This last week I took my first trip to Philadelphia with my work team to look in shops, eat great food, and take in some culture. There are so many different things to see in the city of Brotherly, or Peopley to be more politically correct, Love, that I feel that this is only the first Brix Picks on the subject as I hope to return again soon.
Our day started in the downtown area where we visited the tattoo and rockabilly haven Sailor Jerry's. Next we took in the offerings of The AIA Bookstore, the book store of the The American Institute of Architects. Next was Born Yesterday, a children's clothing store that nearly gave me a heart attack with the prices. But some of the pieces, like an adorable white jacket made of vintage handkerchief embroideries, were great just to see, others, like baby onesies with Louis Vuitton and Prada logos were less impressive.
Lunch was the highlight of the trip at Reading Terminal Market, an overwhelming paradise for foodies. I had done my research beforehand and knew that I was headed straight for DiNics for a roast pork sandwich with greens. Unfortunately the greens had all been eaten by the lunch time rush, but the peppers were excellent, so I couldn't stay mad long. I also sampled some of the famous Bassets ice cream which was first-rate.
For two spectrums of the culture part of the trip we visited Space 1026 and The Franklin Institute. Space 1026 is an artist collective run by contemporary talents, some former RISD students. The building is a beautiful old townhouse with a gallery and working spaces for video, screen print, and other mediums.
The Franklin Institute is currently housing the King Tut exhibit, which you will need to get tickets for in advance. If you go you should be aware that the famous sarcophagus is not on display, but don't let that get in the way of appreciating the many other stunning artifacts.
But what do you think?