Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row Lights to Be Refurbished

When we think of great things to see in Philadelphia, there are several locations that immediately come to mind.

Right at the top of the list is probably the Philadelphia Art Museum.  That is where people like to re-trace, the iconic steps that Rocky trotted up in the great original Rocky movie.  A favorite of many tourists, and let's not forget posing in front of the Rocky statue.

Visiting Genos or Pats Steaks is another must see.  Personally, I don't see how you can visit just one.  Again, iconic pieces of Philadelphia history.

The Liberty Bell makes the list of must-see things in Philadelphia.  Talk about viewing history.

One of my favorite things when I worked in Philadelphia (besides cheese steaks) was leaving work and driving past Boathouse Row.  Boathouse Row is not open to tourists.  It's actually the home of several rowing clubs.  Many days, you can actually watch as the boats race across the water.

That's not what most people go to see when they visit Boathouse Row.  Instead, visitors come in the evening to take in the beautiful light display.  The lights form an outline of sorts, around each of the houses and the row turns into some kind of colorful little village you view from afar.

Recently, some of the lighting has begun to show its age.  Now there are plans to turn off the lights and refurbish the whole system.  The project to replace the system is scheduled to take 8 months to complete.

The good news is when the project is finished, 6400 bulbs will have been changed out and the new system will allow for a whopping 16 million different color combinations.  This should make viewing even more beautiful.  A drive past Boathouse Row when a light snow is falling, is indescribable.

The Lights Are Going Out on Philly's Boathouse Row. Here's Why, How Long It Will Last (msn.com)