Philly’s Own High Line

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

This week, Philadelphia inaugurated the initial section of the long awaited Rail Park. The first phase of the urban greenspace runs along a formerly derelict Reading Railroad 19th century viaduct. When it is completed, the Rail Park will run for 3 miles and be twice the length and width of New York City’s hugely successful High Line.

The newly opened section follows the historic railway line southeast from Broad Street to 11th and Callowhill Streets in the up and coming Spring Garden neighborhood. While the park is well-landscaped with native plants and trees, it keeps a decidedly industrial urban vibe with metal fencing, wooden seating, and platforms.

The Rail Park can currently be accessed from entrances at Broad and Noble, and at Callowhill Street between 11th and 12th. If you’re planning to take public transit to the park, take SEPTA’s Broad Street Line to the Spring Garden Station and then it’s just one block to the park entrance.

For more information on the project visit the Rail Park website. 

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London is the pits

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

While some folks may think that the who;e avocado toast trend is over, the World Avocado Organization (yes, it’s a real thing) has other ideas. And to underscore their faith in the continuing allure of the tasty fruit, the WAO has just released this clever London tube map of the best places to find avocados on the menu.

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Read Dostoyevsky

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

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Ride the Pride Train in NYC

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

The annual Pride Train underground art campaign has returned to New York City’s subway system just in time for Gay Pride Month. This year’s posters mirror the official MTA signage, but instead of notices about service disruptions the posters offer messages about love and tolerance.

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Anthony Bourdain and the Magic of Print

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Although he was best known for his hit travel and food shows, Anthony Bourdain also made a series of videos with Balvenie Distillery celebrating American crafts and craftspeople. In Episode Five he visited San Francisco’s famed Arion Press to meet master typographer and printer Andrew Hoyern.

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Gimme Some Peace

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Over the years, readers of TBTP have pointed out to me that I seem to be obsessed with Iceland. While I cannot dispute the charge, I can justify my fixation on the magical island with a lengthy list of exceptional attributes. In all likelihood you are well aware of Iceland’s many charms, but did you know that it’s the “most peaceful country on the planet” ?

For the tenth year running, the Global Peace Index has placed Iceland on the top of the list as the most peaceful nation in the world. That’s according to the international think tank, the Institute for Economics and Peace,which compiles the annual list. The organization utilizes 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators to rank 163 countries and territories each year.

Since 2008, Iceland has placed number one based on indicators measuring levels of militarization, social safety and security, and domestic conflict and international conflict. Not surprisingly, the other nations regularly in the top 5 are Denmark, New Zealand, Austria, and Portugal.

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Vacation Lands Are Calling

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

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Bookbinding Basics

Posted on June 9, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

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Books to the Ceiling

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Bookstore Tourism: Rocky Mountain High

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Sometimes when we find ourselves in a stunning new place, even the most ardent book lover may hesitate to visit the local bookstores. So, I was “lucky” to be in beautiful Telluride, Colorado on stormy, wet and chilly day recently. The nasty weather gave me a good excuse to stop by the town’s best bookshop for a browse.

Between The Covers has been a beloved institution in Telluride since 1974. Like a bibliophile’s Tardis, the little bookshop seems much bigger on the inside. Although the store is jam-packed with more than 10,000 titles, it seems more cozy than crowded. There’s even room for a lovely coffee bar in the rear of the store.

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment