Share this on:
 E-mail
40
VIEWS
 
RECOMMENDS
0
SHARES
About this iReport
  • Not vetted for CNN

  • Click to view danielled23's profile
    Posted September 24, 2012 by
    danielled23
    Location
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Assignment
    Assignment
    This iReport is part of an assignment:
    Travel photo of the day

    10 Things I Love About Philadelphia!

     
    Born and raised in the township neighboring the city limits of Philadelphia, I’ve grown up immersed in this wonderful city. Here are 10 Things I <3 About Philadelphia:

    1. Cheesesteaks. Cheesesteaks. CHEESESTEAKS. It’s no surprise that cheesesteaks is number one on my list. Being born and raised in a township bordering Philadelphia I have been brought up on cheesesteaks and can even remember the first time I ever tried one. Cheesesteaks go with Philadelphia just like bagels and delis go with New York and they can be found just about anywhere. From food carts to high end restaurants, pizza shops, convenience stores, cheesesteak only joints and pretty much everywhere in between, the cheesesteak is a Philadelphia staple and there is no shortage of this deliciously greasy delicacy. Check out one of my favorites.

    2. Food trucks/carts. I never realized how few food carts there were in other cities until I left Philadelphia. The Philadelphia food cart is a staple throughout the city, but in particular in the business district. With at least 1 food cart on every block (but usually around 4), Philadelphia food carts offer more than just a hot dog on the go. With practically everything available at food carts you’re sure to find a delicious lunch without having to go too far. There are food trucks for everything – cheesesteaks, bratwurst, Indian food, falafel, Chinese food, Mexican food, cupcakes – you name it, Philadelphia’s got it on a food truck.

    3. Outdoor Dining. In the past few years outdoor dining has blown up in Philadelphia. Several years back outdoor dining on small city streets was unheard of and now every restaurant around is fighting over street space and knocking pedestrians out of the way to make room for as may outdoor tables as possible – and I love it. There’s something nice about sitting outside in the warm summer air, people watching and enjoying a nice, refreshing cocktail – and from the looks of the rapid growth, Philadelphia outdoor dining is here to stay.

    5. Walnut Street. Walnut Street is a popular shopping street in the heart of Rittenhouse in Philadelphia. It’s lined with high end shops, as well as eatery’s and other popular shopping must-haves. If you’re looking for a nice place to spend the day enjoying Philadelphia at a leisurely pace, a stroll down Walnut Street is exactly where you should be.
    Neighborhoods. Philadelphia has tons of neighborhoods, as do many cities, so I’m sure you’re wondering what’s so special about Philadelphia’s neighborhoods – and there is one thing. Diversity. From Rittenhouse (where all the ritzy, fancy people hang out) to Northern Liberties (where you can find the hipsters and tons of trendy restaurants) to South Philly (where there’s no shortage of Italians) – Philadelphia is as diverse as they come. So whether you’re looking to explore or want to live in one of these vastly different sections of the city – Philadelphia’s got what you’re looking for.

    6. Reading Terminal. If you love food nearly as much as I do, Reading Terminal has to be a the first stop on your list of places to eat in Philadelphia. A hodge podge of the best the city has to offer, Reading Terminal is the mecca of food. With over 50 different vendors, each selling something different, the toughest thing to figure out in Reading Terminal is which way your nose is taking you. With everything from cheesesteaks to Greek food, Indian, Turkish, ice cream, cookies, chocolates, Amish cinnamon buns (you gotta try those!) to a deli, southern fried chicken, Cajun and sushi – just to name a few – Reading Terminal has it all. Not to mention the fresh fish, meats and produce! It’s an overwhelming food experience that 100% can’t be missed. *My go-to place is always DiNic’s Roast Pork. With a line that usually wraps around the place and beyond, the Pulled Pork sandwich with sharp provolone and roasted peppers (featured on Guy Fieri’s Best Sandwich in America) is a flavor explosion in your mouth and one of my first meals every time I return to my beloved city.

    7. Chickie’s and Petes. Plain and simple. One of the best sports bars in America with great food. Sports. Beer. Wings. Crab legs. CRAB FRIES. You can’t go wrong here with a cold beer, good friends and a great game. Take my word for it!

    8. Phillies. Philadelphia loves their teams. I probably should’ve placed the Eagles on this list but I am baseball fan so I’m gonna go with what I know. Not only have they been an astounding team in recent years (for the most part), but the Phillies have been an institution in Philadelphia for decades. Philadelphians love their teams and they love their Phillies – and if you head to a game you’re sure to know why. And while you’re there pick up a Scmitter and some aforementioned crab fries – you’ll thank me later.

    9. Historic sites. Being the ‘birthplace of America’, Philadelphia is filled with historical buildings and sites where our forefathers came together to build the foundation for our country. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross’ House – whether you’ve never seen them or seen them a million times, it’s a treat to live among these building blocks of America.

    10. Old City. Fine dining, historic sites and the waterfront are just a few things that Old City Philadelphia has to offer. Lined with cobblestone streets, Old City brings you back in time. Stroll down Market Street to find outdoor cafes blocks away from Independence Hall. You can also find some of the cities best eateries like Franklin Fountain and The Continental. Also a great spot for nightlife, Old City has a little bit of everything, including history.

    What do you think of this story?

    Select one of the options below. Your feedback will help tell CNN producers what to do with this iReport. If you'd like, you can explain your choice in the comments below.
    Be and editor! Choose an option below:
      Awesome! Put this on TV! Almost! Needs work. This submission violates iReport's community guidelines.

    Comments

    Log in to comment

    iReport welcomes a lively discussion, so comments on iReports are not pre-screened before they post. See the iReport community guidelines for details about content that is not welcome on iReport.

    Add your Story Add your Story