinting to their cars

Do

• Park in the Claymont overflow parking.  It might be creepy if the bridge’s light is out, but you beat the line of traffic to leave the other lot.
• Buy your tickets at 30^th or bring cash because there is no ticket machine at Claymont
• Download the SEPTA app to keep up to date on times and delays

Don’t

• Forget to bring an umbrella or dress weather appropriately, there is only a small shelter at the Claymont station
• Talk in the quiet car. It’s called manners, people!
• Take up more than your seat.  Your bag didn’t pay, lady

Note: The Claymont station is getting an upgrade and moving to a new location, estimated completion date of 2021.

Philadelphia Least Attractive?: Or, that's Total BS as I have Seen Plenty of Good Looking People

I don't want to sound like an alarmist - but - THE SKY IS FALLING!


Philadelphia is considered one of the least attractive cities (people-wise) in the US! And Amber Rose has been quoted as saying that people in South Philly, "aren't traditionally attractive".  I don't know what that means. Traditionally attractive - as in suit and tie? Or that we have three eyes and a hunch back?

In any case, I beg to differ.  I have seen plenty of gorgeous men and women in Philly. And I'm tired of people re-hashing the same things over and over again.  "Philadelphia has the worst fans." "They beat up Santa." "So much crime!" Blah Blah Blah.  Guess what? We're passionate! We stand up for what we believe in! Philadelphia also happens to be one of the most walkable cities as well as a top tourist destination.  Does the Liberty Bell ring any bells? (Not literally because it hasn't rung since 1846.) History much? But back to the point -Philadelphians happen to be very attractive! Would people say that Angel is ugly? That Grace Kelly is a dog? That they'd kick Will Smith out of bed?

Exactly! Philadelphia = Awesome. Stop the shaming!

Finding a Good Restaurant in Wilmington: Or how I really don't enjoy cooking

Philadelphia is definitely an eater's city (I don't use the word foodie - it sounds pretentious and childish all at once).  And I miss it. It's been a long hard journey to find good restaurants in Wilmington. Each time a new restaurant opens, a kernel of hope grows only to be smashed to smithereens when we actually eat there.

So I've compiled the top 3 restaurants that I enjoy - if you know of any others that are better - by all means please comment. 

The House of William and Merry

This is probably the best restaurant in the area - and it's not even in Wilmington. It's owned by husband/wife chef team of Merry Catanuto and William Hoffman in a former house (thus the clever name). Fresh, local and delicious food.

Drinks on the veranda? I'm posh like that.

Location:

1336 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin DE 19707.

(302) 234-2255

Hours:

1-9:30 Tuesday - Saturday, 10-2 for Sunday brunch and 5-7 for prix fixe Sunday supper, 

Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday 3-6, closed Mondays.

$$-$$$

Do:

• Go for Brunch and order anything with bacon (unless you are vegan/vegetarian/or have religious dietary restrictions, in which case, they have plenty of other great food)
• Have their fries! (unless you don't eat carbs/starch in which case I am sorry because the fries are really awesome)

Don't:

• Go when already starving as I have found service to be slow. Very slow sometimes. It's the only real drawback. 
• Worry if their lot is full.  You can park in the lot by the park. 

Rasa Sayang

This Malaysian restaurant is a hidden gem in the Independence Mall on Concord Pike (not to be confused with Independence Hall in Philadelphia - they don't have food there). The food is tasty and reasonably priced. 

Roti - It may not look like much but it tastes great!

Location:

Independence Mall

1601 Concord Pike, Suite 73 

Wilmington, DE 19803

302 543 5286 t.

Hours:

Lunch: 

Monday thru Saturday 11:30am-3:00pm, Sunday 12:00noon - 3:00pm 

Dinner: 

Monday thru Thursday 3:00pm-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 3:00pm-10:30pm

Sunday 3:00pm-9:00pm

$-$$

Do:

• Have their Roti
• Try their Pad Thai, Thai Basil Noodles, and Pineapple Fried Rice
• Have their fountain soda -it's among the best that I have had. (Unless you don't drink soda. Which I try not to but honestly it is so very good)

Don't:

• Worry - they have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options
• Feel overwhelmed by the service - they are very attentive. Very very attentive.

