I took a 24-hour trip to my favorite city, Philadelphia from Sunday, July 21, 2019 to Monday, July 22, 2019. It was hot, with feel like temperatures around 100°F, so I did not do as much as usual, but I still managed to have a fantastic time.
Due to renovations, I entered the temporary waiting room at my local train station. Since it was hot in there too, I found a seat closest to an A/C unit, but a few minutes after I arrived, a guy used packaging tape to reconnect and secure a hose, as it was blowing hot air. I think it was cooler outside with the breeze! Plus, the train was delayed too.
I was so thankful when the train finally arrived! I boarded the train, found a seat and… discovered that the air conditioning was not working. At the first stop, there was a delay for maintenance to work on it, but that attempt failed and a conductor assured that it would be repaired in Philadelphia. It was so hot. I had author Jamie Cat Callan’s words stuck in my head, “French women love fans.” I made a mental note to buy a cheap one in Philadelphia’s Chinatown.
I arrived in Philadelphia a bit later than expected, which is unfortunate on a Sunday when stores close earlier than they do on other days of the week. First, I checked into my hotel, Club Quarters. What I love most about this hotel is its amazing location, close to my favorite places in the city. How about a quick hotel room tour? This is the view of my room from the front door…
This is the artwork that hangs above the bed. It celebrates the city, both old and new.
This is the bathroom…
The shower is on the left.
My first stop was Fine Wine & Good Spirits, where I picked up a bottle of my favorite wine, Banfi Chianti Classico. Their selection and prices are truly amazing, in a different league when compared to the ones back in my suburban hometown. A few doors down, I ordered some diavola and margherita pizza from Alice to go. On the way back to the hotel, I also grabbed two chocolate chunk cookies from Insomnia Cookies.
Yes, I brought my cork screw. I definitely needed wine after dealing with the heat. I keep a cork screw with my travel stuff.
Everything was delicious.
I walked a block up to Gran Caffe L’Aquila and selected a small cup of fondente gelato. This is dark chocolate. It was Gelato Day or National Ice Cream Day that day and I was certainly going to celebrate.
I strolled towards Rittenhouse Square, a lovely park, and finished the last bit of it there.
Seated on a park bench, there was a juggler in front of me.
It was nice to people watch. In fact, there were so many people out! Since I enjoy walking, I would like to move back to a city.
I strolled back, going out of the way whenever something caught my eye, taking pictures.
Since the trees had lights, I found myself near City Hall.
I love these fountains and that kids were playing in them.
When I was editing the photo above, I noticed that there is a bride in a white wedding dress and veil in the middle of that hallway of City Hall.
Since stores mostly closed at 6, I returned to my hotel before sunset. I enjoyed simply being out in the city. Hanging out in the park like a local…
This is the floor of the hotel entrance.
Upon my return, I took a quick cool shower and drank plenty of water. Despite the high temperatures, I still considered my first day fantastic.
First thing the next morning, I walked to Di Bruno Bros. for a pain au chocolat and cappuccino.
They were delicious. A coffee and croissant breakfast is one my signature simple pleasures. I absolutely adore it.
In this heat, there were dog water bowls everywhere.
I picked up cranberry pistachio biscotti from Termini Bros. The usual.
I also purchased chocolate-covered raisins from Sweet as Fudge Candy Shoppe across this indoor market. So early, it was nice that the popular market wasn’t busy yet.
I packed and then checked out of my hotel. The front desk kindly stowed my bag. It was bigger than before…
After some shopping, I had my nails done at my favorite salon, Nail Spa Bar.
The color I chose is Lacquered Up by Essie.
In that neighborhood, I tried a new place for lunch, BareBurger. I ordered the grass-fed beef burger on brioche with organic ketchup and dill pickles as well as a side of fries. The sodas were real sugar and I am still picky, so I just stuck with water. It was delicious.
The decor uses a lot of wood and is quirky overall. This wall decor was behind my table.
The white frame holds a mirror to show the eclectic decor of a booth on the other side.
After lunch, I tried a nearby Mexican restaurant called El Vez for their frozen blood orange margarita with salt. After seeing a photo online, I wasn’t expecting it to be small. It was delicious though. And refreshing.
I ordered chips and salsa. For four, apparently… Oops! That was a mistake.
I walked across town to try a pastry place called The Bakeshop on Twentieth. This is the chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich.
It was delicious and ice cream was much needed.
This bakery was a small place. Cute. I adore the sign and black and white striped awning.
I also grabbed this brookie to go.
This brownie and chocolate chip cookie combination was enjoyed back at home as a dessert following dinner Tuesday evening.
I picked up my bag from the hotel, hopped on the subway and arrived at the train station. It was so hot and the heat was getting to me so much that I had to sit down on a bench before I could go sit down with a (medium, read: bucket of) coke in Wendy’s. Then, and only then, could I visit the ladies’ room to pull myself together. I did read my book, which was so good. A novel was a nice change. I read more on the trip home.
I had such a great time! I hit my favorites first and then tried a few new things. Thank you so much for coming along with me! I have another 24-hour getaway coming up soon, so please follow me on Instagram @theitaliagal to join me again!
I guess that in accordance with your shared article you liked and enjoyed your trip! I wish I could go with you next time!
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
Thanks so much for the blog post.
bookmarked!!, I like your blog!