John’s three lacrosse games took us until well after lunch so we used our first night in the city to relax and have a great dinner!
Philadelphia Adventure
Days 1-2: Dalessandro’s Steaks, Lacrosse, Valley Forge, Founding Farmers, King of Prussia Mall
Day 3: Kimpton Monaco Philadelphia Hotel, Ralph’s Italian Restaurant
Day 4: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, National Constitution Center, Reading Terminal Market, Eastern State Penitentiary, City Tavern
Day 5: Museum of the American Revolution, High Street on Market, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley
Kimpton Monaco Philadelphia Hotel
I chose the Kimpton Monaco Philadelphia Hotel in for our two nights in the Old City. Generally speaking, I like Kimpton hotels – they are quirky, friendly and have nice room options at a decent price. I always look for hotels near the attractions we want to visit and prefer those in a historic building. The Kimpton Monaco exceeded all of our expectations! We were steps from the historic attractions and dining, and our room overlooked the Signer Statue and Independence Hall. It could not have been more perfect.
The lobby was funky and fun and was a gathering place for the guests. I enjoyed my complimentary morning coffee here, and Honey and I came down for the 5PM free wine (and Shirley Temple) hour both nights.
We had a king suite and tons of room! The door opened into the living space with a sleeper sofa for the boys, TV and closet. The bedroom was spacious and extremely comfortable.
I’d love to assist in booking your Philadelphia hotel! While we absolutely loved the Kimpton, I also have access to these luxury hotels with exclusive benefits you can’t get on your own at the best available rate:
My clients are always surprised when it doesn’t cost them any more than they were already paying to get things like free breakfasts, resort credits and more! Always feel free to send me an email to learn more: [email protected]
Ralph’s Italian Restaurant
We knew the second we walked in to the tiny, charming, deliciously smelling Ralph’s Italian Restaurant that we were in for a treat. Ralph’s is the oldest Italian restaurant in the USA, and the oldest family run restaurant in the USA!!
After relocating to South Philly, Francesco recognized his booming neighborhood was perfect for a small restaurant. He gathered all his savings and rented a building at 901 Montrose Street in South Philadelphia where they opened Ralph’s Italian Restaurant in 1900.
For the next decade, the restaurant saw continued success. They eventually outgrew their location, so Francesco and Catherine purchased a boarding house on South 9th Street in Philadelphia where the reputation of Ralph’s Italian Restaurant would continue to exceed expectations.
Ralph’s has withstood the test of time, having survived the Great Depression, prohibition, two World Wars and 19 American Presidents.
We started with the meatballs, dined on chicken parm and veal parm, and ended with cannoli. Everything was absolutely fantastic!!!
Ralph’s is so small that there is one center aisle straight from the door and then one to two tables deep off of that. Funny enough, we met a dad and daughter from Atlanta that know some friend’s of ours. They travel to Philly 4-6 times a year and said Ralph’s is their “must-eat”.
We hit the historic attractions hard tomorrow!! Hope you will follow along!
Everything Philadelphia | Our Travels
As a Virtuoso affiliated travel adviser, I have global connections with the best hotels, cruise lines, airlines and tour companies, and I secure exclusive amenities for my luxury clients. I have recently refocused my travel business primarily on Disney destinations, but am always happy to book and consult on destinations I have personally visited, as well as other Virtuoso resorts and all major cruise lines. Contact me to learn more and start designing your dream vacation today!
[email protected]
Learn More About My Services
Consultation Request
DIXIE DELIGHTS DELIVERED
We are from the Philly area and Ralph’s is our FAVORITE! Next time you must try the Chicken Sorrento! Amazing!
Ralph’s is a family favorite in my house:)