Suggestns for Philadelphia & Environs - 4 day weekend - mid April
Mar 20th, 2012, 10:22 AM
#1
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Suggestns for Philadelphia & Environs - 4 day weekend - mid April
Husband (63) and I (58) would like to drive from CT Weds Apr 11 to Philadelphia and return Sunday April 16.
WIll definitely take in the historical area, but not sure what else to do in the city and the outside area. Husband loves history and food. I am a serious photographer looking for interesting photo ops - street photography and landscapes.
Looking for suggestions for activities places to visit in the area, hotel, dinners.
We tend to be budget travellers but will splurge for the interesting and unique.
(Note: we have already explored Amish country, Gettysburg, Valley Forge, Wash DC)
WIll definitely take in the historical area, but not sure what else to do in the city and the outside area. Husband loves history and food. I am a serious photographer looking for interesting photo ops - street photography and landscapes.
Looking for suggestions for activities places to visit in the area, hotel, dinners.
We tend to be budget travellers but will splurge for the interesting and unique.
(Note: we have already explored Amish country, Gettysburg, Valley Forge, Wash DC)
Mar 20th, 2012, 11:45 AM
#2
What you need to know for Independence Hall: http://www.nps.gov/inde/daily-ticket-information.htm
If you are looking for reasonably priced lodging in a historic mansion, check out the Chamonix Hostel. http://www.philahostel.org/
You may catch a few spring flowers on your trip. Enjoy!
If you are looking for reasonably priced lodging in a historic mansion, check out the Chamonix Hostel. http://www.philahostel.org/
You may catch a few spring flowers on your trip. Enjoy!
Mar 20th, 2012, 11:49 AM
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> Looking for suggestions for activities places to visit
Visit the Rocky Steps to get interesting shots. There's also a world-class Art Museum nearby, but not enough people are aware of that place. If you go on Friday afternoon, that evening you'll get a free jazz concert.
Take in a show in Center City: La Boheme, Philadelphia Symphony, West Side Story, Doubt, Philly Pops, God of Carnage, Titus Andronicus, etc, etc.
I am NOT joking when I recommend a trip to the Camdem waterfront -- the Aquarium and the battleship New Jersey are worth the $2 (round-trip), direct shuttle ride from the Visitor Center.
> I am a serious photographer
Check out Longwood Gardens for flora and Heinz National Wildlife Area for fauna.
> Husband loves history
Day trip to Baltimore -- Fort McHenry is a MUST.
Day trip to Trenton, Princeton, and/or Monmonth State Park.
> and food.
REAL cheese-steaks, Philly style pretzels, hoagies, and water ice if it's hot. Scrapple if you're daring.
Fine dining is limited only by your imagination and your budget.
Visit the Rocky Steps to get interesting shots. There's also a world-class Art Museum nearby, but not enough people are aware of that place. If you go on Friday afternoon, that evening you'll get a free jazz concert.
Take in a show in Center City: La Boheme, Philadelphia Symphony, West Side Story, Doubt, Philly Pops, God of Carnage, Titus Andronicus, etc, etc.
I am NOT joking when I recommend a trip to the Camdem waterfront -- the Aquarium and the battleship New Jersey are worth the $2 (round-trip), direct shuttle ride from the Visitor Center.
> I am a serious photographer
Check out Longwood Gardens for flora and Heinz National Wildlife Area for fauna.
> Husband loves history
Day trip to Baltimore -- Fort McHenry is a MUST.
Day trip to Trenton, Princeton, and/or Monmonth State Park.
> and food.
REAL cheese-steaks, Philly style pretzels, hoagies, and water ice if it's hot. Scrapple if you're daring.
Fine dining is limited only by your imagination and your budget.
Mar 20th, 2012, 11:58 AM
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I was I Philly for the Flower show two weeks ago and I really recommend that you take in the "Van Gogh, Up Close and Personal" exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (thru May 6). Excellent exhibition. The museum also has a great Zaha Hadid exhibit going on right now, which you can see as part of your Van Gogh ticket.
The riverfront right in front of the museum is very nice for people watching and a picnic.
