Cradle of Liberty Discoveries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 24-Hour Travel Guide
Independence Hall
Breakfast - There is more history to soak up per square foot in Philadelphia than in any other city in the country, so I’m going to suggest that you confine your limited amount of time today to the Old City and Northern Liberties areas, with some brief forays into Society Hill. Luckily, the most amazing breakfast spot around is in Northern Liberties, at 800 N. 4th Street. It’s called Honey’s Sit-N-Eat. They offer good food – with huge portions. Nine times out of ten I order the breakfast burrito. Expect a wait, but this place is well worth it!
Morning - You will undoubtedly begin your morning with a visit to Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell. Afterwards, take a walk through Old City, beginning at 2nd and Market and the impressive Christ Church. You will also want to spend time at a tiny Colonial street called Elfreth’s Alley. In this neighborhood you will also find the Arch Street Meeting House and the Christ Church Burial Ground where Ben Franklin and other signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried. At 239 Arch Street, you’ll find the Betsy Ross House. Give yourself enough time to take advantage of the self-guided tour. Often you will find colonial crafters and storytellers in the shady courtyard outside.
Lunch - City Tavern, located at 138 S. 2nd Street, is a recreation of the 18th century City Tavern and said to be authentic in most every way, right down to the historically-based menu. They serve turkey pot pie that’s great and the house-brewed ale is made according to General Washington’s formula. National Mechanics, at 22 S. 3rd Street, is in the 1837 National Mechanics Building, which has housed banks, churches, clubs, and bars over the years. It has an old world, colonial atmosphere, and the extensive menu includes fish & chips, sandwiches, salads, and a $10 pub steak.
Afternoon - You can spend the afternoon wandering around Society Hill and the waterfront of Penn’s Landing. This 18th century district is well preserved and has hidden courtyards and lots of decorative touches. There are Colonial and Federal style row houses on the narrow streets that you’ll want to see. Two in particular are worth a visit. Physick House, located at 321 S. 4th Street is an 18th century house that is elegantly restored and furnished. Don’t miss the garden, which is filled with plants that were common to the 19th century. Then visit Powel House, at 244 S. 3rd Street, which was built in 1765 and is still one of the most elegant homes in Philadelphia, with exquisite furnishings and a one-of-a-kind mahogany staircase.
Dinner - Others will recommend Buddakan or Morimoto (both excellent choices, by the way) but I would send you to the award-winning Fountain Restaurant, at 1 Logan Square, in the Four Seasons. It’s glamorous and cosmopolitan, with polished, unobtrusive service. The food is beautifully prepared. Dining here is an experience.
After Dark - If you happen to be on the other end of town during the evening, make it a point to see Boathouse Row, which is on the Schuykill River, just beyond the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is illuminated at night, outlined by hundreds of little white lights. If it’s the first Friday of the month, then you may want to walk through Old City and visit the galleries.
Sleep - Penn’s View Inn at 14 N. Front Street in Old City is a sophisticated and charming little hotel that’s close to all the historic sites. It’s in an old commercial building and there’s a wonderful restaurant on the ground floor called Ristorante Panorama. The hotel is very comfortable, with a feel that’s more European than American, and some of the rooms have great views of the Delaware River. If you can’t get into Penn’s View, try the Thomas Bond House at 129 S. 2nd Street. This B&B is in an old 1769 house that has undergone extensive restoration. The rooms are all comfortable and two have marble fireplaces. A Continental breakfast is served weekdays and a full breakfast on weekends.
Tags: History