Amish country and Phila.this week-end
 

We will be in Wilmington Del this week-end and thinking of going to Independance Hall, Liberty Bell on Sun.am then on Monday (Memorial Day) go to Amish area of Pa.
Any suggestions on towns?? Things open on holidays?? What time should be get to Ind.Hall on Sun? Thanks for ideas!!!

Hi
Amish country I can't help you with, too long ago that I visited and all I remember is the farmer that we bought eggs from (he chopped off a chickens head while we waited for the eggs:(
They do have great diners with that good Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and baking though!
Now Philadelphia!
We were just there a couple of weeks ago, over the weekend. Independence Hall,LibertyBell are crowded with groups off and on throughout the day-best time is early in the day. You will have to go through a tent where they check your just the way they do at the airport, so be prepared for security.
The Bell is in a building, so you will have to go through a long line to see it.
There is construction all around, but while it sort of messes with the beauty of the place and your camera shots, it doesn't hinder your sightseeing.
I would imagine Philadelphia will be busy and crowded this weekend.
Have a great time, what a lovely city!

Lancaster, PA is where you should head for Amish. It should take about one and a half hours from Philly. There is a route you can take from Philly to Lancaster that would take you thru some of these rural areas. Kind of a fun way to go for a change of pace from the turnpike. However, with my aging mind I'm unable to remember it! I grew up in that area but haven't lived there in 12 years. Perhaps another Fodorite could tell you.
There are lots of good restaraunts in Lancaster as well as markets. Not sure what would be open though with it being Memorial Day. Stop and get some shoo fly pie (spelling?). It's unique to this area from what I understand. And don't worry, there are no flies in it!

If you do go to Amish country eat at Miller's Smorgasbord in Ronks. It's an unbelivably good feast.

Bird-in-Hand has a bakery by the same name right on the main road. They make what I consider the best pies and baked goods in the area. I believe they are closed on Sundays.

In Bird-in-Hand we took a ride on a Amish carriage with a true Amish man. It was really interesting as it took us off the main roads and into the Amish neighborhood. I believe it originated at the Plain and Fancy farm. We ate dinner at Miller's in Ronk and thought it was pretty good but not great. Lots of bus tours.