Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia

Visit Philly reveals its multifaceted, captivating personality to its visitors with each block, mural, garden and neighborhood. Here, 100-year old cheese shops happily live a few doors down from popular chef-run restaurants. It’s filled with art: inside, outside and on the sides of many buildings. Corner bars thrive, and just about everyone is a craft beer enthusiast. Creativity bursts from art galleries, modern dance troupes, street performers, story slams, concerts and DJ parties.

The residents of Philadelphia count on festivals for any and all reasons, bike trails for fun and bike lanes for transport, and live happy and free. Believe in the power of travel; it shapes a person and expands horizons! Visit Philly delivers on the promise of an urban, main street, foodie, historical and cultural, eye-opening, independent experience. It is one destination, five counties, countless things to do. To learn more about Visit Philly and their goals please visit www.visitphilly.com.

If you’re planning a trip to the Philadelphia area, then I would recommend stating at the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel situated in the Rittenhouse Square district of Philadelphia. The 301-room historic hotel has recently completed a renovation that includes a redesign of all guestrooms and corridors, a new business class floor with private lounge, as well as the hotel’s grand lobby to reflect a contemporary style while maintaining the charm and heritage of the landmark hotel.

When I first walked into the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, my jaw dropped. The lobby screamed artistic-contemporary which tied into the atmosphere of Philadelphia. There are many features of the lobby that standout when you first walk in. Some of those features are, but not limited to, beautiful pendant lighting, a feature rug of black and white text that creates a level of curiosity for guests, and two massive surface applied art installations on both bookend walls that encompass two restored fireplaces. On each side of the lobby features a series of high back lounge chairs and two extra-large sofas upholstered in a wide mix of Missoni fabrics. The lobby not only gives off a contemporary-artistic feel, but it’s also very inviting and welcoming.

Walking into my hotel room was like stepping into a fairytale. I never stayed in such a nice hotel before. I had the pleasure of staying in one of the executive rooms, perfect for the professional traveler with a sophisticated taste. It was a very spacious room, consisting of a work desk, king size bed with bedside tables and lighting, a big flat-screen TV to catch up on sports news, lots of drawer space, a lounge area with a coffee table, espresso machine, and a decent-size bathroom. What I loved most about this hotel’s décor was the many Philadelphia-related pictures that draped the guest corridors and each guestroom. The Radisson Blu serves complimentary breakfast every morning in their lounge. There is a wide variety of breakfast foods available to their guests, hot and cold, as well as fresh coffee. The hot food choices change each day and are very delicious. Remember…breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Prices per night range from $150 and higher.

There is more to the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel than just the lobby and guestrooms. Valet parking is available for $40 per day; the hotel ensures your vehicle is treated with the utmost care and is retrievable by phone or text. If you are not interested in valet parking, then secure garage parking, $34 per day, is available directly behind the hotel on Chancellor Street between 17th and 18th streets. A business center is available 24 hours a day, accessed with your room key, for all your business needs. A full service salon is open on the lower level of the lobby from Tuesday through Saturday which provides cuts, coloring, highlights and perms. For those who love to stay fit, begin your day with a workout in the hotel’s modern, state-of-the-art fitness center which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Radisson Blu also offers spa services that feature a range of holistic treatments designed to replenish your body and spirit.

I am very satisfied with my stay at the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel. Hotel staff was efficient and very courteous. Rooms were inviting, spacious and very comfortable which is what I look for when travelling. There were many choices available during breakfast, and each tasted great! And overall price of each room per day is very reasonable, considering its location. The location of the hotel is in the best spot. It’s in walking distance from many different restaurants and shopping. If you decide to visit Philadelphia, then please give the newly renovated Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel a try. You won’t be disappointed. To book your stay today, please visit www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-philadelphia.

Disclosure: Guest travel editor Sara Miller received a complimentary weekend stay at the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel. No monetary compensation was received. Regardless, Sara's thoughts, opinions and words are 100% her own and were not influenced by the sponsor.

Attractions and Events for Philadelphia in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is known as the city of brotherly love. It is one of the biggest cities here on the east coast, certainly one of the biggest here in Pennsylvania. The city is rich in culture and history. It is a great destination for couples (a romantic weekend away) or for a family vacation. There is a lot to see and do in the city of brotherly love!

