May 2023

Nicole’s family is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it had been far too long since we’d been back to visit. So, we packed our bags along with Nicole’s parents and our youngest son, and made our way to the City of Brotherly Love. And, as every seasoned traveler knows, no long flight with family is complete without a quick stop at the airport bar (kidding… mostly!).

Kurt, being the history buff that he is, was especially excited to show Sean all the historic landmarks that make Philadelphia such a special place. Our adventure began at Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. Standing in the same room where the Founding Fathers once gathered truly made history come alive.

From there, we walked over to the U.S. Mint to watch coins being made, a fascinating behind the scenes look at how everyday currency comes to life. Next, we toured the Museum of the American Revolution, which does an incredible job of telling the story of America’s fight for independence through interactive exhibits and immersive displays.

No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without visiting Betsy Ross’s House, where the legendary seamstress is said to have sewn the first American flag. We also wandered down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America, with its cobblestone pathways and charming 18^th century homes that feel like stepping back in time.

For lunch, we stopped at Sonny’s Famous Steaks, where we devoured some of the best Philly cheesesteaks we’ve ever had, perfectly grilled steak, gooey cheese, and soft rolls that made for an unforgettable meal. Energized and full, we made our way to the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where we couldn’t resist doing our best Rocky impressions (cue the theme song!). Nearby, we visited the Benjamin Franklin Museum to learn more about one of America’s greatest inventors and thinkers, and of course, stopped to admire the iconic Liberty Bell.

To top off the day, we grabbed a delicious slice of pizza at Angelo’s Pizzeria, a true local favorite that lived up to its reputation.

After spending some time with family, we went and spent hours wandering through Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in the country. With food stalls offering everything from Amish baked goods to international cuisine, we happily ate our way through the market, sampling as much as we could.

The next day, we set out to explore Washington, D.C., and it turned into a truly memorable experience. Our first stop was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a quiet and reflective place where we traced the engraved names on the black granite wall and felt the weight of history and sacrifice. From there, we walked over to the Lincoln Memorial, standing in awe before the towering statue of Abraham Lincoln and taking in the view of the Reflecting Pool stretching toward the Washington Monument.

We admired the Washington Monument’s impressive height and symmetry, imagining the effort it took to build such an enduring landmark. Afterward, we made our way to The White House, pausing outside the gates to take photos and appreciate seeing the seat of the U.S. presidency in person. Finally, we visited Arlington National Cemetery, where rows upon rows of white headstones stretched across the hillsides. Watching the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a particularly powerful and moving moment, a reminder of honor, respect, and the cost of freedom.

We also made a trip out to The Creamery in Kennett Square, a local gem with a laid back, family friendly vibe. Between the outdoor seating, lawn games, and tasty food, it was the perfect spot to unwind after days of sightseeing.

Where We Ate (and Loved Every Bite)

Fiorello’s – One of the best Italian dinners we’ve had in a long time. Everything from the pasta to the wine was perfection.

The Social – Such a charming atmosphere with food that completely blew us away. Highly recommend!

Pat’s vs. Geno’s – You can’t go to Philly without trying both. Our family was split 50/50 on which cheesesteak was better though, but honestly, you can’t go wrong either way.

Café Crèma King Cannoli – Conveniently located right next to Pat’s and Geno’s, this spot had the largest (and most delicious) selection of cannoli we’ve ever seen.

Wawa – Yes, the gas station! We’d heard about Wawa’s cult following but had never experienced it ourselves. We were surprised by how good the food was. Fresh, affordable, and perfect for a quick bite.

Overall, our trip to Philadelphia was the perfect blend of history, food, and family fun. From exploring the birthplace of American democracy to indulging in the city’s famous eats, we left with full hearts and stomachs, already dreaming about our next visit back to Philly.

If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Philadelphia or Washington DC I’d love to share more tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit!

Philadelphia, PA

Museum of the American Revolution 

Reading Terminal Market

Washington DC