Fabric of Philadelphia

As you know, I usually write about California, but we go other places too; this blog is about Philadelphia.

The Roberto Capucci exhibition of Art into Fashion at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is spectacular.  If you can get to see it before it closes on June 5th, you will not be disappointed. Many of  Capucci's designs are sculptures of exquisite fabrics, fabulous colors and stunning textures.   The exhibition is breathtaking.

We took this museum shuttle to the Perelman Building to see the Chagall exhibition.  Another beautiful building with some of Chagall's work we had not seen previously.

Philadelphia is a beautiful city with varied and interesting architecture, both classical and modern.

 This grand boulevard, Benjamin Franklin Parkway is  lined with the flags of all nations, has fountains and statues in the median and leads to Philadelphia Museum of Art and the museum district with the Rodin Museum, Barnes Collection and the Childrens Museum which are all housed in magnificent buildings.  The purple fountain is in John F. Kennedy Plaza.

Fairmont Park sprawls through the museum district all landscaped with rocks and plants, flowers and open parkland for walking, running and various team sports.

I can recommend a ride on the Phlash trolley through this area and back to Penn's Landing on the Delaware River.  A great way to see the city for $2 a ride.

 By the way
It's easy to get around Philadelphia by trolley. subway or Phlash trolley in the summer season.  The cost is $2 a trip or 2 tokens for $3.10

Avila Beach

Avila Beach is located just north of Pismo Beach off Hwy 101.  This picturesque beach town has a long beautiful  beach, harbor with piers, a promenade, beachfront shops, restaurants, hotels, condos, fresh fish available on the San Luis Bay pier and a Farmers' Market from April to September on Fridays from 4-8 pm on the promenade.

It is sublime place for a stroll with an ice cream cone, a drink at Mr Ricks, lunch at Custom House or the Hula Hut (buy some fudge to take home, which will conjure sweet memories).

Free trolley rides on the weekends will take you the Avila Valley Barn and hot springs, then on to your hotel in Shell Beach.

Avila Beach is sheltered from the northeast winds by Port San Luis so that it Avila the warmest of the local beaches.

The wineries are another highlight of the town.  Wood, Alapay. Avila Wine and Roasting Co. and Morovino Wines are all in Avila.  Spend a laid back afternoon sampling the wonderful California wines and food and wine pairings at Morovino during their many special events.

By the Way
If you are on the Central Coast in May, the Annual California Festival of Beers is held at the Avila Beach Golf Club  at the end of May.