Thursday, March 17, 2011

National Museum of American Jewish History

The construction of the new National Museum of American Jewish History was completed at the end of 2010 and the building is an architectural masterpiece.  Located on the opposite corner of the Independence National Historical Park Visitor's Center, this building stands out from the rest of Old City.


Once inside, the museum has an ultra modern feel.  You should start at the 4th floor and work your way back to the ground floor to experience the museum in chronological order.

The actual exhibits concentrate on the history of Jewish people's immigration to America, their contributions to this country, as well as the effects of America on Jewish people around the world.  For anyone with a thorough interest in American history, this museum will provide you a unique point of view of this country's history.

In addition, various special programs happen at the museum throughout the year and they can be found at their website at www.nmajh.org.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Campo's - The Worst Cheesesteak of Philly

I've lived in the Philly area now for about 10 years.  In that time, I've eaten a LOT of cheesesteaks from various places in the city and the suburbs.  Some have been amazing, some have been eh.  However, eating at Campo's this past weekend set a new standard for bad.  In my entire life, I never ate such a disgusting cheesesteak.

We ate at the location in Old City at 214 Market Street.  As soon as I bit into the first bite, I could just tell this was not going to be a good meal.  The meat was very tough and chewy.  When you think of a dog trying to rip apart a piece of raw meat, that is what chewing this cheesesteak was like.  After a few bites, I just couldn't eat anymore.

There are places to get cheesesteaks practically everywhere in Philly and the surrounding area.  For any locals or visitors to the area, do yourself a favor and go elsewhere.  In the city, I'd recommend Jim's or Jon's on South Street.  In the suburbs, I find Pudge's to be the best.   Anywhere though is better than Campo's.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Review of Acela Express Service from Philadelphia to New York

Why drive when there are so many other options available to travelers today? Amtrak’s Acela Express between Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and New York’s Penn Station takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and, parking at 30th Street Station is much less expensive than parking in Manhattan.

There is plenty of seating at 30th Street Station and the attendants and customer service representatives are very helpful. The station boards are very easy to read and updated often.

Once you board the train, there are overhead compartments for luggage, plenty of legroom and very comfortable seats. The trains also have a café car that offers drinks - both alcoholic and non - sandwiches and snacks, a first class car, and immediately in front of the first class car a quiet car that does not allow phone calls or loud talking (perfect for sleeping, napping, working, or relaxing on the trip). The trains also offer free wi-fi to all passengers and outlets at every seat, making it perfect for business travelers (or bloggers).

At Penn Station, the Acela Express passengers have a special waiting area with benches and wifi, however, it is further away from the station board; so if your arriving close to the time of your train, you may not get a chance to enjoy this service.

Acela Express travels between Boston and Washington, DC, making stops in New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

There is also an Amtrak Guest Rewards program, where you can earn 500 points for each round trip ticket bought on Acela Express, and free travel on the guest rewards program begins at 1,000 Guest Rewards programs.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Fun and Delicious Sweets Found at Philly Cupcake


In a small corner storefront on Chestnut Street is one of Philadelphia’s brightest, most delicious and inventive food stops. Philly Cupcake offers a variety of cupcakes, including classic cupcakes like chocolate cake with buttercream icing and red velvet with cream cheese icing. They also make fancy cupcakes that are as unique as the shop itself.

We tried Twix Dream and The Massacre, both of which were delicious and beautiful. Twix Dream comes in either chocolate and vanilla cupcake with Twix chunks (yum) and caramel buttercream icing (double yum).


The Massacre is a very moist chocolate cupcake with peanut butter buttercream frosting and topped with Reese’s cups and crumbled Reese’s on top. If you are a peanut butter lover, this one is definitely for you.


With so much attention paid to these delicious personal sized cakes, how better to display them then as beautiful pieces of art in china cabinets lined on one side of the shop. A baker will help you choose a cupcake and wrap it up for you. You can even ask questions and ask for their favorite.

Besides their delicious cupcakes, the shop is quaintly decorated with a counter that is a bureau painted pink, a large chandelier hangs from the ceiling and cupcakes line the walls. From outside the building, as you walk down 12th Street in Philadelphia, you can watch as the bakers mix, ice, decorate and bake new cupcakes. As with the rest of the shop, the kitchens are decorated brightly.

However, words cannot describe the energy and brightness in the store. You almost have to see it for yourself.

Philly Cupcake is located at 1132 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. They are cash only. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter for more information and photos.