In my late 20s, I moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA for employment reasons. I knew little about the city when I deposited myself there, but almost immediately developed a fondness for my new home. I liked the very old buildings that heavily populated, and still populate, many neighborhoods. And I liked the city’s parks, museums, music venues, record stores, and movie theaters. Hell, there wasn’t much about Philadelphia I didn’t like. And now, approximately 50 years later, my admiration for The City Of Brotherly Love is on an even higher plane than it was during my newbie days. That’s because, to cite a few factors, its restaurant scene has become world-class, its cultural offerings have expanded, and various parts of town have changed for the better.
I lived in Philadelphia for the first 30 of those 50 years. But then, for reasons we maybe didn’t think through properly, my wife Sandy and I made the “leap” to the burbs. The burbs are okay, but I sure as shit ain’t in love with them. It’s a good thing that Philadelphia isn’t far away, for I can’t resist its call. I pay the city a visit two to five times each month, chowing down and drinking in taverns and restaurants, taking long walks, attending concerts, going to museums, etc., etc. There’s absolutely no doubt I’ll be a Philly aficionado till the day I no longer qualify for inclusion in the Among The Living category.
All of the above is a longwinded lead-up to a recounting of one of my recent adventures in the city I know better than any other. That activity took place two Fridays ago, a day that boasted clear skies and reasonable temperatures. I arrived in downtown Philadelphia in late morning, via the train I’d boarded in my little town. I was in the city to search for and photograph excellently decorated trucks, vans, buses, and other objects mounted on wheels. (“Huh? You were there to do what? Neil, you truly are a f*cking oddball,” I just heard one of this publication’s readers mutter. Oh yeah? Well, I’ll let that possibly inaccurate remark slide.) And so, after emerging from the train station I spent two and a half hours pounding the pavement in central and near-to-central sections of the city. And I met with good success, the result of which is the story you’re now reading. Namely, the sixteenth installment of Art On Wheels, a series I began eight years ago.
On the day in question, I snapped portraits of 18 wheeled objects, which very well might be my personal high. Following post-trek examinations of the photographs, I’ve selected six specimens that ring my bell loudly. I’d have included a certain Philadelphia tour bus and a certain food-supply truck among the six were it not for the fact that, as I later discovered, their images appear in previous editions of Art On Wheels. My half dozen choices are displayed on this page.
Which of them do you like best? My two favorites are the halal food cart and the Windstar bus. The food cart is an eye-popper, no? So many colors. Such vibrancy. I spotted it at the corner of 9th and Chestnut Streets, three blocks west of Philadelphia’s famed and historic Independence Hall. If I’d had any sense, I would have placed an order at the cart. I’m sure its offerings are delicious.
As I snapped its picture, the Windstar bus (Windstar is a charter bus company) was turning from Chestnut Street, where a few seconds earlier it had glided past Independence Hall, onto Fifth Street. I liked its artwork but wasn’t knocked out by it. However, when examining the Windstar photo on subsequent days, I found myself increasingly admiring the simplicity of the vehicle’s painted design and the way the undulating red and blue lines seem to imply that fun-filled, free-flowing times lie ahead. Windstar, I now am under your spell. I award you my top vote.
Well, folks, that’s a wrap. Thanks for reading this opus. Let me remind you to mind your Ps and Qs. And please don’t let the bed bugs bite. Till next time!
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Ok, it’s been a while since I’ve “heard” don’t let the bed bugs bite. Funny. I like your passion for where you live though the vehicle “art” on this post, not so much. So, it’s a no for me on all of them. I’m with you regarding the ‘burbs.
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One thing I prefer about my burbs area, compared to Philadelphia, is that parking is much easier where I live. In Philly, parking in many/most neighborhoods is a nightmare.
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The parking sounds similar to Tauranga.
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I hear you about the suburbs. That’s one place we decided against for our retirement. We are in a small city, but right downtown where we can walk everywhere and join in as much or as little as we would like. My favourites are the food cart and the ambulnz. All of them are great choices, though.
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I have a feeling that the food cart will end up being the most popular among this story’s commenters. We shall see.
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I’m undecided. The halal food cart is cute and zippy, but there’s something reassuring about the “ambulnz.” Maybe it’s that nice blue colour. It shows a sense of humour too. And that Tequila Ocho van is sort of elegant.
