Pennsylvania

So day 1, was very low cost! I was pleasantly suprised at how much I got to see.

Philadelphia Magical Gardens is a definite must! I ended up buying the student membership and received four free passes for guest. My 10 year old nephew used one and my 2 year old nephew got in for free. Also around town are many murals which are part of the art initiative and attempt to curb graffiti.

Penn Landing is fab! There was an old steamship, looked like the Titanic, named United States. Apparently the Sweeds (?) purchased it and were told they are not allowed to move it by the Historical Society after the purchase. There was also an old battleship, don't know much history on it, but I sure will look it up! We stopped off at Tony Luke's for their famous Philly Cheesesteak, I can tell you people were parked in the middle of the street to get their subs! I tried and fell in love with their Pork and Cheese sandwich. My sister loved the pork. Had we continued down the road we could have stopped off at the Philadelphia Eagles Stadium, which is pretty neat with two huge Eagle statues sitting atop the wall.

We went to Sugar House Casino, signed up for the Players Card Program (free). Got a free polo shirt as a welcome gift and 5x points.

We went to the Penn Treaty Park overlooking the Delaware River. There is a monument for William Penn. Gorgeous view and dog friendly!

Stopped off at (30th Street Station) Penn Station. For anyone into architecture, this is a must!!! Gorgeous tribute for WWII and a beautiful engraved into the wall painting called the Spirit of Transportation. The only cost associated was parking and it does have the old fashioned meters.

Passed by the Comcast Center. Ever wonder why your cable bill is so high? Take a look at the building and it will all make sense! This 58 story building has 3 humongous televisions that broadcast a combined picture on the lower level. It's the tallest building in Philly. It has an art installation of people walking on floating poles, it's called Humanity in Motion.

In downtown Philly by the gorgeous City Hall (Which I mistook as the Masonic Temple) was a park with a couple of game pieces as statues. I saw the Monopoly Iron and a Sorry piece. I'm told there are others, but it was raining and wet and I sooo didn't want to leave the comfort of the car!

In Fairmount Park (free), by the Schuylkill River is BoatHouse Row, I recommend visiting after twilight as they light up the 12 buildings/houses. During the day is you plan your trip right, you can catch team practicing or competing at rowing.

And of course we saw the famous Rocky stairs at the Museum of Art. And in front is a statue of Rocky, all proud of his achievement.

I ended my night by going by the famous Geno's, which was packed beyond belief. Love the lights on the building and I also liked their support of service workers, ie police, firefighters, ambulance drivers, etc.