Independence National Historical Park City/Region: Philadelphia On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell rang out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning citizens to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Today the Hall stands proudly, revered as the birthplace of the American nation, in Independence National Historical Park, an eight-block historic neighborhood in the very center of old Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell itself is on display here, in a pavilion in Market Street between 5th and 6th Street.
Independence Hall on Chestnut Street was originally built as the Pennsylvania State House in 1732, but became famous after first the Declaration of Independence and later the Constitution of the United States was ratified here. The rest of the 45-acre Independence Park is packed with historically significant buildings and museums, interpreting the events and lives of the movers and shakers involved in Philadelphia's years as capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800, including George Washington and John Adams. About 20 buildings are open to the public daily, with times varying according to season. Advance tickets are required for Independence Hall, obtainable from the adjacent Visitor's Center or bookable in advance through the National Parks Service. Address: Independence Visitor Center located at 6th and Market Streets Phone Number: (215) 965 2305 Website: www.nps.gov/inde Hours: Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center: daily 9am to 5pm. Independence Visitor Center: daily 8.30am to 5pm Admission: Admission to all sites is free
Franklin Institute Science Museum City/Region: Philadelphia Philadelphia's most visited museum, the Franklin Institute on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, opened in 1934 and fast became recognized for its innovative and imaginative exhibits that demonstrate the influence of science in our lives. The museum complex is divided into four sections. Firstly the Franklin National Memorial is dedicated to Benjamin Franklin, featuring a huge statue of its namesake and a collection of memorabilia associated with the great man. The second section features a collection of hands-on and interactive science and technology exhibits, ranging from a walk-through model of a heart to a lightning gallery. This section also includes the Discovery Theater where scientific shows are given each afternoon, and a puzzle section. The basement area is the location of the Fels Planetarium. The third section consists of the Mandell Futures Center, a relatively new addition to the museum's offerings, which features eight futuristic permanent interactive exhibits covering space, earth, computers, chemistry and health. There is also an Imax theater arena here showing a variety of films. Lastly the museum offers the CoreStates Science Park, located on the lawn between the main museum buildings. This is a garden full of high-tech play structures like a stand-on organ, maze and a high-wire bicycle. The museum also features several restaurants and a snack bar. Address: 222 North 20th Street Phone Number: (215) 448 1200 Email Address: guestservices@fi.edu Website: www.fi.edu Hours: Daily 9.30am and 5pm. IMAX Theater is open until 9pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Admission: $13.75 (adults), $11 (children). IMAX: $9; Combination ticket: $18.75 (adults), $16 (children)
Philadelphia Museum of Art City/Region: Philadelphia Philadelphia's elegant art museum, established in the 1870s, houses a permanent collection of more than 225,000 works in 200 galleries, recognized as being one of the finest art assemblages in America. Exhibits include not only magnificent paintings, but also sculptures, period furniture and historic rooms. The beautiful building that houses this collection is built in the style of a Greco-Roman temple and stands on a hilltop off Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The two-story building is designed with L-shaped wings leading off a central court, and exhibits are arranged in period groupings. The museum also has a cafeteria and a formal restaurant, and regularly hosts visiting exhibitions. Address: Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 26th Street Phone Number: (215) 763 8100, or (215) 684 7500 Website: www.philamuseum.org Transport: SEPTA buses 7, 32, 38, 43 or 48; or purple PHLASH trolleys from Penn's Landing and Center City Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (until 8.45pm on Fridays) Admission: $12 (adults), $8 (children 13-18). On Sundays entry is by donation
Barnes Foundation City/Region: Philadelphia The Barnes Foundation, housed in the French provincial mansion of Albert Barnes, holds one of the finest collections of French modern and post-impressionist paintings in the entire world. Dr Albert Barnes was a wealthy Philadelphia born and bred pharmaceutical entrepreneur who established the foundation in 1922. This artistic experience without equal offers the chance to view an awesome number of masterpieces by artists such as Matisse, Cézanne, Renoir and Picasso. There are also objects like furniture, ceramics and jewelry from around the world in this rare collection of artistic treasures. Address: 300 North Latch's Lane, Merion Phone Number: (610) 667 0290 Email Address: reserve@barnesfoundation.org Website: www.barnesfoundation.org Transport: Train to Merion Station, or bus to Old Lancaster Road and N. Latches Lane Hours: Gallery opening hours are restricted to Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 9.30am to 5pm. In July and August the gallery opens on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Advance bookings are required for all visits. Guided tours and audio guides are available Admission: Onsite parking is available at $10 per person (book in advance). Audio guides at the gallery are $7 per person
