After 21 years of claiming to be a die-hard Philadelphia fan, I have finally crossed a Philly destination off my bucket list: the Reading Terminal Market.

Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, the Reading Terminal Market has been a Philadelphia icon since 1893. Originally located where High Street (later Market Street) intersects Front Street in Old City, the market first made its appearance in the late 17th century when William Penn founded the city. By 1913, the market had its aisles packed with 250 food dealers and 100 farmers.

Today, Reading Terminal Market is home to more than 80 merchants, with 100,000 visitors passing through each week for Amish goods, free-range meats, poultry and fish, flowers, ethnic food, fresh produce, clothing and more.

When I asked for suggestions from veteran market-goers, they told me to get a cup of coffee at Old City Coffee, a cookie at Famous 4th Street Cookie Company, which sells $1 cookies in the last half hour before closing, a Chinese lunch counter called Shanghai Gourmet and Nanee’s Kitchen, which serves traditional Indian-Pakistani dishes, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and halal meats. I already knew without anyone telling me I had to stop for fresh Amish baked goods.

Coffee and Baked Goods

Entering the Reading Terminal Market from Arch Street, Old City Coffee found me first. Established in 1985, they still roast all of their 100% Arabica coffees from around the world in the market, serving cappuccinos, americanos and lattes made with their custom-blended six-bean espresso.

Round one was a hazelnut iced coffee with whole milk. Unfortunately, I did not like it. It was too bitter and didn’t have enough milk for my preference.

Beyond this shop was a sea of people, bustling around different vendors. Signs and big neon lights hang from the industrial ceiling, pointing to the array of businesses. For anyone planning their first trip, however, I would definitely recommend grabbing a map of the building, which is available online or at the stand near the Arch Street entrance.

My next stop was at Beiler’s Bakery, owned and operated by the same Pennsylvania Dutch family since 1984. With hundreds of baked cakes, cupcakes, breads, cookies and pies lining their display, I was slightly overwhelmed. Behind me in line was a young man with several bags hanging from his arms.

Christopher Moore, who moved to South Philadelphia last April, said the market and Beiler’s Bakery has become a staple for him.

“I mean, you see they have every kind of bread and pie and cake out there,” Moore said. “It’s a necessary stop. Reminds you of homemade stuff your mom might make, but better, honestly. Don’t tell her that.”

I ended up leaving with a slice of coconut pie and a loaf of peach bread, which I highly recommend. Heaven in bread form.

Right next to their bakery is Beiler’s Doughnuts and Pickle Patch, serving over 50 varieties of donuts, a variety of barrel pickles and Pennsylvania Dutch puddings and salads. For $10 a dozen, I almost left with enough donuts to send my blood sugar skyrocketing. I only bought two for the sake of my poor, diabetic pancreas: one strawberry-filled and one maple bacon.

Market Must-Haves

Hershel’s East Side Deli, serving classic hand-carved deli sandwiches and homemade Jewish specialties, was my choice for lunch. Serving up an assortment of Jewish deli classics, including matzo ball and chicken noodle soup, latkes, kugel, potato knishes and, of course, corned beef, pastrami or brisket sandwiches, locals refer to Hershel’s as “the best Jewish deli outside New York.” I went with their famous pastrami reuben and potato salad (and a pickle).

Sitting at the counter, eating quite possibly the best reuben I’ve ever had, I could not believe how many Philadelphians were wandering down the aisles. My second recommendation for someone else who has not been: do not go on a Saturday at noon.

My next stop was at the Lancaster County Market, selling milk and cream from Kreider Farms and Pequea Valley Farm made from hormone- and antibiotic-free milk. However, their most popular products are their array of juices and lemonades.

While pacing back and forth trying to decide on a lemonade flavor, a woman with a camera in hand said I might as well get them all.

Ava Martinez, visiting from South Florida, was in the process of documenting her culinary adventures in Philadelphia. Lancaster County Market, she said, had quickly become a favorite.

“I’ve never had this kind of stuff before. It’s so fresh,” Martinez said. “I keep coming back for butter and milk, and have you seen all the lemonade flavors? Blueberry lemonade is my favorite, and you have to try the garlic and herb whipped butter.”

I left with some Amish country butter and a half gallon of mango raspberry lemonade.

Something Sweet

No matter how full I was, I could not end the day without dessert.

Maria Jazzman, whom I briefly spoke to outside Sweet as Fudge Candy Shoppe, highly recommended trying one of their many variations of fudge.

“I’ve accidentally become a regular because of it,” Jazzman said. “My son is going to get cavities because of me.”

I purchased chocolate and brownie fudge and a container of coconut macaroons. I have never been a huge fan of fudge, but I understand the risk of cavities now. One piece was not enough.

Finally, my last stop of the day was Famous 4th Street Cookie Company.

After all the rave, I knew I had to try a cookie, or three. It was too hard to settle on just one. I eventually left with an oatmeal orange cranberry cookie, a blueberry muffin cookie and a pumpkin cinnamon chip cookie.

I understand now why they are “famous.” Plus, a cookie for a dollar is a pretty crazy deal if I say so myself. You just have to get there before they close and jump in the line that often forms with other bargain hunters.

At the end of a stuffed day at Reading Terminal Market, I was already planning my next trip. That peach bread is to die for.