Sunday is July 4th, and the party’s already started here in the nation’s birthplace, as Philadelphia “Welcomes America.” The temperature may be hot, but the party’s hotter. The party culminates Sunday at the (Rocky) steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but there are many events all week to enjoy.
While Philadelphia has the most historic building in America, Independence Hall, and the most historic and enduring symbol of the nation, the Liberty Bell, there is so much more here. Philadelphia tourism has increased by more than 30% in the last decade for good reason.
For those who crave historic sights, you can’t do better in the US than Philadelphia, the nation’s first capital. The Continental Congress met and signed the Declaration of Independence, and eleven years later the US Constitution was created, both at Independence Hall. The nearby National Constitution Center tells these stories and others beautifully. There are many other historic buildings and sights nearby.
But there’s much more than that in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the finest in the world. The museum displays collections sure to wow anyone interested in the visual arts. This summer at the Museum is the last stop for the incredible special exhibition, “Late Renoir,” which began in Paris.
That’s not enough? At the Franklin Institute view the world premier of the exhibition “Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt.” It includes more than 150 artifacts never seen in the United States, from giant statues fished from the sea, to a document which may include a note written by Cleopatra herself.
Not making your reservation yet? Philadelphia boasts some of the best restaurants in the nation, many from Stephen Starr, one of the most recognized restaurateurs in the US, and guest judge last season on “Top Chef.” Eat at such great spots as Buddakan, Pod, Alma De Cuba, Morimoto and Butcher & Singer. There’s also some wonderful small eclectic spots such as James, and Cochon, plus old standbys like Le Bec Fin. Don’t forget your “authentic” Philly cheese steak too.
Want something a bit out of the ordinary? Check out Philadelphia’s City Hall, the tallest masonry building in the US. From its tower you get a great view of Center-City.
How about visiting the Mutter Museum? It houses a collection of medical oddities, anatomical and pathological specimens and antique medical equipment. Don’t miss Joseph Hyrtl’s collection of skulls, the preserved body of the “Soap Lady” or President Grover Cleveland’s preserved cancerous tumor.
Stroll to the Rosenbach Museum & Library, and its collection of nearly 400,000 rare books, manuscripts, and fine and decorative art objects, including the only surviving copy of Benjamin Franklin’s first Poor Richard’s Almanac, the manuscript of James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” Bram Stoker’s notes for Dracula, and the drawings of Maurice Sendak.
Perhaps you’re interested in something more macabre? Visit Laurel Hill Cemetery, one of the few cemeteries to be a US National Historic Landmark. High on a hill overlooking the beautiful Schuylkill River such notables as Civil War hero General George Gordon Meade, and nine other Civil War generals, 24 members of Congress, 2 Attorney Generals, world famous architect and medal of honor winner, Frank Furness, and Baseball Hall of Fame announcer, Harry Kalas, are buried there.
Maybe you’re looking for something a bit more main stream? You could visit the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, with its great Egyptian collection, a 12-ton sphinx, mummies, and its Nigerian Benin bronzes. Do you love flowers and gardens? Visit the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum’s 92 acres of flower gardens, rose garden, trees, Japanese garden, swan pond and a glasshouse fernery.
If you can make it to Philadelphia this “Independence Week” you can enjoy a free evening outdoor screening of Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief” in Rittenhouse Square tonight.
On Wednesday, join Wawa for dinner and the movie “Rocky” at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Wawa will be serving a mile-long hoagie at 7 p.m. Then at 9 p.m., you can watch “Rocky.”
On Friday at Independence Hall, enjoy Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for a free performance of great American music, including patriotic anthems, rousing marches, and holiday favorites.
On Saturday at 8 p.m., at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, you can join The Philadelphia Orchestra for a free evening of patriotic and classical favorites for music lovers of all ages. Afterward there will be a brilliant fireworks display.
These are only the highlights. There’s much more.
Finally, on July 4th at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, culminating a day of events and culinary treats, the Life, Liberty & You Concert will be held starring Goo Goo Dolls, The Roots, Chrisette Michele and Chuck Brown. After the concert, one of America’s most spectacular fireworks displays will be held.
Come join me in Philly.
After many years working in corporate America as a chemical engineer, executive and eventually CFO of a multinational manufacturer, Ned founded a tech consulting company and later restarted NSL Photography, his photography business. Before entering the corporate world, Ned worked as a Public Health Engineer for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. As a well known corporate, travel and wildlife photographer, Ned travels the world writing about travel and photography, as well as running photography workshops, seminars and photowalks. Visit Ned’s Photography Blog and Galleries.
