Poplar: Five Pieces of Philadelphia History
The original city plans laid out on a map by William Penn only included the area between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers between Vine and South streets. People, however, settled outside of those areas, including what is now known as the Poplar neighborhood. “Certain neighborhoods were settled by individuals from certain parts of Europe or were […]
Manayunk: Along the Schuylkill River, Kay Sykora Always Finds A Way
Just off of Main Street, the section of Lock Street stretching onto Venice Island bears a sign, which dubs it as “Kay Sykora Way.” Jane Lipton, executive director of Manayunk Development Corporation, petitioned to have the section renamed in Sykora’s honor, and said the word “way” holds a special significance. “It was really appropriate. She […]
Waterfront: Conrad Benner Explores Philly to Expose Art in Unexpected Spaces
Arms outstretched, Conrad Benner leaned out over the silver railing that separated the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk from the water below. Adjusting the frame of his camera to fit the distant Philadelphia skyline, the 29-year-old held, snapped and nodded. Part of Benner’s grind as founder and editor of street art blog StreetsDept.com is sharing his perspective […]
Waterfront: For Artisans, Manayunk’s Venice Island Delivers In Debut
Years of planning and hard work went into the creation of the newly opened Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center in Manayunk. An outdoor craft market of about 60 start-ups, home businesses and other do-it-yourself ventures, Philly Mart operates on the grounds of the $45 million project. “We look for vendors that are unique and maybe haven’t done […]
Waterfront: Five Outdoor Activities to Experience
When William Penn first laid out his plan for Philadelphia, the famous founder realized the importance of parks to not only flee to in case of emergency, but also to escape from the rigors of city life – even for just an afternoon. Today, the waterfronts along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers boast some of the […]
The Waterfront: Five Things You Didn’t Know
Philadelphia’s waterfronts are an attraction for both tourists and residents of the city alike. Here are five facts about the rivers’ and the green spaces that surround them. 1. On the portion of the Schuylkill River Trail (above) that runs between the Art Museum and Locust Street, there are about 1 million user trips per […]
Waterfront: Seven Things You Can Do For Free
Both the Delaware and Schuylkill river waterfronts are undergoing a transformation that has essentially been a century in the making. Places like Penn’s Landing and Schuylkill River Park are iconic waterfront getaways for residents seeking an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. Yet, there remains a handful of places that have stayed […]
Waterfront: More Than Just A Trail
As the rough winter of 2013-2014 gives way to warmer weather, Philadelphians and tourists alike have slowly popped up along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers like plant life getting its first glimpse of the sun after months stuck indoors or underground. To match the sense of anticipation and excitement circulating throughout the city, a number […]
Southwest Philadelphia: Revitalizing the Schuylkill by Bartram’s Garden
Over the summer, Bartram’s Garden hosted a meeting to get community feedback on the Bartram’s Mile, a stretch of trail that would connect Bartram’s to the Schuylkill River Trail that currently ends around South Street. They used the opportunity to reach out and find other ways to connect the people in the community to the […]
Waterfront: Cooperation Is The Name Of The Game
Jacob’s Ladder, Solomon’s Seal and Shooting Star. No, these aren’t references to characters and events from the bible. Yet, as the shooting star signaled the birth of Jesus to the three wise men, so too do these flowers signal something important. Spring is here! Earlier this month, more than 100 people showed up at Schuylkill […]