We have collectively made it through January, which means we're one month of 2016 down and Feb Club's in full bloom. If you're not a senior, you might not know about this month–long festival of events and deals that Class Board puts on every year. If you are a senior, you're probably trying to figure out which events (if not all) to go to. No matter who you are, you need to make Reading Terminal Market (on the 6th) a priority.
Brief history lesson: There have been markets in Philly since the early 1600s, mostly by the waterfront. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company bought the land to use as a terminal but the merchants below refused to move. Reading Terminal Market opened its doors in 1892 and has been around ever since. It has over 75 different shops, including a significant amount of Amish–owned stores. Because it can get overwhelming really quickly, we've put together a visual guide of the places you can't miss.
Bassett's Ice Cream
Mr. Bassett, the founder of America's oldest ice cream chain, started churning ice cream in 1861 and started selling it in Reading Terminal Market since it opened. Make sure you try the Guatemalan Ripple, a coffee base with a mocha–fudge ripple with mini coffee filled chocolates.
Beiler's Bakery and Donuts
Owned by an Amish–raised farmer and mostly staffed by Amish women, Beiler's donuts, fritters and cinnamon rolls will make you drool like no other. **Feb club alert: 50 cent deal!!!!** That's right, for less than it costs to do one round of laundry, you can get a maple bacon fried circle of dough!
DiNic's
A fourth–generation, family–run pork and beef shop, DiNic's has been going strong at Reading Terminal Market since 1980. Their famous roast pork sandwich with provolone and broccoli rabe was named the best sandwich in America, so make sure you hit that up.
The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company
Fuck Insomnia and Levain. These Famous 4th Street Cookie Company cookies will have you dreaming about them for years after you graduate. While the classic chocolate chip will satisfy your every need, you should get the snickerdoodle for a well–rounded meal.
Flying Monkey Bakery
A newbie to the Reading Terminal scene, Flying Monkey's baked goods and fluffy whoopie pies only add to the diversity of magnificent ways you can overload on sugar.
Hatville Deli
If you're in the mood for cold cuts (idk sometimes some sliced turkey really does the trick), Hatville is worth a stop. Fresh outta Lancaster County, you've got to admit this deli meat kinda looks like flowers.
Hershel's East Side Deli
Craving some classic Jewish deli choices? Head over to Hershel's to see what all the fuss is about and get some latkes with your pastrami. Named after the owner's uncle (who saved his father during the Holocaust), Hershel's carries on a family legacy in the best way possible.
Hunger Burger
Ever wanted to do good and eat a burger simultaneously? At Hunger Burger, your dreams become reality. For every burger sold, the equivalent of one meal will be donated to help feed children from Philadelphia to El Salvador.
Mueller Chocolate Co.
The best damn non–pareils and anatomically correct chocolate hearts you'll find in Philly are right here at Reading Terminal Market.
Old City Coffee
When that food coma starts to kick in, head on over to Old City Coffee. The Arabican coffee beans are freshly roasted right at Reading Terminal and will give you the caffeine kick you so desperately need to make it through the rest of your feast.
Salumeria
As if we'd leave you without an international cheese shop to visit. You'll have more cheese choices than you'll know what to do with, but if that's your worst problem, you're having a pretty good day.
Termini Brothers Bakery
This third–generation family business began in the 1920s when two brothers from Italy opened a bakery shop in South Philly. If you've ever had any desire for a cannoli, the second you see Termini Brothers is your time to act.
Valley Shepherd Creamery & Meltkraft Grilled Cheese
If you haven't been hiding under a rock, you've probably seen these incredible grilled cheeses and teared up a little. The aged and fresh local cheese is the star of the show, but the chips on the side ain't bad either.
Wursthaus Schmitz
A branch–off from the beer hall and restaurant Brauhaus Schmitz, this place has your OG German food down pat. Mmmmm bratwursts.
