Formerly the largest prison facility in America, the Eastern State Penitentiary is now Philadelphia’s major tourist attraction. What was once the most expensive prison in the country now stands in ruins, but that does not stop curious tourists from visiting the attraction. A first-of-its-kind, the penitentiary implemented previously unheard ideas of incarceration, which prioritized reformation over punishment. Today, the vaulted cell blocks and central rotunda invite many a tourists keen on knowing the eventful history of this fascinating establishment. What adds to the curiosity of the masses is the fact that the prison was home to notorious inmates such as ‘Slick Willie’ Sutton and Al Capone.
Philadelphia Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. Founded in 1874, this 42-acre (17-hectare) sanctuary on the Schuylkill River bank is home to over 100 species of rare and exotic fauna. Explore the Carnivore Kingdom, Reptile Exercise Yard, Monkey Junction, Small Mammal House, the Big Cat Crossing and other exhibits, and acquaint yourself with wildlife and their conservation. They shelter the Brazilian Agouti, Carribean Flamingo, and endangered species like the Micronesian Kingfisher, Western Lowland Gorrila and Panamanian Golden Frog. Visitors can also follow their interesting trails like Treetop or Great Ape. Children can enjoy river boat rides, safaris and the Amazon Rainforest Carousel. A viist is a great activity for school groups, campers, families and friends.
The red-bricked Georgian building in the midst of the 45-acre (18.2-hectare) Independence National Historical Park is one of the most recognizable historical landmarks in the nation, emblematic of the culmination of a series of epoch-making events that led to the birth of an independent America. The place where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution of the United States (1787) were signed, the Independence Hall has come to be synonymous with the the ideas of freedom and democracy that the declaration is hinged on, and stands tall on Philadelphia's historic Chestnut Street, flanked by side wings and a steeple. Constructed between 1732 and 1753, the famed Independence Hall was the brainchild of Andrew Hamilton and Edmund Woolley, and also served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. The iconic Liberty Bell is located right around the corner, although its original home was Independence Hall's bell tower.
For those who love wine and wan to make their own, The Wine Room of Cherry Hill presents a fabulous chance. Spread across 8000 square feet(743.22 square meters), this Hands On Winery is among the new wave of DIY winemakers. The brainchild of Kenton and Kathy Nice who are behind Coda Rossa Winery, you can join other wine enthusiasts and make your own label. Using only fresh grapes, this winery offers two seasons in wine-making every year. Fall is for Californian wines while spring is Chilean wines. The entire process is divided into four different sessions, each going up to two hours. From crushing to pressing, barreling and then bottling, you will learn the art of wine-making at this place. Feel like a professional as you use licensed winery tools and Italian wine presses. Sample wines before you start making your own. The prices vary as it all depends upon the quantity and variety of wine. Definitely an experience not to be missed.
Located inside the Brandywine Park, the Brandywine Zoo was opened in the year 1905. The zoo has more than 150 species which includes reptiles, birds and animals. The zoo also offers educational tours and other family programs for kids and adults. There are games, activities, and quizzes, which are very exciting to watch. To know more about the place.
The Rosenbach Museum & Library is cozily nestled away in a residential area within the two historic townhouses at 2008 and 2010 Delancey Place. The 19th-century townhouses boasts original manuscripts and handwritten copies of some of the world's most important literary works. The most highly prized of all the rarities on display is the original handwritten manuscript for James Joyce's 'Ulysses'. The museum celebrates 'Ulysses' every June 16th with the Bloomsday festival. Apart from the library's extensive collection, the historic house museum also showcases period furniture and decorative artwork from the 16th to the 20th Centuries making for a diverse chronicle of historic culture and the literary arts.
The St. Paul's Church is a beautiful hstoric church with pristine white exteriors that give it a ancient look. Established in 1828, it displays a mix of Rural Gothic and Gothic Revival styles of architecture. This church is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The church continues to be active and hosts services regularly.
The St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a historic church located in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. This Gothic style gray stone structure was first built in 1861 and modifications were made by Jay Cooke and Horace Trumbauer over the years. The stone structure of the church also features a two story clock tower and an adjoining cemetery. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Originally built in 1801, The St. Augustine Church was the first order of its denomination built in the United States and also housed the largest theological library in the city. Unfortunately, during the infamous anti-Catholic Nativist Riot of 1844, the church was burnt down to the ground destroying over 3000 volumes and some rare books. The second church was constructed in 1847 by Napolean LeBaron, an architect responsible for other Philadelphia landmarks including the Academy of Music and Cathedral of St. Paul and Peter. The church is an example of Palladian architecture and has impressive features like the white marble alter, Mexican onyx tabernacle and beautiful stained glass windows (all representing different saints) that lets colorful light into the church. This Roman Catholic Church is responsible for the founding of Villanova University and the Philadelphia Orchestra, both prestigious organizations in Pennsylvania.
Merion Botanical Park was opened in 1944 and is home to different variety of birds, plants and flowers. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape as well as the peaceful surroundings.