Mid-morning of the final Saturday of July 2026 found me seated upon my living room sofa, my bony ass as comfortable as can be. As I absent-mindedly stroked the many dozens of wrinkles populating my face, I had a feeling that the plans my wife Sandy and I had made for later in the day would work out most enjoyably. They damn well did, in fact, and then some, quietly stunning me. I had no intentions of writing about any of the proceedings, though, till Sandy and I arrived home late that night. As we pulled into the driveway of our suburban abode, Sandy pointed out the nearly full moon low in the sky. That excellent sight was a fitting coda to the lovely hours we’d just spent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. In fact, it was more than that. It was a celestial message subtly suggesting I gather my thoughts and express them in an essay.
On the Saturday in question, after parking our car at a suburban train station a few miles from our home, Sandy and I boarded a train that deposited us in a downtown Philadelphia station at about 3:00 PM. Our destination was The Fabric Workshop And Museum, a short walk away. FWM is a hell of a fine place. It is an exhibition space for contemporary artworks and also a hands-on educational institution for established and non-established artists. FWM’s exhibitions always have been off the beaten path for many locals and tourists, but attendance at the shows has been increasing. Where once we’d have had FWM’s galleries pretty much all to ourselves, the other day we encountered, I’d estimate, 30 to 40 folks. I was very glad to see that.
What was on view? First up was an exhibit of quilts by Jesse Krimes. Man, his works swept me away right away. Constructed from donated clothes of current and former incarcerated individuals, the quilts raise and answer questions about the lives of prisoners. They are thoughtful objects, and they got to me. I hadn’t anticipated anything like that happening when I entered FWM’s doors. You never know when art will tug at your emotions.
Onward we went, exploring the exhibit of tapestries created by an assortment of artists. The tapestries occupied the galleries on two of FWM’s floors. I dug them all, even the ones with metaphorical intents (I’m a dumb shit when it comes to deciphering metaphors). Every one of the works looked great, and that’s what mattered to me.
Fully satisfied by the artworks at FWM, we exited the building and strolled around town for 45 minutes. At that point it was time to eat. So, we made our way to Bellini, an Italian restaurant we’d never been to before, and where we’d booked a reservation. Everything we consumed there that evening was delicious. I can’t say enough about my entree, a chicken dish with mushrooms, asparagus and a superb tomato/garlic/wine sauce. I didn’t snap photos of the foods. But, because I was so damned surprised to see that Bellini’s ceiling is muralled, I aimed my phone’s camera at it and pressed the button. Italianesque and tantalizing, the mural is a winner.
Bellini resides on 16th Street in central Philadelphia. As does Monk’s Café. Monk’s is one of my favorite destinations, because it carries an insanely large number of Belgian beers, most of which you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the USA. Kind of a beer geek, I am intrigued and pleased by the high quality of many Belgian brews.
Well, Sandy thought there was no chance we’d get into Monk’s, it being a Saturday night. But we lucked out. Although all the tables were filled, two adjacent seats at the bar were unoccupied. We grabbed them. On the recommendation of the guy directly to my right, I ordered a Belgian beer I’d never had before: Westmalle Dubbel, a dark brown and refreshingly dry creation. If there were a heaven, I’d want it to look like Monk’s and to possess Monk’s beer inventory. This place is the greatest.
I was pretty much floating on air as Sandy and I walked back to the station where our suburbs-bound train would arrive shortly. Our time in Philadelphia had seemed quite magical. It had been one of those special days, the kind that doesn’t come along all too often. I won’t forget it anytime soon.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Looks like you had a great time, with the right amounts of things to see, eat, and drink. Thanks for the words and photos.
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Right, everything was in proportion.
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Those lovely days are so precious, Neil. I always find that the best ones are unexpected, too. Cheers.
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I had figured that this day would be good, but it ended up having a special quality to it.
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Thank you so much, Neil, for the account of the wonderfully interesting day in Philadelphia and all the beautiful things in the Museum, and your visit to a beer paradise!
Joanna
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That place truly is a beer paradise!
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I agree, Neil!
Joanna
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You had three excellent venues in one day. That’s a good one! The quilts are absolutely fabulous, works of genius; ingenious, I suppose, given their practical nature. You didn’t mention it but I adored the floor covering in one of your photographs. As for the restaurant and bar – a perfect way to finish off your day out.
