A few weeks ago we headed back “home” to Philadelphia/NJ for a family wedding. I feel like I’m finally getting settled again (and unpacking!) after our week long, busy trip! Our whole family played a part in the wedding party and we couldn’t have been more honored to do so. The kids did a wonderful job as flower girl and ring bearer! My girl tossed flower petals like she’d been doing it her whole life.
While we were there, we had a chance to visit with so many of our friends. Our typical trips home are usually very short, so we were thankful for the extra time to spend with them and embrace some of our favorite places to eat! If there’s one thing we miss most since moving away, it’s the food! I thought it would be fun to share some of our must-eats for the Philadelphia/NJ area in case you ever decide to visit with your family!
Chickie’s & Pete’s
The first place we ate the day we arrived was Chickie’s & Pete’s, named the #1 Sports bar in North America by ESPN vote. We were out driving around, reminiscing and stopped here for a quick lunch. This place gets PACKED for sporting events, but thankfully it was an off day at lunchtime. We ordered way too much food and enjoyed every last bit of it. It’s so fun taking our kids to places we’ve been to so many times.
Must try: Crabfries! Crinkle cut fries seasoned with Old Bay and served with the most delicious cheese dipping sauce.
The Pop Shop
I wasn’t sure we’d actually get here since The Pop Shop is located in Collingswood, NJ (just over the bridge from Philadelphia), but luckily we managed to squeeze in one last meal before heading to the airport. We had taken Isabella here a few times before we moved, but this was Gabriel’s first time. The Pop Shop was featured on the Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay”. They’re known for their variety of grilled cheeses on homemade bread, but you can’t go wrong with their breakfast options either! They have an extensive menu with gluten free options as well.
Must try: Grilled Cheese! Really any of them…you can’t go wrong here!
Walking the city streets and getting a legit, hipster haircut from the best!
Steve’s Prince of Steaks
Philadelphia is known mostly for it’s cheese steaks with Pat’s and Geno’s being the top two hot spots for tourists. My husband though has tried them all and Steve’s Prince of Steaks is his hands down favorite.
Must try: American “WITH” and American cheese fries
Other favorite places to get good cheese steaks: Tony Luke’s, John’s Roast Pork
While we were there, Toyota graciously lent us their new 2018 Camry XSE. Can I just say – WHOA. When we first saw the car pull up, my husband and I were kind of in shock. This was a Camry?! Toyota took your reliable family sedan and made it into the coolest ride ever. The safety features were out of this world. We spent the majority of our trip in the city with it’s one way, narrow streets. The Camry took each turn with ease and came equipped with Standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) which we discovered when parallel parking.
Besides having a beautiful sporty exterior, the interior was no less amazing as it was designed for the driver in mind. Above the dash, displayed on the lower left windshield were speed, directions and other customizable options. Gas mileage was remarkable as well. We drove back and forth from Philadelphia to NJ and even a trip to Delaware during our week stay all on the same tank of gas. There was plenty of space for our two car seats and luggage in the trunk. My husband and I can’t stop talking and thinking about this car!
Thank you Toyota for sharing this beautiful ride with us!
If you’re looking to stay in the Center City area of Philadelphia, the Loews Philadelphia is a GORGEOUS hotel! Prime location, spacious modern rooms and very friendly staff! Check out our recent post on sleep tips for traveling with toddlers!
