Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Taste of Philly - 2 Adult, 2 Child tickets to a Taste of Philly Food Tour
Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) - $5 Smart Card
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Davio's - $100 Gift Card
Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) - $5 Smart Card
SEPTA - (1) Weekly Pass
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown - Gift Certificate for a one-night stay and bed and breakfast for two
Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) - $5 Smart Card
Friday, May 28, 2010
Supper Restaurant - $80 Gift Certificate
Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) - $5 Smart Card
Monday, May 31, 2010
LAGOS - $100 Gift Certificate
Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) - $5 Smart Card
And who could forget wanting to run up and down the famous Rocky steps as it overlooked Eakins Oval? Several times during my elementary school years as part of a class field trip we would see and hear history come alive with an educational talk or character portrayal of a Revolutionary figure as we stood in front of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross house, Elfreths Alley, or the visit to the poet Edgar Allen Poes house in seventh grade. Oftentimes, these areas are very scenic during the Autumn season.
As I have grown older, I have created more memories through closer connections to the landscape, places and people in Philadelphia. I love the Avenue of the Arts where in the evening I can attend the Walnut Street Theater to watch the talented camaderie of actors and actresses and musicians perform in one of the crowd-pleasing, inspiring, and thrilling dramatic or comedic plays or musicals like Les Miserables or Hairspray. Here, I forget for some time the routines of the day and I join in the cheers of the triumph of the human spirit or am moved to compassion or sometimes tears which great art does for you. I have eaten a ciabatta sandwich, ordered a refreshing strawberry-banana smoothie and a decent-sized chocolate chip cookie at Reading Terminal Market, designed to be a creative network of independent markets providing Philadelphias best selection of flavors and varieties. A night out in the city of Philadelphia could be done at one of the nightlife attractionsenjoying a dinner from one of the rich diversity of ethnic and gastronomical restaurants, or a great pub like Plough and the Stars where on Fridays the Irish dancers perform amidst the jovial and good spirited and friendly crowds. I felt the atmosphere was great and the music made me just want to dancewhich I did. There is no doubt that there is plenty to do here in Philadelphia whatever your age or interests are.
And of course, who could leave out our sports teams like our beloved champions the Fightin Phils, or the Eagles or Flyers? We love our teams no matter what. On a more serious note, our city has some of the finest educational institutions in the nation. Some of the brightest and most talented persons attend these city colleges and universities the Community College of Philadelphia, Drexel, University of Pennsylvania, Temple to name a few.
Perhaps the most welcoming attraction of Philadelphia is ironically, not an attraction. Its the people. The people here are welcoming and friendly and want you to make Philadelphia your home. In addition, Philadelphia is proud to be diverse in its communities whether by ethnic or religious ties and we have places and spaces to honor this diversity such as Chinatown and the African-American Museum and the Quaker meeting house museum each with its own history.
Philadelphia- from the past to the present, has a historical, ethnic and cultural richness that makes the city who we are. Its people are connected to Philadelphia by a love and loyalty to it. I am so fortunate to have grown up to be part of this historical heritage and to be connected to the places, spaces, and people of the City of Brotherly Love.
My fiance and I fell in love here, and we make it a priority to spend every Friday night in the city of Philadelphia. Most of the time, we don't have a plan or agenda; we'll just walk around the city and be spontaneous on what the night will bring. Although it is a treat to have a reservation in place at the newest Starr restaurant or tickets to a show or event, there's something magical about Philadelphia, especially when sun sets and the lights come on.
Philadelphia will always hold a special place in our hearts, and for the couples looking for that extra spark, they should simply try walking around the city, with no plans, and just anticipate what the night may bring.
I have participated in the Neighborhood Garden contest and have shared bulbs, plants and cuttings with my friends and neighbors. I love that Philly is the home of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and one of the largest indoor garden exhibitions. The preservation of open space is possibly my favorite attribute of Philadelphia.
Owing the beginning of "Philadelphia Green" to our first 5 squares laid out in the original plans for our city and with the protection of the water supply by the creation of the Fairmount Park System in 1855 our dedication to green now includes 63 parks and more than 9,200 acres of land. Whether a neighborhood pocket park, a carefully manicured golf course, the 4,100 acres of the Faire mount; the first park for which the entire system was named, or the totally natural forested area that encompasses recreation areas, walking paths, horse trails, the Pennypack Environmental & Education Center, Fox Chase Farm and spans over 8 miles of the more than 10 mile long Pennypack Creek that cuts through Northeast Philadelphia it's fabulous that the residents of this very urban area are never more than 2.5 miles from open spaces.
I am thrilled that Philadelphias park system is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes bloomin spaces that all started from the Lemon Hill estate near Boat House Row. Bartrums Gardens, (Americas oldest botanical garden), as well as the Azalea gardens at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Americas first Zoo and a huge collection of Public Art enhances the bloomin experience in Philadelphias park system, too. I could go on & on describing the reasons I love Bloomin Philadelphia but experience is the best teacher. I encourage everyone to go out and love the Green Country Towne that is Philadelphia.