Ideas for Philadelphia
Apr 23rd, 2001 | 03:39 PM
#1
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Ideas for Philadelphia
I have been reading all of the postings regarding Philadelphia. Am on a Elderhostel there in the middle of May. I arrive with a Saturday afternoon free and most of
Sunday. Any suggestions as to what is a must.
I have not received my Elderhostel information as yet, but we will have field trips in the afternoon, and lectures of course. I was thinking of a trip to Gettsyburg? I did write down things that people have commented on--Rittenhouse Square, Walnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, and of course the wonderful museums. Where is the best Cheese steak to be had? Will be staying at the Best Western City Center, which must be in the heart of things. Elfreth's Alley keeps popping up along with Manyunk, and the Old Train Station.
Maybe Valley Forge is close? Elderhostels are wonderful, and I am sure that we will have terrific lectures on history. Your city was on my US list to visit!
What about the gardens--any to visit?
Being from MN, this has been a long winter and it will be nice to see blooms. What kind of weather can I expect?
Thank you for your help.
Sunday. Any suggestions as to what is a must.
I have not received my Elderhostel information as yet, but we will have field trips in the afternoon, and lectures of course. I was thinking of a trip to Gettsyburg? I did write down things that people have commented on--Rittenhouse Square, Walnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, and of course the wonderful museums. Where is the best Cheese steak to be had? Will be staying at the Best Western City Center, which must be in the heart of things. Elfreth's Alley keeps popping up along with Manyunk, and the Old Train Station.
Maybe Valley Forge is close? Elderhostels are wonderful, and I am sure that we will have terrific lectures on history. Your city was on my US list to visit!
What about the gardens--any to visit?
Being from MN, this has been a long winter and it will be nice to see blooms. What kind of weather can I expect?
Thank you for your help.
Apr 23rd, 2001 | 06:14 PM
#2
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Welcome to Philadelphia! Along with the ideas you already have, I'd suggest City Hall on an architectural tour and the Lights of Liberty program (sight and sound) in the evening, plus the Fairmount Park mansions on the old-time trolley tour, plus of course the usual "walking around the city"!
The Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill is a great garden spot, as well as Bartram's Gardens in South Philadelphia, and, in May, Friends' Hospital in the Northeast has "Azalea Days" that showcases the beautiful grounds.
Gettysburg is pretty far (about three hours) and really is best suited for absolute die-hard Civil War fans. The Amish Country (Lancaster area) is very interesting and closer, and Valley Forge is right outside the city.
The Art Museum is a must and out behind it are the Waterworks and the River Drives, good for flowers.
Have a wonderful trip!
The Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill is a great garden spot, as well as Bartram's Gardens in South Philadelphia, and, in May, Friends' Hospital in the Northeast has "Azalea Days" that showcases the beautiful grounds.
Gettysburg is pretty far (about three hours) and really is best suited for absolute die-hard Civil War fans. The Amish Country (Lancaster area) is very interesting and closer, and Valley Forge is right outside the city.
The Art Museum is a must and out behind it are the Waterworks and the River Drives, good for flowers.
Have a wonderful trip!
Apr 24th, 2001 | 05:06 AM
#3
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I agree with Amy that Gettysburgh is far. Valley Forge is closer, may be worth a trip. I would suggest, though, staying in Phila, seeing boathouse row, Art Museum, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, taking the ranger tour at Independence Hall. (I don't know where Walnut Hill is.)
Apr 24th, 2001 | 06:46 AM
#4
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Judy,
I am a Philadelphia native. Amy and Bob gave you good advice. You mention you will have a Sat. afternoon and a Sunday 'free'. My suggestion is to stay within center city. While Manyunk is not a great distance, other than lots of shops and restaurants, think it not worth your time to tour. Chestnut Hill is lovely, but again, it is still a distance from center city Philadelphia. Valley Forge and Gettysburg are quite a distance from where you'll stay.
Rittenhouse Square is glorious in the Spring! Check out the website:
www.ushistory.org/districts/rittenhouse
Elfreth's Alley is worth visiting as is our Art Museum (the azalea gardens here are gorgeous when in bloom!).
Asking about best cheesesteak is huge Phila. 'controversy'! I think you should head to Reading Terminal Market on Saturday afternoon (it is closed on Sundays). Get a cheeesteak there and have a look around!
