Being a military brat and having to move regularly, I’ve learned that there are only a few stolen moments to be remembered from the city of Brotherly Love– better known as Philadelphia.

Every chance granted, I always make it my business to be somewhat of a tourist in the historic city. Some people can live in a city their whole lives and barely ever explore it, while others take advantage of any traveling opportunities to get familiar with a place they used to know. Whether you’re heading to Philly for a business trip, concert or even if you’re a local just wanting to get out and do something, there are a few locations that you should visit. Whether you’re looking to fill your belly or fill your camera roll, here’s the seven places you need to visit while in Philly.

 

If you’re looking for soul food amid sightseeing at Penn’s Landing, you can stop through to Warmdaddy’s for brunch or dinner. You may even catch some live jazz music too.

One of my favorite items on their brunch menu is a mix between breakfast, brunch and a touch of dinner. The catfish brunch was a lot to eat but if you pace yourself, you will gladly enjoy each bite of food. Along with the catfish filet, the plate was loaded with a waffle half, a side of eggs, cheese grits and collard greens. That’s a different combination right? The strange combination will be the last thing on your mind especially once you learn it is as good as it looks. The greens seasoned just like your grandma’s at Thanksgiving and cornbread that makes you roll your eyes with satisfaction. Be prepared to work off all the pounds you just gained following a well needed nap. The only missing piece was the jazz band playing live.

Most people think bikini’s, warm sand and beach water in Miami when they hear Fat Tuesday’s but not this time around. Take a trip down to South Street and grab you 190 Octane or Hurricane while you ponder what to do in the beautiful city on a weekend night. Hit up Fat Tuesday’s just for the sake of trying their frozen daiquiri’s at a different location. Try your best not to be too depressed when you walk out the doors and see a street full of cars and buildings instead of a pathway to a beach. Your drink will taste the same either way.

The point is you’ve never had a cheesesteak until you’ve had one from Philly. Period.

 

Of course this is  the super touristy area that every person who stops through Philly should visit. You’ll get your mix of everyday families, skateboarders and so much more as you arrive to JFK Plaza. There will be a nice gentleman (or maybe not) who won’t ask for much but “whatever change you can spare” just to make sure you have the perfect moment captured. It can be you and your boo, your kids or even your girls. But just know, you will have some acceptable photos to choose from. After you get your long awaited flick, walk a few feet into the backdrop and capture the fountain. Shooting over 10 feet tall, this too can be the perfect photo capturing moment and similar to movie scenes.

Now this spot is a little further out from your typical Central Philly scene. Just 20 minutes north of Downtown Philly, Las Margaritas is the go to spot for amazing Mexican food with a variety of margaritas to choose from to wash down your meal. Not the biggest restaurant, and if you’re not familiar with the area this may or may not be a spot that you will stumble into on a whim, but you won’t be disappointed once you try. A six dollar, 16-ounce house margarita is the type of party most would want to attend. If you’re familiar with the D.C. area and have set your sights on Lauriol Plaza or Aleros, this would be a great late night spot for you.

If you have some thinking, writing, maybe even some explaining to do, this is the place you want to do it. I stumbled upon the Race St. Pier on an accident the last time I was in Philly and in addition to the amazing photos I was able to capture, the conversation on the waterfront that evening was even more memorable. Onlookers at the pier talked, laughed and listened to music as cargo ships passed under the Walt Whitman bridge. You can get a glimpse of younger and older couples alike lounging at the scene for peace and tranquility. Budding photographers, you can capture some dope moments at this very location, preferably while the sun is setting. Grab your man or your lady and make them your canvass for a an hour or so as you hone in on your skill.

Pass the red velvet, please! It’s always a pleasure to walk into a restaurant and be welcomed by the sites and smell of one of your favorite breakfast dish, red velvet pancakes.

Green Eggs Cafe is the perfect bittersweet brunch spot in Philly (bitter because it’s not that big of a venue, sweet because the taste of the food definitely makes up for it). The city is equipped with three different locations, but with any good restaurant that is on the smaller side and delicious dishes, there will be a wait. As long as you’re not suffering from a massive hangover then the 30-45 minute wait will not feel like forever.

The red velvet pancakes taste like heaven in your mouth. If blindfolded, you might mistake the rich taste for that of a funnel cake with a hint of chocolate. Pair the dish with your side of choice (turkey bacon and home fries would be a good option) and you shouldn’t have to eat another meal at least until dinner time. Don’t try to eat all of the pancakes at once because it’s definitely not going to happen so get a to-go box and make them work for breakfast for the next day. A little tip for the first timers, if you don’t want the huge plate of red velvet pancakes, settle for a kids portion (less than half the size) and just order and entree of your choice.Thank me later.

Keep in mind, this is just a weekend list. By no means is this the end all, be all, but these are merely some ‘starter’ suggestions. When traveling, always look into good eateries, great drinks and an even better photographic moments. Visit the spots on the list, but also hit the ground running and do a bit of your own research to find out what YOU like. More than half the spots on the list were first time visits, but they were obviously so good that I’m suggesting you visit too. There will definitely be more to come. What are some of your favorite spots in Philadelphia? Let us know below.

Enjoy seeing, sipping and snapping!