"I want
to get you on a slow boat to China...."
So,
sometimes Team VFH works independently to come up with solutions to an
approaching weekend. Ideas about what to do or where to go are bounced around
between us, but usually Janet wins. I joke here, because it’s never considered
a “win”, but a great idea. Janet is the true brains behind this intrepid
traveling duo. She loves doing the research and when she plans the day/trip she
has every detail figured out from what we are doing, where we are drinking and
eating and even where we are to park.
Now, at
times I may feel strongly about something else and she kindly allows me to
counter with different opinions, but only for a while. When she tires of my
machinations and rolls that evil eye at me I have learned to stop and say “yes Dear,”
if only out of self-preservation.
Hmmm… “yes
Dear,” is the phrase every man needs to remember and utter often for a myriad
of reasons.
Well the
“yes dear” meter was peaking this past weekend as Janet decided on something
called the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Located at Franklin Square, a small park at
the very foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge, the festival runs through June 12th.
This is the final weekend. The hours are 6 pm to 10 pm and until 11 pm on the
weekends. The 8 acre park is transformed nightly into a different world of
colorfully lighted lanterns and displays. There are also artisans, food, a beer
garden lighted by an incredible 300 foot fire breathing dragon and a stage featuring
live entertainment like balancing acts and music. At first I thought it would
be a hokey time, I normally would not consider attending something like this, but
it was a very pleasing evening. We went Saturday night and though the festival
was crowded we never felt rushed or crammed. We were able to linger over
displays and stroll along leisurely.. The price is $17 for adults and $12 for
kids 17 and under. Janet took several pictures at this family friendly
event.
Buy your tickets here: CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
 |
| DRAGON BEER GARDEN |
PEKING
DUCK
The
lines for food were very long on the festival grounds, so I would recommend that you eat before you
enter. Philadelphia’s Chinatown is just a few blocks away. We ate
at Sang Kee Peking Duck House on the corner of 9th and Winter. The
festival entrance is on 6th and Race. We had the Peking Duck meal
for two at $43 and each a “jar” of warm sake at $7 each. The Peking duck skin was delightfully crispy and the meat tender. Janet doesn't normally eat Chinese food, but Sang Kee is an exception. Janet found this place! Cash only. Sang Kee is very popular. Prepare to wait. SANG KEE PEKING DUCK
PARKING
It
turns out that after 5pm the cost to
park at the National Constitution center drops to just $5. The entrance is on
the 5th Street or the N Independence Mall side. As pedestrians you
emerge on 6th Street and just a block away from the festival. Park
at 5 and either spend your time walking around the Independence Mall or get
something to eat before you head into the festival…. And make sure you thank
Janet for ALL this information. Tell her "yes Dear" for me!
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