2020-01-07 02:17:44
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. HIGHLIGHTS 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, Liberty Bell, and Museum of the American Revolution. LONGWOOD GARDENS, KENNETT SQUARE Dazzling fountain performances, rotating art exhibits, serene nature paths, and more than 1,000 acres of blooming botanical displays offer a delight for the senses. THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE, PHILADELPHIA Science, technology, pop culture, and the marvels of the natural world come together at this hand-son museum. Navigate logical and physical challenges at The Worst-Case Scenario: Survival Experience, open through April 19, 2020. PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART, PHILADELPHIA Spend a day perusing iconic paintings, costumes, textiles, sculptures, and much more at this expansive art museum. Be sure to see Off the Wall: American Art to Wear, on view through May 17, 2020. PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM, PHILADELPHIA Two floors of interactive fun await kids of all ages at this museum featuring play areas such as a pretend grocery store, hospital, and rocket ship. 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. BARNES FOUNDATION, PHILADELPHIA Masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse — as well as African art, Native American pottery, and other cultural artifacts — are on display. ENJOY COUNTRYSIDE QUAINTNESS Just beyond the bustling metropolis of Philadelphia is a collection of charming small towns, important historic sites, and scenic natural beauty waiting to be discovered. Stroll through the charming Peddler’s Village in New Hope, where more than 65 boutiques — from art galleries to old-time sweets shops — are housed in Colonial-style buildings, creating a storybook setting. Set amid lush hillsides and peaceful pastoral landscapes, the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford showcases a range of American artwork with a special focus on pieces inspired by the beauty of the Brandywine Valley. Peruse the museum’s extensive holdings of work by the Wyeth family of artists, and then take a guided tour of the Andrew Wyeth Studio, N.C. Wyeth House & Studio, and Kuerner Farm, where these artists lived, worked, and drew inspiration. In Doylestown, explore the life and works of archaeologist, antiquarian, and ceramist Henry Mercer at his former home, Fonthill Castle, as well as the Mercer Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate that offers a glimpse into more than 60 crafts and trades through displaying pre-Industrial tools. For contemporary artwork by emerging and local artists, view the ever-changing exhibitions at Main Line Art Center in Haverford. From the iconic to the unusual, Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown is home to an array of animals from around the world, including giraffes, zebras, monkeys, capybaras, parrots, and big cats. For spectacular flora, follow the nature trails at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, and explore wildflower-filled forests, wideopen meadows, and peaceful water features that are home to wildlife Philadelphia’s countryside is rich with historic significance and educational experiences. Delve into the history of helicopters at the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center in West Chester, where vintage aircraft, exhibits, videos, and hands-on flight simulators tell the story of rotary wing flight in Philadelphia and around the world. Meanwhile, Valley Forge National Historical Park in King of Prussia will take you back to the days of the American Revolution, when General George Washington and his troops in the Continental Army camped during the brutal winter of 1777, waiting to resume their opposition to British troops, who had occupied Philadelphia. THE LIBERTY BELL IS MADE OF BRONZE AND WEIGHS 2,080 POUNDS.
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