 Region:
Southeast
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Philadelphia, PA! Whether your
interest is history, art, architecture or an unplanned sightseeing adventure to fill an
afternoon, Philadelphia offers many historical firsts and interesting attractions.
Originally I
had planned to start this article with the pre and post nation attractions available, and
then I received word about a special event that precedes even the birth of this great
nation. Dinosaurs in Philadelphia! Can you believe it, huge creatures stomping around Old
City Hall eating everything in sight, and . . . OK, I confess my imagination and love of a
good story has the best of me. You will not experience living and breathing mammoths,
raptors or others demolishing the streets, but if you share my interest and fascination
check out Dinofest. Dinofest, the World's Fair of Dinosaurs is coming to Philadelphia,
March 27-April 26. This exhibit is sponsored by The Academy of Natural Sciences, and will
be will be held at the Philadelphia Civic Center, 34th St. & Civic Center Blvd. Maybe
you have already seen this exhibit or these prehistoric pets aren’t your cup of tea.
Not to worry, because there is so so much to see and do that a day trip will only be
followed with a longing to stay or return time and time again.
Rich in
history, Philadelphia holds much to boast about. The History of the United States of
America is evident at Independence Hall, the birthplace of our nation. The building
attracts many for its historical and architectural contributions. Tours are available
daily from 9am to 5pm. Other Historical stops should include the Liberty Bell, a chime
that changed a nation, Old City Hall, home of the Supreme Court in the 18th Century and
Franklin Court where you can visit The United States Postal Service Museum, The Franklin
Print Shop, and the Franklin Museum. Philadelphia is also the birthplace of Betsy Ross,
the 8th child of 17. Just imagine 17 mouths to feed, not to mention the noise level.
The home is reported as the 3rd most visited site in Philadelphia. Operating
hours are Tuesday through Sunday between the hours of 10am-5pm, opened on Monday holidays.
Information and costs are available by telephoning 215-627-5343. I could go on and on
about the historical sights and buildings in Philadelphia but I promised to keep my
articles short so as not to bore our visitors.
In closing I
like to also leave you with a little trivia and information regarding the Philadelphia
Zoo. On July 1, 1874 colonists eager to observe live wild animals in captivity, reportedly
more than 3,000, came to America’s first zoo located in Philadelphia. For 25 cents
non-members surveyed wild animals and their behavior. Today, the Philadelphia Zoo
participates in local and international conservation projects, public education programs,
wildlife health and science research, and offers a range of public recreation activities.
Unfortunately the price of 25 has gone up in the last 100 years, but it’s still worth
the price of admission.
Thanks, and come back.
--- M. Anthony
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