Philadelphia Things to Do Tips by emilienoelle

Independence Hall Independence - Carpenter's Hall Review

Independence Hall is located at the far end of the Independence Mall, directly opposite from the National Constitution Center. It was in this building that the Continental Congress was held in 1778 by representatives of the orignal 13 states to decide on a form of unified federal government. At that time, right after the Revlolution had ended, each of the states were creating their own forms of government and even minting their own money. It had become evident that some unity was needed lest the 13 states would become 13 separate countries. It was out of this famous Congress that the US Constitution was born.

Independece Hall also served as a temporary "White House" as well as from where The US Congress operated until the buildings that are still in use in Washington DC were built.

You must go through a security checkpoint in order to enter the Hall and are allowed in by guided tour only, but admission is free to everyone.

Address: Independence Mall

Directions: Across the Mall from the Constitution Center.

Christ Church Burial Ground Christ Church Review

Christ Church Burial Ground is located on Arch Street at the entrance to the Olde City and just a few blocks up from the Constitution Center. Burried in this cemetary are the remains of several important figures in America's history including many signers of the Declaration of Independence, but perhaps its most famous resident is Bejamin Franklin, the famous scientist and inventor. Franklin's gravesite is visible from the street and passersby often toss a penny on his stone. In fact it was covered with them. We could not figure out why this was, except that he was the one who coined the phrase "A penny saved is a penny earned." I wonder what he would think of all of these pennies!

Address: Arch Street

Directions: Next to the Quaker Meeting House

Chinatown ChinaTown Review

Philadelphia, like many large cities, has a great Chinatown. Here you can find all of the city's best Chinese restaurants, cool Chinese import stores (think silk!) and funky groceries, fabric stores, and noodle shops. There are also a few cute toy shops. Take a walk through. It's worth it and you will enjoy yourself.

Address: Entrance at 10th and Arch

The Liberty Bell Liberty Bell Review

All of my life I had wanted to see the Liberty Bell. I had always imagined it as being in its "natural" bell environment, but it is in fact encased in its very own, heavily protected federal building. In order to get into this building you must first go into another building and wait in line to pass through an airport-style metal detector and bag check. If you set off the alarm they wand you. It is serious. After you pass through security you are allowed to see the bell which is roped off on all sides and tended by an armed guard. It was hard to get near enough to it to take a photo because there were so many Japanese tourists taking each other's photos in front of it, but I did it! Yayy for the Liberty Bell!!!

Address: Independence Mall

Birthplace of the American Flag Betsy Ross House Review

Most people know that the creator of the first American Flag was Betsy Ross, a native Pennsylvanian and well-known seamstress. What most people don't know is that Betsy Ross was also a keen businesswoman who outlived 3 husbands and 2 of her 7 daughters. She was a hardworking, tough woman who only finally retired in her mid 70's when she was too tired to work any longer. She lived well into her mid 80's at a time when 40 was considered old.

The Betsy Ross House is the house where Betsy and her daughters actually lived and worked and where the first flag was sewn. The front of the house served as Betsy's shop where she spent her days making curtains, tablecloths, and bedcoverings for clients. She also upolstered furniture, a service that was in high demand at that time and provided steady business. Betsy also earned income to support her daughters by making musket balls for the Revolutionary Army. She is burried on the grounds of the house with her third husband, John Claypoole.

Open 10 - 5, Closed Mondays Oct - March

Address: 239 Arch Street

Directions: Olde City

Phone: 215-686-1252

We the People . . . National Constitution Center Review

The National Constitution Center is a museum dedicated to "honoring and explaining" the US Constitution and it's uniqueness and radical nature in the history of world governments. (The Constitution was written about 500 yards from this museum at Independence Hall.) If that sounds boring to you, well it did to me, too, at first, but after I walked through the main entrance of this museum I knew that I was wrong. In all truthfullness, this is one of the most awesome museums I have ever experienced. The 17 minute live multimedia show that all guests see upon entering moved me to tears (keep in mind that I am a northeastern liberal here, not exactly a flag waver.) The interactive exhibits were all fun and educational, for both kids and adults, and they have a special kids' show about the Bill of Rights which takes place every 30 minutes. For history buffs, from any country, this place is must see.

Admission: $7, $5 kids
Cool gift shop and Cafe

Address: 525 Arch Street

Directions: On the Independence Mall

Phone: 215-409-6600

Website: http://www.constitutioncenter.org