Returning to Philadelphia is a blessing. We were here over 30 years ago. During that visit we thoroughly enjoyed the Please Touch Children's Museum with our young children. We stayed in a welcoming, historic Bed and Breakfast. A guided tour of the landmarks was filled with many details.
This time, Papa and I pulled together our own tour. The research prior to our trip was actually very helpful in learning and retaining details. That was even more important because we almost skipped Philly, due to Ophelia. Then, with the weather a little better than feared, we opted to do a shortened day and knew what we really wanted to see. We walked by several places like Christ’s Church and Benjamin Franklin’s burial place. The presumed home of Betsy Ross. Independence Hall. Of course we had to get a huge, delicious Philly cheesesteak at Old City Pizza!
Top of the list of must sees was Elfreth’s Alley. The longest continually inhabited street in the country. It was built in the 1700s! We walked where so many famous people in history have walked. What a charming street! It was definitely worth trudging through the pouring rain to spend a few minutes in this historic spot.
A trip to Philly isn’t complete without a stop by the Liberty Bell. Thirty plus years ago, I thought we walked right up to the bell. This time we had security screening and a maze of historical displays to pass through on the way to the crowds surrounding the bell. We squeezed in for a quick photo between all the selfie-takers.
Another must see for us is the current renovation happening on the First Bank of the United States. Thanks to the popularity of the Broadway play, Hamilton, this first national bank championed by Alexander Hamilton is getting new life after being abandoned for years. (Bottom photo)
Of course, Philadelphia is loaded with history and there is also some modern folklore associated with the city: Rocky. The first iconic Rocky movie came out in 1976. Who can forget the music and Rocky running up the outdoor stairs? The stairs belong to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and, in artist fashion, a statue of Rocky was installed at the base of the steps in 2006. The plan was for me to run the steps in Rocky-style. The continuous rain and fear of slipping, which would put a kink in our trip, left me with just a drive-by photo.
One last stop at Reading Terminal. What a crazy busy place to shop and eat. We picked up some goodies for the road and a couple trinkets. We had to get back and sleep well. Tomorrow morning we have a surprise planned.
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