Philadelphia Travel Guide

"The best education I have ever received was through travel." - Lisa Ling

Before the summer ended, C and I decided to take a quick trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I've been a few times before, but this was my first visit doing a more tourist-like trip. The city is stunning, and there is so much to see and do. 

We decided to stay outside of the city for our trip, and selected one day where we toured all of downtown Philadelphia.

Below I'm sharing the highlights of our trip! 

Independence Hall

We decided to do the Big Bus Philadelphia tour. It was the quickest way to see absolutely everything! Also, it was great because we were able to get on and off at any stop in the route.

It's perfect for the person who just wants to ride around the city, or if you want to dig deeper into a specific site, the option is available. The entire tour takes about 90 minutes. Also, you can sit on-top of the bus, or inside if you prefer to not be in the elements. 

Our bus was packed, and it is highly recommended you get setup on a bus early in the day - especially if you are in a larger group and prefer to sit together. 

The tour guides were awesome, super knowledgeable, and they provided excellent commentary along with viewing the city's stunning architecture.  

Favorite Spots
 

• Liberty Bell - You cannot go to Philadelphia without seeing the Liberty Bell. There are two ways you can it. First, you can do a tour and get up, close, and personal with the bell, or you can view outside the building, between a glass barrier. Viewing it outside the museum was a popular option, as many viewers were able to quickly see the bell and hear the audio along with it. 
• Penn's Landing Waterfront - This lovely waterfront is perfect to visit at night or during the day. During the warmer months, live bands play. Also, they have food trucks and amazing vendors that setup along the water. It's so much fun to walk around and relax. It's such a cool spot to visit.
• Philadelphia Museum of Art - I've visited the museum last year, and it is simply breathtaking. Of course, this is home to the iconic "Rocky Steps" on the east side of the building. So many people were running up and down the steps. Off to the side the Rocky statue stood very tall - and there was a very long line to get a photo with it! 

Philadelphia Museum of Art & "Rocky Steps"

Busy streets of Philadelphia

The famous Reading Terminal Market, that has over 80 amazing food vendors

Reading Terminal Market - One of the largest markets in the United States, and is a National Historic Landmark Building. This market has an outstanding selection of food - ranging from fresh produce, seafood, meats, delicious desserts, cold-pressed juices, and gourmet sandwiches. Also, you'll be able to find some amazing kitchen and home items to include in your household. 

Pro Tips

• There is limited seating in the market, so when you find a seat, grab it quickly! Also, some restaurants do have a few seats allocated for their business, so check before walking away.
• Not interested in eating there, or want to take some ingredients home? Ask the vendor for to go options, as well as packing up fresh meats or seafood to go.
• Get there early! It gets crowded quickly, so make sure you tour the market and find the restaurant you'd like to try.
• There will be lines for popular places - so be prepared to wait. Many popular vendors has extremely long lines! So be patient, and the lines do move pretty swiftly. 

Favorite Vendors

• Profi's Creperie - Their crepes were so light and fluffly! This place was very popular, but so worth the wait. 
• By George! Pizza, Pasta, & Cheesesteaks - C tried two cheesesteaks, and this one, won! His favorite cheesesteak this visit was actually not at the market, but Tony Luke's was the standout during our trip. 

Observing the gorgeous architecture in the city

Philadelphia Bourse

Our tour of Downtown Philadelphia was great! This was my third trip to this wonderful city, and each time I find or learn something new.

I'm looking forward to another trip to this amazing city in the future. 

Have you ever been to Philly? If so, what's your favorite thing about it?

XO, Analise

Vegas Vibes

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas ..." - Unknown

G & I have been planning a Vegas trip for a little while now, and we met up with my best friend and her husband, for a quick weekend getaway!

We all wanted to do new activities that everyone hadn't experience in their previous Vegas trips. So, it was a blast creating new memories with one another.

Today, I am sharing a few highlights on our recent trip!

Checking into the gorgeous Palms Casino Resort.

G & I stayed at the Palms Casino Resort it is currently under construction, but the parts that aren't are simply stunning. Renovations should be fully complete sometime next year, but the staff did an amazing job in ensuring our safety, as well as the venue being fully functional. They have really upgraded the hotel and it looks great, also there is in on-site movie theater! The staff was great and very accommodating. They have included some wonderful art installations - including the large piece outside that I'm standing in front of, that really elevate the facility!

