With the release of the latest Rocky film, Street thought that it was only appropriate that we begin the semester by taking a look at Philadelphia through the eyes of one of its all-time greatest heroes: Rocky Balboa.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
(215) 763-8100
www.philamuseum.org
What would a Rocky film be without Sylvester Stallone running up the steps of Philadelphia Museum of Art? Clearly the key ingredients to any effective training montage include Picasso, C‚zanne and burgeoning cardiovascular fitness. Try it yourself. You're sure to feel those extra holiday pounds melt away. P.S. See if you can find the Rocky statue.
Adrian's Restaurant a.k.a. Victor Caf‚
1303 Dickinson St.
(215) 468-3040
www.victorcafe.com
Established as a gramophone shop in 1918 by the DiStefano family (the very same family who owns the restaurant to this day), Victor Caf‚, a veritable Philadelphia Italian institution, doubles as Adrian's Restaurant in the latest Rocky installment. Come to hear arias and instrumental solos or to sample some of the restaurant's homemade pasta. Either way, be prepared to leave with a smile on your face.
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Ave.
(215) 243-1100
www.philadelphiazoo.org
When most people think of zoos, they think of lions, tigers and bears (oh, my!). Obviously, these people have a lot to learn. If Rocky can propose to Adrian in front of the carnivore house (see Rocky II), then I say that zoos should be right up there with romantic candlelit dinners for two, long walks on the beach and movies starring Julia Roberts. Any takers?
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Ave.
(215) 228-8200
www.theundergroundmuseum.org
I hate to spoil the film for you, but if you haven't seen Rocky Balboa by now, I just don't have anything to say. Let me give you a hint: Adrian's dead. And this National Historic Landmark, home to an outdoor sculptural garden and 78 acres of art and history, stands in for the site of her grave. The final resting place for forty Civil War-era generals, six Titanic passengers and Philadelphia's David Rittenhouse, the cemetery also offers visitors a number of tours from which to choose.
The Italian Market
9th St. between Wharton & Fitzwater Sts.
www.phillyitalianmarket.com
A movie as beloved as Rocky can't be one of those all-Burbank, all-the-time movies, right? Let any fears you have that Rocky isn't truly Philly-to-the-core be quelled by paying a visit to the Italian Market. This place screams "Rocky" (actually, it's more like, "Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!"). See if you can get the local merchants to tell you about the Stallion's legendary run.
Pat's King of Steaks
1237 E. Passyunk Ave.
(215) 468-1546
www.patskingofsteaks.com
If you haven't been to the alleged birthplace of the Philadelphia cheesesteak yet, you either (a) are overly worried about your cholesterol, or (b) don't really go to Penn. Don't tell anyone but, uh, choice (a) is kind of close to home.
