Philadelphia Hotels

I am a avid history nut and if you care at all about understanding the history of the US, you must visit Philadelphia! I am taking all my kids there this next fall so they can better understand their heritage.

America's first capital city, Philadelphia is rich in American history and culture.

From Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 proclaiming American independence, to Penn's Landing, named after the influential and charismatic governor William Penn, Philadelphia has much to teach visitors about the early years of America. At the same time, Philadelphia is a bustling city with modern attractions and entertainment.

Philadelphia's historical roots are very deep. As the seat of American government during the first crucial decades of American independence, Philadelphia was America's greatest city. The city's pride was manifested in the City Hall, which is the largest and most ornate municipal hall in the country. Philadelphia was the site of the meetings of the Continental and then the US Congress until 1800. But Philadelphia's history is even older than that of the United States itself. As a British Colony founded by William Penn and the Quakers, Pennsylvania attracted many different religious denominations to its tolerant atmosphere. Many of those faiths have built beautiful churches throughout the city in celebration of the religious freedom they found in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia's careful city planning made it an ideal choice for housing the US government, and it has produced many treasures that are still enjoyed by visitors and residents. Fairmont Park, for example, is the largest landscaped municipal park in the world. It houses numerous attractions, as well as walking trails and recreation areas.

Philadelphia was and remains to this day a cultural center. Benjamin Franklin himself helped found many of the educational and cultural offerings of the city. Numerous universities and museums can be found here in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Art Museum is the third largest in the country with over 300,000 different items. Other museums celebrate the Philadelphia's place in American history. Philadelphia also boasts numerous entertainment centers, such as Penn's Landing where a wonderful collection of historical ships provides the background for numerous restaurants and entertainment venues.

Philadelphia has enjoyed a special place in American history, and visitors come to the city to learn about that history as they learn about this beautiful city and all it offers.

Things to Do

Japanese House and Garden
Pine Breeze Villa. A reproduction of a 16th to 17th century Japanese house befitting a government official or other high ranking member of Japanese society. Located in the Horticultural Center as part of Fairmont Park.

Franklin Institute Science Museum
Franklin Institute Science Museum, is a large museum that emphasizes hands on exhibits. Includes a Science Center and a Planetarium. Widely known as the site of the Benjamin Franklin National Museum.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts as the 3rd largest art museum in the nation. Houses all types of media from all periods. Over 300,000 items of American, European, and more exotic arts.

City Hall
Largest and most elaborate city hall in the country. The tower is over 548 feet tall. A large statue of William Penn sits atop the tower of this Philadelphia landmark.

Philadelphia Zoo
A world-class zoo that makes up a large part of Fairmont Park. Over 1500 animals on 42 acres of land. Houses the first white lions exhibited in America.

Rodin Museum
Largest collection of works and reproductions by Rodin outside of Paris. Includes such famous sculptures as "The Thinker," as well as other media used by the artist.

Betsy Ross House
Residence of the woman who sewed the first American flag. A beautiful two story colonial house that remains as it was at the time of Betsy Ross' residence.

US Mint
World largest mint where much of circulating US coinage is made. Visitors can view the entire process from glass enclosed galleries.

Penn's Landing
A scenic strip of restaurants, attractions, and entertainment. Featuring historic ships from colonial times.

Fairmont Park
Biggest landscaped metropolitan park in the world. Over 8,900 acres of scenic trails, woods, fields, and recreation areas.

Victorian Mansions
Philadelphia is home to numerous historic mansions from the middle and late 19th century. These houses have been preserved and decorated in original furnishings from the times.

Valley Forge national Historic Park
Commemorates the long winter spent here by George Washington's troops in the darker days of the Revolutionary War. Information on the campaign and conditions of the soldiers is available.

Eastern State Penitentiary
At one time America's model prison. Opened in 1829 and became dedicated to the principles of hard work and solitary confinement. Housed many famous criminals such as Al Capone.

Philadelphia Orchestra
One of the nation's leading orchestra's playing a full repertoire of classical and modern music.

Independence National Historic Park
Home of numerous attractions related to America's birth as a nation. Scheduled for massive landscaping and preservation improvements. Includes:

• Liberty Bell Pavillion - Home of the original liberty bell that rang to signal American independence and that has since become a symbol of freedom throughout the world.

• Independence Hall - Site of the meetings of the Continental Congress where the Declaration of Independence was agreed to and signed. Rooms remain furnished as they were in 1776.

• Congress Hall - Meeting place of the US Congress from 1790 to 1800. Rooms where the Senate and House of Representatives met are furnished accordingly. Information about the early years of the republic abounds.