This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Visit Philadelphia. The opinions and text are all mine.
I grew up in the Poconos, less than a 2-hour drive from Philadelphia. My mother was actually born in the city and lived very close to it most of her life. My grandfather worked at Temple University. I actually got accepted to Temple but ended up going to another college instead. Throughout my childhood, we took many trips into Philly to go to the zoo. As a teen and young adult, I journeyed in to shop on South Street. When my son was a year old, I took him to the zoo that I loved as a child. In all those trips into Philly, I really never spent enough time exploring the historical sites. I guess I figure the city will always be there, less than two hours away. Now that my son is older, though, it’s high on my list of things to do with him.
See, growing up in Pennsylvania, so close to Philly, we spent a lot of time in school learning about Benjamin Franklin. After all, this Pennsylvania resident was one of the most influential people in American history! We’re pretty proud to be able to claim him as our own. Many historical sites in Philadelphia exist in large part due to the work he did to help us become an independent nation. In a way, I’m kind of glad I waited so long to explore his life through the city, because now I can add the Benjamin Franklin Museum to my itinerary! It opened back in August, 2013.
Visit Philly and Celebrate Benjamin Franklin
Whether you’ve been to Philly a thousand times or have never experienced all this historical city has to offer, chances are you may have missed some of the best of Benjamin Franklin. Take a look at a few places you’ll want to see on your Benjamin Franklin Tour.
Benjamin Franklin Museum
This brand-new museum should be your first stop on your Visit Philly tour! It’s an amazing place to discover all the details about Benjamin Franklin’s entire life. In fact, it is built right next to the site where Franklin actually lived back in the 1700s! The museum is located in the historical Old City. Most of Colonial Philadelphia was centered around this area, so you’ll be able to visit numerous historical landmarks in just a couple of hours after your trip to the museum.
Franklin Court
After leaving the museum, step into Franklin Court and check out the “Ghost Structure” of Franklin’s home. While you’re in the Court, visit the Print Shop and see demonstrations of Franklin’s career. Stop over at B. Free Franklin Post Office to pick up a hand-stamped souvenir post card to remember your trip!
City Tavern
You can’t plan a revolution on an empty stomach, now can you? Visit the site where Franklin and the other Founding Fathers hammered out the details of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution over a hearty meal. The City Tavern captures that same ambiance and even the same foods! You don’t have to be a drinker to enjoy the moment of sitting where the Founding Fathers planned our future, but if you are, you can sample beverages created from recipes written by Franklin himself!
Independence Hall
You really can’t visit Philly without visiting Independence Hall! After all, this is where it all started! This very spot is where Franklin and the other Founding Fathers signed the documents that led to the United States becoming an independent nation. It’s also where the idea for our government was created. Don’t forget to check out the Liberty Bell on the site too!
Christ Church
Visit the location where Franklin and his family attended church services. You may even see a Colonial character walking around to give you a real-life view of the people of that time! Before leaving Christ Church, be sure to keep up the tradition of throwing a penny on Benjamin Franklin’s final resting spot! After all, he was the one who first told us that a penny saved is a penny earned. After all Franklin did for this country, he’s certainly earned all those pennies!
There are really so many places in this great city to visit to celebrate Franklin’s life and contribution. Ben Franklin is Philadelphia’s favorite founding father. To evoke Ben’s wit, wisdom and joy year-round, visit his longtime home of Philadelphia.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Visit Philadelphia. The opinions and text are all mine.
oh how cool! Great pictures. My childhood friend just moved here :( 2 hours away from NY but I would love to take my kids here!
We visited Philly a few years ago and loved it. How cool you were able to learn more about Benjamin Franklin’s life while there
Philadelphia sounds like such a great place. I hope to one day take a trip to there just to visit!
Interesting! I’ve never been to Philly (or the US for that matter), but I love the way people preserve history
Not last summer, but the summer before, my Granddaughter and I took the bus from Atlantic City to Philly to explore the city. I loved the quaint little places we came across. We stopped in a little secluded area and ate our lunch and had such a wonderful day. I want to go back and do it all over again.
Another must visit on my travel bucket list esp with the list of must-sees, must-dos. I absolutely love the pic you took of the skyline, across the river. Gorgeous!
This is such a good experience to have – like really. I love going to places that has historical content and learning – odd but true. I’d love to be there too.
I was just teaching my students about Benjamin Franklin and all of his inventions. This would make for a wonderful and educational class trip.
Wow! I have never been there but it looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for the overview.
Philly is on my bucket list! I’d love to take the kids and hit up the historical sites.
Kas
Philly is on my list of places I’d love to visit – I’m a total history junkie :)
Thanks for the virtual tour. Looks like a great place to visit and learn about American history.
I would love to take my kiddos to Philly for a visit.
I have actually never been the Philly, but it is on my list of places to visit. There looks like a lot of fun things to do for the whole family.
We went to Philly last summer with the kids and they had a blast at the Franklin Institute. It was a wonderful place to visit with lots of interesting activities for both kids and adults.