Philly We Loved You!!

 

These photos are just of Eastern State Penitentiary, but enjoy the adventurous tales of our whole trip to Philly:)

Our time in Philadelphia was too brief, but we managed to have an awesome time...despite the crappy weather.  We arrived Friday afternoon and settled into our hotel for a couple of hours and then skitted off to south Philadelphia to head to a cute vintage shop and then we headed to a bar for drinks.  While there I drunkenly watched Slap Shot for about an hour and just laughed.  Then we went to Franklin Fountain per Veronika's suggestion before meeting up with her and her husband at a cool cantina for more drinks, food and chit-chatting.  It was pouring rain and just crazy trying to drive around there, but in the end it was a great first night in Philadelphia. 

On the day of Riot Fest we had to kill a few hours before the show, so we thought, "why not visit Eastern State Penitentiary?"  I am obsessed with Ghost Hunters and they've visited that place twice before, so it made perfect sense for me to go over there and experience some of (if any) the super natural.  Sadly, the only thing I came away with was a somber empathic feeling.  It was quite depressing, but the building itself was very beautiful (for a prison anyways).  Lots of windows along corridors, a beautiful synagogue and the fortress wall was made of glistening stones.

Our next stop was Riot Fest.  Zach and I actually got reacquainted at a show (nearly 9 years ago) so we have always had a common bond over musical taste.  Each year we try to fit in a few concerts and this year we got lucky and we were able to see about 5 great punk/hardcore bands all at once!!! I'll do a special mixtape post later this week and share some music with you all.

And that's that!  It was a terrific trip which would've been even better if it was longer.

The Scenic Eastern Shore

Before I hit the streets of Philidelphia and enjoy some fun times I thought I'd do a quick post with pictures I took earlier today while on the Eastern Shore.  The Eastern Shore is basically a long  peninsula that stretches from Delaware to Virginia with beautiful scenic lookouts.  I've always wanted to take a detour to a lookout so that's just what we decided to do. 

It was also so peaceful to listen to the sandpiper birds milling around on the beach and the breezy air blowing off the waters.  It was nice to sit and watch for a few minutes before we had to get back on the road. 

And just in case you are wondering, this is my go-to look for any type of travel.  Some super stretchy jeans and a loose top.  Its perfect for staying comfy while stuck in a car for about 6 hours and its also kind of stylish...if I do say so myself.  It's also a good look to sport while tromping around town and stepping into bars for a cold yummy beer:)  It's vacation after all!!

Top, H&M

Jeans, Forever21

Steve Madden Brogues, Plato's Closet

Vintage Necklace, Thrifted

To Agecroft Hall!!!

So I'm a history nerd.  The fact that I'm not a history teacher by now baffles me, but then again, being stuck in a classroom with a bunch of high schoolers terrifies me...so there you go.  To absorb more history and culture I usually explore old homes and plantations around Virginia.  On Friday I made the spur of the moment decision to drag Zach to this amazing Tudor estate called Agecroft Hall , which was built in England in the 1500s and reassembled in Richmond, Virginia in the 1920s. 

Oh my goodness...the amazing things I saw!!  I only wish they allowed cameras so I could share all the wonderful Renaissance items that were abundant in the home.  Including English, German, and Italian art from the original family, family crests, wood carvings in the panels, and so many examples of how Paganism mixed with Christianity during those time periods.  Religion was a huge part of art during those time periods and they were still trying to figure out how to mix their ideologies of Paganism with Christianity.  For example, a live cat was buried into the corner stone of the foundation of the home to ward off evil spirits.  By the way, this mummified cat was on display at the corner of the home...poor thing.

Ok, so as you can see I am pretty passionate about historical tours.  Most people may have found it boring but I had a lot of fun!  The next part of the trip was enjoying the area gardens which were influenced by English courtyards.  Flower gardens, veggie gardens and herbs...all used for food or medicinal concoctions.  I loved taking photos in there.  It reminded me of the Secret Garden.

And my outfit was just something I wanted to wear to keep cool and comfy while still staying somewhat put together.  A sheer blouse with trouser shorts and a pretty sun hat made for a nice outfit while meandering through Richmond.  If you are ever in Virginia, I always suggests that people make their way to Richmond.  It's such a fun city!!

So if you're a reader from the US please have a safe and joyous Fourth of July!!!

Blouse, UO

Shorts, Target

Vintage Hat, Thrifted

Bag, from Plarn It All

Payless Shoes, Thrifted

Jewellery, Vintage