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Hi Paddy. I’m looking forward to my next visit to Monk’s Cafe, whenever that might be. What a great place.
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And, I’d love to be there with you! Cheers!
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Quilts created from incarcerated people’s clothing. That is something I never expected to learn about. Quilts and other tapestries are interesting things to contemplate. I’m glad you and your wife enjoyed a wonderful outing.
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Those quilts were beautiful and had a lot of meaning behind them. I’m glad I got to experience them.
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That sounds like such a terrific day!
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Absolutely.
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The exhibit of quilts by Jesse Krimes sounds fascinating and moving, too. Sounds like an enjoyable outing and the Belgian beers sounds great for afterward!
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Monk’s Cafe is amazing. And they carry loads of beers from many other countries, in addition to those from Belgium.
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Fabulous day out, Neil.
Cherish them.
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Hi. I don’t take days such as that for granted. It was really special.
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What a great outing! I know that I would love the textile museum and exhibits. Your dinner dish sounds wonderful as well Neil. Glad you and Sandy had a good adventure.
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Hi Deb, and thanks.
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What a fantastic day you two had! The FWM sounds like a wonderful gallery, and I think it shows your thoughtfulness that the quilts touched you the way they did. That’s great art in action.
Thanks for sharing your outing, my friend.
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The Moon urged me to write the story!
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my son lives in Philly
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Hi. Philly is a terrific city. There’s so much to see and do there.
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Agreed.
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Sounds like a wonderful day! Glad to see you finally took a photo of the full moon. Every time there is one we get a good view of it where we live. I always take a photo. The museum looks amazing. I have never heard of it! I definitely would like to go. I have been to Bellini restaurant and also enjoyed it. Never have been to Monk’s. It was an enjoyable post!
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Hi Joyce. Not only does Monk’s have an enormous beer selection, the food is very good there too.
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Philadelphia has some great museums. I’ve not visited this particular one but, next time.
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Hi. FWM is a fine place. Many of their exhibitions are really good.
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It’s on the list for my next visit
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Lovely to read that you and Sandy had such an enjoyable day. Philadelphia sounds wonderful. And as you say, sometimes museums can surprise you with the most awesome exhibitions. I hope another great day will come along soon.
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Hi, Yvonne. I moved to Philadelphia in the mid 1970s, for employment reasons. I took a strong liking to the city right away, and I like it as much or more even now.
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You quite skillfully planned a terrific day based upon four of the best things in life: art, food, drink, and (let’s not forget) trains! You always seem to savor so well the beauty of the world around you.
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I usually take the train to get to Philly, rather than driving. As a senior citizen, I’m entitled to ride the trains (and buses, subways, trolleys) for free in Philly and its suburbs — that has been just about the only good thing about being old!
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Sounds like a perfect day. I am glad it all worked out so well for you. We should all plan days like that.
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Hi. It was a winner, in a variety of ways.
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I love heavy, dark beers, and that photo has my taste buds salivating at only 9:45 a.m. If I turn alcoholic, Neil, it’s your fault.
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Cheers!
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I like nice hoppy IPAs and the Belgian brewing company makes my favorite: VooDoo Ranger Imperial. Sounds like a lovely time in Philadelphia, Neil.
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Hi, John. I’m into IPAs too. We’re lucky in that there are so many good brews available to us these days.
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Very true. 😊
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Neil, reading about that museum was fascinating. My daughter is a textile designer and started out life making quilts from re-loved items (things like Barbie or Action Men doll clothes, as well as parents’ T-shirts to make a child’s quilt), so you can imagine it was right up my street. I’ve sent her a link in case she’s not come across the museum before, as I’m sure it will interest her as well – so many thanks.
So glad to hear you enjoy Belgian beers as they have a pretty proud and fine tradition. I just wish I could participate but, ever since being treated for breast cancer, I don’t seem able to drink beer 😦 so have to rely on Himself to take up my slack 😉
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Hi. The FWM website has a lot of info about the quilts exhibit, so your daughter will be able to read all about it. One of the quilt’s designs is going to be (or maybe already has been) turned into a mural on the side of a building in Philadelphia. If I remember, I’m going to check out that mural.
