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Top 10 Attractions
LOCATION: Greater Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County
HIGHLIGHTS:
Independence Park, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Independence Seaport
Museum, U.S. Mint, Franklin Institute, King of
Prussia Mall, Sesame Place, Franklin Mills,
Peddler?illage
TRANSPORTATION: Driving, walking
TIME: Three-day
weekend
TIPS: Wherever possible, attractions that are mentioned in the itinerary are re-listed at the
bottom of
the page in the ATTRACTIONS LIST section along with contact information.
Click here for additional tips about using the
goPhila.com itineraries.
SUMMARY: Visitors come to Philadelphia in search of history, yes. But they also come for
some of the best shopping in the country, as well as wonderful museums and children?lt;br>attractions.
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If you can, arrive early on Friday so you can hit the area?wo enormous malls before the
weekend throngs get there.
Although you can do both in one day, it might be better to choose
an emphasis.
Bargain mavens will prefer Franklin
Mills Outlet Mall which is just what it suggests-- a
collection of 200 discount outlets like Kenneth Cole Outlet, Off
5th Saks Fifth Ave Outlet
and Last Call from Neiman Marcus. Save anywhere between 20 and 60% on designer brand
merchandise--
and of course there?o sales tax on clothing. Food courts plus restaurants
such as The Rainforest Caf?nd Dick Clark?merican
Bandstand Cafe.
The Plaza and Court at King of Prussia, on the other hand, is a haven for big-spenders, with
eight
anchor department stores, dozens of boutiques, a massive independent bookseller, and
all the high-stepping shoes, swirly
scarves, and glittering trinkets a body could hope for.
Food Courts plus several standalone restaurants-- Nordstrom?afe
for great panini.
After you?shopped, you?surely be ready to drop. But get plenty of rest, because
Saturday is
reserved for a romp that will take you to some of the best parts of Philadelphia.
Start early by hailing a cab to the
historic district where you can see several of the region?lt;br>most popular attractions, all within a few blocks walk
of each other.
At Independence National Historic Park, you?find lush grounds connecting Independence
Hall and
the Liberty Bell, as well as other Colonial buildings that played an instrumental
role in the founding of our nation.
Be sure to stop uniformed park rangers or costumed
guides to get the full story on anything that interests you.
When
you?ready to leave the park, walk out the northern end to Chestnut Street then turn
east and walk toward the water. On
Columbus Blvd and Chestnut Streets, the Independence
Seaport Museum offers an interactive exploration of Philadelphia?eritage
as a port city.
Cross a bridge back into the city proper, and walk to 3rd Street, turning north until you
reach
Arch Street and the Betsy Ross House. Here? wonderful example of surviving
Colonial architecture which, whether or not
you believe Betsy actually lived here and
whether or not you believe she actually sewed the first flag, paints a nice
picture of everyday
life during the period.
From here, the United States Mint is just three blocks west on Arch
Street. This is the largest
mint in the world-- producing some 35 million coins daily-- and you can get in on the action
(sort of) by watching the proceedings from upon high.
All of these attractions are housed in the neighborhood
of Old City, home to countless
restaurants. Try to finish your historic tour by 1p.m. so you can grab lunch in the area.
Take
your pick by walking along 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut, and along Market and
Chestnut Streets, between
Front and Fourth Streets.
After lunch, take a cab to the Franklin Institute Science Museum. From its massive statue
of
Ben Franklin at the entrance to its Mechanics Hall to its high-tech goodies and planetarium,
there?ll manner of
things scientific here.
Back at your hotel, take a much-needed rest before dinner at one of the chi-chi restaurants
along Walnut Street near Rittenhouse Square or in Old City. Saturday night is your best
chance to really see the city
in action.
Sunday is reserved for spending time in the rolling Bucks County countryside less than an
hour north
of the city.
No more surefire kid-pleaser exists in the Northeast than Sesame Place in Langhorne, a
Sesame Street-themed
park for young children that features 50 play and water activities, a
musical parade, and live stage shows with Big Bird
and friends. Sesame Place is closed
during some winter months so call for more information on hours of operation.
A
short 12-mile drive to the north along Rte 413 brings you right into the heart of Peddler?lt;br>Village. Kids can enjoy
a spin-- or two or three-- on the antique carousel while you sample
the 70 specialty shops and beautifully landscaped
grounds of this quaint 18th-century style
town. When you get hungry, choose from eight restaurants.
ATTRACTIONS
LIST:
Franklin Mills Outlet Mall
1455 Franklin Mills Circle
Philadelphia, PA 19154
(215) 632-1500
The
Plaza and the Court at King of Prussia
Route 202 at Mall Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610 265-5727
Independence
Hall
Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 597-8974
Independence Seaport
Museum
211 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-5439
Betsy Ross House
239 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-5343
USMint
151 North Independence Mall East
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215)
408-0114
Franklin Institute Science Museum
20th and the Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 448-1200
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA
(215) 741-5325
Peddler?illage
Routes 202 &
263
Lahaska, PA 18931
(215) 794-4000
So, when are you coming? Click Getting Here & Maps for directions
or transit information.
Find exciting information on where to go, what to do, where to stay and on coming back at
www.phillyfoods.com,
the website that is there for you!
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