And the Winner Is: The Philly Phlush
And the winner is … The Philly Phlush!
The City decided to add several much needed public restrooms to its landscape and asked residents to vote for what to call them. The choices were:
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Phlush
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Philly Loo
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Philly Public Restroom
The good people of Philadelphia have spoken and they chose “Philly Phlush” as the name of the new public restroom in Philadelphia.
#Philadelphia
— PhillyCrimeUpdate (@PhillyCrimeUpd) July 11, 2023
Philadelphia opened its first public restroom, called “Phlush”
It features Naloxone (narcan) and a needle disposal. pic.twitter.com/KXNbbxqoga
The overall plan, according to Phila.gov, is to install six units over the next five years, each unit will be placed in a different neighborhood. The first of which is now available for relief on 15th and Arch Streets in Center City.
But what will these things look like? Just your average Porta Potty? (or Porta Jawn as it was suggested) No. The city decided to go with the PortlandLoo:
Free and accessible around the clock, The Portland Loo® is designed specifically to prevent problems that are commonly experienced with public toilets. The sleek and modern kiosk discourages crime with graffiti-proof wall panels and open grating. And, they’re easy to clean, with commonly used components that are easy to replace or upgrade. First installed over 10 years ago, The Portland Loo® has proven to be a durable and inexpensive solution to keep your city clean and crime-free.
It sounds great, but let’s be honest. How great can a public restroom – in Philadelphia – really be? Thank God I didn’t feel the need to go down to check it out myself. Stephanie Farr from the Inquirer is a brave soul who didn’t waste any time chugging a Wawa iced tea and arriving just in time to use the facility. She shared her experience …
If you’ve wondered what it would be like to use Philly’s new public bathrooms, urine luck. I’m here to leak all the details of my inaugural trip to Center City’s first public restroom, the Phlush. https://t.co/9gh0vSflT8
— Stephanie Farr (@FarFarrAway) July 12, 2023
Stephanie reports:
At first, I marveled at the features within — a cabinet stocked with naloxone, a needle disposal station, grab bars near the toilet, a diaper-changing station, a machine filled with free tampons and pads, hand sanitizer, toilet seat covers, toilet paper, and even a purse hook. This potty had everything!
It quickly went downhill once the public started using, and maybe abusing the “Phirst Phlush.” Stephanie says the toilet was clogged within an hour.
4 Philadelphia Area Road Trips You Don't Want To Miss
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum is a beautiful 19th-century mansion located on the banks of the Delaware River. The mansion is surrounded by 50 acres of lush gardens, woodlands, and waterfront. Visitors can tour the mansion and gardens, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
The mansion is filled with antiques and collectibles, including Voltaire’s complete works edition of 1785. The gardens are home to a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs, and there is even a greenhouse. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds.
Andalusia is a great place to spend a day exploring history and nature. It is located just a short drive or train ride from Philadelphia, making it a convenient day trip.
Andalusia is open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding holidays. Admission to tour the gardens has been reduced to $15 per person. Guided tours of the Historic House are offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and cost $30 per person.
Tom Crane Photography
Independence Seaport Museum
Sure thing! Here’s a less formal rewrite of the text:
The Independence Seaport Museum is a must-visit spot on the Delaware River waterfront. It’s home to one of the world’s largest collections of maritime artifacts, and it’s located in the historic Penn’s Landing area of Philadelphia.
Visitors of all ages can enjoy exploring the museum’s historic ships, the Cruiser Olympia and the Submarine Becuna, as well as its award-winning interactive exhibits. During the summer, the museum offers expanded hours and guided tours of the ships, so you can spend even more time exploring this amazing place.
Here are some of the things you can do at the Independence Seaport Museum:
- Tour the Cruiser Olympia, the oldest floating steel warship in the world.
- Explore the Submarine Becuna, a World War II-era submarine.
- Learn about maritime history at the museum’s exhibits.
- Take a walk along the Delaware River waterfront.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in Penn’s Landing.
The Independence Seaport Museum is a great place to spend a day learning about history, exploring the waterfront, and having fun with your family. For more information on tickets and general admission, click HERE.
Independence Seaport Museum
The Clay Studio
The Clay Studio is a great place to learn about and experience ceramic art. It’s located in the charming neighborhood of South Kensington, just a short walk from Philadelphia City Hall.
The Clay Studio is currently hosting an exhibition called Small Favors featuring nearly 400 small artworks, each measuring just four inches on a side. The pieces are made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, fiber, paper, paint, and clay. Artists from all over the world have submitted pieces for this exhibition, including Japan, China, Hungary, and the United States.
All exhibitions are free to view, and The Clay Studio is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is ideal for visitors interested in shopping for unique creations and discovering the world of clay.
Catalina Carlton – Shake When Sad – $600 (Photo The Clay Studio)
Museum for Art in Wood
The Museum for Art in Wood (141 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106) is a great place to learn about and experience wood art. The museum is located in Philadelphia and has a global audience. It is committed to building a democratic and inclusive community by keeping its resources free and available to the public.
The museum’s latest exhibition is called The Mashrabiya Project. It is an international exhibition that showcases the significance of the mashrabiya, a lattice screen often attached to windows or interior spaces. Mashrabiyas have practical uses, such as conducting airflow and providing privacy from public view. They are also beautiful works of art.
The Mashrabiya Project features commissioned, never-before-seen works from six international artists. It also includes hybrid programming to encourage further public engagement and discussion. A cornerstone of The Mashrabiya Project is the multi-disciplinary exhibition titled Seeing Through Space. Art enthusiasts can marvel at the designs of Islamic-styled artistry as interpreted through various mediums, such as sculpture, painting, and photography.
The Mashrabiya Project is on display through July 23, 2023.
The Mashrabiya Project featuring works by (L to R) Susan Hefuna, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, and Majida Khattari
(Photo Museum for Art in Wood)
