Recently, my husband and I took a quick trip to downtown Philly while I was there for a few days on business. The weather was wild—snowstorms, Valentine’s Day, and long hours at work—but whenever we could squeeze in some free time, we'd wander around to explore the city's food scene and historical sites. It’s hard not to let your imagination run wild when walking those cobblestone streets that once echoed with the clip-clop of horses’ hooves. What must it have been like back then, when revolutionaries walked these very streets? Or how did people stay warm in homes without central heating? My mind loves to drift to those moments when I’m surrounded by history.
We really enjoyed our little adventures in Philly, and I can’t imagine a better travel partner than my husband. The food alone was enough to keep us coming back for more. Oh, and the pretzels! They were incredible. Not to mention the stunning architecture—it’s impossible not to fall for the charm of old-world buildings mixed with modern skyscrapers and quirky street art. There’s something magical about how the past and present blend seamlessly here.
A few of our favorite spots while we were there:
Reading Terminal Market: This historic market is a true treasure trove of local and international flavors. From bakeries to restaurants, cafes to shops, we visited every day and still didn’t manage to try everything. I did return to the Dutch Eating Place for their famous blueberry pancakes because they were absolutely divine. Their portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. Another must-visit is Beiler’s Donuts. Even if you don’t buy a dozen (we got a half-dozen to sample flavors like their maple donut topped with bacon), watching them craft their donuts from scratch is a treat in itself.
Philly Cupcake: After appearing on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, this tiny bakery always has a line outside, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Inside, the tall pink wardrobes house rows of cupcakes that look almost too beautiful to eat. My favorite? The Massacre—a chocolate cupcake with Reese’s peanut butter cup toppings and a peanut butter buttercream frosting.
BurgerFi: I’m a sucker for a good burger, and BurgerFi opened right down the street from me while I was there! Their commitment to using natural, local ingredients and their impressive shake menu made it hard to resist. I ended up visiting twice. I’m thrilled to hear there’s a BurgerFi opening in Tampa soon—I’ll definitely be checking it out!
Toast: This cozy café on the corner was a lifesaver on one particularly snowy day. We ducked in to escape the blizzard and warmed ourselves with a mug of their delicious tea, like their handcrafted chai. I practically dragged my husband in, even though he isn’t usually a fan of small cafes. But the food was worth it. Their menu might be small, but it’s packed with great toast plates and sandwiches.
Tony Luke’s: No trip to Philly is complete without trying a real Philly cheesesteak, and I wasn’t about to break the rules. I indulged in a couple while I was there to ensure I was doing things properly. Tony Luke’s is known for having one of the best cheesesteaks in Philly, and I’d say they live up to the hype. Be prepared for a quick order process though. They’ll ask you things like “What kind of cheese?†(Whiz, Provolone, American) and “Onions?†The classic is “Whiz Wit,†meaning cheese whiz and onions. If you don’t want onions, say “Widout.†Once your order is placed, you’ll be rewarded with a hearty, delicious meal.
While I was traveling, I also tested out the OtterBox Wallet case for my iPhone. It was easily the best phone case I’ve used while traveling. At home, when I head to the beach or pool often, I prefer a waterproof case (both OtterBox and LifeProof make great ones), but this wallet case was incredibly convenient. I kept my ID, credit card, cash, and hotel key all tucked inside, and every time I pulled it out at the register, someone would comment on how cool it was and ask about it. It was so easy to just carry my phone in my pocket instead of lugging around a separate wallet, especially with a baby in tow. Since I always have my phone with me anyway, I never had to worry about forgetting my wallet somewhere. Plus, the hotel I stayed at had a new key card system where you just hold the phone near the plate to unlock the door. Super convenient!
Want to win one for yourself? Just click here to enter… it’s a super easy way to win! (All you have to do is "like" Fresh Mommy Blog and OtterBox on Facebook!) Good luck, friends.
xo
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