Walk Off the Beaten Path in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has this image of being a city where history stares back at you no matter which corner of the city you’re exploring. There is so much that has happened in Philadelphia that its name shall ever resonate with the birth of the United States of America. But Philly, as it is affectionately called, is all things fun too. It has an amazing beer scene and you will find yourself with a glass of beer often as you go about exploring the city. Art exhibitions and cultural events are also a major hit. And, the artistic character of the city is quite reflective in the mural adorned walls and buildings dotting the cityscape. Food is another big draw in the city. Thus, your taste buds shall be treated to a delish gourmet experience when in Philly. So the next time you have plans to go on a vacation, book a cheap flight to Philadelphia and have a great time. To make your trip even more fun, we bring to you attractions that are quirky and unusual, and surely stand out in the whole of Philadelphia.

     

When Isaiah Zagar — a mosaicist — moved with his wife to the area near the South Street neighborhood, his artistic inclination led him to beautify its surrounding areas. He started off reviving the worn-out buildings by decorating them with colorful mosaics. He used his artsy skills and brought to life a 3000 square foot space next to his studio, working on it continuously for a span of about fourteen years. His work included excavating tunnels and grottos and sculpting multi layered textured walls and tiling the area with colored mosaics. Today, known as the Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, it is a permanent art institution welcoming visitors to witness Zagar’s phenomenal artworks. So, get on a flight to Philadelphia and see the place which is artistic in the truest sense.

 

The headquarters of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia houses within itself the Mütter Museum. It is one of its kind museum with a vast array of medical displays that is bound to leave you perplexed. Among the exhibits are the skeleton of the tallest man to have ever lived in North America, the bones of a man who died of a rare disease (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva), as well as the brain slides of people with extraordinary brilliance such as that of the much celebrated Theoretical Physicist Albert Einstein. Book low cost airline tickets and see the wondrous collection this museum is home to. 

Sitting pretty in close proximity to the banks of Schuylkill River is the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. The house was a gift by the natives of Japan to celebrate post-war relations with Philadelphia and to initiate cultural exchange. It is located in a picturesque Japanese garden, blessed with a serene environ where you feel a step closer to nature. The house has been designed based on the style of the early 17th century Shoin-zukuri architecture. Thus, you don’t have to book a cheap flight to Tokyo to immerse in the Japanese vibe, you can simply head to Philly.                                      

Prisons that existed before Eastern State Penitentiary were places that had no rule and order, and where prisoners usually caught on diseases and died even before they were sentenced. However, after the construction of Eastern State Penitentiary in 1829, law and order prevailed. This system kept the prisoners apart from each other and at the same time gave them access to their own separate space where they would eat, exercise and read the Bible. The prison was in use for a long period of about 142 years after which it fell to decay and destruction. However, today it is open to the public which allows people to learn about the history and crimes of the inmates and their daily life as they went on living a life of penitence. Hop on a last minute flight to Philadelphia and know more about the intriguing past of this prison.

Report this Page