Philadelphia, PA - With summer at its peak, Oyster aficionados rejoice! National Oyster Day is on the horizon, and the Philadelphia region is brimming with exceptional spots to indulge in this beloved delicacy. From elegant fine dining establishments to casual taverns, these establishments offer a variety of oyster preparations and specials to tantalize your taste buds.

Philadelphia, PA - Christmas Cookie Recipe: Chocolaty Church Windows: When it comes to the holiday season, there are just certain things we can’t live without. Or at least, there are certain things we think we can’t live without. One of those items for me is a family Christmas cookie recipe that has been handed down for at least three generations. It’s called Church Windows.

Philadelphia, PA—Basil tends to multiply quickly in your garden, potentially overwhelming you with too much to use. Luckily, this versatile ingredient can be used in multiple recipes, from drinks and appetizers to salads and even lemonades made with freshly snipped basil leaves!

Philadelphia, PA - Sausage Stuffed Long Hot Peppers, no matter what team is playing, we all know that the Super Bowl's real star is the food. Executive Chef Thomas Harkins of Bank & Bourbon restaurant on Market Street shares one of his go-to recipes for the big game for you to enjoy at home.

Philadelphia, PA - A traditional-style muffuletta sandwich consists of a muffuletta loaf split horizontally and covered with layers of marinated olive salad, mortadella, salami, mozzarella, ham, and provolone. Quarter, half, and full-sized muffulettas are sold.

The Old Fashioned, a timeless cocktail celebrated for its simplicity and complex flavors, has a history steeped in tradition and a dash of controversy. Its origins trace back to the early 19th century, but its name's precise birthplace and evolution remain a subject of debate among cocktail enthusiasts and historians. 

Philadelphia, PA—With our guide to the best restaurants in Northern Liberties & Fishtown or brunch, you can discover under-the-radar and overlooked joints such as Cafe La Maude's Middle Eastern and Chicken and Waffles at Silk City.

Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia is known for its great cocktail bars, and one drink that comes to mind is the classic old-fashioned or the grandfather of cocktails. Crafted with a hint of sugar muddled with bitters and topped with twist citrus, Below are our PhillyBite Staff Picks of the Best old-fashioned cocktails in Philly.

Philadelphia, PA - In the heart of South Philly, where culinary traditions run deep, the Termini family has transformed the space formerly occupied by Mr. Joe's Café into a delightful homage to their Italian heritage: Nonna & Pop's.

Philadelphia, PA—Bourbon Whiskey is a form of American Whiskey that is barrel-aged and distilled, primarily utilizing corn as its main ingredient. In Philadelphia, Bourbon can be found at most drinking establishments, and listed below are a few of our favorite locations to enjoy the brown spirits.

Philadelphia, PA - The Three Musketeers (Autumn Lockwood, Kevin Waddy, and Michelle Leonard) got together again at Nifty Fifty's in Fishtown at 2431 Aramingo Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125. Earlier, we had been looking at homes in the area. Realtor Dana Friedman had suggested that we go to Nifty Fifty's for burgers and shakes, and once again, Dana was right.

DELAWARE - While Delaware and Pennsylvania share a common colonial origin under William Penn's proprietorship, the two regions eventually diverged, leading to Delaware's establishment as a separate colony and, ultimately, the First State of the United States.

A Colonial Divorce Rooted in Identity and Governance

Although Penn had been granted ownership of both regions, the residents of the lower counties along the Delaware River, known as the "Lower Counties on the Delaware," never fully embraced their Pennsylvanian identity. Cultural differences, geographic distance from Philadelphia, and disagreements over governance and representation fueled growing tensions between the two regions.

A Separate Assembly:

In 1701, after years of discontent, the Lower Counties petitioned for and were granted their colonial legislature, distinct from Pennsylvania's Assembly. This marked a significant step towards greater autonomy and self-governance for the region.

Shared Leadership, Separate Paths:

While the two colonies continued to share the same governor until the American Revolution, establishing separate legislative bodies allowed the Lower Counties to pursue their unique interests and develop a distinct political identity. This period of semi-autonomy fostered a sense of independence and laid the groundwork for the eventual separation.

Declaring Independence:

1776 as the American colonies moved towards revolution, the Delaware Assembly took a bold step, declaring independence from Great Britain and Pennsylvania's authority. This act, predating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, established the state of Delaware as a sovereign entity.

The First State:

Delaware's commitment to independence was further solidified when it became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. This historic act cemented Delaware's status as the "First State," a title it proudly bears today.

The Legacy of Independence:

The separation of Delaware from Pennsylvania was a pivotal moment in the state's history, allowing it to forge its path and establish a unique identity. The colony's diverse population, agricultural economy, and strategic location on the Delaware River contributed to its distinct character and shaped its future as an independent state.

Today, Delaware's legacy of independence and self-governance remains a source of pride for its residents. The state's motto, "Liberty and Independence," reflects the values upon which it was founded, and its history reminds us of the importance of individual identity and the pursuit of self-determination.

MAINE - If you're looking for some of the best lobster rolls in Maine, you've come to the right place. We've gathered our favorite restaurants to help you decide where to go. We've covered you from Wiscasset to Kittery, from Seaside to York, Maine. Read on to learn more about each one. And don't forget to sample the lobster rolls! These delicious pies are made with fresh Maine lobster and served with mayo and mustard.

Philadelphia, PA - Located halfway between New York City and Washington, D.C., Wilmington is a convenient day trip from either of these cities. By car, it is a 2-hour drive down I-95. Philadelphia and Baltimore are about an hour away. Public transportation can also take you to Wilmington. Greyhound Buses run from New York City to Wilmington and take about 2.2 hours.

Philadelphia, PA - If you are looking for the best seafood in Dewey Beach, look no further. Woody's Dewey Beach is a local favorite, and you can try the world's best crab cake. You can also try craft beer at Dewey Beer Co. or visit Nalu Surf Bar and Grill for a tropical delight. The best seafood in Dewey Beach is served all day and night at these local establishments.

Philadelphia, PA - When in Philly, "downtown" known as Center City. Philadelphia is a great place for visitors to kick back and appreciate the cities boundless offerings, such as its famous food scene, world-class spa treatments, or just a stroll in a park.

MARYLAND - The Maryland state bird is the Baltimore oriole; a small, icterid blackbird breeds primarily in eastern North America.  Its striking colors reflect the colors of the 17th-century Lord Baltimore's coat of arms. In addition to its colorful appearance, the bird symbolizes the state's diverse cultural and racial heritage.