To make a visit even better, they're featuring a Beatrix Potter exhibition during
the Convention week. Since this Library has the most extensive Beatrix Potter
collection outside England, you fans of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and
the Little Red Hen are in for a rare treat !
The big Central Library, a historic Beaux-Arts building, is at 1901 Vine Street,
just off Logan Circle. It's about four blocks south of the big Philadelphia Museum
of Art that we described in Email #5, about two blocks from the Rodin Museum
(also Email #5), and about one block from the Franklin Institute (which we
describe below). There's parking along the streets, a large public parking lot
directly behind the Library, and a parking garage on 20th Street.
When you see Martha Raively at the Convention, be sure to thank her for getting
this special venue arranged for you.
Let me mention some nice dining places mentioned by Martha.
The Rose Tattoo at 19th and Callowhill St., is diagonally across the street from
the east corner of the back of the Library parking lot. Housed in a 100 year old
Victorian building, it serves Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 am - 3 pm. They serve
American Continental cuisine, with Soups, salads, excellent sandwiches, and
innovative and fine Lunch entrees. The average Lunch Entree would be about
$12 US. Don't miss their signature dessert - - a chocolate macadamia nut
brownie, served warm and topped with white chocolate, caramel, and vanilla
ice cream!
Just down the street a block, at 1804 Callowhill Street, is Sabrina's Cafe.
Open 8 am - 10 pm, Sabrina's features excellent sandwiches (including
vegetarian fare) as well as Brunch specials that range from Eggs Benedict
to stuffed French Toast to a Brisket Sandwich. You won't leave hungry, and the
prices are reasonable.
Other eating spots are King of Tandoor Indian and Doma Japanese, between
the Rose Tattoo and Sabrina's; a Starbucks across Callowhill from the Library
parking lot; and along Hamilton Street (the second street beyond the back of the
parking lot), in a little mall between 30th and 21st Streets, is an excellent
Chinese Restaurant called Long's.
PHILADELPHIA DOLL MUSEUM
Located at 2253 North Broad Street along the Avenue of the Arts, the Museum
specializes in the rare black dolls, and has over 300 black dolls in its collection.
The collection includes African, European, American Folk Art dolls, the renowned
Roberta Bell Doll Collection, American and internationally manufactured dolls
and more.
Open Thursday-Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM, and Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM.
Admission is $4 US for Adults and $3 US for Seniors.
MUMMERS MUSEUM
If, annually, you watch the Parades on New Years Day in the U.S., and have had
a chance to view some of the Philadelphia Parade, you've seen the Mummers
marching. With their fabulous themed costumes, their precision marching, and
their lively banjo music, the Mummers are not only a hit, but a high point of every
parade in which they participate.
And, by golly, they have a Museum at 1100 South 2nd Street in Philadelphia.
With its rainbow-like front at the corner of 2nd Street and Washington Avenue,
you can't miss it. Inside, you'll be able to view, close-up, many of the colorful,
detailed, and imaginative costumes that have thrilled parade-viewers for years!
In addition, they have a gift shop that features dolls in Mummer costumes.
Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9:30 - 4:30. Thursday 9:30- 9:30.
Admission is $3.50 for Adults; $2.50 for Seniors (show AARP card).
THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE
The Franklin Museum is really a Science Museum, and of great interest to kids
or grandkids, or for that matter to inquisitive, science-loving adults of any age.
It has an Observatory with a Zeiss reflecting telescope that will let you get a
close look at the sun, a liquid air show, a show that reveals the science behind
fireworks, an exploration of Ben Franklin's inventions and ideas, an examination
of how a Segway works, and on and on.
For an extra fee ($5), you can take an out-of-this-world journey on a 4-D full
motion simulator with all sorts of special effects.
For an extra fee ($5), you can enter a flight simulator and "fly" a 2-seat T-33
jet trainer (the same simulator that has trained countless jet pilots).
Finally (my favorite), for an extra $3, you can ride the sky bike. You'll be 28 feet
above the ground, pedaling a 2-wheel bike along a 60 foot long, 1 inch diameter
cable! Not to worry, though. Hanging down from the bicycle is a 250 pound
weight that shifts the center of gravity to a point beneath the cable, so you
can't tip over and fall.
And when you're through, you can get a job with the Circus !
The Museum also has an IMAX Theater with incredible films. Those playing
currently are Legends of Flight , Arabia, and Forces of Nature.
The Franklin Institute is at 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The
parking garage entrance is located behind the building at the intersection of
21st Street and Winter Street. Oversize vehicles will not fit into the garage.
The height limit is 6'3" (1.9 m). Bring your parking ticket to the Box Office for
validation in order to receive reduced rates. (Regular rates for parking are
$20 US for 2 - 12 hours. The Reduced rate for Museum visitors is $12 US for
up to 5 hours.)
The Museum is open 9:30 AM - 5 PM every day.
Admission is $15.50 US for Adults; $14.50 for Seniors (62 and over).
Admission plus Theater would be $4.00 to $5.50 additional.
IMAX Theater-only would be $9.00 US.
CONVENTION INFORMATION
FREEBIE TABLE
Yes, the popular Freebie Table will be at Philadelphia !!
When it's opened at the Convention, you'll want to be there to go through the
goodies and spirit away your favorites.
Those who would like to donate items to the Freebie Table, just bring them to
the Convention, and give them to Sondra Leeds. There's no need to tell Sondra
what you're bringing.
RAFFLE (HELPERS)
In addition to the Silent Auction, Philadelphia will have the traditional raffle for
the wonderful items that are called "Helpers".
Those who would like to donate items to the Helpers Raffle may just bring
them to the Convention and give them to Sondra Leeds (yes, Sondra's
in charge of the raffle as well).
However, David Wolfe is keeping track of what's coming, so please email
We'll be back in two weeks with even more places to see (or sea).
- - Garth
