Yesterday, my best friend Lynn texted me, inviting me for a train ride to Philly to visit the Christmas village, followed by brunch at The Continental Mid-town. How could I resist? We boarded the Patco train at Haddonfield station, ridepatco.org where a round trip from Lindenwold, NJ (if you reside there) to 16th & Locust St. in Philadelphia costs $5.20. Our first destination was JFK Plaza (Love Park), located on Arch St., or at 1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia. www.phila.gov During the holidays, this 2-acre park, opposite City Hall, becomes a German-style Christmas village, offering handcrafted items and brick-and-mortar shops for holiday shopping. And if you're in the mood for food and drinks They have Bratwurst with sauerkraut, soft pretzels, hot dogs, and sweet treats. As for drinks, you can have adult beverages at a beer garden spiked hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream also you can purchase holiday mugs that you can keep. In the center of the park, they have live holiday music for the entire family. The Next stop is Dilworth Park located at 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia centercityphila.org By City Hall, there is a modern urban park featuring a splash fountain during the summer, cafes, and seasonal events such as outdoor movies. During the summer, the park offers a roller-skating rink, while in the winter, it transforms into an ice-skating rink with refreshments and a beautiful cabin where visitors can warm up and enjoy time with family and friends. Additionally, the Greenfield Lawn hosts a festive Wintergarden through March. During December, The Made Philadelphia Holiday Market through January 1st, except on Christmas Day from 12 to 8pm Sunday through Thursday, and staying open late 9pm on Friday and Saturday. There is no better place to experience the magic of Christmas than Dilworth Park, where you can walk around and shop for arts and crafts at the Holiday Market. You can also bring your kids to enjoy fun rides like a giant Ferris wheel and a huge carousel in the center of City Hall. For smaller children, there is a kiddie train that can take them to Santa Claus. Check out the huge Christmas tree sponsored by 6abc in Philadelphia.
Christmas Village at Love Park.
Dilworth Park Made in America Christmas Village.
After visiting the charming shops at the Christmas villages, we dined at the most retro restaurant in Philadelphia where the food was excellent! I'm talking about The Continental Mid-town located at 1801 Chestnut St. continentalmidtown.com The atmosphere evokes the 1960 with swinging basket chairs, an airy patio completed with a fireplace, and restrooms that resemble a police interrogation room featuring-one-way mirrors in both the men's and women's facilities.
The menu is exquisite. We had appetizers such as cheesesteak eggrolls and French onion soup dumplings. For entrees, Lynn and I Korean Chicken with kimchi slaw and pickled cucumber. For drinks, Lynn had a Bloody Mary, and I had a peach mimosa (delicious). We both had espresso martinis and I'm telling you it was amazing.
Additionally, there's another Continental restaurant that is permanently closed at 138 Market, Old City location. Just a heads up.
After that, we headed back to the train station and headed back to the Jersey side at a unique restaurant called Reunion Hall located at 206 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township, NJ
reunionhallnj.com. Reunion Hall boasts a 5-square-foot interior and a 4,000-square-foot exterior space, featuring both indoor and outdoor dining paired with two unique bar sections. Offer 56 different craft beers on tap from local breweries, along with cocktail and wine lists. Additionally, there are three distinct restaurants with diverse menu options, ranging from Philly cheesesteaks to vegan menus, to satisfy various cravings. We had the most enjoyable Girls' Day trip ever. Lynn remarked, "We're the fun ones." And she's right π.
cheesesteak tacos and buffalo chicken dip
Our adventure for today has come to an end, but where my journeys will take me next, only time will tell. Before I bid farewell, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Love one another and remain kind to all, no matter the circumstances. We can all find common ground with each other. And as always, like, follow, and spread the word.
Have fun and travel safe,
JerzyP π΄π»πΈππ
π€Άπ