Authentically Nita

Merlino's Hoagies is located at 1501 Ellsworth St Philadelphia, PA 19146. I stopped by Merlino's the other day, because it had been a couple years since I'd been there. They're still the best in South Philly. I think they're the best in Philly, period. The store has been in business since the early 1900s. The Original sign is still displayed outside. This is a place with a reputation so good, that they don't have to spend money on advertising. They don't even have to spend money on making the place look modern, or flashy. The food speaks for its self! The meats and cheese are so fresh. The rolls are awesome. If you are watching your carb intake, they do make sandwhiches on white, or wheat bread. If you are visiting South Philly get your hoagies from Merlino's. You will not be disappointed. Visit Merlino's Facebook Page:  Melino's Hoagies  

Sampan is an Asian Fusion Restaurant located at 124 S. 13th Street in Center City Philadelphia. They have Happy Hour everyday, they have awesome food and awesome drinks. I absolutely loved the environment.  The food was great. Service was super fast. Our waitress knew the menu items well and gave us some good choices. She was polite and professional.  My husband and I went to Sampan in July. We had a whole spread. Way too much food than we could eat. Everything was delicious. My favorite two dishes were the Kim Chee Fried Rice and the Pekin Duck. I love rice, and the Kim Chee Fried Rice was soooo good. The duck was tender and flavorful.  I will definitely visit Sampan again. We are planning to go back with some friends. I really enjoyed it. Pekin Duck Take a look at Sampan's website to see the menu, photos and hours. Website Screen Shot

The Delaware River Waterfront has always been one of my favorite places to take the children. I've always loved Festival Pier. Any weekend in the summer you can find crowds of people gathered there to enjoy free concerts featuring a variety of artists, from well known celebrities to local up-and-coming artists. Penn's Landing also has a spectacular fireworks display. (Penn's Landing is our side of the water front; named to memorialize William Penn's landing). Penn's Landing is my go to spot when I want to chill, and take the children out at the same time. It's laid back. There's live music, cocktails, a skating rink, boat rides, games, hammocks, food and fountains to cool off in. I enjoy it. There's always something going on their. They have tons of events  in the summer, so check it out.  Swan Boats Penn's Landing Marina, by Neal Santos  Paddle Penn's Landing Program at the Marina, by Matt Stanley.  Yoga on the Race Street

Place of Interest: SEPTA Transit Museum Location: 1234 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. This SEPTA Transit Museum presents the heritage of Philadelphia's transit system. Children can look at display models, transit memorabilia, and photographs. They can also pretend to drive a trolley. This is an actual 1947 trolley, not a replica. It's pretty cool. This is the part my children like the most. When my oldest was little we'd stop here every time we went to Center City, just so she could drive the Trolley.

Place of interest: Christ Church Burial Ground, Historic Christ Church Location : 5th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia Hours : Mon.-Sat. 10am until 4pm, Sunday 1pm until 4pm Benjamin Franklin's last resting place is located in a burial ground belonging to Christ Church. Benjamin Franklin died in 1790, and he was buried with his family in the north west corner of the burial ground. His wife Deborah and their two children are also buried there. The burial grounds were not opened when I went there, which was cool for me. I don't see myself stepping foot into a graveyard. I've never visited anyone's grave. Eventually I'll get over that. Like, maybe if my parents die or something like that. ...I guess.

Located at 15th & Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA. Across the street from City Hall.

The photo above is the Independence Visitor's Center located across the street from the Liberty Bell Center. The Visitor center is located at 6th and Market Streets and they are open 363 days a year from 8:30am to 5pm. The Liberty Bell Center is located on Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets. The photos below begin with the outside of the center. Exhibits outside of the Liberty Bell Center Inside the Center: The Bell was first called the "Liberty Bell" by a group trying to outlaw slavery. In the 1800s, the Liberty Bell traveled around the country to expositions and fairs to help heal the divisions of the Civil War. The actual Bell No one knows what caused the bell to crack. The first bell cracked not long after it arrived in Philadelphia from London. In 1753 a new bell was cast using the metal from the English bell. By 1846 another crack had began to affect the bell's sound. The bell was repaired in 1846 and it was rung for George Washington's birthday cele

This park is home to many squirrels and a great place to walk your dog. But me, I like to come here when I'm in a bad mood. On days like today, I can just sit under a tree and enjoy the breeze. It's serene. Sent from my Cricket mobile device

If you've read my previous blog post about FDR Park in South Philadelphia, then you already know how wonderful this park is. It's a great place for leisure and family fun. The park's playground has recently recieved a serious upgrade! The old playground here: Has been transformed into this super fun playgroud below! My children love, LOVE this new playground. I personally think the old one was fine, and my favorite activity is still, feeding the ducks :) To read my previous blog post click here: FDR Park aka The Lakes