It’s always nice to see another instalment of Art on Wheels, Neil.
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Hi Audrey. I always have fun on my Art On Wheels expeditions. I never know what I’ll come across, which is part of the allure for me.
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I had a memorable trip to Philly three years ago and linked up with a fellow blogger, who teaches at Villanova. I loved it because he was at the end of his semester and played my personal tour guid for the day. I love going with someone local when I visit a big city.
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It’s good to have a local show you around. They usually take us to places we wouldn’t have known about.
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I like the halal food truck best. Bonus: it also dispenses food!
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If I cross paths with that cart again, I’m going to order some food!
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Thank you, Neil, for your latest collection of Art on Wheels. As I will never be able to see them for myself, I appreciate your generosity in sharing the photos with others. I like all of them!
Joanna
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Hi, Joanna, and thanks. I enjoy doing Art On Wheels projects. I’m glad I started the series.
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I am glad, too, Neil!
Joanna
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I’m like you, Neil, except my go-to object is street art . especially on stobie poles; they appear dotted throughout my posts —
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You’d love the street art in Philadelphia. There are murals (painted on sides of buildings) all over the place. Many of them are outstanding.
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material for a post, Neil ?
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I’d like to. But some of the murals are huge, and my phone’s camera doesn’t seem to take strong pictures of them, for some reason. So, I can’t say for sure if I’ll do a murals story one day.
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I have enjoyed these art on wheels reports so very much, Neil. When we drive around town here, a town with a great amount of wall art, I regularly think that I really must get out of the car and walk around to photograph a selection to share with you. One day! Rather than my favourite of those you posted today I will point the one I hate. It’s that “Ambulnz”! God above in heaven, can they stop trying to be cool and just spell words correctly. That’s the old teacher in me which never retired!
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Hi, Paddy. I don’t mind certain purposely misspelled words, such as “lite.” But I think it’s a bad idea on an ambulance.
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Oh, even “lite” annoys me!
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So many to choose from! But maybe the first one, the Tequila van? Honourable mention to the Halal food van, which looks as if it offers delicious food.
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I had almost no time to take the tequila truck’s picture. It was turning a corner, and I barely was able to aim my phone’s camera and press the button.
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Still looks good, though!
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We much enjoyed our trip to Philadelphia in 2022. Loved all the photos, hard to pick a fave.
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Hi Sheree, and thanks very much.
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Pleasure
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I haven’t heard ‘don’t let the bed bugs bite’ for years!
I’d go for the first one, the green one…..
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I like that one quite a lot too.
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My fave has to be the food cart. It has the most homespun appearance of all the vehicles.
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Votes for the food cart are piling up!
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🙂
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So many to choose from! The bright orange halal food truck caught my eye right away. It is certainly a colour that can be a powerful branding tool to attract customers, generate buzz, and differentiate the truck from competitors in a crowded market. Thanks for sharing, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Hi, Aiva. That food cart is getting plenty of votes. Like I mentioned in the story, I should have ordered some food!
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What a cool post! The food cart is very cool, but I also like the Windstar bus. I admire the way you observe things that others might miss!
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Hi. So far, only you and me have given votes to Windstar. I hope its rating improves!
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I do love the bright colours of the food truck, but I really love the clean simplicity of the Winstar Bus. I am a less is more person.
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That bus is real good-looking. I’m not sure if I ever saw any Windstar vehicles in Philadelphia before.
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Definitely the food cart then Windstar. Food cart was so colorful.
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That cart is popping with colors. I wonder if 9th and Chestnut is its usual location.
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Don’t know…haven’t been in town for awhile.
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The food cart is my winner, but I am really fond of that green/gray color on the Ocho truck. I’d like my mansion to have a library painted in that color 😉
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Hi. That color projects solidity and sturdiness. To me, anyway.
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Yes, I agree!
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Hi Neil – Glad you’re having some fun photo expeditions. I cast my ballot for the happy-looking food cart, maybe you could have them email me a Lamb over Rice? I’m craving this already and it’s such a long time until lunch. Luckily there’s some good halal places in the neighborhood where I’m working now. Keep on truckin’, it’s good to see your post.
