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Philadelphia is one of the world's most dynamic
destinations; where big-city excitement meets hometown
charm. Famous as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness," Philadelphia offers more than
cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. This "city of
neighborhoods" is known for its walk-ability and easy-to-navigate
streets that is chock-full of cultural, culinary,
artistic and ethnic treasures. Enjoy the grand architecture,
tax-free shopping, attractions, entertainment, and delicious
cuisine of these diverse Philadelphia districts!
PHILLY FUN FACTS:
215: Number of outdoor cafés that
line the city's streets
4.8 million: Number of cakes,
donuts, pies, and cookies baked
each day at Philadelphia’s Tastykake
factory.
22,000: Number of cups, bowls, and
spoons in Mei-Ling Hom's
sculpture, "China Wedge," on
display at the Pennsylvania
Convention Center.
2,055: Weight in pounds, of the
Liberty Bell
HISTORY EXCURSION
Just southeast of the Pennsylvania
Convention Center, Independence
National Historical Park offers
more than 50 free attractions
including the Liberty Bell and
Independence Hall.
- On Market St. between 3rd and
4th Streets, visit Franklin Court,
the site of Ben Franklin's home,
print shop, and the first U.S. post
office.
- Tour the Declaration House, a
few blocks away on 7th and Market Streets, and see where
Thomas Jefferson lived while
drafting the Declaration of
Independence.
- Learn about Philadelphia's history
from the experts with Once
Upon a Nation free storytelling
benches throughout the Historic
District. Put on a headset for the
Lights of Liberty self-guided
sound and light show. Or, make a
night of it with Independence
After Hours’ three course meal
and evening guided tour.
PUBLIC ART EXCURSION
- Head to JFK Plaza (a.k.a. Love
Park) across from City Hall to
relax on one of the many benches
and enjoy Robert Indiana’s iconic
LOVE statue. (The park also
offers free wireless internet.)
- Farther up the Benjamin Franklin
Parkway at 20th St. are the All
Wars Memorial to Colored
Soldiers and Sailors and the
Aero Memorial, a bronze sphere
commemorating soldiers who
died in WWI.
- If you're feeling ambitious,
continue on the Parkway toward
the Philadelphia Museum of Art. See Swann Memorial
Fountain, with three spouting
marine sculptures that represent
three local waterways. Continue
on to the triumphant Rocky
statue at the foot of the museum
steps. Celebratory bronze
footprints decorate the 72-step
climb to the top where Rocky
trained in the film.
FOOD EXCURSION
Experience the flavors that make up
the city's rich culinary background.
- Head to Chinatown, between 6th
and 12th Streets, and Arch and
Race, become immersed in
Chinese culture. This bustling
neighborhood has more than 50
restaurants featuring authentic
dishes such as Vietnamese roast
duck and Malaysian mango
chicken.
- Connected to the Convention
Center, Reading Terminal
Market is a popular dining and
shopping destination offering a
sampling of local flavors,
including coffee, candy, spices,
Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods,
and an incredible selection of
farm-fresh produce. Sit cafeteriastyle
next to locals on their lunch
breaks and enjoy staples such as a
juicy cheesesteak and a soft, handtwisted
pretzel.
- A walk through Rittenhouse and
Washington Square districts will
take you to European-influenced
cafés and shops filled with
handmade chocolates, artisan teas,
Farmstead cheeses, and
homemade gelatos.
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