Enjoying the music and vibes at the Marquee Dayclub at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Our favorite day club and pool party was the Marquee at Cosmopolitan. The set list was amazing, and DJ Mustard was the guest DJ for the event. Pool parties typically start at 11 AM and end at 6 PM. We actually bought our tickets in advance, and were able to skip the super long line! I do recommend getting on a guest list, or having tickets prior to arrival, so you can get right to the party. Also, the dress code is pretty strict, and make sure to take as little items into the event as possible.

This pool party had about five bars, a poker table, and food made to order. Also, they have a cool down station, which included plenty of water, and space for you to relax as you are dancing and drinking all day. The best part, is that the day club has an indoor and covered dance floor - this section connects to the pool and outside space. Which is perfect, because it does get pretty hot, and having access to air conditioning is a must!

Grabbing a quick bite to eat at In N Out Burger.

The best kept secret is off the strip - The Linq Promenade has the best shops and restaurants. Also, the area is shaded, and it was nice to walk down this cool alleyway and see all that it had to offer.

One of the greatest finds was In N Out Burger. I opted for the secret menu item - Grilled Cheese! The line for this place was very long, but they turn out orders very quickly. Also, there is inside and outside seating!

Strolling down the Linq Promenade, and hopping onto The High Roller!

After we indulged in some fast food, it was time to continue the adventure - The High Roller was our next stop!

This wheel soars about 550 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. The wheel is massive and the 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip are breathtaking. We spent about 30 minutes on the observation wheel. Also, we selected the Happy Hour option - $40 for unlimited drinks, and a complimentary shooter when you reach the peak on the wheel! The cabin is spacious, and our bartender was fantastic, and had plenty of drink options to choose from on the ride. Also, they make you a to-go drink upon exiting the cabin!

Enjoying a live concert by Future at Drai's Nightclub at the Cromwell Las Vegas & Casino.

Our favorite nightclub was Drai's, where we were able to see Future perform live. Again, we did purchase our tickets ahead of time, which was very helpful. Also, they are very particular about what you can bring inside the venue - so check out their site upon arrival. 

Also, similar to the Marquee, Drai's has an inside and outside section. So if you prefer to stay inside on the dance floor or go outside by the pool, there are plenty of options to choose from! The weather was much cooler at night, so we hung out by the pool. Also, there are huge monitors that showcase what is happening on the main stage!

Enjoying the most delicious meal at Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen.

This was the first big activity we did upon our arrival! Hell's Kitchen was absolutely heavenly. Our group loved everything there - from the food, wine selection, and incredible staff, this place is a total winner! If you want to read more about our restaurant experience, feel free to check out my previous post highlighting this gem.

Ordering the most delicious cocktail in our hotel bar at The Palms Casino & Resort.

Our hotel bar had the absolute cutest setup! They had an amazing selection and the staff was so kind. 

Overall we had an amazing time in Vegas, and there is so much to do there as well! We are definitely looking forward to our next getaway.  

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

To Hell & Back

"I don't run restaurants that are out of control. We are about establishing phenomenal footholdings with talent." - Gordon Ramsay

Our Vegas crew was really excited about this event on our trip - going to Hell's Kitchen and enjoying a super delicious meal. My best friend made reservations about a month in advance, and so glad that we did. The restaurant was packed, and we went around peak dinner time. Also, the ambiance is totally reminiscent of the exact restaurant on television - the cooks have on red or blue chefs jackets, and the establishment was decorated with little pitchforks. The staff was professional and phenomenal, they were knowledgable about everything on the menu, and gave excellent wine pairing selections!

The iconic Hell's Kitchen logo lit up at night.

This restaurant was everyone's absolute favorite, and we were so glad we kicked off our trip with this place! It was the highlight of our adventure in Las Vegas.

Today, I'm sharing our ratings for each dish we ordered!

Appetizers & Sides

Lobster Risotto - butter poached lobster tail, saffron risotto, tomato confit

Lobster Risotto

Rating: 5/5

My friend Alisha ordered the lobster risotto, and she really loved it. The lobster tail was butter poached. Also the risotto had a delicious saffron flavor with tomato confit. The risotto was tender and super yummy.

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Rating: 4/5

This dish comes with crispy prosciutto, but our friend James opted to have it removed. The cheese used in this dish is smoked gouda. He really enjoyed the dish, but the only downside is that it wasn't super creamy and cheesy. If you like your mac and cheese to be a bit more indulgent, then this may not be for you. Overall, the side was super yummy and he really enjoyed it.

