Adventures in Philadelphia: Reading Terminal Market
This entry begins a series I’m calling “Adventures in Philadelphia”. As we explore the “City of Brotherly Love”, I’ll be sharing our adventures (and mis-adventures) along with tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way. First up? The famous Reading Terminal Market.
The outside is currently receiving a “face lift” but the market remains open for business.
This historic former railroad terminal houses dozens of food, produce and specialty vendors. Walking in, I was immediately amazed not only by the kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, but by the amount of people navigating through its endless maze of aisles. I have to be honest, I was overwhelmed the first time we visited. We knew we wanted to look around and grab some lunch, but with so many food stalls it was hard to make a decision. So many tasty options!
These days we stop by pretty often to grab food to-go (although there are several dedicated eating areas, and many stalls have their own small counters people can sit at) when visiting other places around Philadelphia (like the Zoo).
One of several meat stalls.
Such a lovely variety of flowers and bouquets!
Here’s what I recommend to the first time visitor. Don’t go if you’re in a hurry. Unless you’re really familiar with the layout of the market, you know the best times to go or which specific food/produce/specialty stall you want, it may take you a while navigate the massive space. I suggest making a lap around the outer most aisles of the market, then zigzagging through the inner aisles. Even then, it’ll probably take you a few trips to really notice and appreciate the huge amount of products available.
The seafood offered at several of the stalls, always looks so fresh!
Just one of the countless vendors offering tasty sweets!
The next thing I recommend is to park in the parking garage right across from the market, on 12th street. It’s only four dollars for two hours, as long as you spend ten dollars (at the market) and have your parking ticket validated (which any of the vendors can do). As far as parking garages go, it’s really pretty good. No random columns (you know the ones I’m talking about!), one way traffic, plenty of parking spaces and literally feet from the market.
The entrance to the garage on 12th Street, right across from the market.
The view of the market from the parking garage.
Don’t forget to get your parking ticket validated! Feed your validated ticket into this machine, and you only pay $4 for two hours. Such a great deal!
Last, but certainly not least, when visiting with children, I always suggest trying to avoid bringing a stroller. Trust me. Wear your baby/toddler. Maintain a death grip on your older child’s hand. Remember how I mentioned the overwhelming the amount of people? I wasn’t kidding. I can’t tell you the amount of parents (with their massive strollers) who have stopped me to tell me that wearing my toddler was a great idea and to ask what carrier it is (it’s a Navigator print Tula carrier, in case you’re wondering). The aisles can get super crowded and trying to maneuver a big ol’ stroller through them can test even a saint’s patience…and earn you some unwelcome looks/comments.
It can get so crowded!
Friends don’t let friends bring huge strollers during busy times at the market.
Since we’re on the topic of children, and having mentioned how crowded the market can be, do I recommend bringing kids? You bet I do. My six year old ADORES Reading Terminal Market. There is so much for him to see, taste and discover. He loves to explore the aisles. He’s been so many times, he can probably lead tours. The first time he led us to his favorite food stall (all by himself) he was so proud. And so were we…that place is a maze! Our toddler, without fail, gets loved on by no less than three darling grandmother types, every visit. They just love those curls!
My favorite thing about the market and why I love taking my boys? The diversity. Not just in the food and other products, but the people. Well-to-do eat lunch next to the homeless. You see business people, tourists, families and college kids. You walk by people speaking tons of different languages, representing many different races and cultures. I want my children to see that. I want them to experience, love and appreciate it. It’s important.
Reading Terminal Market is always on top of the list when we recommend places to visit in Philadelphia. The food alone, keeps us coming back again and again. This post not only serves as the first in my “Adventures in Philadelphia” series, but as the introduction to my upcoming series that focuses on our favorite food finds in the market, “Tasty Travels RTM”. For more information, including directions, hours and upcoming events, you can visit the market’s website here.
If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below. Don’t forget, you can also find us on Facebook (Pearls and Pinecones), Instagram (pearlsandpinecones) and Twitter (PearlsPinecones). As always friends, thank you for reading! ? ~Lyssa
