It's the city of brotherly love--rowdy fans, greasy food, and great stories. It's a place where the city skyline sparkles over the Schuylkill, the Art Museum steps beam with Rocky's confidence and boast of ambition, and the people rush around giving the city its unique vibe. There are some things that just can't be replicated in any other city--things that kids from the Philadelphia area miss when they pick up and head off to college. Here are some of the Philly essentials that I'm already missing, just a month into my first semester away from home.

1. Tastykakes.

Butterscotch Krimpets and Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes...

2. Wawa.

I'm craving a quesadilla and a chocolate f'Real milkshake right now.

3. Philly Soft Pretzels.

With some spicy brown mustard.

4. The King of Prussia Mall.

I didn't realize how much I (window) shopped until I didn't have access to one of the best malls on the East Coast.

5. The Art Museum.

6. Eagles games.

It's not the same holing up in my dorm to watch the game on my laptop. There's something about being surrounded by a million other die-hard fans sprawled across Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Philadelphia Counties. And there's something about watching the game with family and bag of Tostito's.

7. Cake in Chestnut Hill.

Cake, a greenhouse turned restaurant, offers baked goods and insanely delicious brunch items.

8. Bredenbeck's Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor.

Another Chestnut Hill spot offering decadent desserts--Bredenbeck's cupcakes were my favorite after school snack in high school.

9. Reading Terminal Market.

10. Concerts at Union Transfer.

Or the TLA, Electric Factory, or World Cafe Live

11. The history.