Here's the website:
www.readingterminalmarket.org
I'm sure other 'locals' have good suggestions. With only 1 1/2 days for independent sightseeing, I would not waste my time 'traveling' as there is so much to see and do right in Philadelphia. Check the Weather Channel prior to leaving MN. The last few days have been in the high 80's and tomorrow our temps will hover in the 50's. Spring weather is so variable...but do wear comfortable walking shoes.
Let us know if you need other suggestions, and be sure to post a trip report when you return!
I am a Philadelphia native. Amy and Bob gave you good advice. You mention you will have a Sat. afternoon and a Sunday 'free'. My suggestion is to stay within center city. While Manyunk is not a great distance, other than lots of shops and restaurants, think it not worth your time to tour. Chestnut Hill is lovely, but again, it is still a distance from center city Philadelphia. Valley Forge and Gettysburg are quite a distance from where you'll stay.
Rittenhouse Square is glorious in the Spring! Check out the website:
www.ushistory.org/districts/rittenhouse
Elfreth's Alley is worth visiting as is our Art Museum (the azalea gardens here are gorgeous when in bloom!).
Asking about best cheesesteak is huge Phila. 'controversy'! I think you should head to Reading Terminal Market on Saturday afternoon (it is closed on Sundays). Get a cheeesteak there and have a look around!
Here's the website:
www.readingterminalmarket.org
I'm sure other 'locals' have good suggestions. With only 1 1/2 days for independent sightseeing, I would not waste my time 'traveling' as there is so much to see and do right in Philadelphia. Check the Weather Channel prior to leaving MN. The last few days have been in the high 80's and tomorrow our temps will hover in the 50's. Spring weather is so variable...but do wear comfortable walking shoes.
Let us know if you need other suggestions, and be sure to post a trip report when you return!
Apr 24th, 2001 | 08:39 AM
#5
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Hi Judy,
I must say that I concur with Elaine about sticking with Center City for your visit to Philadelphia unless you have a keen interest in seeing suburban neighborhoods or Valley Forge. I've taken about 10 day or weekend trips up to Center City Philadelphia, and there's still so many more things I want to do there--museums, restaurants, antique shops. (Still want to get to Manayunk!)
I second visiting the Reading Terminal Market and the Art Museum. The Italian Market in South Philly I think is also worth a look-see as is Chinatown; you can find really great produce in both! I love H.K. Golden Phoenix for their dim sum; a fantastic deal on top of everything! Exploring the streets of Center City on foot is great fun, they're just so awash in history.
Definitely splurge and go to a restaurant. Philadelphia has some of the best in the nation. Have a blast in my favorite city in America!
DAN
I must say that I concur with Elaine about sticking with Center City for your visit to Philadelphia unless you have a keen interest in seeing suburban neighborhoods or Valley Forge. I've taken about 10 day or weekend trips up to Center City Philadelphia, and there's still so many more things I want to do there--museums, restaurants, antique shops. (Still want to get to Manayunk!)
I second visiting the Reading Terminal Market and the Art Museum. The Italian Market in South Philly I think is also worth a look-see as is Chinatown; you can find really great produce in both! I love H.K. Golden Phoenix for their dim sum; a fantastic deal on top of everything! Exploring the streets of Center City on foot is great fun, they're just so awash in history.
Definitely splurge and go to a restaurant. Philadelphia has some of the best in the nation. Have a blast in my favorite city in America!
DAN
Apr 24th, 2001 | 11:49 AM
#6
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All of the above posts have good info, but I might also suggest you look into a half-day trip to Longwood Gardens, which is about an hour's drive -- about the same distance as going to Valley Forge.
Longwood is pretty much world-renown, and you mentioned "gardens" as an interest, so consider a trip there. It was built by the DuPonts, and has some dazzling displays.
But if you can't make it there, follow the advice of the other posters -- you won't go wrong.
Longwood is pretty much world-renown, and you mentioned "gardens" as an interest, so consider a trip there. It was built by the DuPonts, and has some dazzling displays.
But if you can't make it there, follow the advice of the other posters -- you won't go wrong.
Apr 24th, 2001 | 04:01 PM
#7
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If you enjoy gardens, Longwood Gardens is a great day trip - beautiful and diverse plantings, and a pretty decent little restaurant on site. Try to go early.
You might want to look into tickets for the Barnes Foundation. I don't know how difficult they are to get.
The weather should be decent - maybe a tad warm. Bring an umbrella.
Enjoy - it is a great city. Very walkable.
You might want to look into tickets for the Barnes Foundation. I don't know how difficult they are to get.
The weather should be decent - maybe a tad warm. Bring an umbrella.
Enjoy - it is a great city. Very walkable.
