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!

Philly Summers: Or sunblock and sewers

The sweltering heat, the sour smells, the fashionably challenged, the cranky citizens, the extremely annoying tourists.

Fact:

• Philadelphia in the summer does not always smell that great: wafts of sewers, eau de body odor, rotting garbage.
• Women tend to dress like trannie hookers
• Trannie hookers tend to dress like trannie hookers
• Men dress in appalling shorts, baggy shirts and flip flops. I prefer the trannie hookers.

Do:

• Wear shirts that cover your midriff. If your stomach is flat enough to show, chances are you're too young to be showing it, Lolita.
• Go to John's Water Ice on 7th and Christian - it's a great summer treat and you won't have to deal with the tourists lining the block for Rita's.
• Sit outside and enjoy the sun:
• More Than Just Ice Cream @ 11th and Locust
• Kanella @ 10th and Spruce
• Beau Monde (even though I've had such crappy service there) @6th and Bainbridge
• Parc (even though many of the clientele are douchebags) @ 18th and Rittenhouse

Don't:

• Wear flipflops! Dear lord, we are in a CITY! Flipflops are for shower stalls, the beach and hotel carpets!
• Wear cut-off jean shorts in public, you're no Daisy Duke. In fact, Daisy Duke is no Daisy Duke.




She still looks great. My only point is that unless you are 17 and living in the country, don't wear these shorts.


• Forget your deodorant. Yes, I know, you're all natural. You think your sweat doesn't smell. You. Are. WRONG.  

Fort Delaware: Or a kind of lame fort that you have to take a ferry to

Fact:

• My boyfriend (hi boo!) lives in Delaware and this fort is not really all that easy to get to via public transportation from Philadelphia but if you have a car it could be a fun trip. Maybe.
• Fort Delaware is on Pea Patch Island (one mile east of Delaware City) and in 1951 was made one of Delaware's first state parks.

• You have to take a ferry to get to the island and it's not that cheap but it is the best part of the trip.
• Construction on the fort began in 1819, then was destroyed by fire in 1832. The present fort was built in 1859. It closed in 1944.  
• 2,700 confederate soldiers died while prisoners at the fort.

Transport:

• Three Forts Ferry

Cost:

• $11 for adults
• $6 for children

Do:

• Try going a little later in the season. They have more activities.
• Go the third weekend in August for Garrison Weekend if you're into seeing reenactors doing infantry formations and artillery drills. And come on, who isn't? (Me. )
• Look for herons - they nest on the island.

Don't:

• Tease the guy in historical garb about his ability to play a sand bag tossing game as it may turn out that he is slightly handicapped.
• Expect a colonial Williamsburg type of experience.  Though it does make me think of this...

A Cooking Class at the Walnut Hill Restaurant School: Or how I nearly burned the place down

Over a year ago when I was starting to have fewer hours and the end was approaching at my last job - I decided I would become a renaissance woman. Not by being rubenesque (though I totally got fat) but by picking up the skill set I would need to live off the land or on a non-existent paycheck. These skills included sewing, knitting, gardening, and cooking. Which served the dual purpose of also being ready for a zombie apocalypse.

From AMC's Walking Dead which I've never seen, but yeah, I get it, it's awesome. I'll watch it. Really.

So I sewed up some dish towels and an apron and started my first community education cooking class at the  Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College.

Facts:

• Located at: 4207 Walnut Street • Philadelphia
• The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College offers majors in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Restaurant Management and Hotel Management
• People like me (who aren't professional chefs but like to eat) can take courses through their community offerings
• You can also eat at their restaurants which are run and staffed by the students of the college  

Do:

• Bring your own: Knives, Spoons, Measuring Cups, Spatula and Tongs to class
• Check to make sure that the pot that is on the burner is filled with broth and not cooling oil from the previous class

Taken from Real Simple which in turn grabbed it from Getty Images

Don't:

• Spend a lot on your tools unless you're actually going to use them again (ahem)
• Think it's going to be like Top Chef, or that you'll be like Top Chef because it's kind of not like that
• Make the mistake of using the pot filled with oil (not broth) in your rissotto because you will then set your rissotto on fire and have everyone freak out

A.Kitchen: Or I really seem to write about food A.Lot

It's been a while since I last wrote.  Mostly because I am really really lazy. And I have a life, unlike you guys.