Lots of great photography ops in Philadephia, w/the many statues and street scultures (ie. the LOVE park with the wonderful Art Museum bldg in the background, the outdoor sculpture garden at the art museum, etc.). Go to the Mummers Museum for incredible color photography ops, and also take in the Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (google that, the mosaic murals are amazing, and the wesbite has a map of the public outdoor murals that you can use as a walking route in South Philly). I love the Italian market for photo ops also, lots of people out on the streets, outdoor cafes that are open now, etc. there.
Boathouse Row is great for nighttime photos, all lit up at night.
For landscapes and wonderful walking, DO NOT miss Wissahickon Park. This is a drive out to Chestnut Hill area. The park is on a river and has a wonderful covered bridge that reflects in the river water. Huge old growth trees, beautiful very wide paths right on the river. Lot of runners and dog walkers. Nice restaurant there also, called Valley Green.
Although if you are going to that area, eat at FROM THE BOOT (517 Germantown Pike), the BEST Italian food in all of the Philly area, IMO. Modest place in a little strip mall, but man is it fantastic. Dark wood, good service and the bread is to die for, before we even get to the food. And it is BYOB!
Then go drive straght up Germantown Pike to Chesnut Hill and walk up/down Germantown Rd. IMO, Chestnut Hill is one of the nicest neighborhoods in the U.S. Cool and unique shops on Germantown Rd., a nice indoor farmers market w/great food, flowers, etc. And walk a few streets off of Germantown for some great old homes, which are wonderful in the spring w/flowers blooming.
The riverfront right in front of the museum is very nice for people watching and a picnic.
Lots of great photography ops in Philadephia, w/the many statues and street scultures (ie. the LOVE park with the wonderful Art Museum bldg in the background, the outdoor sculpture garden at the art museum, etc.). Go to the Mummers Museum for incredible color photography ops, and also take in the Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (google that, the mosaic murals are amazing, and the wesbite has a map of the public outdoor murals that you can use as a walking route in South Philly). I love the Italian market for photo ops also, lots of people out on the streets, outdoor cafes that are open now, etc. there.
Boathouse Row is great for nighttime photos, all lit up at night.
For landscapes and wonderful walking, DO NOT miss Wissahickon Park. This is a drive out to Chestnut Hill area. The park is on a river and has a wonderful covered bridge that reflects in the river water. Huge old growth trees, beautiful very wide paths right on the river. Lot of runners and dog walkers. Nice restaurant there also, called Valley Green.
Although if you are going to that area, eat at FROM THE BOOT (517 Germantown Pike), the BEST Italian food in all of the Philly area, IMO. Modest place in a little strip mall, but man is it fantastic. Dark wood, good service and the bread is to die for, before we even get to the food. And it is BYOB!
Then go drive straght up Germantown Pike to Chesnut Hill and walk up/down Germantown Rd. IMO, Chestnut Hill is one of the nicest neighborhoods in the U.S. Cool and unique shops on Germantown Rd., a nice indoor farmers market w/great food, flowers, etc. And walk a few streets off of Germantown for some great old homes, which are wonderful in the spring w/flowers blooming.
Mar 20th, 2012, 01:34 PM
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I agree with all of the above; when you're at the Art Museum, be sure to go behind it down to the Waterworks and along the Schuylkill/Boathouse Row: http://travel.webshots.com/album/334838255hjfcWf
The Old City historic area can definitely take a full day; here's one itinerary: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...iladelphia.cfm
Uptown a bit more, there's the Wanamaker building (go in for a noontime organ concert), City Hall, and the Reading Terminal Market; I love the over-the-top style of City Hall inside and out. From there you can go up Broad Street and see the Masonic Temple and the Frank Furness building that houses the Academy of Fine Arts (always nice to go in, too!) and the Academy of Music. While in the area, check out Capogiro for gelato and duross and langel for handmade soap, both on 13th street.
South Street and the Magic Garden are unique: http://travel.webshots.com/album/579...MOZEX?start=12 (Please excuse the amateur pictures; just wanted to give you some ideas.)
