Philadelphians are a diverse group of people, but we've got a lot in common, too. We've all grown up around the same culture and the same landmarks, and we really know our city inside and out. Whenever we find ourselves away from home, there are certain things that will make us think of Philadelphia and always remind us how good we have it in our home city.
1. Soft Pretzels
Even greasy Auntie Anne's pretzels remind us of home, though nothing is as delicious as a fresh Philly pretzel.
2. Roast Pork Sandwiches
From DiNic's to John's Roast Pork, a good roast pork sandwich with provolone might be the second most famous Philly sandwich. Finding a good one outside of the city will certainly make you feel at home.
3. Christmas Lights
Philadelphia is a city that takes their Christmas lights seriously! We love driving past Boathouse Row or driving through the Miracle on 13th Street lights.
4. Pizza
It's hard to find pizza that's decent when you're not in the tri-state area, but even the lousy slices will remind you of home.
5. Old Fashioned Bakeries
We're all about our small bakeries in Philadelphia! If you can find a good tray of cannoli or some sweet Italian cookies anywhere else, you'll feel like you've transported back to Philadelphia.
6. Cheesesteaks
If you've ever tried to order a "Philly Cheesesteak" outside of Philadelphia, you know it's a gamble. Either you'll end up with something pretty terrible, or something that's at least tolerable. Either way, it will certainly remind you of home.
7. Sub-par Convenience Stores
Nothing compares to Wawa, so when you walk in to another convenience store and can't find your chips, drink, and order a good hoagie, you'll think of home.
8. Murals and Street Art
Philadelphia has more public art than any other American city. We're so used to seeing murals, art, and statues that when we run into a great work of art in another city, we really think of Philadelphia.
9. Traffic
Traffic definitely makes us think of Philadelphia! from Market Street to 76, it's rare that you'll have a smooth, traffic free drive through the city.
10. Italian Food
There are SO many Italian restaurants in Philadelphia - in fact, the oldest one in the country is Ralph's! Our childhood memories were made in these little Italian restaurants, and good Italian food will bring us right back to home.
11. Crowds
Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the country, and our markets, streets ,and shops can get really crowded. Not to mention the street fairs and festivals happening pretty much every weekend. When cities or towns are quiet, we tend to get a little uncomfortable... but a crowd can make us feel right at home.
12. Hoagies
You can find a "sub" in nearly every town, but it's hard to find a good hoagie. If you do track one down, you'll end up thinking of all of your favorite Philly hoagie shops while you enjoy your lunch.
13. Rocky
It happens more than you'd expect - you're at a friends house and the TV in the background ends up playing one of the Rocky movies. You happily point out the landmarks and places in Philly that you love, too.
14. Football Season
Even if you're halfway across the country, you can almost hear how excited Philly gets for football season. Eagles fans are among the most loyal and dedicated in the world, and each game we watch transports us right to Lincoln Financial Field.
What really reminds you of Philadelphia? Is it your favorite landmark? The stories of our history? Or are you more likely to think about Philadelphia's iconic foods? Either way, it's so easy to miss Philly when you've left.
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