Philadelphia is a food-loving town, so you’ll start your historical weekend with a historical lunch. City Tavern, an alehouse built circa 1773 (the existing tavern is a reconstruction, built for the 1976 Bicentennial), features authentic colonial dishes served by staff in period costumes. Among the tap selections is a beer brewed from Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe!

And now, to the sites! Start at the Independence Visitor Center, located at the center of historic Independence Mall, and pick up a walking map and free timed tickets for Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Independence National Historic Park, a square mile packed with more history and culture than any other, is just across the street. You can tour the area on your own or look for the park rangers, who will walk and talk you through the historic 45-acre district. You can even take a horse and carriage ride and travel the cobblestone streets as our forefathers did. Pick up a carriage along 5th Street near Independence Hall.

The guided Independence Hall tour, offered throughout the day, leads visitors through this elegant brick building, whose walls witnessed the signing of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, as well as the ratification of the Articles of Confederation uniting the 13 colonies. Clearly visible is George Washington’s famous “rising sun” chair, where he sat for nearly three months in the summer of 1776.

From Independence Hall, cross Chestnut Street to the Liberty Bell Center. As groups of visitors gather, park rangers retell the history of the bell, which cracked at its first ringing in early 1753.

Take the picturesque walk to Elfreth’s Alley and enjoy a look at the charming brick homes that line the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street. Those who are curious about the residences can head inside the Elfreth’s Alley Museum for some history.

Just down the street is the Betsy Ross House, home of the seamstress who created the first American flag. In addition to a self-guided tour of the cozy, restored colonial and courtyard, children’s activities and entertainment are featured daily.

Young and old alike will get a thrill out of a visit to the Fireman’s Hall Museum, which is housed in a retired 1902 fire station. Visitors can marvel at hand engines and pumpers used by firefighters as far back as 1730.

In nearby Christ Church, you can sit in a pew that Betsy Ross herself — or George Washington or Benjamin Franklin — might have occupied while worshipping there.

After the busy day you’ve put in, you’re surely ready to relax over a nice dinner. Old City’s streets are filled with great with restaurant options. In the mood for Italian? Try Pizzicato, a family-friendly, casual Italian restaurant with lots of outdoor tables. Seafood lovers should seek out the renowned Bookbinder’s. For the foodies in your party, try the nationally recognized Amada, a Spanish-style tapas place (reservations are strongly recommended).

If you’re up for squeezing one more activity into your day, get tickets for the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, a candlelight walking tour that combs Independence National Historic Park and Society Hill for chilling stories. The tours run from April through November, though the ghosts of Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers are said to roam the streets all year!

Heading west of the historic area on Market Street, you’ll arrive at Center Square, Broad and Market Streets — site of Philadelphia’s City Hall. On weekdays, you can take a 90-minute guided tour of the majestic building, the world’s tallest masonry structure (510 feet) without steel reinforcements — as well as its tower, which is topped by a 37-foot-high, bronze statue of William Penn. On weekends, it’s still a marvel to be seen, even if you can’t ride to the top.

Once you cross Broad Street, go two blocks south to Walnut Street. Take a break from yesterday’s action-packed history lesson with some shopping in the fine stores that line Walnut, or by relaxing on one of the many wooden benches along beautiful Rittenhouse Square, located at 18th and Walnut Streets. Try to find a spot near the lovely reflecting pool and fountain.

If you need to cool down, try an iced coffee from La Colombe, just off the Square on 19th Street. If you want more museums instead of shopping, we recommend checking out the Rosenbach Museum on Delancy Street. They are currently exhibiting a retrospective on Maurice Sendak that will be available until May 2009.

There are a number of options for lunch in the Rittenhouse Square area. If you are in the mood for an al fresco sandwich, Di Bruno Bros. at 18th and Chestnut serves up a number of delicious Panini sandwiches. If you’re looking for table service, we recommend Parc, the newest arrival from Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr.

