C – It’s not 2 hours to Philadelphia. Let’s just clear this up right now. We all have it in our heads that it’ll take 2 hours from basically anywhere in the DC Metro Area to get there. But, in reality, it’s closer to 3. That said, it’s still do-able as a day trip. So fill up the tank and get going. There’s lots to see in the city of brotherly love.**
When you get there, park and leave your car. You can do quite a bit in one concentrated area near Independence Hall, so walking is where it’s at. First stop: Independence Visitor Center. Go straight to desk for the (free) timed tickets to Independence Hall. You can’t miss it. It’s right next to the large, plastic likeness of Rocky. (I’m not kidding). If you’re really crafty, you’ll reserve your tickets in advance, online for a $1.50 convenience fee per ticket at www.recreation.gov.
Take the time waiting for your tour to start to explore the immediate area. Head to the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Franklin Court. The museum opened to the public on August 24, 2013, and I just happened to be there. It was great. Ben Franklin was fascinating and kind of a funny dude. A very well done museum for adults and children. Something for everyone. Check out Franklin’s pen names in the picture below. And, just in case you’re wondering, Twitter will not let you use Abigail Twitterfield as a handle. I tried it.
On your way back to Independence Hall, take a stroll past Carpenters’ Hall. This was the site of the first Continental Congress in 1774. Make your way to Independence Hall now and line up for your tour. You really only see two rooms but it’s worth the time. The tour guides are excellent and they’ll tell you all about the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the drafting of the US Constitution in 1787, among other hugely historic moments. It’s important and it’s free. You won’t regret it.
Hungry? There’s a great restaurant attached to the Hotel Monaco. Red Owl Tavern features “American Food” — steaks, fish, burgers and, my favorite, the wedge salad. It’s casual but with an upscale feeling. If you’re looking for something a little more low key, we had a lovely and very casual lunch outside at La Scala’s, just two blocks away from Independence Hall. Great service, nice atmosphere and very affordable.
Once done with lunch, get ye to the Liberty Bell. Don’t let the crazy line intimidate you. it moves pretty fast. You will first see exhibits detailing the history of the bell. It’s interesting, but know that you don’t actually have to view it in line. If you want, you can whip right past everyone and go straight to the prize. Tip: you might be tempted to take a picture of the Liberty Bell with Independence Hall in the background, but with the mid-day sun, you end up with a very dark bell. Take a picture from the other side. It’s less crowded and it will actually show up in the picture.
There are so many other things to see in Philadelphia. You can’t really cram it all into a day trip, but you can get a good overview by visiting these sites. On your way out of town, make sure to swing by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Don’t park in the garage – it’ll cost you $14 and you’ll have to get your ticket validated inside. Try street parking or the metered lot at the back near the river. Unless you’re actually going for the art, of course. We went for a quick run up the steps a la Rocky Balboa.
**One little issue: this post was written in October 2013 during the US Government Shutdown. Many of the items on this tour are National Parks and, if the shutdown is still on, they may be closed. Check online before you go.
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