Seattle has its Pikes Market, and Philadelphia has the Reading Terminal Market. This landmark market which is over 100 years old was listed on many “Must Do Lists” of Philadelphia.  Plus, the concierge at the hotel said this was the place to go to get a Philly Cheesesteak.  That got our attention.

Did you ever play Monopoly?  Reading Railroad – Pennsylvania Railroad.  Yes, the famous board game has its roots in Philadelphia.  The Reading Terminal Market is located in the Old City in the Reading Terminal of long ago.  At one time the trains ran overhead.  As with other city markets, it has had its share of problems throughout the decades, but now it is a marketplace for around 75 local food producers and restaurants.  It is vibrant and filled with energy.  “Fresh and Local Every Day!”  is their tagline.

Fresh produce greeted us as we entered the crowded market.

I so wanted a slice of this beautiful watermelon.

L. Halteman Family Foods was a popular meat market.

How fascinating to see sausage being made.

We had to focus.  We came searching for a delicious Philly Cheesesteak.  The concierge told us to try Carmen’s or DiNic’s.  Finally we spotted Carmen’s, and Ever-Lovin’ got in the long line.  I went searching for DiNic’s.

Be still my heart!  This was one beautiful sandwich from Carmen’s.  Just looking at it makes me want to take a trip back to Philadelphia.  There was thin slices of delicious juicy beef with onions, peppers, and cheese.  What is not to love?

Okay!  Try to follow this.  DiNic’s does not make Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches.  They are world famous for their roast pork and broccoli rabe sandwich, but I did not know this.  (The Travel Channel proclaimed this sandwich the best sandwich in America.)  Since I did not know what to order, I ordered a roast beef with cheese thinking that must be their version of a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.  Wrong!  (Mrs. Concierge did not tell me this.)

The sandwich that I ordered was good – the meat was fantastic – but, it was not a Philly Cheesesteak, so Carmen’s won this sandwich war.

A few short steps from Carmen’s is Beiler’s Bakery.

Sweet Mother of Pearl.  I have never seen so many sweets – pastries, cakes, pies, donuts, cookies, and more Pennsylvania Dutch specialties.  I wanted to try all of them, but…  We did have big honking sandwiches for lunch.

Beiler’s Bakery also has been honored by Fodor’s as being one of America’s Top Twenty Dessert Spots.  Very impressive.

After walking around for a bit more, this long line got my attention.  All of these people are waiting in line for ice cream – 

World Famous Bassetts Ice Cream to be exact.

America’s oldest ice cream company, open since 1861, Bassetts Ice Cream was the first merchant to sign a lease at the Reading Terminal Market in 1892 and is still owned and operated by the same family today. (Reading Terminal Market website)

It was a little complicated.  (Remember we had just eaten the big honking sandwiches?  We – okay, I’ll admit it –  I was the one who wanted to taste the ice cream.  It didn’t matter how full I was.)  I just wanted one dip of their famous ice cream, but one dip was almost as expensive as two dips.  Listen to what the kind girl behind the counter told us to do.  At the end of the line, you can ask for an empty cup, and then each of us got one dip.  You probably do not need this information, but….

Jars of Amish jellies, pickles, and fruits lined these shelves.  It was literally like jewels lining the shelves, but when you fly, you can’t bring back these goodies.

The Reading Terminal Market is certainly worth a visit if you are ever in Philadelphia.  The market closes around 6:00 p.m. each day.  So many other restaurants and stores in the Reading Terminal Market have won famous awards.  I would love to visit it again.

Blessings to you and yours,