June 10-16, 2004

cover story

New Paths

Photo By: Michael T. Regan

Go exploring this summer right here in your hometown.

by Debra Auspitz

It's almost officially summer (June 21 for you sticklers), and the season is already in full swing. Along with the muggier weather comes an influx of tourists, trying to take in the city's sights without sweating to death under the weight of their cameras. When it comes to official tours of the city, the itineraries are pretty much standard: Go to the Art Museum (which is actually always worth the trip); get a full-body search and then go see the Liberty Bell (can't say the same for that site); eat a cheesesteak at Pat's or Geno's (if you're drunk: yum!).

In this season of showing off the city to outsiders, we shouldn't forget the locals. Contrary to popular belief, the entire population of Philadelphia doesn't go downashore for three straight months. A lot of us are here, working, living our lives and, dammit, we want some entertainment, too!

In that spirit, City Paper has created a dozen of our own tours of Philadelphia (p. 20-32). They're perfect for adventurous first-timers, repeat visitors to the city and lifelong residents alike. The great thing about this city is that there are always new ways to look at it, new paths to take that open your eyes to places that you either didn't know about or never stopped to appreciate. Our tours range in their themes, from helpful guides (after you read this issue, you will know the location of all of the nicest public bathrooms in Center City) to carefully plotted, daylong walking tours (our favorite examples of public art, a trek along Philly's waterfront — well, what stands for one, anyway-- and an exhausting tour of city benches that makes you earn the right to sit on your ass, to name a few).

You'll notice two things about these tours: the amazing variety of ways that residents view our fair city (we can only scratch the surface here) but also the similarities between many of our itineraries. On tours with completely different themes, you'll find duplicate locations, a sure sign that there are some seriously beloved spots in Philly (who knew one of them is the bathrooms at Penn's Landing?).

While you're out there exploring, let us know if you come up with a tour of your own — if we like it, we might just share it with our readers (and maybe give you a prize from all of the free crap we have lying around the office). Speaking of contests and prizes, on p. 27 you'll find Patrick Rapa's "Typo Tour," a collection of images from misprinted signs around the city. Rip out the page, figure out where these typos are located, fill in the blanks and send it in to win something.

In this issue you will also find our Summer Arts Calendar, a handy resource that covers art, dance, theater and lots of music, plus more features on new or unique ways to get around town.

Enough talk — it's time to get moving!