So my latest foray into Philadelphia was at A.Kitchen. Where there is a kitchen, and some tables, and lots and lots of waitstaff. (side note: there was this blond kid who looked exactly like the bad guy from the Karate Kid (original) and I wanted so badly to say, "Sweep the leg, Johnny!" but I was pretty sure that he would think I was crazy so I refrained)

Photo from their website

Fact:

• A.Kitchen is part of AKA Rittenhouse where many celebs stay.
• I saw Gerard Butler hanging outside AKA Rittenhouse a couple years ago. He looked like a scruffy dude - even though I was expecting King Leonidas.
• The food was really really good.

Do:

• Make a reservation as it is quite small.
• Have dessert - really totally awesome. Best poundcake I've ever had. No, really. I'm serious.

Don't:

• Wear black, as the cloth napkin left white lint.
• Be freaked out about the portion size - it's actually filling and you won't feel sick afterwards.

Not Gerard Butler

Location:
35 South 18th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Just north of Walnut Street at AKA Rittenhouse Square

Price:
Can be a bit spendy for the non-Rittenhouse folks but well worth it. Check out their menu for more info. (What? You wanted me to provide you with that too? Don't be so lazy. Look at their website!)

Barcade: Or I guess I didn't play enough video games as a kid

Facts:

• Barcade opened in the past year in Fishtown (yeah, I know, Fishtown)
• Beer on tap rotates daily
• Each arcade game is 25 cents
• I suck at arcade games

Do:

• Keep an eye peeled for the building - it's not as obvious as you'd think
• Go to their happy hour starting at 4pm - 7pm for $1 off drinks Monday - Friday (it's pretty empty on a Monday so you'll also be able to play a lot of video games)
• Try their Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Don't:

• Be fooled - beer nuts are just peanuts (I thought maybe they'd be coated in beer or something exotic)
• Worry if you run out of quarters - they have a change machine
• Play Dig Dug - it's a totally stupid boring game and yes, I am also terrible at it too
• Come in if you're under 21

Location:

• 1114 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between Girard Avenue and the Delaware Expressway
• Also locations in Williamsburg and Jersey City (which really it's a toss up of three locations I'd least like to visit)

It's Not Easy Being Green: Or finding healthy vegan food in Philly is an art

Facts: (sort of)

• Philadelphia is a place of many many fine restaurants. 
• So you'd think that finding vegan food wouldn't be that hard. You'd think wrong. 
• Sure there are places that serve french fries but that isn't really a healthy alternative. (No, really people. French fries - not a good vegetable choice)

Do:

• Go to Vedge!
• Try MiLah
• Taste Mumbai Bistro's vegan offerings

Don't:

• Forget to make a reservation at Vedge. They are popular for a reason. Their food is delicious. 
• Eat too much tofu - moobs anyone?
• Be shy - ask for veggies instead of bread when you're at a restaurant! The worst that could happen is that they stare at you incomprehensibly and then talk about the crazy person at table 8 when they're back in the kitchen.

Vedge:
1221 Locust Street
MiLah:
218 S. 16th
Mumbai Bistro:
930 Locust Street

No Cause For Alarm - But.... I'm in Love

with Molton Brown's (not to be confused with Alton Brown) Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower Gel. 

Quite simply - it smells divine. (not to be confused with THE Divine) I will probably be discretely sniffing myself because I smell so good.

Fact:

• Molton Brown's slogan includes the phrase "Unmistakeably English"
• Molton Brown originated in London but was purchased by the Japanese corporation Kao in 2005

Located at:

Blue Mercury: 1707 Walnut Street

Blue Mercury's Rittenhouse location is small and very friendly. It also includes a spa. 

