Early April Visit to Philly: Suggestions? (Philadelphia, Reading: homes, theater, university)

[tr831]

Hi - I'll be visiting Philadelphia for 5 days in early April with my two teens. We're looking at some colleges, going to Independence Hall/Liberty Bell, and getting together with some relatives we rarely see. We will have some extra time on our hands, and a car, and I'm interested in suggestions about anything we should do/see. We may have one free day, and I'm wondering about driving to Amish country (just an idea - I welcome any suggestions). Thanks in advance!

[jazzy jeff]

Amish country about 90 min drive, if that is what you want to do. There are plenty of things to see without leaving the city. Museums, Zoo etc. Depends on your interests.

[RVA_DELCO]

You could visit the Amish at Reading Terminal Market, Beiler's donuts and pickles are arguably the best in the world, and if you get a receipt it counts as parking validation for the garage (They still charge $4, but it's usually like $20+).

Chinatown is like a block off of Reading Terminal: dim sum everywhere, Nan Zhou for hand drawn noodles, Bon Chon for Korean fried chicken.

Valley Forge is just outside of the city, maybe a 30 minute drive. It's where George Washington and the Continental Army spent the winter of 1779 while the British occupied Philadelphia.

You could check the Phillies home schedule and catch a game. They're not very good, but it's a great ballpark.

Sometimes there's stuff happening at Penn's Landing. The Moshulu does a pretty awesome brunch deal with bottomless mimosas and all you can eat buffet; great views of the Delaware, near Spruce Harbor Park.

Go Owls!

[thedirtypirate]

Uwishunu.com - Philadelphia Blog About Things to Do, Events, Restaurants, Food, Nightlife and More

good resource to see events going on everyday

[1ondoner]

I've had out of town visitors go visit the Amish in Lancaster and it's something that intrigues many people who visit the Philly area. I've never had a chance to visit the Amish as a tourist but I've cycled a lot to Lancaster County so I've gotten to see the Amish. Hence my reason not to "visit" Lancaster. I also had a chance to see fox hunting while I was cycling in Lancaster plus cycle through very old farms with non car roads. So I've seen a good bit of Lancaster beyond what most people see. I find it interesting because I tend to be fascinated by history and I get to see very old country homes, bridges and remnants of structures.

There's also Hershey nearby, which might be of interest to your teens. You may want to look up Hershey Park.

Originally Posted by tr831

Hi - I'll be visiting Philadelphia for 5 days in early April with my two teens. We're looking at some colleges, going to Independence Hall/Liberty Bell, and getting together with some relatives we rarely see. We will have some extra time on our hands, and a car, and I'm interested in suggestions about anything we should do/see. We may have one free day, and I'm wondering about driving to Amish country (just an idea - I welcome any suggestions). Thanks in advance!

[tr831]

Thanks to all of you for your ideas - I will take a look at everything you've suggested!

[Pine to Vine]

Longwood gardens is good for a full day trip: Homepage | Longwood Gardens

Here's a good link to explore things to do in the city: Visit Philadelphia - Official Visitor and Tourism Site for Philadelphia - visitphilly.com.

You won't want a car for your days in the city. It will only cost you lots of money to park and you can walk to most of the attractions in Center City.

[rainrock]

If you get nice weather and its your kind of thing take advantage of ride philly indego(bike sharing ) https://www.rideindego.com . Great way to get around center city/university city. Schuylkill River Trail is great.


If you visit Amish Country take the scenic back roads, for example say route 1, rt 896,rt 741 where you will see working Amish farms and horse + buggies. Rt #30 is the most direct route but it kind of defeats the purpose as you buzz by everything.

New Hope Pa and(across the river) Lambertville NJ is a nice little getaway from the city. Small rustic villages on the Delaware River where you can shop and' dine.They have a local live theater maybe you can catch a play.

As others suggested Valley Forge Historic park is very convenient and you may as well walk thru King of Prussia which is one of the largest most extravagant malls in the country.

You are only 1 - 1 1/2 hour from the beaches in South Jersey. Its the offseason so it will be very quiet but you can never go wrong taking a walk on the beach. Ocean City,Sea Isle are the closest . Avalon, Stone Harbor,North Wildwood, Cape May are all terrific though a little further of a ride

[maf763]

Much closer than Valley Forge or Longwood Gardens, you could take a walk in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Fascinating place. There's even an entrance on Kelly Drive now so you could combine it with a bike ride along the river.

[tr831]

Thanks so much, everyone!