On July 4th weekend, my husband, daughter and I decided to hit the road and head to the city where our country’s independence started - Philadelphia.This was our first family weekend trip to the metropolis famed for both its history and cheese steaks, so needless to say, we were very excited! We drove for just an hour and a half to Philly and enjoyed the passing scenery. On the way, we eagerly began to plan our arrival itinerary.
We arrived at the Holiday Inn Historic District on Arch Street, a very family friendly establishment with an incredibly helpful staff. They handed us a map at check-in and we began our adventure.
We decided to start with the historical district, as this is a very easy walking part of town. It also has a trolley that we could ride for $2 per day if we got tired. Here are just a few of our favorite sites over the course of our fun-filled Philly weekend:
JIM’S STEAK CENTER
(400 South St., 215.928.1911)
This famed eatery is a must when in Philly.Who can beat hot steak with melted cheese? Don’t forget the extra whiz and hot peppers. It was only a few short blocks from our hotel and quite yummy.
LIBERTY BELL CENTER
(Chestnut St. between 5th and 6th St., 215.597.8974)
This attraction is FREE with a ton of interesting facts about the original bell and its replacement. Interestingly enough, they don’t know when the original bell cracked!
INDEPENDENCE HALL
(Chestnut St. between 5th and 6th St., 215.597.8974) On July 4th getting into Independence Hall was free, but normally one would need to purchase a timed ticket.The original ink well and pen set that signed the Constitution are located here, as well as GeorgeWashington’s original sun chair and Benjamin Franklin’s cane—very cool!
ELFRETH’S ALLEY
(Second St., between Race and Arch, 215.574.0560)
Walk back in time through this little, cobblestone alley.This is the oldest residential area of Philadelphia, dating back to 1702.
Other great stops along our adventure were Betsy Ross’s House, Penn’s Landing,Washington Square Park,The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Christchurch Burial Ground, where the gravesites of Benjamin Franklin and other signees of the Constitution are located.
Feeling patriotic on the night of July 4th, we took a taxi to the Philadelphia Museum ofArt and sat on the lawn for the big fireworks display—an absolutely amazing show.
Our weekend jaunt came to an end all too soon.While leaving Philly, we decided to visit Eastern State Penitentiary, an architectural marvel!We learned that the prison had running water before the White House and housed famed Chicago gangster Al Capone. It was fascinating to see his cell, fashioned to look exactly like it did in 1929.
Our return visit to the City of Brotherly Love will include some museums, complete with a “Rocky” run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Yo,Adrian!). Of course, a visit to Valley Forge and more cheese steaks are also a must. See you there, Patriots!
