Sweet Boy and Sweet Girl leave a penny at the graves of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Franklin. Because “A penny saved, is a penny earned”. This was a lesson learnt earlier in the day while visiting the Philadelphia Mint. No pictures are allowed though.
The original Miss Independence and her escort on the green in front of Independence Hall where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted within its fine walls. It was built between 1732 and 1753 in the Georgian style by famed architect Edmund Wooley on land purchased by Andrew Hamilton.
The Liberty bell was once located in the bell tower steeple of Independence Hall (visible in the above photo). The bell is believed to have been rung to commemorate the occasion of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was also used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions in the days before texting and email.
The bell cracked during a ringing and was recast twice. The original bell now resides in a new facility directly across the street from Independence Hall. It is an iconic symbol of American independence.
Too cool for school, we took a break from sightseeing and did a little shopping.
Then it was time for dinner at the White Dog Cafe. This nationally recognized restaurant was begun in 1983 by activist Judy Wicks. The restaurant was one of the first to practice the concept of using sustainable ingredients in its menu selections.
All of the artwork and sculptures within the restaurant feature charming examples of different dog themes.
While I was surprised that no images of “Dogs Playing Poker” graced the walls, I did get a giggle by some of the artwork painted on the bathroom walls.
The next day found us in Rittenhouse Square. We had brunch at a location on the square that deserves a post entirely its own. (Stay tuned.)
Rittenhouse Square is one of five original open~space parks planned by William Penn (developer and planner of Philadelphia). It was originally called Southwest Square but was renamed in 1825 after David Rittenhouse, a renowned astronomer, first director of the U.S. Mint and a descendant of the first paper-maker in Philadelphia, the German immigrant William Rittenhouse.
The centrally designed park is truly lovely and a delight for children and animals alike.
In my best Dug voice: SQUIRREL!
You can get him Maddie.
Sweet Boy being fed to the lion.
Ahhhh, serenity now.
Sweet Boy trying to see if the hype is true.
The divine Miss M and introducing K Fed.
In the nineteenth century several luxurious townhomes were constructed around the square. A few are currently for sale. I think if everyone pitched in, this could be ours…
The detailing on each of the homes is of course exquisite.
Right around the corner was Anthropologie. This was the first time I paid more attention to the actual store rather than its contents.
Can you blame me? Spectacular swag and garland molding.
Too beautiful for words.
When I finally got around to it, I saw that the store displays were of course breathtaking as well.
While riding down from the third floor K Fed and Miss M took a load off.
After a quick stop into Di Bruno to gaze longingly at the cheeses and other delicacies, we had to make a decision…
What to select to put in our hamper for the two hour journey to the Jersey Shore.
Watch out Snooki~ Laurie G aka Hotpockets, Tiny T aka Burnt Muffin Top and their precious posse are bound for the beach.
Laura
