Need advice on Philly, surrounding areas
 

We will be in Philadelphia for a trade show at the end of May - first trip there - and plan on making a 2-week vacation out of it. Would like advice on what not to miss in the city and surrounding areas. Most interested in Gettysburgh and other Civil War sites, Revolutionary War sites, Penn. Dutch country. <BR> <BR>Also, thinking of staying at the Clarion or the Holiday Inn Express in the city. Any comments on those hotels (one is in Chinatown - safe area?) <BR> <BR>Any advice/suggestions greatly appreciated! Many thanks, Paul

Paul, <BR> <BR>I'm a Phila. native. Since we don't stay in area hotels, cannot comment on ones you mention. However, there is a great b&b, Thomas Bond House in Olde City. The Chinatown area is 'so-so'. You probably want to stay near convention center if you'll be at trade show. Try this website: <BR>http://www.gophila.com <BR> <BR>Don't miss visiting the Art Museum, Rodin Museum, take a tour of Independece Park, Reading Terminal Market. <BR> <BR>You'll need to rent a car as Gettysburgh is a distance. You may want to visit Lancaster County, which has lovely countryside (also considered Penna. Dutch area). Closer to Phila. is the Brandywine area and Longwood gardens, which should be glorious in May. <BR>Have a wonderful visit!

Paul <BR>I would agree with the above posting and also can't comment on hotels. Although I have been in Center City pretty much at all hours including late at night and have never had a problem. <BR>Would agree that Olde City is much more <BR>quaint. You could stay there and take <BR>the subway ($2.30 round trip) from there. The subway is easy, clean and runs fairly frequently. Even staying <BR>in the Independence Hall area is doable <BR>if you like to walk. Philadelphia is a <BR>great walking city especially that time of year. Old City is also a wonderful area for interesting restaurants. If you like Guiness, the Plough and the <BR>Stars is a great Irish restaurant that has a bar system they imported <BR>from Dublin, and the food is good. <BR>If you do end up in Chinatown, I've heard there's an excellent restaurant <BR>called Penang. It's malaysian and the <BR>prices are supposedly very reasonable. <BR>Don't miss the Reading Terminal. It's <BR>a great lunch place. <BR>Gettysburg is probably two hours away <BR>and definitely worth a visit. The <BR>countryside is beautiful and the battlefield experience is very moving. <BR>You could also stop at Valley Forge national park on your way to Gettysburg. <BR>In the city if you go to the Art Museum <BR>you'll get a superb view from the top <BR>of the "Rocky" steps. Then walk around the back of the museum. There is a beautiful azalea garden. (Although <BR>depending how late in May, they may <BR>be past- They were beautiful on Mother's Day last year.) <BR>Good luck and enjoy!

I don't think I would stay in Chinatown if I were in Philadelphia. (I grew up in the suburbs. Don't forget Valley Forge, Washington's Crossing State Park,the Liberty bell, Betsy Ross's house, the Franklin Institute, Longwood Gardens. Why not take a drive to Ocean City, New Jersey, or to the National Aquarium in Baltimore?

Historic sites: <BR> <BR>Independence Hall cannot be topped as a site for American history: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights were ALL ratified here. Not to mention it was the U.S. Capitol for about ten years. <BR> <BR>Independence Nat Historic Site has numerous other museums and free shows giving info and insight on American history. You may get to meet "Ben Franklin" and "George Washington." <BR> <BR>Christ Church was the house of worship for innumerable American founders. <BR> <BR>Franklin Court is the SITE where Ben lived, and has a great overview of his life. But none of his original house remains. <BR> <BR>The Liberty Bell is viewable at all times, but remember: there's no credible evidence it was rung on July 4th. <BR> <BR>The story that Betsy Ross knitted the first U.S. flag is an obvious hoax, and there is no evidence that she lived at the house called the Betsy Ross House. <BR> <BR>The winter at Valley Forge was no worse than those spent at Morristown, but Valley Forge got better press. Visit both sites for a good record of the hardship during all three of these hard times. <BR> <BR>Brandywine Battlefield Park isn't even at the battle site, it's just a forest glen with a visitor center. <BR> <BR>Washington Crossing State Park has nothing more than a plaque marking the site. <BR> <BR>Monmouth Battlefield State Park has done a good job of preserving and describing the battle; and mentioning that Molly Pitcher really did take over her husband's cannon. <BR> <BR>On a totally unrelated note, make certain you eat a cheese steak at either Pat's or Geno's. They're so good that any other Philly steak you eat, for the rest of your life, will fail miserably in comparision!