First Philadelphia trip in October (Reading, Franklin Park: for sale, houses, shops)

[1993MeggieD]

I will be going on my very first trip to Philadelphia in October and I want to know some things way ahead of time. I would like to know where are the best gift shops that has key chains, snow globes, building models, and/or some other interesting or weird souvenirs that either has Philadelphia written on it or things that have to do with Philadelphia, I would really appreciate to know of some really good gift shops where I could get most of the souvenirs I mentioned. About Eastern State Penitentiary, when I went on street view on Google maps I did see the entrance where the gates are but I also saw a another door to the right so where you do enter to pay admission and where is the gift shop there? I really would like to know this information so I don't go through the wrong entrance or something. I do plan on eating at Pat's King of Steaks and John's Roast Pork for lunch to eat the iconic Philly cheese steak and I want to know about parking, do I have to parallel park for both places or could I park in the parking lot in that little strip mall near Pat's King of Steaks? Another thing I would like to know is I have heard about this golden bling pretzel on a sidewalk along some row houses, does anybody know where this is or know if I could go see it? I would really appreciate some answers on all these topics. Thank you.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by 1993MeggieD

I will be going on my very first trip to Philadelphia in October and I want to know some things way ahead of time. I would like to know where are the best gift shops that has key chains, snow globes, building models, and/or some other interesting or weird souvenirs that either has Philadelphia written on it or things that have to do with Philadelphia, I would really appreciate to know of some really good gift shops where I could get most of the souvenirs I mentioned. About Eastern State Penitentiary, when I went on street view on Google maps I did see the entrance where the gates are but I also saw a another door to the right so where you do enter to pay admission and where is the gift shop there? I really would like to know this information so I don't go through the wrong entrance or something. I do plan on eating at Pat's King of Steaks and John's Roast Pork for lunch to eat the iconic Philly cheese steak and I want to know about parking, do I have to parallel park for both places or could I park in the parking lot in that little strip mall near Pat's King of Steaks? Another thing I would like to know is I have heard about this golden bling pretzel on a sidewalk along some row houses, does anybody know where this is or know if I could go see it? I would really appreciate some answers on all these topics. Thank you.

Wrt to Eastern SP, the main gate entrance on Fairmount Ave is the only extrance for visitors. You can visit its gift shop, which I think is cool, without paying admission.

Wrt other gift shops that may have many of the items you are looking for, check out the Franklin Inst. It also has a gift shop, on the ground fl, that you can shop in without paying admission. Also the gift shops at the Visitor's Center and Museum of the American Revolution may have some items that you'd like as well.

Only two steak shops I think are okay to drive to and park: John's Roast Pork and Tony Luke's. There's a strip mall directly across the street from John's where you can park. There's an Aldi super market right next to Tony Luke's where you can park. Pat's and Geno's, no, wrt easy parking.

Dunno about the pretzels.

[FrankInPhilly]

Philly has a lot of things that are uniquely Philly, esp'ly WRT history, so KYB01's suggestion (Indep Hall, Mus. of American Rev) are great ideas. Also consider - at 10th and South Sts. paying a visit to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (https://www.phillymagicgardens.org/). "Really, really unique" (and with souvenirs for sale). And if you go there, you can spare yourself the trip to Pat's and go instead to Jim's, just a few blocks east of the Gardens, on South St.

[Patmcpsu]

It's a little out of the way, but I recommend Steve's Prince of Steaks on Bustleton Avenue. It's a little far out of the way, but parking is easy enough. Probably my favorite cheesesteak.

For something within walking distance of the major sights, I recommend the cheesesteak at Mac's Tavern.

Also, don't forget to have a hoagie, especially if you're in Philly during the summer. Dibruno Brothers makes a high end one that's a nice treat, even if it's a few bucks more than the competition.

[eureka1]

Don't forget the Reading Terminal Market! You're going to have a great trip.

[cpomp]

Logan Circle and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway leading to the Art Museum is beautiful, especially in October with the foliage and cooler weather.

[Indiana Tony]

Originally Posted by Patmcpsu

It's a little out of the way, but I recommend Steve's Prince of Steaks on Bustleton Avenue. It's a little far out of the way, but parking is easy enough. Probably my favorite cheesesteak.

For something within walking distance of the major sights, I recommend the cheesesteak at Mac's Tavern.

Also, don't forget to have a hoagie, especially if you're in Philly during the summer. Dibruno Brothers makes a high end one that's a nice treat, even if it's a few bucks more than the competition.

Steve's are the best, but for a tourist Geno's or Pat's would be a better experience.