Explore U.S. History in Distinguished Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and was once the capital of the United States. It was built along the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. This beautiful and historical city abounds with activities and attractions. You can visit historical landmarks, take tours through the countryside, and enjoy outdoor activities in this legendary city.
Philadelphia was an important city in the development of the United States where freedom was proclaimed. Today it is a nucleus for historical exploration, culture, and performing arts. Browse through 400 years of history and visit the many outdoor attractions, or enjoy abundant shopping, dining, and recreational centers.
Facts about Philadelphia
Most people know that the word "Philadelphia" in the Greek means brotherly love. William Penn was granted the land by Charles II of England but also bought it from the Lenape. He wanted a place where everyone could practice their religion without persecution and sanction. He began to settle the area in 1681 and planned for the town to be a port and seat of government.
Philadelphia grew and expanded quickly, and during the Revolutionary War was used for the seat of the Continental Congress. The Declaration of Independence was signed here and a number of battles were fought in the city and surrounding area.
Philadelphia is bordered on one side by New Jersey and the topography is mostly flat, with the lowest point being sea level. The climate is subtropical with hot, muggy summers and cold winters. Some winters have significant snow while others only experience moderate snowfall. Rain is light and spread out during the year so there is no "wet" season.
Historical Highlights
The Liberty Bell Center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Bell) is the new home of the Liberty Bell, the colonial symbol of freedom. A trip to Philadelphia must include this dramatic and informative museum. The original bell summoned colonists to hear the first reading of the Declaration of Independence, but because of its cracks was only used for about 50 years.
Examine historic documents, view the Bell and the x-rays of its cracks, or watch a History Channel film to see the history of the beloved Bell. See the exhibits of the Bell's image being used as a mold for different items, including ice cream molds and wind chimes.
The original home of the Liberty Bell is across the street at Independence Hall. The Centennial Bell took its place in the bell tower in 1876. This is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
There are various battle sites where you can re-visit history and imagine the events that have dramatically affected our country. Visit Washington's Crossing Historic Park where the famous crossing of the Delaware occurred. Brandywine Battlefield Park is the site of a fateful lost battle that drove the Continental Army to a hard winter at Valley Forge.
Visit the Valley Forge Historical Park where the army came to its lowest point before reviving to defeat the British. Take a tour of Fort Mifflin, where you can still see signs of the British bombardment in 1777. There are exhibits of British rifles and other war instruments. Annual reenactments and other activities are held at this and many of the other locations.
Exciting Things to Do
There are numerous museums to visit in Philadelphia covering many different subjects. The major science museums are the Franklin Institute, which include the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
If you're interested in art, there are the Philadelphia Museum of Art (http://www.philamuseum.org/), the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Rodin Museum. See some of the largest collections in the United States and the largest collection of works by Auguste Rodin outside of France.
Outdoor activities and recreation offer a big share of the attractions for the Philadelphia area. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a place to pursue all their hobbies. Biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are just a few of the pleasures you will find in the Pennsylvania countryside. There are many lovely parks and gardens for visitors and residents to enjoy. The Philadelphia Zoo (http://www2.philadelphiazoo.org/) and the Adventure Aquarium are outstanding stops for families and animal lovers.
Events in Philadelphia
While you are in Philadelphia, you will want to take in some of the events held throughout the year. The year starts out with the Mummers Parade held on New Year's Day. Local clubs assemble elaborate costumes and settings to compete in different categories. Thousands of people participate in the parade, which lasts from 9am to about 8pm.
Many people flock to Philadelphia for the various marathons and races. There is the Philadelphia Marathon, the American Cancer Bike-a-thon, the Blue Cross Broad Street 10-miler, and the Dash for Democracy… to name a few.
The Brandywine Harvest Festival celebrates the grape harvest and making the new wine. The six wineries that compose the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail host special events at each location. Hayrides, picnics, grape-stomping, tasting, vineyard tours, and art exhibits can be enjoyed. The Cherry Blossom Festival takes place throughout the city while the trees are in bloom. Different activities include Japanese tea ceremonies, origami making, martial arts, and sushi demonstrations. The two-day Dad Vail Regatta is the largest collegiate regatta in the country. It is held in May and thousands of athletes compete.
The Chrysanthemum Festival is held the last week of October with fantastic arrangements and displays as well as unique events. The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival is held in June with four days of cinema, and the Manayank Art Festival takes place on Main Street for two days in June.
Staying in Philadelphia
Staying in Philadelphia can be a real treat whether you are staying in a luxury hotel or a charming bed and breakfast. Many hotels are located in restored buildings with a feeling of history lingering in the air.
For a luxurious stay right in the heart of the city, the Ritz Carlton is a five-diamond award winning (and recently renovated) hotel. With penthouses overlooking the city's historic sites and a spacious lounge overlooking City Hall, you are within walking distance of many downtown attractions. Internet access, a spa, and two restaurants assure that your stay will be extremely satisfactory.
The Best Western Independence Park is a smaller boutique hotel in the heart of the historical district. The Victorian building has been designer-decorated for your comfort and offers a complimentary European breakfast daily. The Rittenhouse 1715 Boutique Hotel is set on a quiet tree-lined street. With freshly decorated rooms, this hotel offers breakfast, daily wine reception, and wireless Internet. It is a perfect place for a quiet stay whether you are on business or pleasure.
Altogether, Philadelphia is a multi-faceted city. Roam the untamed country landscape, visit historical landmarks, enjoy unlimited shopping, dine at trendy restaurants, watch the best in performing arts, and stay at the finest hotels. Outdoor sports of every kind are available, and festivals are held throughout the year. You can tour the local farms and wineries, or just enjoy a quiet walk or drive along the river. This is a city that is alive and welcoming all year long.