Pennsylvania Attractions

I LOVED the old one, best museum in DC. Haven't been to the new one, but can't wait to check it out

It’s only fitting that Philadelphia, the birthplace of the country, as well as the site of the first Independence Day celebration, (hosted on Thomas Jefferson’s lawn) is now the home of an annual weeklong celebration full of family friendly activities and concluding with the Sounds of Liberty Concert and the giant fireworks display over the city. The Liberty Bell and the Independence Mall both have extended hours during the week-long festival.

There are the obvious people you can watch for outside the White House (i.e. its residents!), but I like to hang out here simply to gawk at the various tourist groups, locals, fourth grade classes on their yearly fieldtrips ooh-and-ahh over our President's residence. You'll usually get a protester or two as well—and they always make good photo/video ops!

There's something in Philadelphia for everyone - and that of course includes American history buffs! Philadelphia's most famous historical attraction is Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell - site of the Second Continental Congress. If you visit just one historical site in your time in Philadelphia, make ti this one!

You can learn more about the history of the Liberty Bell itself here: http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/

One more historical stop while you're in Philadelphia - Christ Church, the Georgian-style, church attended by the founding fathers. The church is still functioning today if you'd like to catch a service while you're in town, but its perhaps best known as the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and 4 other founding fathers. Definitely a great attraction to visit while in Philadelphia.

If you're looking for kid-friendly activities in Philadelphia, the Please Touch Museum is one of the best. Children can get hands-on learning experiences about urban settings, flight, water, history, imagination, and more. Be aware that the museum can get particularly busy on rainy days.

For more about the museum, visit http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/

At 150 years old in 2009, the Philadelphia Zoo is America's oldest zoo and a great attraction for both kids and adults. the 42-acre zoo is home to over 1,300 animals, many of which are rare or endangered. It is the city's most popular family destination, with over 1.2 million guests annually. In addition to nearly 20 different animal habitats there are several rides and other encounters at the zoo. For more, visit the website at: http://www.philadelphiazoo.org

The Franklin Institute is a great Philadelphia attraction for the whole family. The center houses live science shows, interactive exhibits, fireworks shows, The Giant Heart exhibit, Sir Isaac's Loft, which combines art & physics, and a number of other visiting and permanent exhibits. There are also several theaters, including an IMAX theater. For more, visit their website: http://www2.fi.edu/

Philadelphia's foodie culture doesn't end at cheesesteaks - one stop at the Reading Terminal Market will convince you of that. Here you will get a real taste for local flavor by shopping the food stands and by tasting the food prepared by excellent local chefs, all right in one spot! The market is home to 30 restaurants of every cuisine imaginable. Every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:00 am there is a walking tour of the market led by a local food writer, which will give you lots of information about Philadelphia's most famous foods and their histories.

If shopping is on your agenda while in Philadelphia, you can't miss King of Prussia Mall, just outside of Philadelphia - one of the United States' largest retail complexes and home to over 400 stores, ranging from discount to designer. http://www.kingofprussiamall.com/

Rittenhouse Row is one of Philadelphia's hottest neighborhoods and is known as an upscale shopping and dining strip. The neighborhood is also a hotspot for arts & culture as it is home to the Kimmel Center, Merriam Theater, Prince Music Theater, and more.
http://www.rittenhouserow.org/index2.html

Philadelphia popularly known as 'Philly' is the largest city in Pennsylvania. A treasure trove of museums, art galleries and entertainment venues, the city is abuzz with various literary fests and cultural activities the year round. Quaint stores, designer boutiques and numerous other arty stores add to the overall glamor and charm of this destination.

Visited in Spring and Fall.
Tip - Hire a docent from the oldest tour association in the US. These guides are Civil War fanatics and they will make you interested in this 3 day battle. They will hop in your car and go out with you in your vehicle and they will also step-on to tour buses.
Visit the new visitors Center.
Have lunch at the Dobbin House.

Growing up in Hershey, Pennsylvania, my family and I always bought season passes for Hersheypark at the beginning of each Summer. My friends and I would always wait until later in the day when most of the tourists cleared out to hit the park.

The hill right outside of the Hershey Gardens is to the right of it's parking lot. On the nights of big concerts at Hersheypark Stadium my friends and I would always go up to the hill and sit and listen and have a good time. Then we would do the same thing when the fireworks display went up for the 4th of July. When I first got my driver's license I would always make my way up to the hill outside Hershey Gardens in the mornings before I would work in the Summer. I would get a coffee and just sit on the grass and admire the beautiful view from this hill. From the top you can see a bird's eye view of Hersheypark, downtown Hershey, my old grade schools, and the towns around the area. It was just wonderful to sit up there and remember all the great times I had growing up in Chocolatetown.