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's South Street is home to one of the most remarkable creations of art in the city. Known as the Magic Gardens, this work by artist Isaiah Zagar spans almost an entire block and engulfs everything in sight including the pathways and building walls. The continuously evolving work is a colourful riot and incorporates tiles, bottles, bicycle tires, spokes; pretty much anything you could think of. With this stunning landscape and installations, the artist draws you into his world for a peek into his mind. This one is not to be missed.
A jewel of the Independence National Historic Park, the Liberty Bell spans layers and layers of long-standing history. In 1751, William Penn asked that the new bell being cast for the Pennsylvania Statehouse be engraved with the words, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” When the bell first rang to call citizens to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence, little did it know that it was going to change the course of the country forever. It was later dubbed the 'Liberty Bell' by abolitionists, who adopted the bell as a symbol of their fight for freedom for all Americans. A copper-clad, 2,080-pound (940-kilogram) icon of American independence, The Liberty Bell yet serves as a symbol of pride, inspiration and freedom.
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.
Gothic and neoclassical influences dominate the features of City Hall. The statue of William Penn that resides atop City Hall's clock tower remains a Philadelphia skyline marker—until the 1980s there was a "gentleman's agreement" that no Philadelphia building would be built higher than the rim of Penn's hat. City Hall provides a majestic backdrop for shoppers and businesspersons alike as it is situated on the intersection of the city's two main arteries, Broad and Market Streets. The tour of the City Hall lasts for 1.5 to 2 hours.
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.
Set along West Miner Street in West Chester, Everhart Park was established back in 1905. Covering an area of 10.2 acres (4.1 hectares), this lush green park was previously owned by William Everhart. This park is equipped with a basketball court, a children’s playground, a gazebo, grilling stations, a footbridge, a fountain and clean restrooms. Throughout the year, Everhart Park plays host to a variety of events, including the annual Turks Head Music Festival, May Day festivities and Easter egg hunts, further enhancing its appeal as a beloved gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Those who love nature and exploring some woods will be thrilled with what Wissahickon Valley Park has to offer. With a plethora of trails, lakes, wooded paths and more, exploring this park on foot or on a bicycle is a visual spectacle. It is also a wonderful place for bird watchers and those well versed with the ornithological ecosystem of the park.
Valley Forge National Historical Park weaves history, wildlife and fun together in one picturesque setting. The site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, Valley Forge honors the sacrifices made by the citizens of that era and sheds light on the perseverance of the unbreakable human spirit. Embark on immersive guided tours, engage in outdoor activities such as bird watching and horseback riding, and peruse 19th-century art exhibits. Discover important places and people and spend an eventful day with a visit to this park.
Spread across 933 acres (377.57 hectares), Brandywine Creek State Park was established in 1965. It features four nature preserves, including Tulip Tree Woods, Flint Woods, the Carney Tract, and the FreshWater Marsh, along with bike trails, pavilions, an interpretive center, hiking trails, picnic spots, and a disc golf course. Some of the activities that you can enjoy here are geocaching, canoeing, mountain biking, birdwatching, and fishing. Comprising old growths of tulip poplar, Piedmont hardwood, and coniferous trees towering over lush green shrubs and blankets of spring wildflowers, Brandywine Creek State Park makes for an idyllic weekend destination to enjoy the Great Outdoors.