And sometimes it's created. ;)
Saturday found me taking the rare - and much needed - day off, as John and I ventured into Center City for brunch with Courtney and SarahGrace (our daughter and her BFF), followed by a visit to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.
We met at Mixto, a wonderful little restaurant on Antique Row, where we feasted on delicious and healthy Latin American inspired cuisine. Check out the Plantain chips and guacamole...
I was good though, staying away from the big basket of fried bread they brought, and opting instead for a vegetarian egg white frittata...
Sooooooo good.
After brunch, we walked a couple of blocks over to South Street to check out the Magic Gardens. It's been awhile, and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy walking around the city. We passed this lovely little park on the way...
And noticed the cool rainbow flags on city street signs (they recognize an area known as The Gayborhood)...
Turning a corner, we came upon our destination...
The life's work of artist Isaiah Zagar, the Magic Garden mosaics cover the indoor and outdoor space of about half a city block! Just incredible...
Here are a couple of details from the first room we entered. You can click on the photos for a larger view...
Stepping outside, we found a maze of mosaic pathways and staircases, adorned with everything from china, glass and mirrored pieces, to bottles, wheels, pottery and figures, and sometimes messages...
Magical, indeed! Another detail...
A perfect spot to sit and take in all the beauty...
Another detail...
We rested for a bit under this umbrella, where I thought the overhead "chandelier" was pretty cool...
A winding path...
The staircases were stunning, but I had to be a bit careful, as they're not for those (like myself) who are less than surefooted...
It is truly one of the most amazing places I've seen in a long time, and if you're within striking distance of Philadelphia, I HIGHLY recommend a visit!! I'm also told that it's not unusual to run into the artist (although we were not that fortunate). But I'll most definitely be back, and hope to do just that someday.
I'll leave you with just one more photo, and promise to be back soon with some art of my own...
Sometimes these little field trips are just what the soul needs - a sort of replenishing of the artistic well. Inspiration, indeed!
Until next time, wishing you magic and enchantment ;)
♥ Carolee
5 comments:
I'd have to spend hours there if I visited. The place is a riot of color and patterns. I'd be trying to look at everything at once and I got dizzy just from looking at the photos can't imagine actually being there. That stairway is amazing. What a marvelous place. Thanks for sharing.
So beautiful place!thank you for sharing!I did not go there yet, but I hope to go!kisses from Greece.
OMG! I think I have to put that on my bucket list....what an amazing place!
what an enchanting place. Since I love to do mosaics, I think I would have trouble leaving..and although I am a southern woman now, I was born in Philadelphia and have family in the area...maybe I should visit them so I can go see this glorious place.
Bonnie
Absolutely love your blog and work!!
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