Franklin Court City/Region: Philadelphia Part of the Independence National Historical Park, the area between 3rd and 4th Streets is where the home of America's most remarkable historic figure, Benjamin Franklin, once stood. The house no longer exists, but the remaining courtyard has been covered with a 54-foot high (16m) steel skeleton 'ghost structure' and provides a novel and fascinating tribute and insight into the life of Franklin, a printer, diplomat, inventor, publisher, author, statesman, postmaster, founder of the University of Pennsylvania and more. On the site visitors can see an underground museum filled with paintings, objects and inventions associated with Franklin, and use a bank of telephones listening to testimonies from famous personalities about the achievements of the great man. There is also a US Postal Service Museum and active post office on the site and in a nearby house an architectural exhibit explaining Franklin's fire-resisting building techniques can be viewed. Another building in Market Street houses an 18th-century printing office and bindery where demonstrations are given, and alongside is the restored office of the newspaper published by Franklin's grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache. Address: 316-322 Market Street Phone Number: (215) 965 2305 Website: www.nps.gov/inde Hours: Underground Museum and Printing Ofice: daily 11am to 5pm; Postal Museum: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Parts of the Court are open by tour only from Wednesday to Sunday, from 1pm Admission: Free
Philadelphia Zoo City/Region: Philadelphia Philadelphia's state-of-the-art Zoo, opened in 1874, was the first in the United States and today takes first place as one of the world's most renowned zoological gardens with its wonderful animal exhibits, award-winning education and conservation programs, recreational opportunities and scientific accomplishments. More than one million visitors a year are drawn to this leading city attraction. Among the special features offered are more than 1,600 rare and exotic animals and 42 acres of picturesque Victorian gardens. Highlights are the Peco Primate Reserve, an interactive exhibit featuring 10 species of primates; the Rare Animal Conservation Center giving close up views of some of the world's most endangered animals; the Reptile and Amphibian House, which has an interactive adventure path showcasing 87 species including the King Cobra; an African animal section; the chance to ascend in a helium balloon; children's petting zoo and daily live animal shows. Address: 3400 West Girard Avenue, Fairmount Park Phone Number: (215) 243 1100 Website: www.phillyzoo.org Transport: SEPTA bus 15 Hours: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (March to November), 9.30am to 4pm (December to February) Admission: March to November: $16.95 (adults), $13.95 (children 2-11). From December to February $12.95 for all
Doylestown City/Region: Philadelphia The city of Doylestown, about 25 miles (40km) north of Philadelphia in the center of Bucks County (of which it is the county capital), is renowned for its Historic District which contains more than 1,000 structures dating from between 1851 and 1910. This treasure-trove of architectural heritage, bounded by Union, Cottage and East Ashland Streets, Hillside Avenue and South and North-West Streets, draws hundreds of visitors to the city, which has been named one of a 'Dozen Distinctive Destinations' by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The city also offers inviting antique and handcraft shops, numerous excellent restaurants and in the surrounding Bucks County countryside there are vast recreational possibilities, from fishing and boating on the scenic Delaware River to hiking through nature trails and discovering surprises like the 300-year-old Fallsington village. Nearby too is the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River and changed the course of the American Revolution.
Dutch Country City/Region: Philadelphia Rated as one of the most popular summer drives in America, a tour of Pennsylvania's Dutch Country is a relaxing and rewarding experience, enjoyed by an estimated five million visitors every year. Central to the area is Pennsylvania's scenic Lancaster County, just one and a half hour's drive west of Philadelphia. The main drawcard is the fascinating lifestyle of the local Amish (plain Quaker) farming communities, who live according to age-old traditions and values without making use of any modern conveniences, even eschewing electricity and telephones. The area abounds with interesting historic and rural attractions, including 28 picturesque covered bridges on quiet country roads, the oldest Mennonite meeting house in America and the home of a former US president. Many visitors opt to tour the area in a horse and buggy or by bicycle. Another big attraction in the area is the food, which, because of the local agriculture is 'fresh-from-the-farm' home style cooking, all offered at local restaurants and markets. To wash down the farm fare there are wineries and breweries open for tours and tastings. Shopping for local crafts and antiques is another popular pastime. Website: www.padutchcountry.com
Gettysburg National Military Park City/Region: Philadelphia The small town of Gettysburg in Adam's County, south-central Pennsylvania was the site of the largest Civil War battle ever waged in the Western Hemisphere. It was here, too, that Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal address. The bloody Battle of Gettysburg started on July 1, 1863 and lasted two days, resulting in a Union victory. The Gettysburg National Military Park now stands testimony to the battle, incorporating about 6,000 acres of land, 26 miles of park roads and more than 1,400 monuments, markers and memorials. Address: 97 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg (Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center) Phone Number: (717) 334 1124 (Visitor Center) Website: www.nps.gov/gett Transport: There is no public transport system in Gettysburg; commercial bus tours are available Hours: Park grounds open daily 6am to 10pm (April to October) and 6am to 7pm (November to March); Visitor Center open 8am to 5pm (September to May), 8am to 6pm (June to August) Admission: Free
