Philadelphia is the setting for this round, where the map is the real city and the ball rolls across its actual streets. The holes are built from real attractions, ending the walk at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. A full round of 18 holes with a par of 54 covers 6.4 mi, using 30 portals to jump between districts. Skip knows these sidewalks well, even the ones where the crumbs are best.
Independence Hall is a legislative building located in Philadelphia. It is a prime example of Georgian architecture, with designs attributed to architects Edmund Woolley, Andrew Hamilton, William Strickland, and Robert Mills. The inception of the building was in 1753. It is most famous as the place where the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence were debated and adopted. Today, the site remains a major draw for the public, seeing 3,042,598 annual visitors. I've noticed the crowds can get quite thick around the entrance, but the history makes it worth the wait.
City Tavern is an architectural structure located in Philadelphia. While it looks like a colonial landmark, it is actually a late-20th century replica of a historic 18th-century tavern and hotel. This site is significant because the original tavern was a meeting place frequented by the Founding Fathers of the United States and other colonial leaders. The original building suffered a partial fire in 1834, and the remaining portions were demolished in 1854. I've always found it a bit funny how we build a whole new building just to remember the one we tore down.
Down by the water in Philadelphia, you will find the USS Olympia. It is a museum ship and a National Historic Landmark that lets you step back into naval history. This protected cruiser served with the United States Navy from her commissioning in 1895 until 1922. It is also a preserved watercraft listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I always think it looks quite imposing against the skyline, though I prefer the view from the masts where the wind is strongest. It is a great spot to see how naval design has changed over the years.
Let me show you the First Bank of the United States. This bank building began in 1795 and is designed in the Greek Revival architecture style by architect Samuel Blodgett. It is a National Historic Landmark and a National Register of Historic Places listed place. You can pick out the classical lines of the facade as you pass by. I have noticed that the heavy stone makes it a great spot to hide from a sudden rainstorm, though I usually prefer the eaves of the neighboring buildings for a better view of the street.
Elfreth's Alley consists of 32 houses built between 1703 and 1836. This historic street in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia dates back to 1703 and is a National Historic Landmark. It also appears on the National Register of Historic Places. The alley runs from North Front to North 2nd streets, and you can find the Elfreth's Alley Museum at #124 and 126. I've noticed the cobblestones make for a bumpy ride if you're rolling a ball through here, so keep your eye on the line.
You will find the Walnut Street Theatre at 825 Walnut Street, sitting on the corner of S. 9th Street in the Washington Square West neighborhood. Founded in 1808, it is the oldest operating theatre in the United States. The building is a National Register of Historic Places listed place and a National Historic Landmark. When you look at the facade, you can pick out the Neoclassical architecture style used by the architect, William Strickland. I've noticed the crowds always seem to bring a bit of extra energy to this corner of the city.
This isn't a concert hall or a record store, but it is the home of WMMR-FM. Founded in 1942, this commercial radio station is licensed to serve Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and broadcasts an active rock radio format. The station is owned by the Beasley Broadcast Group through licensee Beasley Media Group, LLC. You can find the transmitter atop One Liberty Place in Center City Philadelphia, while the studios and offices are located in Bala Cynwyd. I've always liked how the rock music carries across the city from that height.
You can't miss the bold, unconventional style of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. This art museum in Philadelphia was designed by architect Frank Furness and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It functions as both an art academy and a private not-for-profit educational institution. I've always found the building's presence to be one of the most striking sights in the city, making it a great spot to pause and look around. Whether you are here for the art or the architecture, there is plenty to see within these walls.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple in the Logan Square neighborhood. The intent to construct the temple was announced on October 4, 2008. This temple is the first for the church in the state of Pennsylvania and is the first temple between Washington, D.C., and New York City. The building is designed in the Neoclassical style, blending Neoclassicism with the surrounding city. It is a significant site for the church's members in the region and stands as a prominent landmark within the Philadelphia community.
You can find the Franklin Institute right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This science museum is named after Benjamin Franklin and is designed in the Neoclassical architecture style. Once you step inside, you can visit the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. The institute also employs Derrick Pitts as its chief astronomer. I have always found the building's grand exterior quite striking when I am gliding over the city. It is a great spot for anyone interested in science to spend an afternoon exploring the exhibits.
The Mütter Museum is a medical museum located in Center City Philadelphia. Part of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the museum's inception was in 1863. You can pick out a collection of wax models, antique medical equipment, and anatomical and pathological specimens throughout the building. I've noticed the exhibits here are quite unlike any other stop on your tour. It is a place where the history of medicine is preserved in a very literal sense, making it a distinct landmark for anyone visiting the heart of the city.
You can find the Barnes Foundation on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, where the art collection moved in 2012. It is an art museum and educational institution that promotes the appreciation of art and horticulture. The foundation was founded in 1922 and the building was designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret. I've noticed the city's greenery looks a bit different from the arboretum, which remains in Merion. It is a nonprofit organization that blends these two disciplines to help visitors understand the relationship between the natural world and the creative process.
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is a cathedral that features the Renaissance Revival architecture style. Designed by architect Napoleon LeBrun, the inception of the building was 1846 and it was dedicated in 1864. This site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as the see church for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and was designated a minor basilica by the Vatican in 1976. Visitors can observe the specific architectural details that define this style while visiting this historic Philadelphia landmark.
You will likely notice the bold colors of the LOVE sculpture first. This reproduction of Robert Indiana's 1970 work gives the park its nickname, though it has been officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza since 1967. Located in Center City, the park sits across from the Philadelphia City Hall and acts as a visual terminus for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It has been a public space since its inception in 1965. I've found it's a great place to pause and people-watch before heading toward the City Hall.
Napoleon LeBrun was the architect of the Academy of Music. He designed this concert hall in the Renaissance Revival architecture style. Inception of the building was in 1857, and it is now a National Register of Historic Places listed place. You can find it at 240 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have noticed that the building has a certain presence that makes it a great spot to bank a ball off the facade. It is a beautiful example of the style LeBrun utilized for this project.
Located at 1114 Walnut Street in the Center City area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you will find the Forrest Theatre. This theatre building was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp and had its inception in 1928. It is a significant spot for performances in the city, offering a seating capacity of 1,851 for its audiences. Today, the venue is managed by The Shubert Organization. I have always noticed that the crowds around this particular block are quite lively, making it a great place to watch the city move while you wait for the curtains to open.
Located at 300 South Broad Street and the corner of Spruce Street, this theatre building was designed by Rafael Viñoly. It is a performing arts center situated in the Center City section of Philadelphia. Since its inception in 2001, the venue has been owned and operated by The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. I always enjoy seeing the crowds gather here for a show. The center is named after philanthropist Sidney Kimmel, and it provides a home for some of the most prestigious performances in the region. It is a great spot to pause and admire the architecture before you continue your round.