The Historical District of Philly

Throughout the week we could see Independence Hall and the building housing the Liberty Bell from our hotel window. On Tuesday we finally toured each.

The Liberty Bell is free to see and is held in a long building containing information on the history of the bell and uses throughout that time. Upon entering the building visitors are asked to walk through metal detectors, so in high times expect a wait, luckily winter is not a busy time, so we made it in the door within 5 minutes.

There is a volunteer historian standing around the bell to help answer questions and occasionally will start speaking to the crowd gathered to give some background on the bell. It was fascinating to learn that the bell really had no special beginnings, it was just a bell amongst many in the city. During the British occupation of 1777 it was hidden along with the other bells, outside the city so it was not melted down and used for musket balls. So, maybe that's the appeal of it all, humble beginnings to a great symbol of freedom and unity!

Through the back of the building one can view Independence Hall and if the lighting is right a nice picture of both can be captured.

After leaving the Liberty Bell we traveled across the street to view Independence Hall. It also provides a free tour, given by National Park rangers, and includes a walk through a metal detector.

Originally the hall was used as a courtroom and is still set up as such. Across from the small court room area is the hall where our Founding Fathers discussed, created, and signed the Declaration of Independence.

The infamous Sunrise chair is also located in this room. I posted a picture of myself sitting in the replica here.

There are other buildings on the premises as well, including the first rooms where the newly created Congress and House met. It is amazing to think that so many influential men walked those halls and built a country from the ground up.

Monday Funday in the City of Brotherly Love

Our second full day in Philadelphia brought up to Reading Terminal Market and the Museum of the American Revolution.

Several people told us to head the Market with empty stomachs because there is so much to eat, so we figured that would be our first stop after a late morning at the hotel.

Walking the three-quarter mile to the Reading Terminal Market (pronounced Redding) we built up even more of an appetite. Our first goal was walk the market and scope out possible locations for the best food. Shortly we realized there is no "Best" food because it all looked amazing. Why not start with some Stromboli, then head over to find some other snacks, homemade Amish pickles to be exact!

One pretzel deli sells the elusive Surge soda

Toss in a few donuts, a whoopee pie, and a handful of chocolates from Mueller's (for the folks back home, of course!) and that seemed to round out our trip in the market. It only took 3 hours to consume it all and feel satisfied to leave for the day. Knowing we could come back later in the week as our hotel will be only a block away.

Whoopee Pie

Our next stop was the Museum of the American Revolution. What drew me in would be the prospect of seeing George Washington's actual tent used towards the end of the war. Then, what did I do? Spent too much time in the rest of the museum and ended up missing the whole presentation! My fault, but overall we really enjoyed the information and artifacts presented in the museum.

A sign at the Museum showing Eagles pride

Tearing down King George III's statue

The infamous sunrise chair (replica) sat in by Thomas Jefferson