BrownSuga’s Sweet Spot: Top Ten reasons why I LOVE PHILLY!

I just returned from another wonderful trip to my hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We went to celebrate my aunt’s 50^th birthday and my brother’s 28^th birthday. Anyway here are the reasons why I love Philly.

• Fashion. Now if you really know me then you know I could really care less about what I wear and if it’s “in style”. I am a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl and as long as I think it looks good on me I’m wearing it. But what I love is the difference in fashion between the north and the south. Females in Philly have a tendency to wear the same items as guys but with a feminine style to it, whereas females in the south are really “girly”. It’s normal to see “chics rockin’ the Tims” which I own several pairs of.

• Climate. I am a fan of the separation and obvious distinction of seasons. When it’s winter I want to see snow. When it’s summer I want to feel the heat. When it’s spring I want to feel the breeze. And when it’s autumn I want to see the leaves change colors. Of course it isn’t all roses but it really is a nice sight.

• Proximity to New York. I love big cities and the biggest I know is N.Y.C. Just under 2 hours by car and even less on the train, NY is an easy trip for anyone. The shop, the arts, the food, the atmosphere of New York is incomparable. When people visit, you have numerous tourist options to show between Philly and New York.

• Tax Free Necessities. Food and clothing are necessary. And in Philly you do not have to pay taxes on them. Grocery bills are less, new sneakers are less, and everyday items are just less. And who doesn’t like to spend less?

• E-A-G-L-E-S. I already said my piece about my favorite football team. And that love spills over to the Sixers, Phillies and Flyers. See previous post.

• The neighborhoods. Each area of Philly is what I have always believed a real neighborhood looks like. Everything is within walking distance. There are corner stores where you can get some candy when you walk home from school. Or there are numerous eating options that don’t require driving. THERE ARE SIDEWALKS to actually walk on. Public transportation connects EVERY part of the city. And my favorite things about neighborhoods in Philly are the small “Mom & Pop” shops. Would you believe there isn’t a Wal-Mart in the city of Philly? The mega-retailers that saturate the south aren’t so big in Philly. Small businesses aren’t forced to compete with those giants. It’s such a nice change of pace.

• Boathouse Row. If you’ve ever been to Philly then you probably know what I’m talking about. But if you haven’t below is a picture of it. It’s gorgeous at night. As you drive to center city Boathouse Row is on your left then you see the gorgeous Philadelphia skyline. And for the whole month of October the lights of downtown Philly are pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I got a chance to see that and it was amazing and powerful.
  

• The history. Philadelphia is an old city. With cobblestone streets downtown, its rich history, wonderful diverse culture (schools are out for all holidays Jewish ones included) and liberal overall views, Philly is a breath of fresh air compared to this @*#&$&% city I live in. The liberty bell is here. The Franklin Institute is fun even for adults. And who can resist running up the stairs of the Art Museum just like Rocky?
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• Cheesesteaks. Real ones not ones from tourist traps (I won’t mention names). But ask any person from Philly where they get their cheesesteaks from and they will name some hole in the wall place that is within walking distance of their home, work or school. As a rule never trust a place that calls them “Philly Cheese steaks” because a real one will never have to be called “Philly”. It will just be. It’s all in the bread. Amoroso rolls are the only rolls to be used. The meat is specific. It is chopped to the perfect consistency. And there is an art to ordering one. Unfortunately I don’t have the time to teach everyone but I’ll hold lessons every 3^rd Monday and 1^st Saturday after the full moon but before the fall equinox. Call me for details. Now there are other foods I can’t leave Philly without having they include water ice (if you don’t know what it is you haven’t had it and you are missing out on a summertime staple), soft pretzels with spicy mustard (no one makes these like the Pennsylvania Dutch), Jolly Joes and Peanut Chews.
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• Family. I was born and raised in Philly. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and godparents are there. Getting to see everyone and catch up is the best. We are a close knit family with a lot of love. They are my support system and I am thankful for them each and everyday. And they are my reason for returning to Philly.