9^th Street market.  Known to most, as the Italian market. You know, that street Rocky ran down when he was training for his big fight. 

Philadelphia, a city known as the birthplace of independence.  With its many historic buildings, locations, medical centers, colleges, yada, yada, yada. 

Philadelphia Italian MarketYes, where Rocky was filmed. One location that’s not visited by tourist much is the Italian market in South Philadelphia.  It’s a really cool place to go.  Stroll through the streets of brightly colored food stands on each side of you.  Fresh pasta, fruit & veggies, seafood, meats, cheeses and bread.  Close your eyes and walk past a store or food stand and smell the aromas.  Listen to the sounds of the city, people laughing, people talking.  Lots of mummm that’s good.  And if you take your time and talk with the locals they will be happy to tell their stories about growing up there, joke with you about current events, and if you ask, they will give you directions to the best place to eat. 

As a photographer it’s like sensory overload.  Without looking, I could just point and shoot my camera and still get an image of something interesting.

So, if you ever find yourself in the city of Philadelphia doing that tour thing, or if in town on business, don’t miss the chance to visit an out of the way historic piece of the city.  Try a hoagie, a cannoli, sit at a café and have a gelato.

Mangia !