The City of Brotherly Love

Need an excuse for a trip?? Just have your husband enter medical school! Between interviews, rotations, and boards, you'll have MORE than enough opportunities to turn necessary school expenses into fun-filled adventures! Such was the case this last weekend when Brett had to fly to Philadelphia to take his COMLEX Clinical Boards. We decided since he was already paying for a hotel and car rental, I might as well tag along for the ride. We had so much fun in Philly and were even able to spend a day in the Nation's Capital (a 2 hour drive from Philadelphia).

Highlights: the absolutely gorgeous, amazingly green landscape/trying a 100% authentic Philly cheesesteak/discovering Reading Terminal Market (a DEFINITE must for anyone visiting Philly)/shopping for counterfeit merchandise on South Street and legal items at the King of Prussia Mall (the largest mall on the East Coast!)/looking up in awe at 20 ft. tall Honest Abe

Brett shows off Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

The Liberty Bell

Reading Terminal Market is an indoor farmer's market where hundreds of different merchants offer fresh produce, meats, flowers, baked goods, and crafts. Several of the spaces are run by the Amish. We had such a fun time looking at (and tasting) all the unique products.

Philadelphia is full of amazing art work including Robert Indiana's famous LOVE sculpture. We took a break from all our walking to enjoy them.

Franklin Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

We visited the famed intersection of 9th and Passyunk where the biggest debate of mankind is based...Pat's or Geno's???!!! We tried a cheesesteak from each and decided we preferred Geno's. To each their own!


Our hotel was right next to Valley Forge, the camp site of the American Continental Army during the winter of the Revolutionary War. The 3,500 acre national park is absolutely beautiful.

Brett in front of George Washington's headquarters during the encampment at Valley Forge. We were actually able to walk thru the restored home.


Could the east coast be more beautiful? This is what all the freeways look like! You would think you were out in the middle of nowhere.


Washington D.C.

The Lincoln Memorial was absolutely amazing. I was so stunned by the statue's reverence and beauty.

The Washington Monument

Brett makes a friend in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Yuck!

National WWII Memorial

Unfortunately, when we arrived at the White House there was an event going on on the East Lawn, so security would not allow us to get very close to the building.

U.S. Capitol Building


We had such a blast visiting Philadelphia and Washington D.C.! Now all we need to make the trip a complete success, is the news that Brett passed his test (the whole reason for the trip!). We're still waiting for the results, so keep your fingers crossed! :)