I had a fabulous time in Philadelphia last week! Discovering a city that previously I didn't know very well, catching up with my sister, and visiting the Philadelphia Flower Show was the recipe for a fun girls' getaway. Add a hip hotel (which served wine and hot toddies every evening), the stunning collection of art at The Barnes Foundation, two lovely new friends and the best donuts I have EVER eaten, and you have a perfect three day trip!
Here are some pictures from the Philadelphia Flower Show...this year's theme was "ARTiculture" - Art meets Horticulture. It was fun to see the various interpretations of art made from plants and flowers.
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| The gigantic floral decoration when you walk in was an homage to Alexander Calder. |
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| Influenced by Mondrian, perhaps? |
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| Don't know what artist inspired this but it was pretty... |
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| I loved the "shop windows"...this was an art supply store. |
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| A museum shop (see "The Girl the Peal Earring" and "The Scream"?) |
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| A fancy shoe store... |
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| My favorite exhibit...and artist's studio on Nantucket |
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| Winner of "Best in Show"...NC Wyeth's Studio |
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| This was a fun Warhol inspired exhibit...look at the spoons used as plant labels... |
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| Vertical planting as inspired by Monet... |
We really enjoyed seeing the remarkable displays of flowers...my pictures really don't do them justice at all. It was VERY crowded so it was hard to take photos. Despite the crowds, I had a wonderful time and would recommend visiting in the future for anyone who loves flowers. It definitely put me in the mood for Spring!
Here are a few of my Philly faves....
Reading Terminal Market is a "must go" and, while you are there, don't miss Beiler's Donuts (the salted caramel donut filled with cream may be the best donut I have ever eaten!) and DiNic's for the Pork Sandwich (voted the best sandwich in America by the Food Network)
For dinner near Rittenhouse Square, try Twenty Manning...
We loved The Hotel Palomar...it was a lovely hotel with excellent service, conveniently located within walking distance of everywhere we wanted to go.
And, be sure to book a reservation to visit The Barnes Foundation - what a fantastic collection!
