I have had the wonderful pleasure for being at HOME for longer than 2 days.
I used to take my parents’ comfortable home forgranted. Â But as I began spending more times in hotel rooms eating grilled cheese sandwiches while watching Real Housewives night after night, I began to crave my mother’s love-filled meals, my dad’s killer coffee, the cozy white armchair in the family room…the list goes on.
Needless to say, I’m fully loving being home for longer than a few days. Â And as I book flights and hotels for an extremely busy April and May (Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, India, Las Vegas, D.C., NYC are all on deck), I am reveling in not just my parents’ cozy house, but my beloved home city as well.
With friends moving out of Philly and my spending less time here, I plan to make the most of the next few weeks. Â Starting with these places:
El Camino Real: Known as ECR among our crowd, I crave this restaurant’s chili and jalapeno margaritas on a near daily basis. Â The TexMex cuisine, the hipster waitstaff, the happy hour and free wireless internet….I can go on and on as to why I love this place. Â You should just take my word for it and go. Â You won’t be disappointed. Â God, I’m hungry.
Citizens Bank Park: It’s no secret I love my Philies. Â And it’s no secret that I’m in the throes of wedding planning. Â And I just discovered that the Phils’ ballpark plays host to weddings and receptions. Â Needless to say, I’ve made an appointment to view this space for my own reception. Â And bought some Phils tickets as well :)
La Colombe: Whenever I’m in Center City or Manayunk, this is MUST visit. Â I’m a diehard Dunkin Donuts fan for my daily fix, but La Colombe cappucinos are a special treat that I fully indulge in: full fat milk, real sugar, and a proper biscotti. Â Not only is this the best coffee in Philadelphia, it is on my list of best coffee period. Â Having lived in Seattle, I know my coffee.
Oma Vintage: This lovely little vintage shop is tucked away in NoLibs Piazza, and is a wonder reprieve from the hipsters and yupsters that frequent the neighborhood. Â I always love checking out the pretty clothes and shoes that Oma brings in, and I almost always leave with something new to add to my wardrobe. Â Word to the wise, however: shop BEFORE going to ECR, not after. Â I’ve made that mistake all too many times…
For my non-Philadelphians, definitely check out these spots if you ever venture to our fair city. Â Natives, what are your favorite spots in the City of Brotherly Love? Â Post away in the comments section.