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Hi there, Robert. If I had been wise and ordered from that food cart, I think I’d have picked chicken kabobs.
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Also sounds good!
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My fave is the pic of you in my head, wandering around your beloved city, camera in hand, snapping away. Of the 6 you’ve posted, though, I like Made by Hand and Heart. I love the slogan, and the green and red contrasting colors! (My original comment disappeared as I was writing it; I hope this isn’t a duplicate.)
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Hi there, and thanks for casting a vote. I don’t know who this is, by the way. You’re listed as Anonymous.
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I like the HVAC van. Warm and cool colors flowing across its body. Not a place you expect to find such artsiness.
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Hey there, Ken. It’s a fine van. The painted design is somewhat similar to the Windstar bus’s.
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The last time I was in Philadelphia was in the 80s. I loved it then. My vote is for the food cart.
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Hi, John. The food cart is getting a good number of votes. I think it’s currently in first place.
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You have to go back and give them an award.
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The food truck is fun. The colours are so vibrant. But I also like Ocho. That peaceful green tint looks quite attractive next to the bottle. I look forward to part 17 of Art on Wheels. Keep walking and enjoying ‘your’ Philadelphia !!
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Hi. The Ocho truck has gotten a good number of votes. I don’t think I’d ever heard of that brand of tequila before.
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I’l go for the food cart. Then wash it down with the Ocho van.
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Good plan!
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RIMP B is my favorite.
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Yeah, those letters moved on the display. It was “shrimp” followed by some word that started with a “b.”
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I always love these posts. They remind me to view things with different/fresh eyes. The food truck has my vote!
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Howdy, Tyler. That cart seems to be the runaway winner.
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I too like the food cart best, though I deeply distrust any food advertised with pictures.
And, by the way, you and Sandy are welcome to move back to Philly proper any time.
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Hi, Sam. We’ve thought about. But, for various reasons, I doubt if we will. In any case, there’s FAR more things to do in Philly than here in the burbs. Which is why I go into Philly as often as I do.
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Glad that you are getting out and about. Yes, the food truck is awesome!
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I really enjoy taking long walks through Philadelphia. I’m into urban exploration. I do it pretty regularly. The Art On Wheels expeditions comprise some of the long walks I take.
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The WindStar bus makes me want to hop right on, so I’m going to give it my vote.
I think it’s terrific that you get into the city so frequently to enjoy its offerings. In a way, you have the best of both worlds — the serenity of the suburbs and the excitement of the city! I’ve been to Philadelphia only once, for my sister’s wedding; it was a quick trip in the middle of winter, so I didn’t get to look around at all. I hope to make it back there one day!
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If you decide to visit Philadelphia, please let me know. I’d like to meet you.
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I’ll definitely do that!
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I agree, Neil, Windstar is my top pick too!
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I like the way you think! By the way, is this Jan? — you’re listed as Anonymous.
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Ocho for me- green is my favorite color and tequila works, too. 🍻
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Hi. Thanks for dropping by. Ocho has gotten a nice number of votes.
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I love the food cart! And I found Philadelphia beautiful when I visited there about 20 years ago. It’s wonderful to hear that it’s even better now! I love city walks, architecture, history, parks, and restaurants.
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Hi there. It’s amazing how the food scene has expanded in Philly. Restaurants keep opening like crazy, and not just in the downtown sections.
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Gotta go with tequila. While all your examples are aimed at advertising, the first is the most artistic in my eyes.
I’m having the opposite reaction to my town of Ann Arbor these days. Many of the quirky things I loved about the place are disappearing. We still have great parks and an excellent library but housing and retail have taken huge hits. Our eclectic blocks of individual homes intermixed with small businesses are being obliterated in favor of expensive multi-story buildings filled with over-priced student apartments, or ridiculously expensive condos. The economic diversity that once made this place special is basically gone. Even the students seem to be much wealthier than they once were.
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Hi. I guess that that sort of thing is happening in Philadelphia, too. But the city still retains many houses and other structures from the 1700s and 1800s. A lot of housing construction and housing refurbishment is taking place in different parts of town, which I think means that people want to live in Philly.
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I like the Halal Food truck. Great colors against the grey buildings! A touch of whimsy and flavor! I’ve never really lived in a big city but always close enough to one to hop a train down for lunch or whatever.
