With fireworks on sale on every corner and flags waving in the summer breeze, I’m beyond excited to celebrate Independence Day where history echoes from every brick. Philly was only an hour and a half from our campground, so we hopped on the bike and headed in!
Amy’s Omelet House fueled our bellies, and a quirky detour to see the Big Rusty Troll had us grinning before we battled Philly’s busy traffic. We followed the revolution’s footsteps at Independence Hall, stood before the Liberty Bell, and yes, I climbed the “Rocky Steps” and loved every second of it.
This week, I’m bringing you snapshots of Philly’s revolutionary past, a bite of its greasy present (hello, cheesesteak!), and a climb up those famous museum steps. Let’s dive in!
Philly skyline view from the top of the "Rocky Steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Photo of the Week
From the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the city unfolded before me. The historic buildings, buzzing streets, and that skyline fading into the summer haze were pretty impressive. Tourists lined up to pose with the Rocky statue, but I stood still and soaked in the moment. Seeing Philly for the first time was both historical and heartfelt. It was a celebration of freedom and adventure, all rolled into one.
Trolls on the Trail
Big Rusty: Built from tin, dreams, and probably a few tetanus shots.
My love affair with these whimsical giants began in Maine, where I discovered them hidden in the Coastal Botanical Gardens. Massive, mysterious, and enchanting, they felt like secrets waiting to be found.
So imagine my delight to find one right here in New Jersey! Meet Big Rusty, a hulking sculpture made of roofing metal, plywood, old electrical gear, and even a concrete wall. He’s like a junkyard wizard and easily the most unusual troll I’ve met yet.
A Ringing Reminder of Freedom
Liberty’s ringtone: silent, but powerful.
There it was.
The Liberty Bell. A real, tangible piece of American history just a few feet away. I’d seen pictures, heard the stories, but seeing it in person, with its jagged crack and aged bronze, brought a stillness I don’t often experience. The reverence in the room made the past feel very present.
It first cracked in the 1700's with several failed attempts to fix it. I think the crack is an iconic feature that reminds us perfection is not vital to success.
Walking through Independence Square, we admired historic buildings, then I left Jody to people watch and headed over to Christ Church where five Declaration signers, including Ben Franklin, are buried.
Philly is a city steeped in history at nearly every turn. Aren't the old headstones incredible?
Past lives, present chills. Philly’s history lives here.
Cheesesteaks & Champions
No visit is complete without a proper cheesesteak. After cooling off in the shade, we headed to the Rocky Statue, where tourists proudly struck the iconic two-arm pose. I’m a diehard Rocky fan so it was a thrilling moment! The view from the top of the steps made the moment even better.
Philadelphia Museum of Art is an impressive piece of architecture.
Greasy, cheesy & glorious! Worth every bite and I'm sure we walked it off!
Freedom has a Toll
A bridge so nice, we crossed it twice… okay, three times. Don’t ask.
Crossing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from NJ into Philly? That’ll be $6. Heading back? Totally free. (Freedom might have a toll, but escape does not.)
With 7 lanes of traffic and some seriously bold steelwork, it’s a ride worth taking. In 2024, 34.1 million cars crossed it, and we added a few to that number as we navigated the area. Note: assuming at least half of those 34 million paid the toll, that is $102 million dollars. That is a LOT of toll money maintenance and improvements!
There is even a pedestrian bridge you can take to enjoy the views up close. At approximately 1.5 miles, it is a great way to get those steps in!
Whether you drive, walk, or even take a train across! The PATCO Speedline runs right down the middle of the bridge and connects NJ and Philly for both commuters and visitors.
No matter what mode of transportation you choose, or even if you just admire it from afar, it’s a sight you won’t forget.
Curious about the gear I use to capture these moments? Next week I’ll be sharing the tools in my camera bag and my best tips for using them! Got questions? Just hit reply and ask. I'm happy to share!
Been to Philly? Let me know your favorite spots so I can add them to our list for next time.