The Barnes Foundation has a fantastic collection of Impressionist art. Admission is restricted though and you have to make a reservation, often months ahead of time. The collection will be moving to a new museum in the city so you should go now to see the collection in the original mansion. Its very impressive.

I did not know about the Wyeth Exhibit? Has anyone seen the show? I might have to drive in to see it.

Opens this Wednesday.

i'd like to add to your request for historic must sees. Close to the independence mall area where the liberty bell and independence hall are, a few blocks away through the society hill neighborhood (old colonial homes that are now quite expensive) is Pennsylvania Hospital. It is the first hospital in the nation started by a charter by Ben Franklin. They give tours through the oldest and original part of the hospital (which is just artifacts and museum stuff - no patient wings anymore) They also have the neatest, oldest surgical ampitheater where they performed some of the first surgeries. The main hospital entrance is at 8th and spruce with a welcome desk. Even if you don't do the tour, you can walk by the beautifil grounds on Pine street between 8th and 9th. You probably have to call to request a tour. the main # of the hospital operator is 215 829-3000. It's a beautiful old part of the hospital, I work there, I know

cmrey4 -

great idea - I agree. it's a cool place to visit, not only for the history, but the grounds too.

I checked out Priceline and did some thinking about the hotel. I'm hoping this works but we are going to leave NYC earlier so we have more time in Philly the first day. That night we're going to still stay at King of Prussia but probably head over there pretty late in the evening. The next morning we'll go directly to DC.

For our day in Philly I was thinking we would do the Reading Terminal Market first. Next lunch at Jim's (although South Streets shopping didn't sound like our style), then the Liberty Bell & area, and then either Antique Row or Rittenhouse Square or both if time permits. I have marked Capogiro Gelatos for a stop. I still haven't decided on where to have dinner. Generally speaking are Thursdays pretty busy?

I have to admit that neither of us are really into history. I feel like we should be but we can only do so much before we start getting brain fog and boredom sets in. So I guess small doses and save things for our next visit. Thanks for all the great information. We'll have to drive down another weekend to do some further exploring since we can't see it all this time.

also looking for a day in philly. went to hotel.com and found a wyndham in downtown for $69. in the long run prbably a better use of time and $ than stay out.

I've checked out just about every website I could find including Priceline. I'm generally good at finding deals. I even tried using my corporate discount. Our hotel in DC is off of Dupont Circle for only $125 a night. Between Passover, Easter, and Spring Break the prices are really high. Oh well. At least I have an excuse to run to the mall the morning that we leave :-)