What do most think about when referencing the quintessential Philadelphia neighborhood? Some may say Old City, others may cite Rittenhouse Square, but even more would mention the mostly Italian neighborhood of South Philly. The home of Rocky and the Eagles has a unique, if not quirky, flair that's all its own.
Mummers Museum:
1100 S. Second St.
(215) 336-3050
www.mummersmuseum.org
Every New Year's Day, up to 15,000 revelers dress in elaborate costumes and parade up Broad Street to City Hall while dancing, singing and playing an orchestra's worth of instruments. This phenomenon belongs to the Mummers, a Philadelphian group that celebrates with style once a year. This group is so integrated into the city that they have their own museum, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this April.
Isgro Pasticceria
1009 Christian St.
(215) 923-3092
www.isgrobakery.com
Want an authentic taste of Philadelphia? Any true Philadelphian will point to Christian Street, where Isgro's bakery has been making cannoli and pastries for 100 years in the heart of South Philly. Founded by Mario Isgro, who studied the culinary arts in Vienna, the bakery still maintains its vibrant Italian roots well into its fourth generation. And honestly, why not go to a bakery that Paul Newman and Frank Sinatra have frequented themselves?
Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial
719 Catharine St.
(215) 922-3456 x. 300
www.fleisher.org
Although the theatre district is seen by many as the artistic center of Philadelphia, the Fleisher Art Memorial brings artistic flair to South Philly. And though the exhibit is about fly-fishing, it goes to show how avant-garde these art school kids are willing to be.
Philadelphia's 9th Street Italian Market
Ninth St. between Wharton and Fitzwater Sts.
Tue-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
www.phillyitalianmarket.com
As the oldest and largest outdoor working market in the United States, Philadelphia's Italian Market is the pride of the neighborhood. Selling wares ranging from farm fresh eggs to Italian water ice, the market retains the charm that makes South Philly so renowned. And the famous running sequence in Rocky was partially shot in this historic market, so really, you can't beat that.
