Philly's Landscape: Not Just Cheesesteaks and Rocky Steps (Although Those Are Pretty Great Too)
Ah, Philadelphia. City of Brotherly Love, birthplace of cheesesteaks, and...uh...Rocky punching things? There's a lot more to Philly than meets the eye (or Sylvester Stallone's fists). Today, we're diving into the geographical makeup of this historic metropolis, proving it's more than just a flat plain (though there's some of that too).
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| What is The Geography Of Philadelphia |
Rivers Run Through It (and Around It)
The Big Two: You can't talk about Philly's geography without mentioning the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. The mighty Delaware forms the eastern border, separating Philly from its neighbor, New Jersey (sorry, New Jersey). The Schuylkill cuts a path through the city itself, providing a scenic backdrop for boat rides and picturesque regattas (that's fancy boat racing, for those who aren't familiar).
Beyond the Big Boys: Don't forget the creeks! Cobbs Creek, Wissahickon Creek, and Pennypack Creek weave their way through Philly, adding a touch of nature and providing habitats for all sorts of interesting critters (hopefully not the cheesesteak-stealing kind).
Tip: Review key points when done.
Hills Are Alive with the Sound of...Liberty Bells?
Okay, maybe not Liberty Bells, but there are actually some hills in Philly! Chestnut Hill, the city's highest point, offers stunning panoramic views (perfect for impressing your date...or at least pretending you're Rocky Balboa conquering the world). The rest of the city has a gentle roll to it, providing just enough incline to make walking that extra cheesesteak a little more exercise-y.
The City of Brotherly Lines (and Grids)
Ben Franklin Was Onto Something: The center of Philadelphia is laid out in a neat grid pattern, a testament to William Penn's (one of the city's founders) love of order. This makes navigating the city a breeze, especially for those who are directionally challenged (like yours truly).
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Don't Get Lost Past Broad Street: Things get a little less grid-like as you venture west of Broad Street. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? Just don't blame us if you end up in a cheesesteak competition by accident (those things are serious business).
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Frequently Asked Philadelphian Geography Questions
How to find the highest point in Philadelphia? Head to Chestnut Hill, located around Summit Street, Germantown Avenue, and Bethlehem Pike.
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
How to avoid getting lost in Philadelphia? Stick to the grid pattern east of Broad Street. For the wild west (well, west of Broad Street), pack a good sense of direction or a cheesesteak-loving local as your guide.
How to impress someone with your Philadelphia geography knowledge? Casually drop the fact that the Schuylkill River rapids were flooded by the construction of the Fairmount Water Works. Bonus points if you can pronounce Schuylkill correctly (it's SKOO-kill).
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
How to find a good cheesesteak? This may be the most important question. Honestly, there's no single answer. It's a Philly rite of passage to explore and find your own favorite. Just remember, the best ones are messy, cheesy, and guaranteed to leave a smile on your face (and maybe some grease on your fingers).
How to avoid cheesesteak-related arguments? This one's a tough one. Philly cheesesteak opinions are strong. Maybe just agree that they're all delicious and avoid the whole "Wiz Wit or Without" debate altogether.
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