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Area Attractions
Olde City
Olde City extends from the Benjamin Franklin
Bridge south to Chestnut Street and from the Delaware River west
to Sixth Street. William Penn had envisaged a beautiful waterfront
for his city. However, the area became a scene of great commercial
activity where wharves, warehouses, and taverns thrived. Although
the district is one of the oldest in the city, most of the historical
sites that are preserved are located from 2nd Street west to 5th
Street. These attractions are the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley,
and Christ Church, where many signers of the Declaration knelt in
prayer. The Church's Burial Ground, nearby, contains the graves
of Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration.
The Best Western Independence Park Hotel is at the heart of these
landmarks.
Historic District
Considered the most historic mile in the United States, Philadelphia's
Historic District covers Olde City and extends from the Delaware
River to 8th Street and from Arch Street south to Spruce Street.
Penn's Landing marks where William Penn landed in 1682. Other major
sites in Independence Park are Independence Hall, Congress Hall,
Carpenters' Hall, Old City Hall, Graff House and the First and Second
Banks of the United States. Washington Square and Society Hill contain
many landmarks from colonial America and the Revolutionary War era.CENTER
CITY
At the heart of Philadelphia is City Hall and its statue of William
Penn, who looks north over his City of Brotherly Love. From Chinatown
and the shopping malls of Market Street East to the Benjamin Franklin
Parkway and the museums, the streets are a cornucopia of history,
arts and commerce. The Reading Terminal Market and the Pennsylvania
Convention Center are worth a visit as are Liberty Place and the
Stock Exchange.
Philadelphia Arts
The Avenue of the Arts spans several blocks
along Broad Street. It is home to the Academy of Music, the Wilma
Theater, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. The University
of Pennsylvania hosts several galleries including the Museum of
Archaeology and Anthropology.
Entertainment and Sports
Live entertainment and casual dining can also
be found at various clubs along the riverfront. Another popular
haunt for the adventurous is South Street, with its wild and wonderful
restaurants and boutiques. The antique shops of Pine Street are
also worth a visit.The Spectrum and Veteran's Stadium are the home
of Philadelphia's sports teams; 76ers, Eagles, Phillies and Flyers.
Several local colleges boast championship basketball teams (Villanova,
Temple and Penn). The Schuylkill River is the site of Boathouse
Row and sculling team regattas, and is the centerpiece of Fairmount
Park with jogging and bike paths.
Local Interest
The Schuylkill River flows through Fairmount
Park and is paralleled by scenic West River Drive. Some of the park's
well known attractions are The Philadelphia Art Museum, Boathouse
Row and the Philadelphia Zoo. The Eastern State Penitentiary has
recently been opened for touring. Bartram's Gardens and the Morris
Arboretum provide scenic spaces devoted to horticulture and botany.
University City encompasses both the University of Pennsylvania
and Drexel University. Cross the Delaware River to enjoy The Camden
Aquarium and the Waterfront.
Surrounding Area
To the west of Philadelphia is Valley Forge
National Historical Park and to the southwest are the Brandywine
Battlefield, DuPont's Winterthur, and Longwood Gardens. North of
the city is Penn's Estate and Washington's Crossing. |
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