Hershey's Chocolate World City/Region: Philadelphia No Charlie should miss out on the treat of visiting Hershey's Chocolate World in the town where chocolate making has become an art. Hershey, billed as 'the sweetest place on earth', is about 90 miles (145km) from Philadelphia via Lancaster. A free of charge simulated factory tour ride is offered at the official visitor's center of the Hershey Foods Corporation, and a new Chocolate Tour begins in a tropical rain forest where the chocolate beans grow, and follows the journey as they make their way to Hershey's. Visitors can attend a 20-minute presentation on how Hershey's Chocolate is made, run every half hour in the 3-D Theater Lobby. There are also gift and souvenir shops, a food court, and the Hershey's 3-D show. Address: 800 Park Boulevard, Hershey Phone Number: (717) 534 4900 Website: www.hersheyschocolateworld.com Hours: Hours vary seasonally, please call or check the website for details. Generally open daily 9am to 10pm in summer, and Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm in winter Admission: Chocolate Tour is free. 3-D Show: $4.50 (adults), $3.50 (children 3-12)
Brandywine Valley City/Region: Philadelphia About 35 miles (63km) west of Philadelphia on US 1 (accessible by bus and train) is the scenic cultural and historical Mecca of the Brandywine Valley, sprinkled with magical natural settings, country inns, fascinating museums and beautiful gardens in the heart of Chester County. Visitors can enjoy Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine River Museum (with its unique art collection in a grist mill), the Chaddsford Winery, the Simon Pearce glassblowing studio and shopping in historic Kennett Square to name just a few of the attractions in this naturally beautiful part of Pennsylvania. Phone Number: (610) 719 1730 Website: www.brandywinevalley.com
Carnegie Museums City/Region: Pittsburgh In 1895 Pittsburgh industrialist Andrew Carnegie established an Institute, which he intended to improve and educate local people. Today his ideal has been realised in the form of a collection of four museums funded by the Carnegie Institute: a Museum of Art, Natural History, a Science Center and The Andy Warhol Museum. The Carnegie Museum of Art on Forbes Avenue has a notable collection of contemporary art that includes film and video works. The adjacent Natural History Museum takes visitors time-tripping through the wonders of planet earth. The Carnegie Science Center at Allegheny Avenue offers planetarium and laser shows and a variety of hands-on activities and exhibits for old and young. The final museum in the Carnegie bouquet is the Andy Warhol in Sandusky Street, featuring extensive permanent collections of art and archives relating to one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century. Address: 4400 Forbes Avenue Phone Number: (412) 622 3131 Website: www.carnegiemuseums.org Hours: Carnegie Museum of Art, Natural History Museum: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Carnegie Science Center: Sunday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 7pm. Andy Warhol Museum: daily except Mondays 10am to 5pm, with late closing at 10pm on Fridays Admission: Museum of Art and Natural History Museum: $10 (adults), $6 (children); admission includes entry to both museums. Science Center: $14 (adults), $10 (children 3-18); Omnimax $8. Andy Warhol Museum: $10 (adults), $6 (children 3-18)
National Aviary City/Region: Pittsburgh Situated in historic West Park on Pittsburgh's North Side, a few minutes from downtown, is the National Aviary, America's only independent indoor non-profit bird zoo. The Aviary is home to more than 600 birds of more than 200 species, many of which are threatened or endangered. From hummingbirds to Andean Condors there are birds from just about every corner of the world, with particular emphasis being placed on rainforest and wetland habitats. The birds are all kept in natural planted exhibits, which allows for close up views of our feathered friends. Address: Allegheny Commons West Phone Number: (412) 323 7235 Website: www.aviary.org Transport: Bus 16B, 16F, 17B or 500 from Heinz Hall, downtown Hours: 9am to 5pm every day of the year except Christmas Day Admission: $8 (adults), $6.50 (children 2-12)
Point State Park City/Region: Pittsburgh Pittsburgh's Point State Park, formerly a slum land, has been turned into a recreational delight and declared a National Historic Landmark for the strategic role played here during the French and Indian War in the mid 1700s. The site features paved promenades along the Ohio riverfront, overlooking dramatic views of the city with its busy waterways, scenic hillsides and many bridges. The park has been naturally landscaped and a 150ft (46m) tall fountain enhances the aspect. There is a biking trail, outdoor amphitheater and in-line skating route. The Fort Pitt Museum is housed in one of the five original bastions of the ruined historic fort, devoted to displaying local history. The Fort Pitt Blockhouse, the oldest authentic building in Western Pennsylvania, is also open to the public. Phone Number: (412) 471 0235 Email Address: parkregion2sp@state.pa.us Website: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/point.aspx Hours: Fort Pitt Museum: Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 4.30pm. Fort Pitt Blockhouse: Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 4pm, Sunday 12pmt o 4pm Admission: Fort Pitt Museum: $5 (adults), $2 (children 6-17)
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