Credit: Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia™

With 2015 comes plenty of reasons for visitors to plan a trip to Philadelphia. In fact, only-in-Philly projects, exhibitions, anniversaries and celebrations will give first-time visitors incentives to make that return trip and return visitors reasons to come back yet again.

So what’s on the calendar? The Tall Ships Challenge Philadelphia Camden 2015, showing off a dozen historic ships on the Delaware River Waterfront; Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the New Painting, featuring more than 80 works by a who’s who of painters at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and a special exhibition at The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland. Of course, all eyes will be on Philadelphia when thousands of Catholic families from around the globe gather for the eighth World Meeting of Families.

Here are some of the major happenings taking place throughout Philadelphia in 2015:

* Bravo to Opera Philadelphia, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a season of premieres and casts that possess an unprecedented roster of operatic firepower. The acclaimed Lawrence Brownlee will star in the world premiere of Charlie Parker’s Yardbird. The East Coast premiere of Oscar will feature David Daniels, hailed by The New York Times as perhaps the greatest countertenor of all time. And Eric Owens will return to his hometown to perform in Don Carlo. Through June 14, 2015. Various locations. (215) 732-8400.

* Billowing sails will waft in the breeze when the Tall Ships Challenge Philadelphia Camden 2015 pulls into port. Visitors can tour the ships, which will dock at Penn’s Landing and the Camden Waterfront. Headlining the dozen-ship fleet will be L’Hermione, a replica of the ship that brought General Lafayette to the aid of the fledgling United States during the Revolutionary War. June 24-28, 2015. Delaware River Waterfront, (856) 757-9154.

* Tens of thousands of people from around the globe will converge on Philadelphia for the 8th annual World Meeting of Families. Throughout the week, approximately 100 speakers will lead panel discussions and workshops at the Pennsylvania Convention Center focused on the theme “Love is our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.” There is talk that Pope Francis will make his first visit to the United States to say a public mass during the event. September 22-27, 2015. worldmeeting2015.org.

* When the new Pier 68 Park opens, it will provide a southern trailhead for the continually growing Delaware River Trail. Built as a place for passive recreation, the $1.7 million park will be an angler’s delight with a dedicated space for casting lines and built in fish-cleaning stations. Native trees and plants will provide shade in the picnic grove and a cutout in the pier surface will allow visitors to watch the tide rise and fall. Late spring/summer 2015. Pier 68 Boulevard off of Columbus Boulevard, delawareriverwaterfront.com.

* The Barnes Foundation will present the first comprehensive survey of William Glackens in almost 50 years. Focusing on his most distinctive works, the exhibition will feature 45 paintings and almost 25 works on paper, most from public and private collections and some on view for the first time. November 8, 2014-February 2, 2015. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
(215) 278-7000, barnesfoundation.org.

* Horace Pippin: The Way I See It is the first major exhibition of the artist’s works in the country in more than two decades. The Brandywine River Museum of Art will feature more than 60 works that capture Pippin’s bold, colorful and candid paintings reflecting life in the African- American community and commenting on race, religion, war and history. April 25-July 19, 2015. U.S. Route 1 by Creek Road (formerly Route 100), (610) 388-2700, brandywine.org.

Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com make up the most-visited website network out of the 10 biggest U.S. cities. Visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

Experience Hamilton Was Here at the Museum of the American Revolution

Last year we had the opportunity to visit the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and had a really nice time. We would like to invite you to visit our original post to learn more about our visit and to see photos from our trip. There is a new exhibit and experience debuting at the museum and here is some information about it.

Experience Hamilton Was Here: Rising Up in Revolutionary Philadelphia at the Museum of the American Revolution, Oct. 27th, 2018 through March 17th, 2019.

In Conjunction, a “Year of Hamilton” Programming Will Include Author Talks, Tours, and Family-Friendly Activities.

The city of New York gets a lot of attention in the Broadway smash hit Hamilton: An American Musical, but Philadelphia also played a major role in the life and work of Alexander Hamilton.

In Hamilton Was Here: Rising Up in Revolutionary Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution will highlight the surprising connections between our own city and Hamilton’s extraordinary contributions to the nation’s founding. The experience will run from Oct. 27, 2018 – March 17, 2019. It is free with regular museum admission.

The experience is open on weekends from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and weekdays from 1 – 5 p.m. (weekday mornings are reserved for school groups). Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of the exhibit, and The Philadelphia Foundation is the Museum’s community partner.