Two Stones Pub

Great draft beer and great food. Three locations in the Wilmington/Newark/Kennett Square areas.

Location:

2502 Foulk Road

Valley View Plaza

Shopping Center

302.439.3231

Hours:

Open 'til 1am

Lunch:

Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 5pm, Sun: 10am - 2pm

Dinner:

Sun - Wed: 5pm - 9pm,Thu - Sat: 5pm - 10pm

$$

Do:

• Have their pulled pork - best I have had!!! (only if you eat pork, of course)
• Ask for a taste of any of their draft beers
• Take advantage of Happy Hour! ( Happy Hour Monday thru Friday- 3 to 6 pm)

Don't:

• I don't really have any don'ts....
• Drink and Drive! (This is a given but I feel it does need repeating)

Honorable Mention:

Harry's Fish Market + Grill - good food at great prices in the riverfront market. Their $3 Monday burger deal has lines out the market.

Kid Shelleen's - Love their brunch if you can get in. Very crowded, and a little pricey. Also half-price burgers on Tuesdays. 

Philly Withdrawal: Or I Didn't go see the Pope and I'm Fine with it

As you may have noticed, or not, because I don't actually have very many followers; I haven't written a new blog in months.

This is mostly due to the following:
1. I am very very lazy
2. I am very very boring

I thought about writing but then also I thought, what do I write about as I no longer live in Philly? It seems fraudulent to sucker people into this blog only for them to discover that I am no longer a pseudo- authority on Philadelphia city living.

When I first moved I thought that I would still go into Philly at least once a week.  That turned into once a month and now it's maybe every two months. Mostly because driving in Philly turns me rabid - and points 1 and 2 above.

While I still call this post Philly Do and Don't - it's mostly a lie.  Sorry!

Of recent newsworthiness - the Pope was in Philadelphia.  I was not. I heard that everyone was very nice and that many locals left in fear of the anticipated crowds.

Not the Actual Pope

Here in Wilmington, DE nothing really changed. No one left, but no one really visited either. Well, they might have attended Taste of Trolley Square.

Facts:

• Taste of Trolley Square is an annual event in Wilmington
• This was the first year so I don't think they can claim it to be annual
• I did not attend
• It's actually been over a year since I wrote a blog post

Next Post: Columbus Inn: Or Where I'd go if I Needed a Rich Old Boyfriend

Broad Street Run: Or how to survive when you haven't really trained for this

About:
Broad Street Run is a historic 10 miler, started in the 80s, that takes the runner through Philadelphia starting at Broad st and Somerville Ave. and ending at the Navy Yards.

Lifted from runverse.com/blog

Fact:

• It is such a popular run with over 50,000 (this number may not be completely accurate (give or take a few thousand)) participants that there is now a lottery to get in the run

Picture this...

• It's September. You and your friend are talking about how you need something to motivate you and how you will totally train for Broad Street.

• February commences and you and your friend talk about how you totally haven't trained but that you still have a few months until the race (You secretly hope that you won't make it into the lottery) And.....you win a spot in the lottery!

Where's the link for Denial?

• It's a WEEK BEFORE THE RACE. And you are completely unprepared. Completely.  Did I mention completely? You've been on your dreadmill a few times - jogged a couple of miles but when you do the math you start to freak out.

DON'T: 

• Panic.  It will be ok! I promise.  And if not - there are medics close by.

• Start out too fast.  You haven't really run much so just keep it to slow and steady.
• Think about how much more you have to go
• Or what that puddle is or how you spilled your water down the front of your shirt
• Or how you are on mile 5 and that woman cheering you on has already completed the race and double-backed
• Worry - there is always someone slower than you. Unless you are last. In which case, maybe you should worry a little.
• Turn into that person who has to put a sticker on your car declaring that you completed a race. I'm talking to you 13.1s and 26.2s. No one cares but you! And maybe me because I've turned this into a slight rant.

