A couple of weeks before the kids went back to school, we took a trip to Philadelphia and New York City! We had already been to Pittsburgh (2023), so last year we decided to go a little further and visit Philadelphia. Colin loves watching the Phillies, and Cadence loves NYC, so both kid got something out of this trip!
After we checked in at the aiport hotel (pretty sketch), an Uber drove us to Chickie's & Pete's where we had dinner. Their crabfries were delicious! After dinner, we were able to walk to Citizens Bank Park to catch a Phillies game. They were playing the Yankees, so that made it extra fun. Each kid had on their respective jersey.
We had standing-room-only tickets and the game ended up going 12 innings! The Phillies lost 6-7. It was a heck of a game!
The next day, we set off to do some exploring! We have since learned that for the second year in a row, Philadelphia has been named America's most walkable city!
We stood in line to take a picture with the Rocky statue, well before an official line was set up. Everyone would just ask the next person in line to take a picture for them! It was so hot, so it was nice to have some shade while standing in line.
Next up, we HAD to job up the stairs!
There was a wedding ceremony taking place right before our eyes!
Philadelphia City Hall
We had fun checking out the gift shop
Liberty Bell
Independence Hall
The last resting place of Benjamin Franklin
I included this photo that Colin took of his Philly Cheesesteak being made. It looks just like a sad, ol' sub all by its lonesome...
The boys were so excited to dig in. We asked a gentleman at the gift shop which place he recommended for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, so we took his advice. He suggested Jim's on South Street (instead of Pat's or Geno's). We had to stand in line for quite a while. As we made our way through the line, we learned it was "cash only," so Cadence and I looked up where we could find the closest Chase ATM and took off on foot to grab some cash! When we got back, we learned that there's an ATM inside the restaurant!
Later that day, we took a train (first time) to NYC! When we arrived, it started to pour, but luckily it cleared up and after dropping our luggage off at the hotel, we visited Times Square.
The next morning our day started with a trip to Liberty Bagels (sooooo good). We sought some shade at a table right where the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place!
We did some exploring and saw that they were airing some of the Olympic games on screens in Rockefeller Center.
Colin collected some Buckeyes at Columbus Circle on our way to Central Park.
We enjoyed dinner at Don Antonio's. Their pizza was delicious.
Guy Fieri went there for Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!
Later that night, we experienced Summit at One Vanderbilt. Such a cool experience! Danny and Cadence had gone before, so they wanted to make sure Colin and I checked it out! This was in the elevator on the waaaaaay up!
One room had metallic balloons - it was really fun!
We stood in line to "look over the edge!"
The subway ride after all the fun had been had. Back to reality...
