Philadelphia, PA - 97 miles from NYC
Philadelphia is the place to go to view street art, including all-star exhibitions of local artists' electric-colored graffiti and wall-crawling mosaic art shows. You shouldn't be too hip to see Independence Hall, which is where America was founded. Rittenhouse Square is a beautifully decorated park and a welcome respite from the hustle. The Liberty Bell resides there, and the Declaration of Independence was signed there.
Philadelphia, one of America's most historic cities, is a great destination to spend a weekend, especially a long one. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, respectively. The Independence National Historic Park includes both. You might run across Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia's most well-known resident, as you stroll through the historic district. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Barnes Foundation are just a few of the top art galleries in Philadelphia (located in the nearby suburb of Merion, PA).
The Please Touch Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences, The Franklin Institute Science Museum, The Philadelphia Zoo, The Adventure Aquarium (located right across the river in Camden NJ), and Sesame Place are just a few of the kid-friendly attractions Philadelphia has to offer (in nearby Langhorne, PA). You'll be hungry after all that sightseeing, so go to Reading Terminal Market to fill up on a variety of regional and ethnic delicacies, including Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, or stroll through the renowned Italian Market. Don't forget to sample a soft pretzel with mustard and a Philly cheesesteak while you're in Philadelphia.
- Necessary pit stop: Bracket your contempt for Jersey and hit up the Colonial Diner in Brunswick, NJ to try the fluffy-AF French toast.
