Schuylkill Banks — Attraction in Philadelphia

I've been walking along Schuylkill Banks park or bicycling down it for years, every since it was built. This time I was on assignment from a meditation class at Shambhala Center. Take in mindful awareness as we walked in the urban environment. What happened was unexpected.

As I walked I was seeing and experiencing what was present, but at the same time I also experienced many layers of the past; times I ride with me son or walked with friends when various buildings were not yet in existence. Each step of the walk brought back different experiences, overlaying the past people and buildings that had been here on top of the people and buildings here now.

It felt like Philadelphia was opening like a flower whose petals were layered through time as I walked past. I almost didn't know which petal to look at; the ones that brought back memories of people I love and loved our the city as it is in this moment; in this present, which has more people and more cars and more buildings and is changing each second as I take each step...

My husband and I have been biking here for years and out of the whole city of Philadelphia, this is the prettiest ride. Do the loop down Kelly Drive by Boathouse Row, the Art Museum, Waterworks Restaurant, and a Skatepark. We stop to rest on a bench on the grass right in front of the Scuckill river, then take a stroll to watch dogs of all sizes play at the dogpark. On Sundays you can do yoga in a class on the grass (just bring a mat) We finish our ride back to the car up West River Drive which is lined with trees, and often stop on a lookout over the man - made fish bridge and dam on the river, where you can sometimes watch the college students race on rowboats past Boathouse Row in Regattas. Wear your Fitbit and bring a packed lunch, and you couldn't ask for a more relaxing and...

A fantastically serene place located close enough to Philly downtown to be accessible, and far enough to take one out of the hustle and noise of the historic district. I enjoyed visiting this place multiple times during my 5-day visit to Philly. Even though the river is dirty and appears brown the surrounding greenery makes up for it. The paved trail seems to stretch endlessly, making it an ideal spot for running, cycling, walking, or just hanging out with friends on a full moon night. Watching 4th of July fireworks from this location was amazing. The city can get hot and sultry during summer but walking by the river on the trail and boardwalk is sure to help ease...