Do:

• Go to the bathroom before running - there are tons of people and lots of portables but it's still never enough.  (Warning! The below clip has strong language and blue dye)

• If you do need to use the bathroom before the start - DO make friends with someone who has toilet paper because the dumpster that you are peeing behind in an alley doesn't come stocked. (Not that that happened or anything)
•  Concentrate on your breathing. (Believe me it will save you from hyperventilating while thinking about how crazy you were to run this)
• Walk if you need to.  There is no shame in it. But maybe don't suddenly stop short in front of someone forcing them to either run into you or to stumble and fall. (Have you seen the detritus on the ground??)
• Think about how amazing that this many people are together running/jogging/walking/cheering
• Plan ahead of time where to meet your friends/family.  It's a madhouse out there!
• Have fun. It is a truly amazing experience. 

PS. I won't be there because I am lazy and out of shape so this a recollection of a couple years ago. (I now regret not training)  Go Philly!

Wilmington, Delaware: Or Nothing Like Philly

It's been almost a year since I posted.  I'm sure that you've all missed me! And now I must make my announcement!......  I've cured cancer!*


*(I didn't. But you can imagine what it would be like if I did)

Actually, I moved to Wilmington, Delaware.  That's right - I'm no longer a resident of Philadelphia but it is only a short 40 minute drive away! (Too bad that I hate to drive). But dry your tears! I will still post about Philly and now, as an added bonus, at no extra cost, Delaware!

Pros:

• Wilmington is  - as I already mentioned - close to Philadelphia! And Baltimore! And sort of - Washington, D.C.
• TAX FREE!!!! That's right mo-fos - no tax on food! Or drink! Or clothes! Or Amazon deliveries! And all sorts of other stuff!
• Parking doesn't cost a fortune! I can park in front of my residence - FOR FREE!
• Car State Inspection - FREE! Are you sensing a trend?
• It has the Riverfront.  It's very pretty and there are restaurants and a new IMAX theater.

This picture does not show said restaurants or IMAX

Cons:

• No Whole Foods (yeah, yeah, yeah, First World Problems)
• The city motto is kind of lame.  But I'll let you decide. 
  
  
• The Restaurants cannot compare to Philly - and we have really really tried to find great ones (We will settle for just good at this point)
• It's not Philly

Facts:

• I love Philly. I always will but it is nice to have a change.
• I like having a yard
• We also have a connection to William Penn! New Castle, Delaware was once part of Pennsylvania.

Statue of William Penn in historic New Castle

• There is a SEPTA train from Philly to Wilmington so you don't need to have a car to get here! (HINT HINT)

The Johnson Victrola Museum or The Only Thing Open in Dover, Delaware on a Saturday

So, I realize that I've been extremely lax in writing my blog and it's all your fault. But enough of blaming you, I've moved on.




We listened to a record on this.

 Facts:

• The Johnson Victrola Museum is not that easy to find.
• It is manned by volunteers - some who are very informative, some not so much.
• E.R Johnson grew up in Dover, DE and founded the Victor Talking Machine Company.
• The grammy is in the shape of a Victrola.



E.R Johnson's Posthumous Grammy. Notice that it's in the shape of a Victrola. Coincidence? No.

• The phrase "Put a sock in it" and "Put a lid on it" are based on controlling the volume of the Victrola.

Location:

• Johnson Victrola Museum, Museum Square, 375 S. New St., Dover, DE 19901

Hours:

• Wednesday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m

Admission:

• Free! Wheeeeeeeee! But you should donate something, you cheap bastards.



A recording horn. I still don't really get how it worked but somehow it recorded sound onto a record.

Do:

• Make sure to listen to the difference between an electric recording and an acoustic recording.
• You know the RCA logo? HMV? JVC? They all show Nipper. Also? HMV stands for His Master's Voice. (Nipper looks like he's listening. Get it?)

Nipper was the artist's dog. He was known to nip at people's heels.

Don't:

• Know what a Victrola is? A Victrola played records. If you don't know what a record is - well - then - I give up.
• Stare at the man giving the upstairs tour with a piece of black tape on his glasses. He's seeing double. Or he is a pirate! Arrrrr!