Now you’re going to stroll up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the historic and imposing Philadelphia Museum of Art (you can take a cab if the weather is too muggy or chilly). Run up its front steps like Rocky did in the 1976 film, then explore the museum’s collections or a special exhibit (tickets will be required for the special exhibits). The museum recently opened an addition across the street – the fashion and modern design-fueled Perelman collection — so there’s even more to see.

It’s been a long day of shopping, eating and museum-wandering, so you might just be ready for a drink. Wander up into the Art Museum neighborhood to a cozy little bar called Bridgid’s. Grab a seat at the curved bar and order one of their specialty Belgium beers. You stay here for dinner if you’d like or you can walk a few more blocks up to Jack’s Firehouse for upscale pub food (including some good options for vegetarians).

Be sure to finish dinner by 7:00 p.m. if you want to catch a show! The Arden Theater Company, the Wilma Theater and the Walnut Street Theater are only three of many venues offering live performances to the Philadelphia community. Consult our Calendar of Events for theater listings and show times.

After a satisfying breakfast at or near your hotel, it’s time to leave the city behind to explore some famous historical sites beyond its boundaries. Your first destination is Valley Forge National Historic Park, commemorating the resolve and endurance of Washington’s Continental Army, who emerged from their brutal winter at Valley Forge (1777-78) and overcame several defeats (Battles of Brandywine, White Horse, and Germantown) to secure a victory over the British.

After a short (approximately 35 minutes) drive from Philadelphia to Valley Forge, begin at the newly renovated Visitors Center and ask for a park map. You can choose to do a self-guided or scheduled driving tour — or opt to walk.

Now it’s on to Chester County and the Brandywine Battlefield Park, located in the heart of Chadds Ford, PA.

But first: You’re probably hungry after the morning’s tour, so stop into nearby Hank’s Place, a diamond-in-the-rough luncheonette boasting “Home Cooking at Its Best” — and at fantastic prices! (Remember, it’s never too late to order pancakes; locals say breakfast at Hank’s is the best around!)

Next stop: the Brandywine Battlefield Park Visitors Center, where, in addition to an 18-minute film presentation, you’ll find historical exhibits of weapons, uniforms, and artifacts from the battleground. You’ll want to head out into the park grounds and visit the nearby Benjamin Ring House, which served as Washington’s headquarters prior to the Battle of Brandywine, as well as Gideon Gilpin’s Farm House, where General Lafayette was headquartered. If you’re visiting in September, be sure to inquire about battle reenactments during this anniversary month.

If you have time, another historic landmark worth visiting is the Barns-Brinton House, a restored 18th century residence and tavern featuring reenactments of Colonial era domestic life in the Brandywine Valley, as well as expert demonstrations of 18th century cooking. Admission also covers the nearby John Chads House, once owned by the ferryman and farmer for whom the village of Chadds Ford was named.

 Transportation

If you're traveling from New York, New England, DC, Baltimore, Harrisburg, etc., Amtrak is easy. And you can get 50% off a companion fare when you use the special discount code: V454. Book online at Amtrak or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Driving

If you drive here, stash your car off-street until you leave. Though you might enjoy an occasional cab, trolley or carriage ride, most of these places can be reached on foot. Parking regulations are strictly enforced in the historic area, and you may find yourself getting towed with un-municipal efficiency.

Accommodations

You can’t get much closer than the Holiday Inn Philadelphia :: Historic District, which is right in the thick of everything (distance: 0 miles) and has a sunny rooftop pool with a view. 

The Sheraton Society Hill Hotel is just four blocks from Independence Hall and a block from Penn’s Landing in beautifully restored Society Hill. It has a bit more greenery than most city hotels and a heated indoor pool.

The Hyatt Regency is one of the historic area’s newest hotels, a tower right on the Delaware River. Sit at the outdoor bar and listen to the creak-creak of moored boats.

The Philly's More Summer Fun Hotel Package is a popular  getaway — and a terrific deal. It’s available throughout the Summer and comes with a $50 value American Express®-branded reward card. Click here to check out the package, then choose your favorite hotel!

More food and drink, please!

Of course, this itinerary is just a sample of the amazing range of food and drink in Philadelphia. Take a closer look at our Dining and Nightlife opportunities and chart your own course across the city!