Afternoon in Philadelphia
 

Good afternoon

I may have the occasion this week or next to spend an afternoon in Philadelphia. Other than the Liberty Bell, what other items of US historical interest would you seek out? No time for art museums, alas.

Thank you

PS and Independence Hall, of course. Probably a good idea to look for sites within walking distance.. and maybe lunch.

Go to the visitors center first to get your timed ticket to Independence Hall. Then you can plan your day around that time.
This link covers most of the historical district....
https://www.google.com/search?q=phil...77201064281006

When we were kids we went to the mint and Betsy Ross's house along with Independence hall for fourth, fifth and 6th grade. Wish you had time for http://www.barnesfoundation.org/about/

Here's a start:
http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm
http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/itineraries.htm

While you wait to see the incomparably historic Independence Hall, two other sites could be of interest.

Ben Franklin was as responsible for creating the concept of "Americans" being different from "Englishmen" as anyone, and his museum has been recently refurbished.

Christ Church, and its burial ground, has pews and graves of some pretty important people.

And before anyone mentions the place, please be aware that the story of Betsy Ross sewing the first US flag is an obvious hoax, created out of thin air by a social-climbing descendant. Not even the tour guides at her house -- and there's still some dispute over whether this place was even where she lived -- give the story any historical credibility.

If you stay in the Independence Square area there is a ton to do, the Ben Franklin house is great, have lunch in headhouse square, or at the Old City Tavern, go to the waterfront and tour the old sailing boat and submarine. Or get a ticket for the Philly Phlash hop on and off bus and tour some of the old mansions in Fairmont Park - beautiful and fun to see. Enjoy my old home

I couldn't open schmerl's link. I imagine it's a lot like this one:

http://www.visitphilly.com/find-an-attraction/old+city/

I think Elreth's alley is worth a walk through and I love roaming through the Society Hill neighborhood. I like Farmicia for lunch or you can check out the menus of any of the really good restaurants that are in that immediate area.

Thank you!!!