Beautiful Fall Day with Mom

It all started on a beautiful, crisp fall day in October. Mom drove back to Philly with me after two days of work at home. We started our day with a walk through my beautiful neighborhood heading towards some midtown shopping and dining.

 I can't believe this is where I live. Mom was talking about this as we walked by the Old Pennsylvania Hospital. I will probably always think of this conversation when I walk this block. "Hilary this is a time that you will look back on fondly...". Of course, she's right. When is Mom ever wrong?

We then hit up some shopping in Midtown Village and continued to Rittenhouse for lunch. I was having a difficult time finding something fancy and good enough for Mom but also low key enough for lunch. We decided on Rouge, a fancy place on Rittenhouse Square. How can you go wrong with velvet lined walls? The menu was a bit overwhelming (both prices and choices) so we decided to split a burger and fries (this French restaurant is actually known for this). Yum! Best burger I've had in a long time. Made a note to self to go back and treat myself to a fancy drink at the round marble bar.

Next stop Anthropologie. I went along with Mom so she could exchange her birthday present but ended up buying two things for myself - they were on sale! When were done drooling over every adorable item there, we started towards City Hall. After walking a few blocks we both shouted "BROWN BETTY"! Luckily I remembered the one inside Liberty Place Mall, so we headed over to Chestnut.

They have the cutest names for their cupcakes...Mom chose "Hattie Don't Play" and I decided on a "Sing Little Alice". I think we both felt a little rushed in this petite bakery, because an enormous line formed behind us quickly.

After our stop for dessert, we were back on our way to City Hall, afterall, this was the reason for Mom's visit. There was art work by prisoners on display until the end of the month. Mom has a new found interest in the prison system and really felt connected to the works. I, on the other hand, am not the biggest fan of browsing art (something to do with a lack of attention span) but was definitely interested in reading the personal stories that went along with various pieces.

It was also a unique experience to see City Hall, my first visit inside. It is a spectacularly beautiful old building, right in the heart of the city. But as we walked through the hallways (where the art was on display), I realized it wasn't as charming inside as I had pictured. We passed by the marriage license office and I felt a wave of depression thinking this might be the place I come to celebrate that special occasion. Nothing about the inside of this place felt special. Suddenly it didn't feel as romantic as Big and Carrie getting hitched in City Hall in NYC. Mom tried to convince me otherwise but I decided that must be the difference between reality and fantasy.

The stairwells are gorgeous, why can't the rest of the building be too?

Next on our list: Reading Terminal Market. We decided to stop here to eat our cupcakes on the way to drop Mom off at the bus station. This place is amazing, every time I go I wonder why I don't make the trip more often. There is something for everyone. Any kind of prepared food you can imagine, fresh produce,  decorations, herbs, flowers, coffee, and more. I promise to post an entire blog just on Reading Terminal, there's too much to tell you about now.

 

Mom and I found a quiet place, near another cupcakery, to sit and enjoy some Brown Betty. We both dug in, and enjoyed hers more than mine. But how can you screw up double chocolate?

Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye. I walked Mom to the bus station, wished her a safe ride home and walked back to my apartment, feeling very appreciative of my time here in Philly. And after a long, fun-filled day, I was ready settle in with Riley.