Philly Cheesesteaks at Joe’s
Philadelphia was a bit quieter compared to our busy days in DC. We actually needed some recovery time, so this was a nice break. We stayed at the Timberlane Campground, which was actually in Clarksboro, NJ just across the Delaware River/Ben Franklin Bridge from Philly (only about 10 miles). We had rain the first few days, which worked out fine, so we could get some errand done. Side note: There are A LOT of toll roads in this area. On our drive from DC, we paid $43 for tolls. And, it looks like this is just the beginning for this area.
On our first day, we drove the short few miles back into Delaware to make our bike purchase (no sales tax in DE)! We sold the kayaks a few weeks ago and were holding the proceeds to buy bikes. Very excited and we have already used them every day and look forward to using them throughout the Northeast and the rest of the trip. We also bought a great carrying rack, which hooks onto the rear of the MoHo so we don’t have to worry about them on the car. A perfect solution!
Our new bikes!
Cruising around the park
The next day, the weather finally broke so we headed into Philly for the day. Our first stop was in the Historic Independence District to see the iconic Liberty Bell. It was packed with tour groups so we opted not to wait in the huge line to go inside to take a photo, but rather just looked through the window on the outside and snapped a few pics (see below). Next item on the agenda was to find a Philly Cheesesteak for lunch. We had read about the top 3 original spots to try. We landed at Jim’s and both had the “Cheesesteak Wit” (wit means with onions). This place was awesome and by the time we left there was a line out the door. We walked around a bit taking in the atmosphere of the area, then drove over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and those famous steps. We joined the other tourists and did the classic run up the steps and jumped up and down with our arms in the air (a bit winded) just like Rocky Balboa did. Cheesy, but these are the kind of moments I like!
Our Liberty Bell photo from outside
Liberty Bell from inside (in our opinion not worth 2 hours in line)
The famous steps, Philadelphia Museum of Art
Yo Adrian!
Us on top of the steps!
The last day here, May 30, was our 15th wedding anniversary. We had a relaxing day hanging out at the campground, ran some more errands and enjoyed a delicious dinner at the MoHo of spaghetti, Caesar salad and of course red wine. Perfect! Overall, our time here was pretty low key, which is just what we needed. We are glad we made the stop, but I think a bit of a let down compared to our amazing time in DC. Next up is Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore!
Happy Anniversary to us!
Today is our someday 
Happy anniversary! Continued safe travels!
David Smith CRS, GRI, SRES. Senior Broker, CB Danforth KingCountyAgent.com
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Thanks Dave. We’ll look forward to seeing your new house when we get home!
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Happy Anniversary to yah…we’re next! 🙂
Thanks Eric! Happy early 15th to you and Michelle!
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You are making a Rocky fan very proud!!! Happy Anniversary!
Thanks Beck. I was totally thinking of you! xo
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Happy Anniversary!
I’m thinking we may need to do the peak through the window at the Liberty Bell on our trip, too. We have to get from Dover to Trenton that evening. But I just can’t see not letting my boys get at least a quick peak at it while we’re so close.
I think if you get there early, the line might not be so bad. Definitely a part of history not to be missed!
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Happy Anniversary! Really have enjoyed your blog.
Thanks Dave! Hope all is great with you. Can’t believe we have been out on the road for over a year now!
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Happy Anniversary! Looks like you did some fun things in Philly!
Thanks!
Happy Anniversary !! 15 years. May how time flies! Love you “Anniversary Shirt” Mike. Do I notice some graying at the temples, Miller? Very adult-like.
You blog continues to amaze me. Jan and I did D>C and Philly a few years ago, along with Atlantic City. Too bad the boardwalk got destroyed. Pleas post photo of the boardwalk so I can compare from 1999.
Love you both,
Bob & Jan
Hello again;
I read your D.C. post after the Philly post. D.C. was amazing. I got into the White House but not Da Capital. We were there 4 months before Obama’s swearing in and they would not let in any tours.
You have to make reservations 6 months ahead for the White House tour? Ridiculous! We got right in. Of course that was in 1960 when Eisenhower was still in office.
Thanks Bob! We were disappointed we couldn’t get into the WH but the Capitol tour was great!
Oops. I forgot the main reason for my first reply to D.C. post. Bobby Lee actually died of pneumonia on October 12, 1870, not in battle. He was at Appomattox Courthouse to sign the surrender docs.
You are the third person to point out our incorrect info. Oops! We did get the info from a staff member on site at Arlington though. But I suppose we should know our history better!
I keep remembering things I need to relate. You know us retired farts…brain freeze sometimes. Anyway, I know coach Pat Ruel of the Seahawks. Your Pete Carroll photo reminded me of a story Pat told us last Friday at a PT party for him.
The team was on the bus waiting to enter the white house when the director of football operation was taken off the bus. He was talking to 2 secret service guys for a couple minutes. He asked Pete to get off the bus and for 4 of them talked for a couple minutes, then ask Pat Ruel to get off the bus. The secret service asked Pat if he had been on the 106 websites that had to do with subversion, terrorism, etc. Coach Ruel had been on those sites and said so (Pat is very inquisitive). The secret service said he could not go into the White House. Coach Carroll got upset and said if Pat could not go into the White House he would not go either. The secret service said that was fine, they could both wait on the bus. Coach Ruel protested, saying Pete had to go and he could wait on the bus. Carroll was adamant, and so was the secret service. This went on for a couple minutes, then coach Carroll said to coach Ruel, “you’ve been punked!” Long story short, they all got to go in, but Pete is famous for elaborate gags!
GREAT story! I would believe it though with all of the secret service and security we saw!
Happy Anniversary Millers, hope the Jersey Shore treats you well!! Maybe Miller should try a Pauly D ‘blowout’, Traci you’d look great with a “pouf” 🙂 Have fun! xo Panda
Classic Court! A lot of interesting peeps walking around that’s for sure.
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Happy Anniversary!!! What a great way to celebrate 15 years, a wonderful trip. Best to both of you.
Love,
DeeDee
Thanks Dee Dee!
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