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I am glad to see you both had a wonderful time in Philadelphia, dear Neil 🙂 Such beautiful artwork as the one you found on a restaurant ceiling would certainly draw upward glances from anyone entering the dining room. It’s wonderful to see that the restaurant pays homage to its namesake, the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, creating a warm, artistic, and classic Italian ambience for diners. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Hi Aiva. I’m really glad that my wife and I “discovered” Bellini. We plan to go back. The chef there is talented.
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Your description of your Saturday in Philadelphia gave me another perspective on a city I thought I knew well. For instance , I’ve gone by Monk’s, and I’ve lunched at Bellini’s — guess I never looked up from my plate! Will have to go back there to see the ceiling!
Liz S.
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Hi Liz. Maybe the ceiling hadn’t been muralled yet when you were there. I like that part of the city a lot. Monk’s is a block and a half away from Bellini. and a place called Cellar Dog, which Sandy and I like (they have live jazz), is on 15th near Spruce.
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Clearly a very fulfilling, satisfying, and enjoyable day for you both, Neil. I have never been to either the Fabric Museum or Monk’s but after this review, there is no excuse not to visit in the future. I do cherish those kind of special days, and it reads here like you do as well.
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Hi there, Bruce. FWM often has fine exhibits. And Monk’s has a million beers and good food too. I’m sure you’ll like both places.
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There may be limits to how dark a beer should be to my taste buds, but I have yet to encounter it. The museum sounds fascinating.
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Here’s to good beers!
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I think it was a day very well-spent! Fine exhibits too, as i can see in your pictures!
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Hi. The day had a special feel to it. We were fortunate to have a day such as that one.
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As important as days like that are, even more important are the ability and willingness to appreciate them! You have that in spades!
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Hi, and thanks. Who is this, by the way? You’re listed as Anonymous.
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What a great time.
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I’m still thinking about it!
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Yes, it does sound like a wonderful, even magical day. After all, it had it all–praiseworthy art, good food, and great beer. 😊
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A perfect combination.
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What a lovely day this sounds like one to me. In myself I was going from, how lovely: someone must have been looking after you to gift you with items in the museum and all the way to the seats available just for you and the fab beer you then enjoyed. To a little jealousy (only joking, of course about the jealousy :))
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Monk’s can be a hard place to find seats in, especially on weekends. We were lucky!
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I’ve never heard of that museum. Sounds like the best kind of day!!
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It was wonderful.
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You hit a Philly trifecta—and hopefully more to come!
—Cindy
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Cindy, I hope so too!
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I love quilts. When I was in The Happy Cancer Ward a middle aged lady was patiently weaving this large quilt. It was fascinating to watch it take shape over the week and listen to her talk about it —
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Quilts can be very meaningful. I’m really glad I got to see the quilts at FWM.
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A fabulous day – and well deserved. 😉
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Days such as that one definitely make life better.
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How wonderful that you and Sandy spent such an enchanting evening in Philadelphia! We’re never too old for a night-out in the city 🙂
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Hi. As you know, I love Philadelphia. I never get tired of it. It has a whole, whole lot going for it.
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This sounds like a really good time. I also love Belgian beer.
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My favorite beer at the moment is Orval Trappist Ale. Have you had it? It’s brewed in a monastery in Belgium.
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Ooooh I haven’t. I’m gonna look for it and report back.
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How lovely! I just spent the morning at Costco . . . it was . . . interesting. But there were no beer tastings.
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Places such as Costco are mind-blowing. They contain millions of items.
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What a day! From the museum with its quilts with a message to Italian food to a seat at the bar. Who could ask for anything more?
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You’re right. The day was close to perfect.
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Ilove quilts and tapestries; when I was in The Happy Cancer Ward i watched a woman weaving her little master piece.
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You and I should take up quilting!
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You hit a Philly trifecta special! Hope there’ll be many more to come.CindyOn Aug 4, 2026,
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Thumbs up to that!
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Sounds like you and Sandy had a lovely time. I’m definitely putting the Fabric Workshop and Museum on my list of things to do next time I visit Philly!
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Hi. It’s on the border of Chinatown. I love the fact that Philly has a Chinatown.
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It really sounds like a wonderful day!
My husband would definitely have tried the Westmalle Dubbel, although I must admit I’ve never heard of it😊
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Hi. It was new to me too. It’s a good one.
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What a good time in a great city. Thanks for inviting me along!
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Hi Fran. It was my pleasure.
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It does sound and look like a great outing for you two.
I hope your idea of heaven will come true one day–though not yet!
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