Do:

• Get on their mailing list to be invited to in-store events
• Ask for advice from their knowledgeable employees

Don't:

• Bring in a stroller - it is a small space
• Miss their great holiday value packs from:
• Laura Mercier
• Molton Brown
• Fresh

Tria: Or a place I've actually never been to

So I had a blind date here but it wasn't very successful - the date that is - so I guess you'll just have to try it based on what I've heard.

Tria at 12th and Spruce



Photo from their website

 I don't have much to share about this place. Simply put, my "date" did not consider the huge wait time. We stood around trying to make small talk (unsuccessfully) until we went for a coffee instead.  It was a gorgeous night but instead of wanting to walk around he asked if we could stand on a corner.
WHAT?
Perhaps he wanted to pick up a hooker. I don't know. Needless to say, we did not meet up again.

Tria:
Two center city locations: 12th and Spruce and 18th and Sansom
12th and Spruce:
Outside seating with heat lamps available when cold

Monday – Friday	4pm – Late Night
Saturday + Sunday	Noon - Late Night

Do:

• I have no idea as I haven't actually been here
• I have heard that they have excellent Happy Hour deals
• Go to Happy Hour M-Th 5-7pm at the 12th street location

Don't:

• Come at 6pm on Thursday night and think that you'll be able to sit immediately

Old City: or where Hipsters, Tourists, and the Overindulged Unite

Facts:

• I used to live in Old City until I could no longer handle hearing "American Woman" blaring out of the Big Bus tour, or the loud obnoxious blowing of the Duck tour kazoos, or the sound of bongos playing on First Friday.
• Actually, I also had a tiny bit of concern about the people hanging outside of the drug rehab center next door to me.
• Old City formally extends from Spring Garden Street, 4th Street, the Delaware River, and Walnut Street. But I never go as far as Spring Garden - maybe Race street.
• Old City has galleries, historic buildings (ie the Liberty Bell Center), shops and the aforementioned hipsters, tourists, and people with lots of money and a sense of entitlement (much like the main line).

Do:

• Check out Lost and Found - an affordable shop (unlike many of the surrounding boutiques) for men's and women's fashions/accessories at 133 N. 3rd St.
• Go to nearby Cafe Ole at 147 N 3rd St. for great hummus and ice tea.
• Visit PAWS at 100 N. 2nd street to volunteer and/or adopt a sweet cat or dog.
• Walk and visit historic spots like Elfreth's Alley, Franklin Court, and Independence Hall.

Don't:

• Forget to visit the Betsy Ross House (next to the former Real World Philadelphia house).
• Try and engage the guy playing a cittern in conversation at the Visitor's Center at 599 Market St. as he is a jerk.
• Miss First Friday, where galleries show new art and provide some nibbles and wine on the first Friday of every month (but you may have to suffer through pretentious patrons and the overlymonied)
• Pass on Franklin Fountain -which has awesomely extravagant ice cream creations made from local Bassetts ice cream. Though the owner's handle-bar mustache is a little off-putting.

Memphis Taproom: or a special journey into Kensington

Facts:

• I cheated and did not take public transport. I got a ride. There is a simple reason for this. It's in KENSINGTON. I'm not saying that you can't take public transit to Kensington but I am saying if you can get a ride - then do so. 
• Good place to take vegetarians or vegans.
• I went here because I saw it on an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and I'm a sucker for marketing. 

How to get there (if you're not getting a ride):

• Take Market-Frankford subway to Spring Garden.
• Take SEPTA bus 25 to Cedar and Cumberland streets.
• Address: 2331 E. Cumberland Street at Memphis (which I guess explains why it's not a bbq place like I originally thought)

Do:

• Order the Beer-Battered Kosher Dils.
• Check out their new beer garden - open from April to October.

Don't:

• Walk around alone at night.  Does the Kensington Strangler ring any bells?

Chemical Heritage Foundation - or a place I've walked by but had no idea what it was

Facts:

• The Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) began in 1982 as the Center for the History of Chemistry.
• It was a pilot project of the University of Pennsylvania and the American Chemical Society.
• It was made a non-profit organization in 1987. And became the CHF in 1992.