Through playful activities, scenic environments, and interactive games, visitors will actively engage in the challenges of founding and maintaining a country as they follow Alexander Hamilton’s story through different locations in Philadelphia and the surrounding region. Each activity seeks to inspire visitors to think about Hamilton’s contributions to the founding of the United States and how they can carry these lessons forward as they face the challenges of citizenship today. Visitors can dress up in reproduction 1790s clothing, load a full-sized replica cannon, and design a coin inspired by early American symbols, among other activities.

Hamilton Was Here features six key sections that highlight different aspects of Hamilton’s political rise in the Philadelphia region, including his roles as an artillery officer in Washington’s army as it tried to defend the city from the British during the Revolutionary War; a political leader who helped create the United States Constitution; an advisor to President Washington when Philadelphia served as the national capital; and the first Secretary of the Treasury who envisioned the financial future of the nation in his Philadelphia office.

“We strive to tell the other side of each story – those that are lesser-known and often surprising. This experience is no exception,” said Dr. Philip Mead, Chief Historian and Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Museum. “Without Philadelphia, Alexander Hamilton might not have been the Alexander Hamilton we know today – his experiences in the city shaped his vision for the nation.”

To continue the experience, the Museum also will launch a “Year of Hamilton” programming, which will include a range of special events and programs dedicated to exploring Hamilton’s life and legacy. For more information, visit www.amrevmuseum.org/year-hamilton.

Note: The first photo in this feature is copyright the PennsylvaniaAndBeyondTravelBlog. The additional photos used in this feature are copyright the Museum of the American Revolution and used with permission.

Things to See and Do During a Weekend Getaway to Historic Philadelphia

Looking to get away for the weekend? Need some adult time away from the kids? If so, we recommend planning a romantic trip for two to historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philly is one of those cities that never sleeps, so you'll always find something fun to do!

We recently spent a weekend in downtown Philadelphia and today I'm going to share with you some of the fun things that we had the opportunity to do! They are in no particular order.

Phillies Baseball Game - My husband enjoys America's favorite past time, baseball! Thankfully while we were in town, the Phillies had a home game at Citizen's Bank Park. During the summertime I recommend going to an evening game, when the temperatures aren't quite as hot, plus you may be treated to a beautiful sunset while you're there.

Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell - I'm a huge history buff and every time we get down to Philadelphia, I like to visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. After all, it's the birthplace for the United States and is one of the most historic sties in America. We previously took a tour of this famous landmark and you can visit our previous review on that...right here on the blog.

Shopping in the Downtown Business District - Just like most women, I enjoy shopping and if you're looking for a mega shopping experience, downtown Philly offers a lot! You'll find high-end boutiques, mixed-in with your smaller mom and pop type's of stores! I literally could spend hours exploring the downtown business district.

Parc Brasserie Restaurant - When we're in town, we like to make dinner reservations at the Parc Brasserie Restaurant. They have casual and fine dining options available to their patrons. In my honest opinion, they have some of the best food in the downtown area! You've got to try their desserts!

Morris Arboretum - We enjoy being outdoors and when we travel, we like to visit various botanical gardens that we come across. Morris Arboretum is one of the best gardens on the east coast and throughout the year they host a variety of different exhibits and events.

Philadelphia City Hall - For some reason, I just love this old and historic building in downtown Philly. During the holiday season they decorate City Hall with some of the prettiest Christmas and Holiday lights. Plus, during the holiday season they host events at City Hall and nearby that residents and guests can enjoy.

As you can see, we crammed a lot into the weekend that we spent exploring Philadelphia. While you can see and do a lot in just 48 hours, I really recommend that you spend at least 5 days if you really want to experience what Philly has to offer. It has its own unique vibe and flavor.

Ride Indego Bikes - Best Way to Get Around Philadelphia

Visit Philly reveals its multifaceted, captivating personality to its visitors with each block, mural, garden and neighborhood. Here, 100-year old cheese shops happily live a few doors down from popular chef-run restaurants. It’s filled with art: inside, outside and on the sides of many buildings. Corner bars thrive, and just about everyone is a craft beer enthusiast. Creativity bursts from art galleries, modern dance troupes, street performers, story slams, concerts and DJ parties. The residents of Philadelphia count on festivals for any and all reasons, bike trails for fun and bike lanes for transport, and live happy and free. Believe in the power of travel; it shapes a person and expands horizons! Visit Philly delivers on the promise of an urban, main street, foodie, historical and cultural, eye-opening, independent experience. It is one destination, five counties, countless things to do. To learn more about Visit Philly and their goals please visit www.visitphilly.com.

