A work trip this fall took me to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a couple weeks. While it was long days of hard work; you better believe every spare moment I could find was spent exploring or trying food. I met some amazing people who also took time to show me around or explore with me. Dustin was even able to join me one weekend, so I really enjoyed the experience.
What we did:
- Redding Terminal Market (Many Many Times…)
From food, to coffee, to groceries and more this place is a must see. I highly recommend visiting multiple times to try multiple things. It is crazy at lunch time due to the high foot traffic from locals on their lunch break. Tip: there is very little seating so large groups sitting to eat is almost impossible. We maximized the standing tables to eat most of the time.
- Independence Hall You have to order tickets ahead of time. You can cross your fingers and walk up to get some the day of but don’t hold your breath. They are free tickets through the website with a minimal fee of $1 per ticket to reserve. It is worth your time to schedule this!
- Benjamin Franklin Museum:The house where he and his wife lived/ worked is no longer standing but a really interesting framed out silhouette and markers showing different features of what was. The museum underneath the home is interesting but can be done in under an hour.
This was a really interesting place to visit. It is not very expensive ($14 per person) and self guided. We went when it did not seem super busy, and I could see in the summer the no air conditioning and packed with people; being pretty unpleasant. So plan accordingly.
Independence Hall sits on a park that houses quite a few historical buildings, gardens, and museums. Even if you decide not to visit Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell take a walk around the park to take in all the history.
Favorite food places we tried:
- Redding Terminal Market (Again, many many times…)
- Little Nonnas Restaurant
This was easy walking distance from our hotel. Great setting with a small outdoor area. Make reservations ahead of time and ask for a patio seating if possible.
Although finding a true French croissant in the States is pretty impossible, the crepes and croissants here are pretty fantastic. The fresh interiors and friendly staff are wonderful. This was a great light breakfast to start our sightseeing day.
If you are in town to see a Broadway show or concert at Forest Theatre this place is a good stop for dinner before or after. The menu has some really great UK and US pub food.
- McGillin’s Olde Ale House (Oldest Pub in the city)
- Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks They have the rivalry for best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Good news is that they are right across the street from each other so you can try both in one trip. It is not really my kind of food but Dustin said Geno’s was his favorite. It is a must do, but remember these 2 rules especially if there is a line:
- bring cash
- know what you want (with or without onions, cheese wiz or provolone cheese)
- Entree BYOB (It was restaurant week and this place was doing a 3 course meal for $35… Jackpot)
Some miscellaneous wandering was my favorite thing to do including:
Chinatown, visiting the Rocky Steps/ Statue (although we did not climb the steps or see the statue up close… too hard), wandering walnut street, art festival in Rittenhouse Square Park, Love Park and seeing the Liberty Bell from the outside of the building (because who wanted to wait in that line…).
I honestly loved all the history and the food was pretty fantastic. Check out Philadelphia if you ever get the chance.