• Today the Chemical Heritage Foundation has a library, museum, and a conference center. It also supports research, produces educational materials and offers fellowships.

 

Swiss Bakelite phone. Photo by Gregory Tobias from the collection Making Modernity.

  

Location:

• The Chemical Heritage Foundation is located at 315 Chestnut Street in what used to be the 1865 First National Bank. It was renovated and opened on October 3, 2008.  

Do:

• Visit the Museum - it's free! Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.
• Use the restrooms in the Museum/Conference area - the floors are made of recycled cans!
• Check out the exhibition Making Modernity!

Bakelite and Lucite Handbag. Photo by Gregory Tobias from the collection Making Modernity.

Don't:

• Want to take a guided tour of the museum? (Because really - who has the attention span or the ability to deal with cantankerous old people?) Take a self-guided tour using your cell phone! 215.525.1682
• Miss First Fridays - the museum hosts events and guest speakers and is open until 8pm.

Port Kennedy - or how building a bypass helped end a town

Fact:

• Port Kennedy Village was named after Alexander Kennedy and was built around the limestone quarried from the nearby Valley Forge Hills.
• Port Kennedy expanded under the guidance of Alexander's son, John, who established an extensive Lime production, employing up to 70 men.
• During Port Kennedy's prime,  the village included a hotel, furnace and workshops, and starting in 1849, a Reading Railroad station.
• In the 1960s the Pottstown Expressway (US Route 422) was constructed, effectively cutting through the town.
• Today only the Kennedy-Supplee Mansion (1852) and the First Presbterian Church of Port Kennedy (1845) remain.

Photo by Jack E. Boucher

Do:

• Visit the Kennedy-Supplee Mansion located in Valley Forge National Historical Park and originally known as Kenhurst. You can lease it!
• Check out the National Historic Registry for more information about the Mansion and it's interesting past.

Don't:

• Know how the Kennedy-Supplee Mansion got its name? In 1911 J. Henderson Supplee purchased the mansion and lived there until his death in 1936.
• Know who J. Henderson Supplee was? In 1936 he was one of the last Civil War Veterans of Montgomery County. He had fought in Antietam, Stony River, Chattanooga, and Gettysburg.

Quote:

 "I eventually had to go down to the cellar..."
"That's the display department."
"...with a torch."
"The lights had probably gone."
"So had the stairs."
"Well, you found the notice, didn't you?"
"Yes. The plans were on display in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet, stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying 'Beware of the Leopard."
Douglas Adams' A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Camden Aquarium - or it's annoying to take a ferry with Rascal Flatts fans

Fact:

• The Camden Aquarium started out in 1992 as the non-profit New Jersey State Aquarium.
• The new Adventure Aquarium reopened in 2005 and is most definitely for profit.
• You can take the RiverLink Ferry from Philadelphia Penn's Landing to the Camden Waterfront.
• The ferry takes about 15 minutes even though it's directly across the water. Maybe it has something to do with currents or people wanting to sit longer.
• The ferry is every hour and only runs Saturdays/Sundays from May-September.

This is not the octopus from Adventure Aquarium. It's from a much more interesting article in the LA Times.

Costs:

• Aquarium is an overpriced $22.95 (plus tax! I know! There' s tax!) for adults and $17.95 (don't forget the tax) for kids 2-12.
• RiverLink Ferry is $7.00 round trip ($6 for kids)- they have a special concert series schedule too. So if you're lucky - like us - you can share the ferry with teenagers with daisy dukes, fake curls, cowboy hats and a thing for Rascall Flatts.

Do:

• Take advantage of their free fountain refills in the aquarium's cafe. Not only do you get free soda refills - but you get free slushies! (seriously - when's the last time that you had a slushy?)
• Look at the octopus - it's fascinating.

Don't:

• Go on the weekend. Unless you love the smell of dirty diapers or you're a giant and can see over everyone's heads.
• Have high expectations - then you won't be disappointed that you just spent a fortune to see fish you could see in a nearby lake.