Indego is Philadelphia’s newest public transportation system. With over 600 self-service bikes and 60 stations, Indego offers round-the-clock access to public transportation. Bikes are available at any stations and do not require reservations – become a member or purchase a pass with your credit card, select your bike and ride. The bike is a smooth and durable 3-speed, built for comfort and safety, with an easily adjustable seat and front and rear lights. When you reach your destination, just dock your bike at the nearest station to complete your trip. Use the station map to see-real time bike and dock availability, or download the B-Cycle app. Get a bike, go for a ride, give it back. It’s easy – just like riding a bike.

My friend, Rebekah, and I were really nervous to hop on a bike. It’s been at least 15 years since either of us rode a bike, and when we heard that we would be sharing the road with motor-vehicles, our anxiety skyrocketed. Out of all the fun things we’ve done during our weekend trip to Philadelphia, Ride Indego was Rebekah’s favorite. It was a lot of fun once we got the hang of it. It was the perfect day to ride a bike!

We rode all over Philadelphia and even stopped for a rest at Independence Hall. The best thing about Ride Indego is seeing other residents/visitors using the program instead of using a car to get from point A to point B. Do you live in Philadelphia? Do you wish you owned a bike to get around the bustling streets? Do you ever feel like just taking a bike ride around the city? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then a membership may be the perfect solution for you. Ride Indego has two membership options available: 30-day membership for $15 or an annual membership for $10. Not interested in becoming a member? Not to worry; Indego is $4 per half-hour.

Overall, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to ride a bike around Philadelphia. It was very smooth and peaceful and a GREAT workout. So the next time you plan a trip to Philadelphia, make sure you give Ride Indego a try. To learn more about Ride Indgeo please visit www.rideindego.com.

Disclosure: Sara Miller a guest reviewer for the Pennsylvania & Beyond Travel Blog was given complimentary access to Indego Bikes during her weekend trip to Philadelphia. No monetary compensation was received.

The Westin Philadelphia in Historic Center City

Heading to Philly on a pleasure or business trip? Looking for an upscale luxury hotel in the heart of the city an close to all of the great attractions that Philly has to offer. If so, you will want to consider The Westin Philadelphia for all of your lodging needs.

The Westin Philadelphia, with its desirable Rittenhouse Square address in the historic city center, and steps from upscale shopping, award-winning restaurants and attractions, has completed an exciting $10 million renovation. The hotel has enhanced all of its 294 guestrooms, including 19 suites, making this transformation part of the Westin brand’s efforts to continuously refresh its rapidly growing global portfolio, which topped 200 hotels worldwide in 2014.

The hotel’s fully renovated guestrooms and suites boast new furniture, carpeting, paint and wall coverings, plus a fresh, new decor of soft, muted colors and warm wood tones to create a soothing, yet sophisticated environment. All rooms feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed – featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Refreshed bathrooms offer the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities. Additionally guests enjoy in-room, high-speed Internet access, 55” flat screen televisions and environmentally-friendly climate controls. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience, focusing on the six pillars of well-being.

Late last year, The Westin Philadelphia’s main restaurant, Winthorpe & Valentine and The Lobby Bar were given dramatic facelifts. The venues have quickly become popular gathering places for guests and local who seek a sophisticated, yet contemporary atmosphere.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to better delight our guests with these remarkable upgrades,” says Ryan Sistare, General Manager, The Westin Philadelphia. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our renovated hotel, where they will enjoy all the Westin brand’s signature services and amenities designed to inspire wellbeing.”

The Westin Philadelphia offers meeting planners and event organizers more than 17,000 square feet of premium meeting space for meetings, conferences, social events and weddings for up to 700 guests.

The Westin Philadelphia is located five minutes from the main Amtrak train station and fifteen minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). For more information and to book online please visit www.westin.com/philadelphia or to speak directly to the hotel to start planning an event or meeting, please call 215/ 563 1600.

