Philly Love + a Giveaway!

We recently trotted around downtown Philly while I was there a few days for work. We made it through a crazy snowstorm, Valentine’s Day and long hours of work… but still, whenever we had a chance, we’d romp around to see what kind of good food and sights we could find. Of course, I don’t have to go into the history of Philadelphia here, but I couldn’t help but imagine what it was like roaming the narrow, brick-building lined streets during the years of horse and carriage. Or what it was like sneaking around before signing a document that would change the course of our nation. Or pondering how warm people actually stayed before the days of household furnaces. Yes, my mind goes to many places when it has the chance.

Really though, we loved exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of the city (or at least the little bits of it that we were able to) and I couldn’t imagine a happier, or cuter, travel companion. And the pretzels? The pretzels we so good. Oh and the architecture too. I just find myself smitten with old world buildings and sculptures, the lines that cross and intersect to make beauty out of brick and stone, the history that stands in each crevice and curve… and the mixture of that old world with the sleek lines of the new highrises and whimsical art that lines the streets.

 

 

A few of our favorite eateries while there:

Reading Terminal // This historic market is a melting pot of all kinds of local and exotic eateries, from bakeries to restaurants, shops and cafes, we stopped in every day at some point and still didn’t hit the same place twice. Okay, well I take that back, I went to the Dutch Eating Place a second time because I couldn’t get enough of their famous blueberry pancakes. They offer big portions at a great rate, so good. If get to the market, you’ve got to stop by Beiler’s Donuts, and even if you don’t pick up a dozen of their mouth watering concoctions (we ordered a half dozen just to try their flavors like their maple donut with bacon topping), you can watch them create their specialties from scratch.

Philly Cupcake // After having participated in Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, this cupcakery always has a line of customers in it’s small storefront, but the short wait is totally worth it. The tall pink (vintage Victorias Secret) wardrobes hold shelves of pure sugary delight. My favorite? The Massacre, a chocolate cupcake with Reeces peanut butter cup toppings and a peanut butter buttercream.

BurgerFi // I’m such a fan of a good burger, and BurgerFi happened to open right around the corner from me while I was there! With their natural, local products and amazing shake menu, I had to try. And try. And try. Okay, I only went there twice. Needless to say, I’m excited that there is a BurgerFi opening in Tampa soon.

Toast // This cafe on the corner is warm and welcoming, especially on a cold (and blizzardy) day. We ducked in out of the snow and warmed up with mug of their delicious tea, like their handcrafted chai. I dragged my husband in, though small cafes aren’t always his cup of tea, but the food paid off. With a small menu, it’s certainly filled with good toast plates and sandwhiches.

Tony Luke’s // When in Philly, it’s only a rule that you’ve got to try a real Philly cheesesteak… and I decided I didn’t want to be a rule breaker in this case. In fact, I indulged in a couple while there just to make sure I was really being a good girl. Tony Luke’s is touted to be offer of the best cheesesteaks in Philly, and I think it holds pretty true. Just be forewarned, if you’re going to order a cheesesteak in this town, have your order and your money ready. A couple of questions they’ll ask is “What kind of cheese?” (Whiz, Provolone, American) and “Onions?” The original is “Whiz Wit”, meaning cheese whiz and onions. If you don’t want onions, your answer should be “Widout”, meaning, “No onions, thank you.” Once you’ve got your order in, be ready for a hearty and delicious meal.

 

And while I was traveling, I tried out the OtterBox Wallet case for my iPhone. It was the best case I’ve ever used while traveling. When I’m home and heading to the beach or the pool often, I still love a good waterproof case on my phone (which OtterBox and LifeProof both offer as well), but this case made it so easy for me to have everything I needed so handy. And with the Clean Screen Protector, I wasn’t worried about scratches to my phone or screen while I used this fun new case!

I kept my license, a credit card, some cash and my hotel room key all tucked away in the phone case, and every single time I opened it up at a register, someone complimented me on it (who wouldn’t love that!) and asked about it.  I could walk around town with just my phone in my pocket and didn’t need to carry a separate wallet… and with a baby in tow, it was nice to only have to grab one thing. Since I pretty much always have my phone on me, I didn’t have to worry about “forgetting” my wallet anywhere. Also, the hotel I was staying in had a new room key card system where you only have to hold the room key in front of this round plate on the wall… and since I had it in the phone case, I just held up my phone to the plate and the door unlocked. So easy and convenient!

Want to win one for yourself? Just click here to enter… it’s a super easy entry!! (You just have to “like” Fresh Mommy Blog and OtterBox on Facebook!) Good luck, friends.

xo