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Hi, Jan. My wife predicted that the food cart would get the most votes, and it looks like she is correct.
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They say sex sells but it’s always been food for me!
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Your entire first paragraph could apply to my relationship with Glasgow! Of the art, my favourite is the first, Ocho. I like the subtle colours and the slogan.
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Another vote for Ocho. It’s getting a bunch of them!
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The halal food cart and the Windstar bus also caught my attention. I second your choice of the Winstar bus for the top position. The design is simple, yet a stunning statement.
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We think alike!
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The food truck is my favorite, hands down.
As for those bed bugs…bite ’em right back!
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I’ll have to go into Philly and award a gold star to the food cart. It has been getting the most votes!
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I kind of like the artwork on the Ocho truck.
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Hi there. You know, I wouldn’t have guessed that Ocho would be getting as many votes as it has. I’m glad that it is, because l like it a lot too.
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I was sent to Philly years and years ago for a conference. I didn’t have much free time, and the conference was only a few days. But I still remember visiting the Liberty Bell. I suppose every tourist goes there. Very interesting city to be sure. I understand why you love it. BTW, the tequila truck is my favorite, simple, eye-catching.
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I think the food cart is in first place. But the tequila truck might be nipping at its heels!
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The Halal food cart. Love it! And thanks for bringing the pleasures of Philadelphia to your followers.
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That food cart truly has got what it takes.
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It’s great that your love of Philly has grown throughout the years, and that you plod those footpaths regularly to reacquaint yourself with the pastimes you enjoy. The decorated tracks and vans are rather special eye candy. I go with your choices for 1, and 2 on the list.
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Hi. The bus has gotten a good number of votes. And the food cart seems to be the top pick among the commenters.
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Lovely description of one’s personal experience of one’s past spaces.
I feel fond of that city too, though I never visited, there’s some of my extended family living there and I met them in London.
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Hi, and thanks for adding your thoughts. Philadelphia has a lot going for it, and not just in the central sections of the city.
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You say oddball as if it’s a bad thing…
Yeah the food cart probably wins, although I’m intrigued by the ambulance. Is it actually an ambulance?
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Yup, it’s an ambulance with cutesy spelling. There are many medical buildings in the part of town where I spotted it.
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The halal food cart popped out immediately, Neil. When it comes to vehicle art, I like bright colors and busyness, and it fits the bill. It’s fun. Second place was between the Windstar Bus and the Dynamics swirls, both a little too neat and tidy.
We just got a white van that’s begging for color. I’m tempted to paint a mural on it myself … a scary thought.
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I have no doubt that your van would look great were you to decorate it. You’re a good artist.
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Thank you, but I only post the stuff that comes out well. You should see all the mess-ups!
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We visited Philadelphia for a long weekend about a decade ago. It seemed like a nice city with a lot to do and we wish we could have stayed a bit longer. Even though you moved to the burbs, glad to hear the city isn’t too far away and that you visit every so often. The Halal food cart gets my vote.
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The food cart is the runaway victor!
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Neill, my heart leaps up when I behold another installment of Art on Wheels! I can’t choose between the food cart, the Ocho bus and the Ambulnz, they are all beautiful in different ways.
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Hi. I’m glad you like this series. You know, I just realized that none of the commenters, so far, have said they like the Transtar truck. Transtar is the runaway loser!
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Transtar and Air Dynamic have no oomph!
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Hard to pick just one! I like the ambulance because its colours are soothing for those who are alarmed; the bus because it’s simple and flows seemingly to a destination (the star); and the Ocho van because I love the shade of green.
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I like all of those too. By the way, who is this? You’re listed as Anonymous,
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An interesting series I had not noticed. (My bad)
I do take some “wheeled art” when I look for street art, but not enough. I’ll pay more attention.
Happy weekend.
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Hello there. I imagine there are quite a few well-decorated vehicles in your city.
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I’m sure there is. I’ll let you know.
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PS. May fave would be the food cart.
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It has gotten a bunch of votes. It is the winner!
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👍🏻
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Love the art on wheels. Hard to pick a favorite.
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Hi there, and thanks!
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I like the Windstar bus. Classy if you ask me 😊
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We think alike!
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