Frontier Airlines opened up a route between Indianapolis and Philadelphia and offered a screaming deal, so Brandon and I took advantage and flew in for a few days for less than $200 total! My former roommate Rebecca was living in Philly at the time, so I was hoping to visit her, but she ended up being out of town. It worked out, though, because she let us stay in her apartment for free. Free lodging right in the middle of a major US city? Score!
We had a great time checking out the local cuisine, but my favorite spot we tried was Sabrina's Cafe. I literally still daydream about these pancakes (a year later). I took a picture of the menu just so I would remember all the goodness involved here. (They're the Eleven's Better-Than-Eggo's Special Pancakes). SO.MUCH.YUM.
One of our first stops was Eastern State Penitentiary, a historic prison which was super interesting, not to mention eerily gorgeous. The audio tour was fascinating, and the skylights made this place a photographer's dream.
We visited the grounds of the museum of art and saw the Rocky statue and a Spanish version of Robert Indiana's LOVE.
A great view from the top of the museum steps
The beautiful Schuykill River
The Philadelphia temple had been dedicated only a few weeks before we got there, so we were able to go to the baptistry. The temple workers were incredibly attentive, as they always are, but especially so since they were all new and just so excited to be there. It was a lot of fun to be there and it's such a beautiful temple. I loved all the colonial-inspired touches throughout.
We were able to visit the National Constitution Center (for free, thanks to Brandon's military status!), which was also really interesting. I'm so impressed at the founders of our country who cared so much and worked so hard to create something so important
Each state's flag was hung with the date of its statehood engraved on the floor underneath
The American flag overlooking Independence Mall and Independence Hall.
We walked down to the Delaware riverfront, and there was a ship there...I can't remember what it was called now. They were having a few special events aboard and you had to have special credentials to get on...which we didn't. But it was cool to see such a modern ship up close. It was huge!
We hit a few historic sites - Christ's Church, where many founding fathers attended church and where some are buried.
Elfreth's Alley - the oldest residential street in the US.
Independence Hall. We didn't have tickets but were able to get into a tour on standby, and I'm so glad we did. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and very entertaining to listen to. I'd been there before, but it was on the 4th of July and tours are much shorter and you don't get to see the whole building. This tour was much more informative and enjoyable.
The signing room
Hand-drawn map from the 1700s
Next, we hit up the Liberty Bell
We hit up Reading Terminal Market and of course had to get some authentic Philly cheesesteak. Last time I went to Philadelphia, I wasn't too impressed but I decided to give it another shot. Still not a fan. Brandon didn't love his either.
Historic Wanamaker organ - it's 7 stories tall!
Historic Courthouse
Masonic Lodge - I LOVED this stonework on the entrance
The original LOVE statue
We had such incredible weather for almost the whole time we were there. Friday night, we were looking or a place for dinner and wanted to enjoy the weather, so we found this TGIFriday's which ha their rooftop bar open for the final weekend of the season. Great weather, great food, and a great view!
Our last day in Philly, we borrowed Rebecca's car (another incredible bonus!) and drove out to the New Jersey coast. This was Brandon's first time on a beach - he'd previously only seen the ocean from the air. We chose Long Beach Island because they were having a kite festival. The weather was cloudy, rainy, and windy, though, so by the time we got there, they were all pulling their kites down before the rain hit. We were still able to see some really impressive ones, though!
Synchronized flying
With the festival having ended early, we had some time to fill. We wanted to watch Thomas' football game, but had a few hours before it started, so we decided to drive to Wilmington, Delaware to watch it. Because when you're that close to Delaware, why not?
We found a fish house along the river, staked out a table in the bar, convinced the bartenders to change the channel for us, and ate A LOT of nachos.
We went to church the next day, then headed to the airport for our flight. It was such a fabulous few days - we even had gorgeous views on our flight home! We love Philly!