About Westin Hotels & Resorts: Westin Hotels & Resorts has been a leader in wellness and hospitality for more than a decade. Today, Westin has more than 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, and is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,200 properties in 100 countries and over 180,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Visiting the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia

Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and premier centers of science education and development in the country. Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. In the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin, the mission of The Franklin Institute is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology.

As the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a top-five tourist destination in the City of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is one of the leading science centers in the country, and serves as both a prominent educational and cultural resource, and as an anchor of the local economy. Science and technology have the potential to solve some of the most critical issues of our time, to improve our lives, and to inspire our curiosity about the world around us. Every day The Franklin Institute provides resources that help people to connect with science and technology in creative ways that resonate with learners of all ages and backgrounds.

The Institute directly reaches more than 1 million people each year with informal learning experiences that engage students, adults, and families. Though its historic museum is a central learning space, the Institute has evolved to provide people with educational resources in their own neighborhoods through hands-on activities in classrooms, workshops in libraries, community centers, and other settings, and through ways to interact online. Since 1824, The Franklin Institute has pursued its commitment to making these resources available to as many people as possible throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Current Exhibits

The Franklin Institute has shown many exhibits throughout its years. The Institute currently has two exhibits worth seeing: Vatican Splendors and Genghis Khan.

Vatican Splendors

Experience 2,000 years of Vatican history until February 15th, 2016. See more than 200 works of art and historically significant objects that together form a great mosaic of the history of the Church and its impact on art, history, and culture. From the sights and sounds of the grand Basilica to a touchable cast of Saint John Paul II’s hand, embark on a journey through the ages of artistic expression and religious iconography. Vatican Splendors includes many artifacts which have never left Vatican City. The collection is composed of renaissance art along with work from the baroque period. The 11 galleries walk you through the history of Christianity focusing on the Catholic Church and the amazing religious art that came out of Rome. An impressive focus in the exhibition is on the Basilica of which Michelangelo and Bernini were key contributors.

Genghis Khan: Bring the Legend to Life

Uncover the amazing story of one of the world’s greatest leaders and most misunderstood conquerors until January 3rd, 2016, Genghis Khan. Learn how his empire forever changed the face of the world, and discover his legacy as both a ruthless warrior and a revered statesman. Experience the exotic atmosphere of ancient Mongolia, entering the tents, battlegrounds, and marketplaces of a vanished world. Examine the saddles and armor used by the Mongol Warriors and see different styles of bows and arrows, including flaming arrows used to spread fire on the battlefield. See hundreds of historical treasures including weapons, jewels, monuments, and documents up to 1,000 years old!

The Franklin Institute science museum is located in Center City Philadelphia, at the intersection of 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The museum's parking garage entrance is located behind the building at the intersection of 21st Street and Winter Street. Parking ranges in price from $9.00 to $25.00 depending on how long you plan to stay. The Franklin Institute is the perfect place to visit on your next trip to Philadelphia. Whether you are visiting with friends or family, there is something for everyone at the Institute. You will get lost in education no matter what you visit. Take some time to learn about the history of the Vatican or Genghis Khan, spark your curiosity about the wonders of electricity, check out the Franklin Air show, or gaze at the sky and see the stares in the observatory…the Franklin Institute has many different attractions for people of all ages. Click here for a full list of exhibitions available at the Institute.

Although a short visit, Rebekah and I had an amazing time at the Franklin Institute. We had the opportunity to check out both special exhibits: Vatican Splendors and Genghis Khan. Although I did not visit Philadelphia during Pope Francis’ visit nor have I traveled to the Vatican in Italy, I did enjoy learning about the history of the Vatican. The items that the museum had on display were amazing. But I must say, my favorite exhibit had to be Genghis Khan. He was a fearless conqueror and it was great to learn more about what he did and about those who served him. His artifacts gave me chills! I really wished we had more time to explore the Institute, because we didn’t get to check out the science exhibits such as the sports zone, the exhibit on the brain or the exhibit on space command.

With 12 permanent exhibit galleries featuring many interactive devices, it would be wise to set aside most of your day at the Institute. The museum is also pretty affordable for you and the family. For general admission, tickets run from $15.95 to $19.95…Special exhibits run from $24.95 to $34.95 depending on the exhibit. The museum even offers individual or family memberships, which can give you a discount on admission each time you visit. So if you are looking for an education trip for you, your friends or your family, then I would recommend visiting the Franklin Institute. You won’t be disappointed!

