The Land of Independence: This four-day itinerary leads you to historic landmarks throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding countryside.
| Itinerary |
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Day 1: Independence Hall |
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Day 2: Bucks County |
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Day 3: Delaware Canal |
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Day 4: Valley Forge |
Day 1: Independence Hall
Known as "America's first city," it should come as no surprise
that Philadelphia provides endless excitement for lovers of history. Though
you could easily spend weeks exploring its landmarks, museums and monuments,
if you have only one day in Philadelphia, consider spending it on foot,
walking to the many sites packed into this small but significant area.
Naturally, there's no better place to start than at the birthplace of the nation - Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were born. Be sure to stop at the Liberty Bell, where citizens gathered in 1776 to hear the first public reading of the Declaration.
Just a few blocks east is one of the city's great treasures - Carpenters' Hall, where John Adams, Patrick Henry, George Washington and other delegates formed the First Continental Congress in 1774. Stop by the Visitors' Center for a free map and to watch a multimedia display about the Constitution.
Before you know it, it's time for lunch. So head to Chestnut Street and go north one block to the Bourse, where you will find several restaurants lining a court with plenty of tables. The Bourse was built in the late 1800s as the business center of Philadelphia.
The Betsy Ross House is next on your itinerary. If you head north on Fifth and take a right on Arch Street, you'll pass Benjamin Franklin's gravesite on your way. Continue two blocks to the Betsy Ross House, a shrine to the American flag that celebrates the life of one of the most cherished figures of American History.
To wrap up the day, visit Elfreth's Alley, the longest continually inhabited street in the original 13 Colonies. Be sure not to miss the museum and gift shop, and stroll along the cobblestones to see the 18th century homes - still private residences today. Tucked along the alleyways are hip art galleries, funky coffeehouses and fashionable restaurants - so, while you are in the area, plan to stay for dinner.
To top off the experience, stay in an elegant alternative to Philadelphia's
large-scale hotels - at the Thomas
Bond House. It is an exquisitely restored 1769 B&B on the National Register
of Historic Places, and is the only lodging within the Independence National
Historic Park.
Kids Would Love:
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United States Mint |
Nearby Lodging:
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Penn Tower Hotel |
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Hilton Inn at Penn |
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Sheraton University City Hotel |
Visitor Information:
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Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau |
Major Highways: Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) and Interstate 476.
Day 2: Bucks County
Get away from the "big city" on Day 2 of your tour by discovering
the historic sites and country villages of Bucks County. Begin by heading northeast
on Interstate 95 to Pennsbury
Manor. This 43-acre site was the country estate of William Penn. Checking
out its manor house, worker's cottage, smoke house, and bake-and-brew house
make for a perfect way to spend the morning.
Next, head to Washington Crossing Historic Park to visit the site from which the Continental Army crossed the Delaware. The park consists of two areas. The McConkey's Ferry section includes the Visitors' Center, an inn, several dwellings, a general store and a boathouse. The other area is Thompson's Mill, where you can find Bowman's Hill State Wildflower Preserve, a gristmill, soldier's graves and Bowman's Hill Tower - a 110-ft. observation tower that offers amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
After visiting the park, go north to Peddler's Village, an 18th-century style attraction featuring 75 specialty shops and restaurants, a luxury inn, year round festivals and craft competitions, plus an antique operating carousel. All this is set on the Village's 42 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and winding brick pathways.
Peddler's Village is not only an ideal spot for dining, shopping and entertainment for the whole family - it's a great place to spend the night. The Golden Plough Inn's 66 rooms and suites feature gas-lit fireplaces and double-sized whirlpools. A split of champagne, soft beverages and a snack basket upon arrival make any occasion one to remember.
Kids Would Love:
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Sesame Place |
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Carousel Village at Indian Walk |
Nearby Lodging:
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Courthouse Motor Inn |
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Barley Sheaf Farm Inn and Conference Center |
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Mill Creek Farm Bed and Breakfast |
Visitor Information:
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Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau |
Major Highways from Philadelphia to Washington's Crossing: Interstate 95 north to State Route 32 north.
Continue your tour of Bucks County historic sites with a visit to the National Historic Landmark, the Delaware Canal State Park.� By good fortune, the canal is paralleled by a scenic road along which you will find some of the most beautiful historic villages in Bucks County.� Start your journey of the 60-mile canal at its terminus in Bristol, where the pick and shovel construction of the canal began on October 27, 1827.
From Bristol, head north along Route 32 - also known as River Road - to Morrisville, the home of the National Historic Landmark, Summerseat a stately Georgian mansion believed to be the only home in the 13 original states which was owned by two signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Follow the canal north, stopping first in the historic district of Yardley with its history dating back to the 1600's.� A short drive north of Yardley�will bring you to Washington Crossing Historic Park, the site where General George Washington led his troops across the icy Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776.
Heading further north brings you to the well-preserved New Hope Village Historic District. As you follow the canal north along River Road from New Hope you will pass through several other unique districts. Some of the highlights include the Phillips Mill Historic District, the village of Center Bridge, the Lumberville Historic District, Point Pleasant, Erwinna, Uhlerstown and Upper Black Eddy.
Continue your journey along Route 611 through the canal villages of Riegelsville and Raubsville. End your journey at the village of Easton, the location of the original entrance to the canal from the Lehigh Canal and home to the National Canal Museum. And what better way to end your journey of this amazing canal than to enjoy a ride in one of the mule powered canal boats.
Kids Would Love:
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Crayola Factory |
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Anatomy Academy |
Nearby Lodging:
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Best Western Easton Inn |
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Comfort Inn - Bethlehem |
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Days Inn - Easton |
Visitor Information:
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Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau |
Major Highways from Washington's Crossing to Easton: State Route 32 or Route 611.
On the final day of your tour, head west to Valley Forge National Historical Park, which is considered a centerpiece of the Philadelphia area's many attractions. With dozens of historic sites, interesting museums, unique shopping, and more gardens than anywhere in North America, this park is a must-see.
Of all places commemorating America's War for Independence, none conveys the suffering, sacrifice and eventual triumph more than Valley Forge. Pick up a map at the Visitors' Center and ask about special events and reenactments and colonial craft demonstrations held throughout the year. Follow the encampment trail to see soldiers' huts, cannon and Washington's Headquarters. Or take advantage of the Valley Forge Bus Tour.
For a change of pace, the shoppers in your group will enjoy the short jaunt over to the Plaza and the Court at King of Prussia, the nation's second largest shopping mall. Not only will you find a gift for everyone on your list, but you'll also find a great place for lunch or dinner. From fast food to fine dining, there is something to fit every mood and budget.
To complete your four-day exploration, stay just a few miles outside of Valley Forge at the General Lafayette Inn and Brewery. The Inn - complete with a restaurant and its own microbrewery - is the site of the 18th century Battle of Barren Hill. General Lafayette is said to haunt the environs!
Kids Would Love:
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Elmwood Park Zoo |
Nearby Lodging:
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Comfort Inn - Valley Forge |
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Hilton Valley Forge |
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Mcintosh Inn - King of Prussia |
Visitor Information:
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Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau |
Major Highways from Easton to Valley Forge: Interstate 78 to Route 100.
