July has its moment

  When my kids were young we read Tasha Tudor's book A Time to Keep until the pages were totally worn. There was something so soothing about the old fashioned illustrations and the month by month activities that brought a year full circle. We always wanted to get to our favorite month July for the fireworks, picnics, and long days. This July, we're staying close to home and so we have a renewed interest in what's going on in our own backyard. On the 4th, we walked into our hometown and saw amazing fireworks-it was so great not to be stuck in beach traffic! The next day we walked around Philadelphia and had a civilized breakfast-no crowds-outside at one of our favorite spots. Getting away for holidays is nice but who says it has to be far? Sometimes the best things are right in your own backyard.

Walking around the city I'm always intrigued by the lovely planters and window boxes that seem to be at their best during July. Not to mention the help their getting from the tropical weather that we've been experiencing on the east coast.

The Metropolitan Cafe www.metropolitanbakery.com Rittenhouse Square

 

The Metropolitan's coffee is so good. We had a millet muffin, bagel, and pecan pastry and had no trouble cleaning our plates.

This vertical garden graces the wall at Metropolitan Cafe.

Walking around Rittenhouse Square Park we noticed flags here and there from the 4th celebrations, but this one stood out.

July is a wonderful combination of patriotism and nature.

More beautiful flower boxes...I'm definitely taking notes.

Local farmers gather in the Square www.farmtocity.org/FarmersMarkets.asp to sell everything from fresh cut flowers, beeswax candles, homemade ice pops (the lime and mint and pineapple and basil were declicious!) and fresh produce. Oh and I can't forget to mention the most delicious confectioners from John and Kira's Chocolate.