Wiz Wit: A New Mom’s Guide to Philly

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway for you and the family? We’ve got two words for you: Brotherly Love.  We caught up with new mom Leslie, the blogger behind And Her Little Dog Too, for a few insider tips on what to see and do on a family-friendly (or kid-free) weekend visit to the great city of Philadelphia.

Amtrak: Philly is a foodie city. What are your favorite family-friendly restaurants? What is at the top of the list if you and your husband are looking for a date night destination? And it has to be asked, where do families head for the most authentic cheesesteak experience and with or without wiz?
Leslie: Tough question! There are so many amazing restaurants in the Philadelphia area – hard to choose a favorite! Since Brooks is still so young {8 months old!} and he has a set bedtime {7pm!} when we are out for dinner with our little one, we head out early and like to take advantage of the awesome happy hour options that come along with going to dinner at 5pm! We live in the Fairmount area of Philadelphia & there are so many amazing restaurants in the area, with lots of space for strollers or high chairs, which is a must-have for going out to eat with the little one! A few of our favorite Fairmount restaurants include: La Calaca Feliz, Rembrandt’s, Fare and Trio.

When my husband and I are looking for a date-night destination {and we have a sitter!} we try really hard to venture outside our neighborhood & try new places. We like to enjoy restaurants with fresh takes on classic meals – local and seasonal eats are always at the top of our list! And we love a good cocktail and wine list as well. We recently had an amazing meal at Alma de Cuba – the food was incredible! I am dying to go back, but at the same time, it’s hard to repeat restaurants when there is such a large list of new ones we have to try!

Ah! The classic cheesesteak debate! When I have friends or family in town that want the real deal philly cheesesteak, or if my husband and I want our own cheesesteak fix – we always make a special trip down to South Philly & hit up Pats AND Geno’s! One of us get’s one from each place, we spilt in half and share. Because both are equally amazing in their own way. And to answer the rest of your questions -> Wiz Wit.

Are there any insider tips you can provide for families traveling to Philly with young children? How about hot spots that parents and kids will both enjoy?
I am in the process of exploring my own city through a whole new viewpoint now that I have a little one, and even more so now that Brooks is mobile and more interactive – which is tons of fun! There are lots of hot spots in the city – so many great options for kids of all ages and parents too! A few of our favorites include: Sister Cities {Splash} Park – which is free & open during the Spring/Summer on warm days, the Philadelphia Zoo and Smith Playground – which has a pretty killer wooden slide parents and older kids will love!

What about must-do activities for couples enjoying a kid-free getaway in Philly?
If you are enjoying a kids-free weekend with your significant other I would suggest enjoying a stroll around Rittenhouse Square – on a beautiful day it’s great to sit and people watch, plus there is always something happening there on the weekends. Old City also has some great cobblestone streets & fun restaurants and shops to pop in. I would totally suggest a restaurant with some great drinks and even better views of the city – like R2L or Nineteen – both great spots to soak in the city on a clear night. And you must take a trip over to the Reading Terminal Market for everything from produce, eats, drinks, desserts and wine tasting! Other fun activities for adults include -> for those seeking a thrill –  a trip up the Philadelphia Zoo Balloon, for those wanting to relax & unwide,  a pre-prohibition themed cocktail at The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. or Ranstead Room, and for those that want to enjoy a beautiful day outside, a stroll along Kelly Drive and lunch at The Waterworks.

Everyone’s heard of the Historic Mile in Philadelphia but is there a neighborhood that reflects the heart of the City of Brotherly Love?
I am so partial to my little corner of the city in Fairmount. We have tons of great restaurants, bars, shops and a great little community – not to mention all the parks and green space!

Don’t forget if you book your ticket on the Northeast Regional 14 days in advance you can save 25% or more.  So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Philly so you and the family can decide for yourselves: Pats OR Geno’s!