I’m not a big TV fan, but two shows I have watched a bit are “Portlandia” and “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.”
When I finally made it to Portland, it was hilarious being able to relate so much to the show. When I eventually visit Philly (there will be a massive hitchhiking trip across the USA eventually), I’d love to spend time hanging out at a few of the filming locations from the show.
Helium Comedy Club
I only got acquainted with comedy clubs while in Europe during 2015 and two out of three experiences were hilarious. The Helium Comedy Club has events at least five nights a week, so that’ll be a great way to spend a couple of nights in Philly. This is the place where Dee came in season nine to kickstart her comedy career. I definitely don’t vision myself getting up on stage, but never say never. After a few beers, I can always walk to the nearest InterContinental Hotels Group hotel in Philly.
Lincoln Financial Field
As I spend more time focusing on sporting experiences while travelling, it makes sense to watch a Philadelphia Eagles game. If you’ll remember, the gang tried out for the Eagles in season three. Depending on when I visit, I may have to make it to Wells Fargo stadium instead for a Flyers or 76ers game. Plenty of options!
Italian Market
The Italian Market was featured a few times in the show, specifically in seasons one and five as well as the movie. Italian food is awesome, and this market was first started way back in the 1880s. If the enthusiasm of the Italians here are anywhere like Lygon Street in Melbourne, then it’ll be great fun. I should probably buy a pear while there, just as Mac did in season five. It’s the random things that make life awesome.
Mac’s Tavern
In doing my research for this piece, it turns out that the scenes at Paddy’s Pub are actually filmed in California (lots of scenes are filmed there). The next best alternative is Mac’s Tavern, a bar owned by the characters Mac and Dee Reynolds (married in life as Robert McElhenney and Kaitlin).
Philly Paw’s
I’m a cat lover, and volunteering is something I always enjoy and need to do more of. Philly Paws needs volunteers 7 days a week, so I will go along and help out. Unfortunately, the location itself didn’t get to show off its goodwill in the show as it was where Mac and Charlie came to chat to Cricket at the place where he started work as a dog executioner.
As a kiwi I haven’t watched Lord of the Rings, but visiting the Putangirua Pinnacles in Martinborough, a filming location, was still fun. If I can relate to the place before hand on a level or two deeper than just “oh I heard that place is cool,” I’m going to like it.
If you’re ready to fly to Philly, book your hotel and plan your itinerary around iconic locations in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
