In Philly, 'It's Always Sunny' gets the spotlight

The big screen isn't the only place where Philadelphia and its environs have played a starring role. Through the decades, television has featured the city in such series as the 1970s sitcoms "Angie" and "The Tony Randall Show"; "Hack," starring David Morse; "Cold Case"; and the legal drama "Philly."

But few set-in-Our-Town programs have shown us more love than the FX cult comedy "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," which follows the misadventures of a group of lovable (and not-so-lovable) knuckleheads who run a South Philly taproom.

To return the favor, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. has devised a self-guided tour to some of the local hot spots and landmarks featured in the series. They include the Laff House comedy club, at 221 South St.; Boathouse Row; the Italian Market, on 9th Street in South Philly; and such watering holes as 12 Steps Down (831 Christian St.) and Dirty Frank's, at 13th and Pine.

And, of course, the tour also takes fans to Mac's Tavern (226 Market St.), which is owned by series stars (and real-life married couple) Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson.

For the entire itinerary, go to visitphilly.com.

- Chuck Darrow