Orlando City goes on the road for the last time of the 2016 season when they travel north to face Eastern conference foe, Philadelphia Union. So head up north with the guys and embrace the cool weather, we luckily don’t get here in Florida.
The Venue
The Philadelphia Union calls Talen Energy Stadium home, a 18,500 seat soccer-specific stadium located in Chester, Pennsylvania. The stadium stands right next to the Delaware River with views of the Commodore Barry Bridge. The official supporter group for the Philadelphia Union is Sons of Ben, who helped establish the momentum leading to the creation of the Philadelphia Union of MLS.
Thing to do
Citizens Bank Park
Four words: Cheesesteak and Food Fest. If you need more convincing just imagine sampling cheesesteaks, hoagies and roast pork till your pores are seeping with sautéed onion and wash it down with a brewski from the craft beer garden. And for my final selling point, the Philly Phanatic is scheduled to make an appearance.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Universals Halloween Horror Nights has nothing on Terror Behind the Walls. Every year Eastern State Penitentiary, one of the most historic abandoned prisons in the United States, turns into the largest haunted houses in the country. Ghoulish guards patrol the grounds while rabid inmates terrorize visitors during six horrifying experiences hosted in the historic cellblocks: Lock Down, Infirmary, Detritus, Break Out, Machine Shop and Quarantine (in 4D).
Blocktoberfest
Taking over four blocks between Broad and 18th streets from noon to 9 p.m. The celebration features a wide selection of craft beer from around the country, delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks, live music and entertainment and family-friendly activities. Beer proceeds from the neighborhood event are reinvested into community schools, projects and area organizations.
Bars and Restaurants
PYT
If you like burgers and shakes this is the place for you. Known for their crazy burgers like The Pickleback (beef patty, applewood bacon, pepper jack, jameson whiskey glaze & fried pickles) or the Lobster and Crab (Lobster & crab patty, chopped tomato, sliced cucumber, red onions & citrus aioli) once you’re done with those find solace in an adult milkshake like Drunk Brown Cow or Peanut Butter Bacon Time.
Bob and Barbara’s
Drinking doesn’t get more down-home Philly than The Special (also known as the Citywide Special) at South Street Institution Bob and Barbara’s. It’s a shot of Jim Beam and a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon for a mere $3.50, or $3 during happy hour.
Little Baby’s Ice Cream
With a quirky flair for promotion and even quirkier flavors, Little Baby’s Ice Cream has quickly made a name for itself in the city’s frozen sweets scene, and flavors like the Earl Gray Sriracha and chocolate salt malt are worth a trip to Kensington or Cedar Park (or flagging down one of the shop’s mobile tricycles).
Ralph’s Italian Restaurant
As the story goes, Ralph's originally opened in 1900 at Ninth and Montrose, after which the Dispigno family made the short move into their current location in 1915. And it remains in the family to this day, serving red-gravy Italian-American staples that are the signature and backbone of the Italian Market neighborhood Ralph's sits atop like a crown.