Disclosure: Guest travel reviewer Sara Miller was given complimentary admission into The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia for this travel feature and review. No monetary compensation was received. Regardless of the complimentary admission, Sara's opinions and words are 100% her own.

Visiting Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia

Visiting Philly reveals its multifaceted, captivating personality to its visitors with each block, mural, garden and neighborhood. Here, 100-year old cheese shops happily live a few doors down from popular chef-run restaurants. It’s filled with art: inside, outside and on the sides of many buildings. Corner bars thrive, and just about everyone is a craft beer enthusiast. Creativity bursts from art galleries, modern dance troupes, street performers, story slams, concerts and DJ parties. The residents of Philadelphia count on festivals for any and all reasons, bike trails for fun and bike lanes for transport, and live happy and free. Believe in the power of travel; it shapes a person and expands horizons! Visit Philly delivers on the promise of an urban, main street, foodie, historical and cultural, eye-opening, independent experience. It is one destination, five counties, countless things to do. To learn more about Visit Philly and their goals please visit www.visitphilly.com.

If you are ever in the Philadelphia area, then you should definitely check out the Reading Terminal Market located on 12th and Arch Streets. Mouth-watering aromas, locally grown and exotic produce, Amish specialties, fresh meats, seafood, and poultry, and handmade confections and baked goods straight from the oven. Everything you need to create a memorable meal, from cookbooks, to table linens, to kitchen ware, to fresh cut flowers, and more. Plus the widest variety of restaurants under one roof. Find it all here at Philadelphia’s historic public market, Reading Terminal Market!

The Reading Terminal Market is perfect for your next lazy day. It’s a great place for Philadelphia locals to go for breakfast, lunch or any time of day for food, local produce, meats and cheeses. There are also a few shops to buy your friends and family gifts such as City Kitchen or Amy’s Place.

Rebekah and I enjoyed our few hours at the Market, eating savory and dessert crepes made to order at Profi’s Creperie, grabbing a coffee and hot chocolate at Old City Coffee, walking the market checking out the different shops , and ending the visit with a dozen cookies from Famous 4th Cookie Co. Many merchants are closed on Sundays, so the best time to visit is Monday-Saturday. Stop in for some fresh produce or stock up on your meat for the week. If you’re hungry and have time to spare, grab a table at Pearl’s Oyster Bar, but if you’re in a hurry, order a pork sandwich from DiNic’s before continuing your busy day.

There really is something for everyone; from sweet treats, delicious beverages; from meats & poultry to dairy & cheeses; from fresh flowers & plants to shopping; from specialty foods to a number of restaurants. So stop by the Market on your next trip to Philadelphia. The Market is open Monday-Saturday from 8a-6p and Sunday 9a-5p. Parking is close to the Market in two locations for $4. Find these garages at 11th & Arch streets and 12th & Filbert streets. To learn more about the Market, its history, upcoming events and for a list of merchants visit www.readingterminalmarket.org.

Disclosure: Guest Reviewer Sara Miller was given complimentary breakfast at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia as part of this travel feature. No monetary compensation was received.

Philadelphia - Portrait of a City - Book Review

Philadelphia is located in the southeast corner of Pennsylvania and was once capitol of our our state. It's a city that has played an important part in our country's history and continues today to be a popular city to live in and to visit. As a resident of Pennsylvania, I'm very lucky that I can visit Philly a few times every year to take in the historical sights, arts, attend sporting events and more!

Title: Philadelphia - Portrait of a City
Author: Michael P. Gadomski
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-7643-5108-2

Synopsis: This photographic portrait of Philadelphia explores the architecture, art and parks of one of the oldest and most significant metropolises in the United States. The City of Brotherly Love has it all: the largest concentration of colonial architecture in the nation, modern skyscrapers, and plenty of open green space. Take a tour of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Betsy Ross House; head over to the University of Pennsylvania's Morris Arboretum then venture out to nearby Valley Forge Park. Absorb Philly's local color through creative vantage points as you stroll around Old City and the eighteenth-century homes of Society Hill...you might even sneak a peek at the New year's Day Mummer's. From the Schuylkill to the Delaware, along old cobblestones and among towering monuments, Philadelphia welcomes you with open arms.

My Thoughts: I love to travel and I love to collect various travel books of the places that I visit or plan on visiting. This book, "Philadelphia ~ Portrait of a City" is a wonderful travel photo book that the author has compiled. Each photographed includes a short description about it and the author does a great job of making you want to visit the site and the city.

