Long before Robert Downey Senior made it the subject of a documentary film, and before and the Project for Public Spaces named it among the Top 12 Public Squares in the U.S. and Canada, I fell in love with Rittenhouse Square. It is, without question, one of my favorite spaces in the city. When high school friends and I would come to into the city for a Saturday escape from the pseudo-suburban wilds of Northeast Philly or as an after school diversion via the Broad Street line, Rittenhouse Square was often among our stops. We visited it often, so I know the park well; I have lain on its lawn, gathered 'round the goat statue, climbed the lion, splashed my feet in the Goose Girl Fountain and kissed the frog statue. And yet, after years of harmless, youthful loitering amongst its foliage, Rittenhouse Square has lost none of its allure for me.

Now that I live in the city proper, my forays into this single city-block oasis are harrowing to the statuary, and generally involve me sprawled out on the lawn or bench, headphones on and book in hand, enjoying the scenery and weather. There's lots to recommend the park as an urban getaway – the arching trees, wide walk-ways, the expansive lawns, the proximity to food stuffs (from the roach coach a la cart to fine fancy dining) which can allow an experienced loiterer to pass a lazy day without having to go far for sustenance. There's even a bookstore in stone's throwing distance (note: please do not throw stones at the bookstore – it's not nice and it makes the booksellers cranky) should you need the extra distraction. Although I can't imagine how you would – there's generally enough going on at the park to entertain even the most input-infused among us.

On a sunny weekend (or even a sunny weekday, lunchtime) the park is teeming with people: fellow loiters, painters, dog owners with pets and Frisbees, families with children and baseballs, and a variety of guitarists, singers and drummers which sometimes quietly compete for attention, but more often than not end up in a friendly, jam session. And that last bit is what makes me love Rittenhouse Square as much as I do: it makes up the most egalitarian blocks in town. Surrounded by pricey condos and elegant high rises, the park provides shade and shelter not only for the city's elite, but also for students, slackers, corporate power brokers, artists, accidental yuppies (who long to be artists), drum circles, tourists and townies. People from all walks of Philadelphia are gather here; and it's refreshing to see them rub elbows (sometimes literally; on a crowded Saturday, free lawn space can be sparse) without worry about age, income, or tax bracket.

And for the record, I do still kiss the frog statue sometimes. You know, in case it turns into a prince statue. (Or even a statue of Prince – that'd be pretty cool too.)

Rittenhouse Square is located Between 18th and 20th Streets, and Walnut and Locust Streets.