Philly - Day 2

06.01.16 - Day 2 started out as another sunny warm day but not as warm as the day before.  We really lucked out on the weather.

For breakfast, we went cheap and cheerful - Burger King - about 4-5 blocks away along Market Street.  Turned out Market Street is named appropriately!  Lots of shopping - right up my alley!  While at BK, I could spot Century 21 on one corner, Ross Stores on another!  I was in shopper's heaven. I had forgotten to pack my styling brushes (arghhh) and was on the look-out for a cheap brush.  Ross was a must-go-to!  I saw brushes but not what I wanted and instead found a lovely top.

Returning to the hotel, we checked-out and drove over to the Hilton which was on the same street - Arch but 7 blocks away.  Once again, I self-parked and we were able to get a room (832).  (Half hour later, I happened to passed through the lobby and a couple had to wait for a room!)

After dropping off our stuff, we left to ventured into Chinatown - to look for one of those ubiquitous discount stores for my brush.  On the way out, noticed a line of people across the way at a newly opened Dunkin' Donuts.  Not to miss out on a happening...we went to checked it out and walked away with free ice coffee!

Sipping on our coffee, we wandered the blocks of Chinese restaurants, bakeries, markets and no discount store!  Winnie finally stopped a young lady and we were only half a block from one!  Found my brush for $2.99 and was very relieved.  That brush will stay in my go-away bag so I will always have one on hand!

NYC needs a gate!

Our next to-visit place was next door to our hotel.  The Reading Terminal Market.  Wow!  Walking in and seeing all the various stalls and their wares was overwhelming.  After a quick walk-through, we split up to decide on what to order for lunch and would meet back in the room to eat.  Besides eateries, there was a produce market and stalls that sold cookware, cookbooks, crafts and kitchenware.  There are nearly 80 vendors so a little something for everyone's taste.  I wasn't super hungry and couldn't decide between pizza or a muffuletta at Beck's Cajun Cafe.  I opted for the latter...because I could always get pizza but a muffuletta?  By the way, Winnie went with Dinic's famous roast pork and broccoli rabe sub.  And I couldn't pass up on Beiler's - a Pennsylvania Dutch bakery that showcased these amazing doughnuts.  Only 99c for one, $5.50 for half a doz, I picked up 6.  Coconut Cream-filled, Boston Cream, Key Lime, Strawberry-filled, Mocha cream and Salted Caramel.  Can I tell you how happy I was?  And I hadn't even tasted them yet.  When I finally got to bite into one...I swore I died and went to heaven!

As it were, the rest of our day allowed us to work off all that food!  We set out for the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  A little under 2 miles to PMA, we passed City Hall and the Love Park.  The roads leading to PMA from City Hall got tricky with construction and traffic circles but when it came into sight, it was as if we ran up the Rocky steps.  Turned out those steps aren't as bad as they look!

City Hall

Styling brush badly needed!!

Rodin Museum

They moved the Rocky statue from the top of the steps to the side of the museum.  We waited our turn to take pics.  And then climbed the steps which has landings making it easier than anticipated.  Once up, I felt a drop.  Rain shower.  Just in time to have reached the museum. We paid $5 for both of us and roamed the different galleries.  Seeing the masters and the Asian section was enjoyable.  By the time we headed out, the skies had cleared, temps cooled off and we had walked over 25,000 steps!

The Grand Staircase

Hotel was on 11th St - Cheesecake Factory (Winnie wanted to use her giftcard) is on 15th.  We went straight to the restaurant knowing if we stopped at the hotel first, we wouldn't want to go back out that way especially with Chinatown and the Reading Terminal within steps of us.  Good decision.  Had a great dinner of fish tacos, tuna tartare and veggie "sticks".

Had another great day - caught all the sights we wanted to see.  Awesome trip with a great friend!