Where we stayed:
What we visited:
Our first stop in Philly was the historic sites. We figured we would hit these places before the crowds started, and boy were we right. The temperature was close to 70 degrees and sunny so we got there just at the right time! Starting at the Independence Visitor Center was the best idea since we were able to plan our visits to the sites strategically. I was excited to start our day! (& getting a free cupcake at the visitor center helped as well).
Our first site was the Liberty Bell. I was excited to see this up in person. I can't lie, I was really into the movie National Treasure when it came out and loved how they incorporated Philly. (almost made me want to be a treasure hunter... you think it's too late??) Also, while in school, I loved American History, I wasn't much of a history buff at all, but when it came to American History, there was something about it that always caught my attention. The Liberty Bell was fascinating to see in person. For something that size, I would've never guessed it was over 2,000 pounds.
Next, we headed across the street to Independence Hall where our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. That had a surreal feeling to know all that history occurred in the room we were standing in. After Independence Hall, we strolled past the first post office in America and headed down to Elfreth's Alley, which happens to be the oldest street in America. It was so cute and looks like nothing has changed (minus the 20th century recycling bins).The historic sites of Philly were definitely worthwhile.
Everyone talks about it and it seems to be the place to take all the pictures so I had to visit the Philadelphia Magic Gardens while in town. I thought it was beautifully done. It was a garden fully made of mosaic pieces from head to toe. The admission is $10 ($8 for student), but it is worth it to see the masterpiece of art that took 8 years to put together. I have never seen anything like it before. The Magic Gardens were located over on South Street, which you cannot miss out on either!
Growing up, my dad really pushed the Rocky movies on my sister and I. Both of us grew to like the movies, and our love for them grew when Creed came out (everyone should see it!! Really... I'll wait while you go and watch it) After seeing all of these movies, I felt like I had to visit the Philadelphia Museum Of Art, where the infamous 72 stairs that Rocky runs up are located. (PS - there is also a Rocky statue you can take a picture with)
While near the Museum of Art, nearby Boathouse Row is located. We ended up going during the day, when it was fairly cold and I was a little under the weather, so we just drove by. But this is the perfect place to run along the weather or to watch a rowing race or practice. It was picturesque and I am sure it would look fantastic at night as well.
Where we ate:
One thing you cannot miss in Philadelphia is the Reading Terminal Market. This is an indoor market (so it's great for any sort of day) with any sort of food you can think of, from seafood to fried chicken to desserts. It was so hard to pick something to eat and I got a bunch of recommendations from everyone (so thank you!). In the end, Ry and I decided to split a fried chicken meal, probably not what you would expect to get, but it was great! You cannot miss this market when you go! I highly recommend it.
If you love good ice cream, I would not miss The Franklin Fountain during your visit! It is an old fashioned ice cream shop that makes their own soda water and ice cream flavors. I tried the Salted Caramel Ice Cream while Ry tried a soda float with raspberry soda and vanilla ice cream. Honestly, I don't know which one I enjoyed more! Warning: the line tends to be long (we got lucky by going in the middle of a thunderstorm). So be prepared to wait in line!
**Unfortunately I came down with some sort of stomach bug on Sunday so we didn't venture out to try any other food places**
What I wore:
This was a tricky weekend for packing because one day it was suppose to be 70 and thunderstorms, while Sunday it was 40 degrees or lower. For the warmer day, I packed a simple tshirt dress from American Eagle that I purchased a year or two ago. I linked some similar styles from them here, here, and here (and they are ALL on sale). As for shoes? I swear it was suppose to rain on Saturday early, rather than at 5, so I ended up wearing my Hunter boots.
I think I forgot what 40 degree weather felt like, so my jacket choice was not the best for Sunday. I broke out my sneakers for more walking (if you missed it, here is my post about my fav sneaks). As for the rest of my outfit, I wore these Gap Jeans, J.Crew Button Up, an old Gap sweater, and this Liz Clairborne Jacket, and these J.Crew Clubmaster Sunnies.
Fun Finds:
Penn's Landing was a different scene than the historic sites downtown. We ended up on Penn's Landing by accident, but it was great to end up by the water. While walking along Penn's Landing we stumbled upon Winterfest, which is a winter festival on the water that has ice skating and food and drink vendors for everyone to enjoy. It was beautifully set up with tint log cabin like shacks to hang out in (with built in heaters!!) making it perfect for cold days in the water.
While just roaming on the streets, we found a cute coffeeshop/flagship store for United By Blue. It had such cute clothes (I fell in love with this dress!) They had tables set up in the front of the store where you can do needle pinpointing while waiting for your food and their clothing in the back.
Can't wait to see what our next journey brings!! What did you guys do last weekend?!
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