3 adults from the Seattle area visiting daughter attending grad school in Philly over the long 4th of July weekend. We plan to stay at her apt in Rittenhouse Sq. We're also curious about Lancaster Co and Gettysburg but we only have about 4 full days. Recommendations for local sights and restaurants please. This is our first trip.

There really is no better place to be that weekend than Philadelphia! I'd plan on spending most of your time IN Philly, and be sure to tour Independence Hall-what could be more meaningful then that for July 4th?

~Liz

I second that suggestion. Philly has lots of special activities going on that week-end (check philly.com fo starters) and I'd guess that the tourist areas of Lancaster County and all of Gettysburg will be jam-packed with other tourists, far from ideal conditions for visiting there -- and with only 4 days, you'd be using a day for each of those places.

Give us an idea of your interests and we can suggest places to go. Let us know your tastes and food, and budget . . . ditto.

hi kim, congrats on a daughter in grad school. i grew around philly and my aunt used to live in the Barclay Hotel on Rittenthouse Sq. (now gone i believe) i agree that lancaster will be mobbed as will gettysburg which is a longer drive. however you can in about an hour be at Valley Forge Park. this is where Washington camped with the troops in the winter before crossing the delaware. it is very beautiful. has a couple good museums. i think this would make a good excursion to get out to the city for a bit and see a little of pa. ust type in Valley Forge Park in your browse

Philadelphia has some great walking tours. They just started having actors throughout the historical district dressed in period clothing, giving lectures about colonial times. It's a bit like Williamsburg. Visit the visitors center, Constitution Center, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. There are all sort of acitivities along the water front
The Art Museum is outstanding and so is the zoo.
Try going to www.gophila.com for all sorts of infor on activities and restaurants.

i think you may want to stay in the city, i agree that valley forge is the closest and will give you some flavor of the pa countryside too.... (a little anyway) but if you have ever been stuck on the Sckuykill expressway (hah!) (76) on a sunday afternoon you would not think about an excursion.

traffic can be a real nightmare.

i think gettysburg might be too far, you will spend 3 to 5 hours on the road there and back depending on traffic. valley forge will be 1/2 that even with the traffic.

From a Lancaster person-I would shy away from Gettysburg that holiday and anniversary weekend. If you have a car,we can develop a great day trip but taking the train to Lancaster is not a great idea.Without a car, that is the best weekend to visit Philly and Rittenhouse Sq. gives easy access to NYC where a day trip is very easy as well.

For restaurants and food spots go to the Pennsylvania message board at www.chowhound.com

July 2nd is the free Live 8 concert at the Art Museum (where the big July 4th fireworks are as well).
See www.Philly.com for more info, they are still finalizing the headliners.

Check www.AmericasBirthday.com for a full list of events for the week. The Friday fireworks at Penns Landing are good too.

There is so much going on in the city, I would stay in the city the whole time.

I mostly agree with others about staying in the city.

But if you feel you must get out for a day, Valley Forge is a good idea, and so is Washington Crossing State Park, near New Hope, PA.

Both will give you a chance to see some history and hit the outdoors, plus New Hope has shopping and restaurants.

Yes, Gettysburg will be crowded and time-consuming. Same goes for Lancaster.

warning things are going to be crammed that weekend, elton john is doing a concert and liveaid is coming to town. everyone is already buzzing about it, getting around in a car could be a nightmare. good luck!

Thanks, We'll definitely stay in the city and see the sights. GoPhila.com is great but there is sooo much! Son is active military and loves history and Italian food--pizza and pasta. Budget trip for the most part, tho daughter's BD is the 2nd. Also enjoy music, orchestra, & garden sights. Ideas? Feedback on the Liberty Light show?