There are a number of interesting cities not too far from the Big Apple, Philadelphia being one of the closest. America's first and former capital is a 2½ hour bus ride away and for a $15 (£9) return ticket is well worth the trip.
The Centrepiece of American History
Philadelphia was the original cultural and political centre of the United States and the city where the founding fathers masterminded the civil war and ultimately signed the declaration of Independence in 1776. The place where American history began is still very much in evidence today and there are plenty of walking tours, bus tours and even tours pulled by horse drawn cart to guide visitors around the city and unfold the fascinating history of this prestigious city. Philadelphia is also home to one of America's most famous symbols, the Liberty Bell, made in London in 1751 to commemorate religious and political freedom. It was later adopted by the movement for abolition of slavery.
Museums In Philadelphia
The Museums in Philadelphia don't simply focus on the city's past, but hold international events and exhibitions on a wide variety of interesting subjects. The Franklin Museum is one of the most popular and until the 7th September 2009 is exhibiting the Medici families collection of Gallileo's age of astronomy. The American Jewish Museum is also very popular amongst tourists for its illustrious insight into the lives and culture of Jewish people arriving in America together with the Penn Museum which until 31 January 2010 is hosting a world renowned collection of ancient Maya pottery providing an insight into the sophisticated culture of the ancient and almost forgotten civilisation.
Another very popular and fascinating place for visitors is the State Penitentiary. It was here that infamous criminals of American history such as Al Capone, Elmo Smith and "Slick Willie" Sutton were held captive. Hear their stories retold on one of the several guided tours that unfold the dark tales of 100 prisoners that escaped the prison or hear of the prison uprisings including the devastating 1961 riots.
The Founding Fathers Final Resting Place
Benjamin Franklin arrived in Philadelphia penniless. Today he is the most famous person to be associated with the city and his final resting place in the grounds of the Christ Church Burial Ground is a popular tourist attraction. For $2 (£1.20) visitors are given a tour of the cemetery to relive the fascinating history of some of the most famous men buried in the grounds that includes famous artists, writers and musicians together with five of the men that signed the declaration of Independence.
The Bicentennial Moon Tree in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a wealth of history and is the centre piece of America's past. One of the most thought-provoking features of Philadelphia however is a young Sycamore tree planted in Washington Square in 1975. The significance of the tree is that the seed was carried to the Moon by astronaut, Stuart A. Roosa in the 1971 space expedition of Apollo 14.
To get to Philadelphia from New York, take the Metro to East Broadway and catch the China Town bus from Pike Street between East Broadway and Canal Street. Tickets are available for street vendors outside the Korean Beauty Salon. Buses are air-conditioned and fitted with toilet facilities. On-board films are also played during the journey though personal earphones are required.
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