The Fourth of July. What more fitting time of year to suggest a visit to Philadelphia?
A few years ago, a co-worker and I attended a conference in Philly, the birthplace of our nation. As you can imagine, this is a city that teems with history, and I wanted more than anything to see it. Sadly for me, we had virtually no free time except for one day where a tiny three-hour window in the early evening presented opportunity.
Our choices: spend a lot of time in one place, or a few minutes in many. We opted for “many”, bought tickets for a double-decker tour bus, and climbed to the rooftop seating. The weather was delightful, the tour guide interesting, and the trip around town a whirlwind. Here are the highlights. Click on details for more in-depth information about each site.
We saw Independence Hall (details), the Betsy Ross House (details), and tossed a penny on Ben Franklin’s grave (details). The driver pulled over in a no-parking zone for a few brave souls to race toward the Liberty Bell (details) to snap a quick picture. This brought the police who quickly sent us on our way. We also drove past several lovely brick residences where people whose names you’d surely recognize spent time.
Our race around town left me breathless, but the trip wasn’t finished yet. To end the evening, we made one final stop. This time, each person on board stepped off to do what every tourist who visits Philadelphia must do. Can you guess what?
We visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art, of course. Not to go inside, but to race (or in my case, walk) up the fifty zillion stairs to the main entrance. Photo op – if only the lighting had been better. Well, at least you can hear me humming the Rocky theme song.
I thoroughly enjoyed this small glimpse into our country’s past, but someday I will return to investigate more fully – along with visiting the many other Philly sites that paved the way for America’s independence.
Thank you, founding fathers (and mothers) for the risks you took and the dangers you endured to set in motion what would bring us the freedoms we enjoy today.
Happy birthday, America!
12 Responses
And Pat, I’m sure you know this (but in the slight chance you do not), but Stallone was not just an actor. He’s a writer. He wrote the screenplay to the movie “Rocky.” I saw a copy of it on a library shelf a long time ago.
Have a wonderful holiday. I can see you jumping off the bus to take quick photos during your trip, as you tried to get as many snapshots before the cops hurried you along.
You’re right, Sioux. Sylvester Stallone is a multi-talented individual. And proof that persistence pays off.
Our family did a whirlwind tour of Philadelphia a couple years ago, a side trip on a long driving tour of the eastern US that took us up to Acadia National Park in Maine. I’d love to go back and spend more time in the city. So many fascinating things to see! But yes, we do have our Rocky pose oictures at the top of those stairs.
Sarah, it sounds like just about everyone does the stairs! 🙂
Philadelphia certainly is a city worth taking a good chunk of time to explore.
Have a happy and safe 4th!!
Thank you so much. Hope you enjoyed your holiday!
Beautiful post, Pat! Philadelphia is one place I’ve never been able to visit, even though we lived in neighboring Maryland for many years. Still on my bucket list! Thanks so much for taking us along on your journey!
Thanks, Teri! Even from the top of a bus, the city has so much to see.
My best friend lives there, so I have been there a few times, but we never do the touristy stuff because she lives there. I did, however, do a drive-by of those steps. It is a very cool city with such history!
How fun, Margo! It amazed me how much history is packed into one area. Very cool, indeed.
🙂
Hi Lynn! Thanks for stopping by.