The Philadelphia Reading Terminal Market has been apart of the city of Philadelphia's history for quite some time now. It's a tourist attraction to people who visit from all over the world, as well as a staple for shopping to many of Philadelphia's residents.
In the early 1990's, the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority was founded and acquired the notion to transform the original Reading Terminal (originally used as a market since 1860) into something spectacular &mdash the final result was the present day Reading Terminal Market.
Many of the historic Market stands survived the reconstruction and are once again filled with local produce, fresh eggs, milk, meats, poultry, seafood, handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing. The Market is home to more than 80 merchants, two of whom are descendants of the original standholders from a century before.
My personal favorite aspect of the market is Iovine Brothers Produce (pictured 1-3). You can find the freshest produce you could imagine and for amazing prices. It was a staple shopping destination while I was in college &mdash two large bags filled to the brim with fresh produce for under $20, I couldn't resist. The atmosphere is one that takes getting used to; I had never gotten elbowed while reaching for kale before!
There are several fish, poultry and meat counters with items ranging from wild shrimp to croaker to veal and rabbit &mdash all fresh and butchered for you (or not, if you prefer to do it yourself.)
I settled down for some lunch after walking around the market and feasted on a Flank Steak sandwich from Mezze. The sandwich was tender flank steak with blue cheese dressing, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, spinach leaves and sun dried tomato pesto.
When visiting the Reading Terminal Market, make sure you take time to sample food from the local markets!
Related:: Hollywood Farmers' Market: A Bright Spot in Winter
(Images: Kristen Lubbe)
5 Things Paris Taught Me About Travel
Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Bacsac Bacsquare 04...
Apartment Therapy's Sofa Shopping Guide
Nikki’s Sweet and Cheery Print Studio
My husband and I went to RTM last fall, on our way back to Boston from North Carolina. We LOVED this market and spent several hours in there. It is a must for people who are foodies. The only thing that I found unfortunate is that we were there on a Monday, and none of the Amish purveyors were there that day-but everyone needs a day off. We will definitely go back! Be sure to bring a cooler!!!!
One of my favorite places to go! I hardly ever get to as I am in Pittsburgh though. I think that my favorite spot is the one Amish stand that has the fabulous mustard potato salad. I could just stand there and eat their entire amount they brought for the day! i also love the crepe stand, and the spice market, and the produce stands, the sell by the pound cookie stand, wine shop... Too bad they don't rent rooms above!!!
How funny - I was just there this afternoon! Picked up some chai tea cupcakes at http://www.flyingmonkeyphilly.com/ and lunch to go - roast pork, sharp provolone and broccoli rabe from DiNic's (the true winner of the cheesesteak wars).
I spent four days in Philly in November, and I fell in love with that place. I ate all three meals there each day, and came home with a trunk full of goodies. I'd probably drive the hour it takes me to get to Philly, just to go there. :-)
YAY a Philly post! RTM is the most wonderful, insane place on earth. One of the best things about Jury Duty is the discount you can get with your Juror badge, at many of the vendors. The original Basset's ice cream location is there as well. Eat yourself silly, then browse a while at the cook book stall :)
I'm SOOOO happy to see this!!! I love RTM. Basset's is one of my number one favorite places in the city, and the cannoli place in there is hard to beat.
that steak sandwich looks divine!! i can't wait to go!
I try to bring all our out-of-town guests to RTM - its one of my favorite places in Philly. I try to leave work by 5 once or twice a week so I can stop by on my way home to pick up fresh ingredients for dinner.
I love RTM. It's always on my list of places to bring people who have never been to Philly before, and it is the most perfect lunch spot because of all the variety. 4th street Cookies are always a must have, as are the Pennsylvania Dutch bakeries (they only come in Wednesday-Saturday).
The best soft pretzels are at the Reading Terminal. I can't remember the name of the booth, but they pull them right out of the oven, butter them and sell them hot! YUM!