2021-12-09 13:39:17
Why You’ll Love It This is a place that looks back on its past and celebrates its firsts—first zoo, volunteer fire department, hospital, band, and lending library. Philly’s suburbs boast rolling landscapes, elegant mansions, gorgeous gardens, and sites that commemorate the five-county region’s contributions to American history. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s contemporary treasures and ambitious restaurant scene have added flavor and sophistication to its neighborhoods, while colorful public murals (more than 2,000 of them), cultural gems, and renowned museums engage, educate, and inspire. GET IDEAS » Ways to Explore 1 Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square Art and horticulture intermingle at this historic garden where dazzling fountain performances, rotating exhibits, serene nature paths, and more than 1,000 acres of outdoor gardens filled with flowers, trees, and shrubbery delight the senses. 2 Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia Get a history lesson on the birth of a nation as you stroll numerous historic attractions within a few blocks: National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell Center, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. 3 Fonthill Castle, Doylestown Explore the life and works of archaeologist, antiquarian, and ceramist Henry Mercer on a tour of his former home. This 44-room “Castle for the New World” is filled with handcrafted ceramic tiles, prints, and personal furnishings. 4 Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Wander three floors of artwork spanning centuries and continents, including impressionist pieces by van Gogh and Monet, ancient Hindu sculptures from India, and gilded paintings from Medieval Europe. 5 King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia With more than 450 stores ranging from budget-friendly brands such as H&M and Zara to luxury labels including Cartier and Christian Louboutin, this is a shopper’s paradise. 6 Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford Set amid lush hillsides and peaceful pastoral landscapes, this museum showcases American artwork with a special emphasis on the beauty of the Brandywine Valley captured by the Wyeth family of artists. 7 Peddler’s Village, New Hope More than 60 boutiques, from locally owned art galleries to gourmet food shops, are housed in Colonial-style buildings nestled along brick walkways, creating a storybook setting. 8 Pearl S. Buck House, Perkasie For a taste of Nobel Prize-winning history and stunning estate grounds, tour this former home to learn the legacy of its namesake author. This National Historic Landmark includes the iconic stone farmhouse, greenhouse, award-winning gardens, cultural center, and exhibits. 9 Ringing Rocks Park, Upper Black Eddy Discover a mysterious and melodic experience as the rocks in this scenic boulder field produce bell-like tones when struck. Bring your own hammer to test the remarkable tunes yourself, and then check out Bucks County’s largest waterfall, High Falls, also within the park. 10 Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown Find a roaring good time hand-feeding giraffes and bison, ziplining across animal exhibits, and learning about the zoo’s variety of exotic species, from proud jaguars to majestic bald eagles. 11 Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Elverson This 19th-century rural iron plantation includes a blast furnace, ironmaster’s mansion, and auxiliary structures to provide a glimpse into the early-American industrial landscape across its expansive 848 acres. 12 Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, New Hope Green thumbs will love this native plant nursery with more than 200 species on the nature preserve, as well as a dazzling botanical garden and accredited museum. 13 Main Line Art Center, Haverford Experience visual art with an engaging approach at this hands-on spot, where the art education ranges from discovery courses in oil paint or sculpture to advanced drawing classes and private lessons.
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