Where in Philly gets you all happy inside? Today Erin shares her love for Reading Terminal Market:

Reading Terminal Market is the place to be.

Ever since I’ve moved to Philly, I try to hit up my obsession, Reading Terminal, as often as possible. Attracting an average of 120,000 visitors per week, this fantastic market is not only filled with a plethora of local food options, but in an accessible location.

The history of the market is fascinating. Did you know that the Reading Terminal Market dates back to 1680? It didn’t look the same – instead, there were a bunch of informal markets around the vortex of Market Street. It became more formal in 1693 and had a pretty good run until 1971 when Reading Company declared bankruptcy. Luckily, the revival of the market sparked during investments for seasonal foods and impromptu piano concerts in the 1980s into what we currently enjoy today.

Need any more reasons to hit up this Philly favorite?

Here are 4 reasons that Reading Terminal Market rocks:

1. The fresh food market. As a college student, it’s nice to get off campus and away from the dining hall to grab locally grow fruits and veggies. Plus, the selection for affordable meals appears endless.
2. It tastes like home. Missing homemade meals? With all of the different food options and vendors, you’re bound to find a meal that brings you right back to your grandma’s kitchen.
3. Expand your taste bud horizons. I have tried several new foods that I wouldn’t have otherwise if I didn’t go to Reading Terminal Market. The gyros are my personal favorite. But be forewarned of the endless options: I’ve lived in Philly for a year now and I still find new noms to try.
4. Unbelievable cultural diversity. Although Philadelphia has a diverse food scene, where can you get such a variety of different cultures in one place besides the Reading Terminal Market? Try a range of ethnic groceries and restaurants including Middle Eastern, Greek, Italian, French, and American.

Mark your calendars to visit Reading Terminal Market in the summer: on July 19^th the Sidewalk Sizzle will have with grilling and Ice Cream, and Pennsylvania Dutch Festival on August 7-9^th.

Readers, what do you love about Reading Terminal?

array(3) {
  [0]=>
  object(WP_Term)#9190 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(1695)
    ["name"]=>
    string(8) "locavore"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(8) "locavore"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(1705)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(26)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [1]=>
  object(WP_Term)#9191 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(637)
    ["name"]=>
    string(23) "Reading Terminal Market"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(23) "reading-terminal-market"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(640)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(6)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [2]=>
  object(WP_Term)#9188 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(1342)
    ["name"]=>
    string(11) "restaurants"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(11) "restaurants"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(1352)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(16)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
}

View all posts by Erin Cooper