This is a hardcover book that is beautiful enough to sit out on your coffee table or display it on a shelf or bookcase. There are 112 pages that are jam-packed full of photographs and information. I love that the author has included a wide variety of places that you'll want to visit from historical buildings, to cultural sites and everything in between. It's one of the best Philadelphia photo books that I've ever seen and frankly, the author included every site that I would want to visit!

You can find Philadelphia ~ Portrait of a City by shopping at Shiffer Publishing. Matter of fact, you can find 1,000's of different books, including other travel books on Philadelphia when you shop their online store!

Disclosure: Shelly H. received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned in this travel blog post for a review/feature here on her blog. No monetary compensation was received. Shelly's thoughts, words and opinions are 100% her own, unbiased opinion. Your opinion may differ.

Visiting Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania and the 6th most populous in the United States. William Penn, an English Quaker, founded the city in 1682 to serve as capital of the Pennsylvania Colony. The city is known for its arts, culture, and history.

A few weeks ago we took the family down to Philadelphia to spend the day exploring Independence National Historical Park. As history buffs, we enjoy visiting historical sites and we knew our grandchildren would have a good time too! Here are the 4 historical sites that we visited that day.

Independence Visitor Center: Your first stop should be to the Independence Visitor Center located at 6th and Market Streets. The building has visitor entrances on all sides and you can park in the parking garage located underneath the center. It's open year-round, although their hours of operation vary depending on the season.

At the visitor center you can meet some of the knowledgeable park rangers who can answer any questions that you may have or give you information on the historical sites that you should see while visiting the area. Admission is FREE! The center has a gift shop, a lovely little cafe, exhibits, a theater and public restrooms that you can use.

Independence Hall: We picked up our tickets for Independence Hall while at the center. The tickets are free, but the tours are pre-scheduled and timed. You'll want to arrive early in the day to reserve your tickets. Once you have your ticket, you'll want to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled tour and go through a security screening. If you're late, you'll have to obtain new tickets for a later time.

Your tour will be led by a park ranger and will go throughout the first floor. You'll learn all kinds of important history information such as: The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall. Although the building is now called Independence Hall, it was originally referred to as the Pennsylvania State House. Our tour lasted approximately 40 minutes and we really learned a lot.

Liberty Bell Center: The next stop for us was a visit to Liberty Bell Center located at 6th and Market Streets. Admission is FREE and you'll have to pass through a security screening area before entering the building.

There are exhibits that line the left side of the hallway and along with various Liberty Bell exhibits, you'll have the opportunity to view a 10-minute long video presentation that is all about the famous Liberty Bell. It's well worth your 10-minutes of time! You'll find the original Liberty Bell displayed in a clear glass chamber with Independence Hall in the background. It makes for a nice backdrop for your photographs.

Photo by R. Kennedy

Benjamin Franklin Museum: If you're a fan of Benjamin Franklin or just want to learn more about him and his life, this is a must-do on your bucket list. The museum is open year-round with an admission fee of $2.00 to $5.00 depending on age.

The exhibit area is divided into five "rooms" with each room focusing on a particular trait: ardent and dutiful, ambitious and rebellious, motivated to improve, curious and full of wonder, and strategic and persuasive. You'll find historical artifacts, computer animations, and interactive displays. Benjamin Franklin adored squirrels, so to make it fun for families, there are squirrel figurines hidden within some of the exhibits for families to find. Think of it as a little "squirrel" treasure hunt to make your experience even more fun!

American Philosophical Hall Museum: This museum is located on the east side of Independence Hall on South Fifth Street. It's open April through the end of December, Thursday through Sunday. You'll have to pass through a security screening area before entering the museum.

The museum houses a collection of approximately 3,000 artifacts and fine art objects. The collection reflects the central role of the American Philosophical Society and Philadelphia in the founding of the nation, as well as the development of science and technology from the 18th century through the early 20th century.

If you want to visit all 4 of these historical sites and attractions, you'll want to get an early start in your day. If you can, plan ahead and try to reserve admission tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines. You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear seasonal clothing and comfortable footwear. They recommend that you don't carry large bags or backpacks, so that you can get through the security checkpoints quicker and easier. We had a really great time and really learned a lot.