| Often referred to as "America's Birthplace," | | | | West Market Street near City Hall and through |
| Philadelphia has been the center of progressive | | | | LOVE Park, taking in the fantastic murals and |
| beliefs and democratic principles since the first | | | | sculptures along the way. For a more traditional |
| settlement of the city was founded by the now | | | | experience, visit the masterpieces of the |
| famous Quaker, William Penn. Naming the | | | | Philadelphia Museum of Art, the steps of which |
| settlement "The City of Brotherly Love," William | | | | were made famous by Sylvester Stallone in |
| Penn hoped to protect individual freedoms and | | | | Rocky. For the most unique museum experience, |
| promote religious tolerance in stark contrast with | | | | visit the Mutter Museum, originally open to medical |
| what many colonists had escaped under British | | | | students and featuring a wide array of |
| rule. | | | | formaldehyde-filled cadavers and skeletal displays, |
| William Penn's visions were realized when the | | | | along with some little known facts about the |
| Declaration of Independence was signed in | | | | nation's medical history. |
| Independence Hall, and after years of bloody and | | | | Philadelphia is also known for its many famous |
| hostile clashes with the British Army during the | | | | architectural feats and noteworthy buildings. The |
| American Revolution when the United States | | | | City Hall, completed in 1900, is the world's tallest |
| Constitution was first drafted in the same hall. | | | | load-bearing masonry structure. Another Historic |
| Travel through time in Independence National | | | | Landmark, the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society |
| Historic Park (Old City) where the Liberty Bell, | | | | building is considered to be America's first |
| Independence Hall and Constitution Hall are all | | | | International Modernist skyscraper and also home |
| concentrated. You can view the Constitution and | | | | of the first ever savings bank in the United |
| Declaration of Independence in Constitution Hall | | | | States. On a smaller scale, Philadelphia is known |
| and take a walk through the many Revolution-era | | | | for the homes of Benjamin Franklin and Edgar |
| buildings that have been restored and preserved. | | | | Allen Poe. |
| Travel to Philadelphia, once the capital of the | | | | Find airfare to Philadelphia around the first Friday |
| United States, and see for yourself the remnants | | | | of the month to enjoy the galleries and sights in |
| of revolutionary battles and the emergence of a | | | | Old City for free until late in the evening. When |
| new, independent nation. | | | | you have had enough of museums, stop into a |
| Hoagies, Movies and Masterpieces | | | | pub or restaurant for an original Philly |
| A simple walk through the streets of central | | | | Cheesesteak Sandwich and some Italian ice for a |
| Philadelphia will reveal the nation's largest collection | | | | true taste of Philadelphia. You will probably even |
| of public art amidst ample park space and | | | | want to order a few extra sandwiches for the |
| well-planned, easily navigated streets. Stroll along | | | | flight home! |