Philly: Day Four

We had booked a return flight for Monday night so that we could spend a little more time in the city before heading home.  Our hotel was across from Reading TerminalMarket and multiple sources told us we had to go there.  

The building is filled with rows and rows of stalls selling all types of foods.

apparently a best seller- I don't get it!

We spent a little while browsing all of the food and dessert vendors before picking up some breakfast of fresh squeezed juice and calzone with eggs, cheese, peppers, and tomatoes.  

Once we were properly fueled, we began the long walk to Eastern State Penitentiary.  We had heard from our tablemates at the B&B that it was worth seeing and were so thankful for the recommendation. 

M's instagram as we walked up

original design (source)

When checking in, you receive a headset and a map of the property.  I loved the way the tour was setup.  You were basically given free reign of the entire 11 acre place.  You can take one thirty minute overview tour and then walk to places of interest, type the appropriate number into your headset, and learn about whatever topic you want.  

outside the prison

rows of cells, cool headsets, and the OR

The prison was built in 1829 and was the largest in the nation at that time.  It housed famous criminals Al Capone and "Slick Willy" Sutton. 

al capones cell was fancy

more cells, watchtowers, solitary confinement cells

We were both surprised at how much we loved the tour of the prison.  It was so interesting and such a unique thing to do.  

crazy tree

After we finished our tour we took a cab to the Italian Market region of Philly.  There were lots of interesting Italian specialty shops and grocers and cute little restaurants.  We had gone to the area with the intention at eating at one of the city’s more well known sandwich shops- Paesano’s. 

paesanos

Mike went the traditional route and ordered the namesake sandwich containing beef brisket, sweet peppers, roasted tomatoes, sharp provolone, horseradish mayo and a fried egg.  I was debating between two and asked for advice from the man at the counter.  His response: Where else are you going to get fried lasagna on a sandwich?  I was sold on the Bolognese- a roll filled with fried lasagna, sweet peppers, cheese, and a fried egg.  Both sandwiches were very rich and very enjoyable.  We were also lucky enough to share our lunch with Julianne who came to meet us on her lunch break.  

his and hers sandwiches

Our final afternoon in the city was spent people watching in Rittenhouse park and leisurely walking through cute streets.  We finally ended up with fresh macarons from Garces Trading Company and a pumpkin pie ice cream cone from “More Than Just Ice Cream" before saying goodbye to Philly and catching our plane back home.