Philly in the News (and Cheap, Too!)

The Detroit Free Press had an interesting article about doing Philly on the cheap yesterday.  (Actually, it was written by Associated Press writer Randy Pennell, so it was probably printed all over the place, though I saw it here.)

Anyway, I wanted to share a couple of  highlights for you guys.  Of course, these are directed towards the touristy types, but hey, you locals can take advantage too (especially in the age of Staycations…):

• Transportation – ours is a bargain. Subways, buses and trolleys can get you around for $2 a ride, which is lots cheaper than parking. Regional rail (to get to the edges of our fair city) won’t cost more than $5. Save gas, go green, take public transport, peoples!
• The Big Purple Bus – the writer reccomends the Phlash bus as the best way to get around.  Again, it’s $2 a ride or $5 for an all-day pass, but the 21 scheduled stops take you all over the historic districts and museums. Runs seasonally, May through November (and may I add looks way fun, too!)
• Free(dom) Rings – as the locals all know, the major historic sites in the city – those being the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall - don’t cost a dime. They’re located right next door to each other and pretty impressive symbols of what this country was (and is) all about.
• If museums are more your thing, the Rodin Museum is just down the Parkway and is home to the most Rodins you’ll find outside of France. They suggest a $3 donation.

Secret Freebies (Pssst….Pass It On)

There are freebies all around, if you just know where to look. And if you don’t know where to look, I’m gonna tell ya! Here are some secret freebies for you artsy types:

Check out the Curtis Institute of Music on Locust Street, where you can catch rising stars of the music scene at the free student recital series held most Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. Call 215-893-5261 to learn more.