A Slice of Paris in Philadelphia

Did you know that the Benjamin Franklin Parkway was designed by a French architect, and he modeled it after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris?

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, as seen from the museum

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Unlike the famed Parisian avenue, there aren't any chic luxury shops on the Parkway, but you'll find plenty of arts and culture, some of which include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, the Rodin Museum, the Swann Fountain, and the Cathedral Basilica of Sts Peter and Paul. On May 19, a new museum created by the Barnes Foundation will join these Philadelphia icons on the Parkway. For those of you living in Philly, don't miss the 10-day grand opening. The weekend of May 26 is packed with events and activities. Check their website for information on tickets and schedule.

Philadelphia City Hall; you might recognized this scene from the comedy Trading Places

Writing my recently published article, Weekend Getaway: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, brought back many many wonderful memories. I've enjoyed the Mummer's Parade on a freezing January, watched in awe the amazing exhibits at the Franklin Institute, and mimicked Rocky running up the 72 steps to the Museum of Art. I've gotten naturalized at Old City Hall (home of the First Supreme Court), the building on the left of Independence Hall, and tied the knot at Valley Forge (near the Historical National Park where General George Washington of the Continental Army camped out during that brutal winter of 1777-78). We used to hike the Wissahickon Valley in the fall, and escape the summer heat tubing down the Delaware River in nearby Bucks County. Ahh, the good old days...

Forever etched in my memory is the experience of eating the most delicious hoagie for the first time. And the Philadelphia cheesesteak. My mouth is watering as I ponder the juicy, scrumptious Philadelphia sandwich. Simply unforgettable!

You won't go hungry in Philly. This local joint, Geno's, is open 24/7

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