Another of my favorite places is the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...nia-museum.cfm
And finally, Fairmount Park and its homes are awesome for the history buff/photographer combo! http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mount-park.cfm
Have a wonderful time!
The Old City historic area can definitely take a full day; here's one itinerary: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...iladelphia.cfm
Uptown a bit more, there's the Wanamaker building (go in for a noontime organ concert), City Hall, and the Reading Terminal Market; I love the over-the-top style of City Hall inside and out. From there you can go up Broad Street and see the Masonic Temple and the Frank Furness building that houses the Academy of Fine Arts (always nice to go in, too!) and the Academy of Music. While in the area, check out Capogiro for gelato and duross and langel for handmade soap, both on 13th street.
South Street and the Magic Garden are unique: http://travel.webshots.com/album/579...MOZEX?start=12 (Please excuse the amateur pictures; just wanted to give you some ideas.)
Another of my favorite places is the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...nia-museum.cfm
And finally, Fairmount Park and its homes are awesome for the history buff/photographer combo! http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mount-park.cfm
Have a wonderful time!
Mar 20th, 2012, 04:15 PM
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Others have listed two places in Philadelphia I would strongly recommend, the Magic Garden and the UPenn museum of Archeology and Anthropology.
Our family also enjoyed a visit to the Poe National Historic Site last fall.
The Italian market is a great area to visit, too.
Our family also enjoyed a visit to the Poe National Historic Site last fall.
The Italian market is a great area to visit, too.
Mar 20th, 2012, 04:54 PM
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Italian market area in south Philly and Reading Market should be of interest to both a foodie and photographer.
Gardens at Longwood and several others in the area could provide good flower shoots. You're not that far from Valley Forge if that would interest husband. Oops, see you've already been there. Brandywine area also has a lot of history.
Gardens at Longwood and several others in the area could provide good flower shoots. You're not that far from Valley Forge if that would interest husband. Oops, see you've already been there. Brandywine area also has a lot of history.
Mar 20th, 2012, 05:34 PM
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Agree with emd3 - the Van Gogh exhibit is not to be missed.
Love Reading Market and lunch at De Nics.
Cappogiro -great gelato
Longwood Garden, Nemours or Winterthur (all Du Pont sites) all make wonderful day trips - choose any one.
Love Reading Market and lunch at De Nics.
Cappogiro -great gelato
Longwood Garden, Nemours or Winterthur (all Du Pont sites) all make wonderful day trips - choose any one.
Mar 20th, 2012, 06:24 PM
#9
Longwood Gardens are beautiful, but kind of reminded me of Disneyland. fountains set to music, etc. Many the of the flowers, shrubs etc are grown in green houses, then transplanted into the ground to complement upcoming holidays or seasons. I did love their lily ponds and greenhouses. If you do go, take one of their "backstage tours". Their gift shop is wonderful.
I actually preferred Morris Arboretum. It is a more natural garden; some family's former estate. I found it much more interesting and photogenic. Also a lot less crowded.
I actually preferred Morris Arboretum. It is a more natural garden; some family's former estate. I found it much more interesting and photogenic. Also a lot less crowded.
Mar 21st, 2012, 02:41 AM
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My husband and I drove down along the Delaware Canal south of Easton, north of New Hope last fall on our way to the Philadelphia area. This is a scenic drive and interesting for a history buff. We had intended to go to the Canal museum in Easton but it seemed very oriented to kids (near the Crayola exhibits)
My husband grew up in Berks County NW of Philadelphia, and I think that area is very interesting. Some beautiful older farms and homes, Pennsylvania Dutch (not Amish). I know there is a suggested "hex sign tour" map. The Daniel boone Homestead, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Ephrata Cloister are all good places to visit although I am not sure of the opening times/seasons.
My husband grew up in Berks County NW of Philadelphia, and I think that area is very interesting. Some beautiful older farms and homes, Pennsylvania Dutch (not Amish). I know there is a suggested "hex sign tour" map. The Daniel boone Homestead, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Ephrata Cloister are all good places to visit although I am not sure of the opening times/seasons.
