Fall Staycation With Visit Philadelphia

TGIF all!

Whenever I think about getting away, the thought of doing a staycation rarely crosses my mind.  Unfortunately I’ve taken for granted all the wonderful things Philadelphia has to offer.  I’m so used to rushing around the city I rarely stop to notice how beautiful Philadelphia is, especially during the holidays.  So this past weekend my blogger boo Jamilyn from Style Over Size  and I  partnered with Visit Philadelphia for us to get reacquainted with the City of Brotherly Love!

Jami and I started our weekend by checking into the Sonesta Rittenhouse Square  in Center City.  We were booked into a comfortable and spacious double room for our stay.  The location of the hotel was perfect starting point for our reintroduction to the city. Many of Philadelphia’s main attractions were within walking distance or a short Uber/Lyft ride away.   Center City’s shopping district is only a brief walk away so from the hotel, so Jami and I  headed over to the Shops at Liberty Place  for a late lunch and to do some browsing.  Afterwards we wandered up Market Street to Dilworth Plaza for the opening of the The Rothman Ice Rink and America’s Garden Capital Maze.  Although I wanted to go ice skating, Jami wasn’t about that life! LOL

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On Saturday morning we took Visit Philadelphia’s advice and went on the Mural Mile Walking Tour.  I’ve had this tour stored in my “to do” box forever so I was pretty excited to finally cross it off my list.  Philly is the mecca (in my opinion of course!) of public art.  According to our wonderful guide Cheyanne, there are over 1000 murals in Philadelphia that are interwoven into daily city life.  These murals are on sidewalks, schools, parking lots, public buildings, etc.  Cheyanne explained that each mural carries a significance and profound message that resonates through the communities they inhabit.  I’ve walked and/or driven by the murals on this tour and had no idea of their significance.  Going on this tour has completely changed the way I view Philadelphia’s murals.  This tour is must for visitors to Philly.

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After Jami and I finished the tour (which is  two hours), we were STARVING so we headed to one of Philly’s best brunch spots  Green Eggs Cafe  in Midtown.  Green Eggs Cafe is always listed as one of Philly’s best restaurants because the food is so ridiculously good. The cafe is very popular so be prepared for a wait but trust me when I say the food is worth it!

Although we were stuffed from brunch, Jami and I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit the Reading Terminal Market.  No visit to Philly is complete until you visit the market. Reading Terminal Market houses over 50 food vendors showcasing local produce, fresh meats, mouth watering Amish specialties and global cuisines.  In short it’s a foodie paradise and the number one tourist attraction in Philadelphia (according to Visit Philadelphia).

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On Sunday (our last day..boo!), Jami and headed over the Fairmount section of the city for brunch at Philadelphia staple the London Grill and to check out Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism 1910-1950 exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  The exhibit highlights works of various Mexican modernist artists and sculptors  such as Diego Rivera, Frida Khalo and Jose Clemente Orozco during the Mexican Revolution beginning in 1910.  I’m a huge fan of Diego’s murals so it was a treat to see his work up close and learn more about him. The exhibit runs through January 8th so don’t miss out!

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My Fall staycation reinforced my love and pride for my adopted city. Philly is brimming with so much culture and I’m so glad I got to tap into that  and spend quality time with my girl Jami.  Thank you Visit Philadelphia for partnering with us for this fun-filled staycation!

Have a wonderful weekend!