Entrees

Crispy Skin Salmon - beluga lentils, shaved fennel salad, citrus herb beurre blanc 

Crispy Skin Salmon

Rating: 5/5

This is probably the best salmon I have ever had. I had the chef cook it medium-well, and it turned out absolutely perfect. The skin was very crispy, and one of my favorite parts. Also, the citrus herb beurre blanc sauce totally elevated the dish and paired perfectly with the fish. The lentils and fennel salad really complimented the protein. I ordered a glass of Chardonnay to enjoy with this entree, and it was perfect selection. 

Beef Wellington - potato puree, glazed root vegetables, red wine demi-glace

Beef Wellington

Rating: 5/5

Everyone at the table ordered this dish (with the exception of me), and they all loved it! The potatoes were super creamy and the vegetables were fresh - they were the perfect addition to the dish. Also, the wellington was perfection, and had a huge chunk of beef - so you definitely get your money's worth! The red wine demi-glace was the star of the dish, and everyone was wanting more of it!

We met Michelle Tribble, the most recent winner of Hell's Kitchen, Season 17.

G and I are huge fans of the show, and he spotted out Michelle in the restaurant immediately! Our waiter was so amazing, and offered to take a photo of our group with Michelle! She was super busy that evening, but was so kind and gracious to take a photo with us.

Overall our dining experience was phenomenal, and I totally recommend this restaurant to everyone!

If you are interested in learning a little but more about this restaurant, take a look here!

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

National Harbor

"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in." - Robert Orben

In March, G and I went on a little getaway to the MGM National Harbor for our second wedding anniversary. We both wanted to go somewhere close to home. but didn't feel like our hometown. G and I were able to hop in the car and just go, which was super ideal - who doesn't love a road trip?  

Growing up I've visited the National Harbor many times, so it was nice to go back and see how much things have changed!

Our getaway was an absolute blast, and the perfect long weekend we needed to reconnect and have some quality time. Today, I'm sharing our amazing experience at the MGM National Harbor.

A complimentary bottle of champagne was delivered to our room right after we checked-in to celebrate our anniversary.

The resort provided exceptional accommodations. Not only is the hotel absolutely stunning, but the staff was nothing short of kind and helpful! Upon our arrival at check-in, the concierge provided options of a complimentary glass of wine, mimosa, or champagne! Champagne is always a winner in my book.

Enjoying a lovely glass of wine at Fish by Jose Andres

A sweet anniversay treat at the Voltaggio Brother's Steak House

Dining Out

G and I are foodies, so we were pretty excited to try some new restaurants on our vacation. Below are our top picks for each meal of the day!

Breakfast

We are pretty light eaters in the morning, so we treated ourselves to some delicious pastries. The Bellagio Patisserie was simply delicious. Fresh croissants, macaroons, cinnamon buns, cakes, and every other pastry imaginable was available for purchase. The patisserie is French inspired and an absolute treat to indulge in. 

Lunch

Shake Shack is one of our fave places to eat! Lucky for me they have the best fried chicken sandwich, which is perfect since I do not eat red meat. This spot was always packed, it's that delicious y'all! Also, if you are a night owl, it stays open till 11 PM!

Happy Hour

Before we went to dinner, G & I walked through the casino. We are not huge gamblers, but it was so much fun to walk around and see all of the festivities. In the casino, we went to Felt Bar & Lounge. The spot is very an intimate and cozy. Their wine, beer, and cocktail menu was great. Also, the service was wonderful. If you are a fan of uniquely crafted cocktails - this place is a winner. 

Dinner

Our favorite spot for dinner was the Voltaggio Brother's Steak House - it was amazing. I loved the brothers on Top Chef, and was super excited to try it out! The service was spectacular, everyone from the host, waiters, and sommelier were so gracious and wonderful. G ordered the Bone-In Ribeye, it was 22 ounces and aged for 45 days. He absolutely loved about the dish. I got the Maryland Crab Cake which was to die for. There was no filler, and it came out in a small personal sized cast iron skillet. Everything was amazing and we couldn't be more happy with the experience. 

Keep in mind all of these delicious restaurants are in the hotel! We didn't have to leave the resort at all to have an amazing meal.

Capital Wheel at National Harbor

Staying at the resort was so convenient, everything was in close proximity. If you are interested in leaving the hotel, the Capital Wheel was such a cool experience. You go 180 feet in the air, and are able to see all of Washington - it is simply breathtaking. 

The National Harbor has an abundance of wonderful things to do! We are looking forward to going back in the near future and do some new activites.

Have you been to the National Harbor or the MGM resort? If so, what are some of your favorite things to do?

XO, Analise