Day 1: Philadelphia
It must have been rousing when the delegates and townspeople cheered as the Declaration of Independence was read and the Liberty Bell rang out. Later as the Constitution of the United States passed, the Continental Congress soon realized they had created a country like none other. The freedoms these events created starting in 1776 witnessed the foundations of the new nation. Visitors can relive the beginning of America at Independence National Historical Park which includes Independence Hall, Congress Hall, where the upper and lower houses of the US Congress first convened and Carpenter’s Hall, where John Adams, Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other delegates to the First Continental Congress began it all in 1774. A timed admission ticket to Independence Hall will eliminate any waiting in line and give you more time to see the city. The Liberty Bell is close by, as is the new “dig” of George Washington’s residence that is causing a lot of provocative conversation.
After visiting Independence National Park, we suggest taking the Philadelphia Trolley or a horse driven carriage ride to get an overview of the city. Similar to Boston and Charleston, the streets of Philadelphia’s old neighbourhoods are narrow and lined with historic town homes and gracefully detailed structures. While in town, you have to try a Philly Cheese steak at Steaks on South, not far from the Liberty Bell and Independence Centre. If your visit to Philadelphia is on a Wednesday or Saturday, make sure to stop into the Reading Terminal Market, abuzz with shops and foods. Enjoy evening entertainment with the Independence After Hours program which includes a three course dinner at the City Tavern, a 1776 Walking Tour and the Lights of Liberty Show.
Day 2:
The Philadelphia Art Museum, with its extensive collections and featured exhibitions is certainly one of the major highlights of Philadelphia. Recreations of an Italian Colonnade, a Japanese Tea House and a Middle Eastern temple with massive winged beasts are surrounded by rooms of arms and Armour, early American artefacts, medieval tapestries and ancient objects. In between, you’ll discover gallery after gallery of some of the world’s finest paintings and sculptures by major artists. More Philadelphia “greats” await at the home of Betsy Ross, the seamstress who stitched the first American flag in 1776 and Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied street in America, dating from 1702. Early tenants on the street were craftsmen and sea captains, as well as others related to shipping. The Rodin Museum is home to the largest collection of the master’s works outside the Musee Rodin in Paris, France. Philadelphia has The Thinker, John the Baptist, The Cathedral and The Burghers of Calais, as well as drawings and sketches and The Gates of Hell. The Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first Zoo, is another option. To maximize your visit, you may want to pick up a Philadelphia Pass with multiple discounted admissions. There’s a lot to do and a lot to pack into two days here. Of course, you can always return on another visit and enjoy a 3, 4, or 5 day City Break to experience Philadelphia more completely.
2 nights – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
