We left NYC uninjured - LOL - and made the 2 1/2 hour drive down to Philadelphia. When planning our trip, we had 2 items for this city.... 1) The Liberty Bell and 2) eating a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich! After passing through more 'airport type' security measures, we entered a museum like setting, describing the history of the Liberty Bell. Then, there at the end of the long room, there she stood! The museum was very well done and upon gazing at the Bell, I felt very proud to be an American. I loved the way every detail is preserved for future generations to continue telling the story of our nation!
A short walk down the street is Independence Hall!! The tickets were sold out for the day so we just walked up to it but did not go inside. Someone is holding an umbrella in the photo but it was not raining. She was shielding herself from the sun - it was about 90 degrees outside.
As we made our way to Betsy Ross' house, we stopped in at the United States Mint. This is where coins are made. If you look at a coin and it has a 'P' under the date, it was made here! We took the self-guided tour - darn, no free handouts today. Across the street is where Benjamin Franklin is buried!
After walking a good distance, we arrived at Betsy Ross' house.
People were reenacting the period.
By now we walked up an appetite! Taylor's 5th grade teacher married a man from Philly so when we talked about our trip with her, she gave us the history on the Philly Cheesesteak. Basically, there are two vendors, each in competition with the other, located across the street from each other, that want to be considered THEE #1 for a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. They thought Pat's was better so we had to try it. It was a little tricky to locate, but we found it.
There are certain RULES when placing your order!
Say it right Dickie!!
Oh yeah!! It was yummy!!
The bread was sooooo good!!!
With our bellies full, we left Philly for West Chester. But, on the way, we saw signs to Valley Forge and thought we'd better take a look around! It was almost closing time but we were able to watch a very informative movie on the history here. George was a pretty amazing man!! We saw Washington's headquarters and some old cabins. It was VERY hot. We were the only family out in the heat and almost gave up trying to locate the exact building for the headquarters. Another family caught up with us and between us, we were not sure which building it was. Then, upon more of a search, discovered it and was glad we pursued. We learned that it was in this room, where George had the insight to attack by going on the Potomac River. That was pretty much the final fight that won the war.
The Headquarters!
Inside
On the grounds of Valley Forge.
Just imagine our troops practicing and learning how to
be a soldier in these hills AND during the winter!!
Wildlife!
We settled into West Chester in our Holiday Inn then drove into town for some dinner. Dick read about Ryan's Pub and thought it would be a good stop and he was right!! Taylor ordered a full, complete Turkey Dinner! He ate every bite!!
As we drove into our hotel, I looked out onto the open field and we played with the FIREFLIES!!! Taylor never saw them before and I've only seen them one other time - in Chicago! It was soooo cool!!
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