All About Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This past summer our family had the privilege of spending some time in Philadelphia as part of our mega road trip.

Not only did we have a fabulous time, but we learned a lot about the history of our country! Of course, most people know the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were both signed there. And also, Philadelphia was where George Washington served as president (the city lost its title as the Nation’s Capital 3 years after his presidency ended.)

Here are a few more fun facts we learned:

• Of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania is the only state that does not border the Atlantic Ocean.
• The city’s newspaper, The Inquirer, is the nations 3rd-oldest daily newspaper still being published.
• Pennsylvania Hospital is the oldest hospital in our country (and 1 out of every 6 doctors in our country receive training in Philadelphia!)
• The world’s first electronic computer was developed there- it weighed in at 27 tons!
• The famous Cheesesteak was invented/created by a hot dog vendor.

As far as visiting the city, there are SO many options for great things to do! Here are 5 things you don’t want to miss:

1. Liberty Bell: You can’t visit this city and not see one of the most iconic pieces of American history! The Liberty Bell is located within a museum-like center. Guests will enjoy walking through and reading about history prior to viewing the famous bronze bell. Admission to the center is free.
2. Independence Square: Though the Liberty Bell is technically considered part of the square, it’s worth mentioning that you will want to spend some time walking around the area (not just paying a visit to the bell!) Landmarks include Independence Hall (where the Constitution was signed), Old City Hall, and Congress Hall. You will also need to stop by the Visitors Center to collect all of your National Parks Passport Stamps for this area.
3. Zoo: Well-known for being the oldest zoo in America, the Philadelphia Zoo is a place you won’t want to miss. It’s home to over 1,300 animals including many that are rare or endangered.

4. Eat: Before visiting Philadelphia if you’d asked me about notable food I would have thought about Cheesesteak and Cream Cheese. However, after visiting- I can verify that Philadelphia is excellent at food in every way! I highly recommend that you check out the Reading Terminal Market to experience the best food that the city has to offer!

• Please Touch Museum: If you have children 7 years old and younger, this is the place for you! Every inch of this museum is designed for maximum hands on fun for young children. It’s got a collection of over 25,000 toys and tons of exciting interactive exhibits. The Please Touch Museum promises it will be exercise for a child’s mind and body.

What are your favorite things to do in Philadelphia?

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