Philadelphia, PA

Our campground is only a 15 minute drive from downtown Philly, but it takes just as long to find parking. 

The first stop was Independence National Historical Park where so much of our colonial, revolutionary, and federal period heritage is preserved.  Here Americans began their quest for freedom and independence and it is here that the United States was born, and its ideals enacted in the Constitution.  We began at the Independence Visitor Center where a sweet old lady volunteer showed us a map and explained what to see and how to walk the walk!  

We saw the old city hall which was home to the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791-1800.  We then got in line to see the Liberty Bell.  Luckily the lined moved along quickly.  The tour of Independence Hall was very interesting.  This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was written.  Each of the thirteen states sent a representative as noted by the thirteen tables with chairs. 





Old City Hall







From there we walked to Reading Terminal Market, a Philadelphia tradition.  In 1892 the Reading Railroad opened the Reading Terminal Market below the tracks of their massive new train shed.  The market had 78,000 square feet and nearly 800 spaces for vendors.  At one time it was known as the greatest food market in the world.  Today it is home to 80 independently-owned small businesses representing a great diversity of nationalities.  We bought a few produce items that we needed, but feel the produce at Farmer’s Market in L.A. is much nicer with better quality produce.

We then got the truck and drove to Jim’s Steak for lunch.  In December while camping in Monterey, CA, we met a couple from Philly and asked them where to get the best cheese-steak sandwiches.  They recommended Jim’s in the South Avenue Section which is an area several blocks long of eclectic shops, bars and restaurants.  We took their advice and figured it must be good as evidenced by the long line of people waiting to place their order at 3:00 p.m.  The sandwiches were truly delicious!  The meat was tender as could be and you could order the sandwich with American, Provolone or Cheese Whiz; mushrooms, onions, and/or sweet peppers.

From there we drove to the Museum of Art to say hello to Rocky who was standing at the bottom of the stairs; then on to Franklin Fountain for dessert.   We feel Rosemary’s is better!  Our last stop was for a few groceries and then back to the campground to collapse after another busy fun day.

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