parc brasserie

DSC_0040

DSC_0023

Parc Brasserie in Philadelphia is one of my new favorite places in the city…I’ve been finding more and more bits of Paris in my new city! We arrived early on a weekday morning, but after most had headed to work, so it was luxuriously calm, and there was a very pleasant breeze (even in this heat). Looking out over Rittenhouse Sqaure, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, complete with an (almost) perfect, flaky, croissant. Great people (and dog) watching, and our waitress was seriously cool…ask for J.D.! I truly got lost for a bit, and my mind wandered off to the bistros in Paris…le sigh.

sunday exploration

DSC_0053

Sunday is our day to explore. We choose a few open houses to see, usually the older the better. Last time we saw a farm built in 1795, complete with smokehouse (above). Many homes were part of the underground railroad, and we’ve seen secret doors, and have stood in a deep cellar where men, women and children would have sought shelter on their way to freedom…it was quite moving. We’ve learned so much about the history of our area, and continue to be amazed by the privilege of getting such a personal look into homes that could very well be museums. 

le meridien philadelphia

DSC_0080

We enjoyed our two day “staycation” in Philadelphia, and Le Meridien was comfortable, chic, and centrally located. We squeezed in as much as possible, and I will be sharing more of our local adventures next week. I just had to share a glimpse of the hotel lobby…I’m loving all the circular shapes, and it seems fitting, as I’ve been running around in circles lately (in a good way)!