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Rocky's Legendary Philadelphia Weekend
Inspired by the six films
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You, too, can reenact Rocky's famous run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Photo by T. Leonardi for GPTMC
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Location:
Center City and South Philadelphia
Transportation:
On foot or by trolley, taxi or car
Duration:
2 nights and 2 days
No person is more synonymous with Philadelphia than Rocky Balboa, the fictional underdog boxer who goes the distance against heavyweight champion Apollo Creed.
2006 marks the 30th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning film and the debut of Rocky Balboa, the sixth and likely final installment in the popular series. What better time than now to explore the legendary fighter’s beloved city as seen in the movies themselves?
View the Rocky Balboa movie trailer here.
Night One
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The Italian Stallion, cast in bronze
Photo by M. Kennedy for GPTMC
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Having fun and living like a legend — that’s what this weekend is all about, right? Don’t waste any time getting the festivities started.
After checking into your hotel, walk or catch a cab to the Irish Pub in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
The casual menu and convivial atmosphere will put you in a very social mood — just like Rocky’s son when he was hanging out here with his buddies in Rocky Balboa.
Day One
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If you're a food lover, South Philadelphia's Italian Market will entertain you for hours
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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Rocky knows how to have a good time, but he’s also serious about staying in shape. Start your day with a morning jog along the waterfront at Penn’s Landing, which was on the route of Rocky’s training runs. If the Independence Seaport Museum had been there during the original film, maybe Rocky would have taken up a whole new career. You can spend hours watching the master boatbuilders handcraft wooden boats.
When it’s time to refuel, head to the famous Italian Market. During the early flicks, Rocky was too focused on his training runs through the nation’s oldest and largest working outdoor market to sample the homemade goodies, fresh produce and flavorful cheeses. But in newest film, he spends time there stocking up on provisions for his restaurant. You’ll want to hit Sabrina’s Cafe: The brunch menu featuring stuffed French toast, frittatas and fresh-baked breads is a knockout. Be sure to save room for dessert. One of Isgro’s fresh-made cannolis will satisfy your sweet tooth as you stroll through the dozens of vendors and shops that line the street.
And while you won’t be able to go in the back and use the hanging meats as punching bags like Rocky did, you’d be remiss not to stop into one of the neighborhoods famous butcher shops — wonderful throwbacks to another time. There are five located in Italian Market, including D’Angelo Bros. Meat Market, Cannuli’s Quality Meats and Poultry, Esposito’s Meats, Hollywood Meat Market and Orlando’s Meats.
After brunch, pick up your City Pass for admission to six cultural attractions and transportation on a Victorian trolley. You’ll swing by City Hall, just as the cameras did in the newest Rocky flick and arrive at the scene of Rocky and Adrian’s engagement in Rocky II – the Philadelphia Zoo, where you can tour the new Big Cat Falls exhibition or pop the question yourself while soaring high above the city in the Zooballoon.
Night Two
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No evening in South Philadelphia would be complete without a great bottle of red
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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Time for dinner! The Italian-inspired menu at the Victor Café in the heart of South Philly — which makes an appearance in Rocky Balboa as Adrian’s, our hero’s restaurant — hits just the right note. So does the waitstaff. Many are classically trained singers who break out into a favorite operatic aria as the muse hits them.
Much as you might want to linger, there simply isn’t time. Your next stop is the Blue Horizon. If Rocky’s cinematic adventures in the ring have whetted your interest in the real thing, flag down a taxi and head to this 1860s-era mansion that has become a national mecca for boxing fans. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, and the Horizon’s legendary status makes this a must for boxing purists.
Day Two
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Be sure to pick up an authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteak from Pat's before you leave town
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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This is the day. Those famous steps are waiting for you. As you make your way along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, just as Rocky once did, to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you’ll pass The Academy of Natural Sciences, The Franklin Institute Science Museum and the Rodin Museum. (Be sure to stop by later.)
Right now, keep your eyes are on those steps. Before making your dash to the top, get a photo taken with the Rocky statue to the right of the steps. Then, the climb begins. When you get to the top of the stairs, pump your fists in the air and take in the view. The skyline has grown so much since the 1976 flick that you might not even recognize it. But don’t stop there. Inside is one of the world’s great art collections, so go check it out. Then, head to Boathouse Row. You’ll see it in Rocky Balboa, but why wait? Take a stroll or rent a bike or rollerblades and partake in a favorite Philadelphia pastime – enjoying the outdoors along Kelly Drive.
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for your reward. Rocky couldn’t resist a trip to Pat’s for an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak during his training, and neither should you. The famous shop where the cheesesteak was invented more than 70 years ago makes a brief cameo in the original film. To order like a native, ask for “one with” (you’ll get onions) or “one without” (no onions). It’s pretty much a mandatory part of any Rocky tribute in Philadelphia.
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