Travel

[JeanLouiseFinch]

DH and I are planning a trip to PA in March.  Are the tourist areas busy that time of year?  What are the must sees?  

So far, my very short list is:

The Liberty Bell

The Rocky Steps 

Eat an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak  (where should we go?)

I'm thinking maybe we should  do the Revolution & Founders Tour and the Hop On Hop Off city bus tour might offer the most options and easy way to get around.  We did that in NYC and it worked out really well.  

TIA

[Laura14]

I grew up there, but don't live there anymore so I'll let the current locals guide you.

Just bear in mind March is still very much winter (snow) especially the earlier in the month you go.

The Art Circle is fairly close to the Liberty Bell and I am not getting into the cheesesteak debate, but do not miss the soft pretzel when you go! 

Oh and Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross' houses are right near the Liberty Bell so add it to the list and if you can swing the Franklin Institute, do it. 

[Laura14]

And this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but the Philadelphia Zoo is one of the best zoos on the planet.

Not sure it's the right attraction for March, but if you get a mild day, it's also a must if you have the time.

[Q-Checker]

If you like art, I highly recommend The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin sculpture museum. I also highly recommend The Franklin Institute. I once read that there are (gulp) 100 museums in Philly. I am sure many of them are very small. I recommend an overview city tour and a good guide book for before and during your visit. Years ago I often visited Philly and found it easy to get around with endless places of interest.

[Shelbelle]

Reading Terminal is nearby the other attractions mentioned, it can be walked there if you dont mind a nice walk. It is a huge indoor market a definite must. 

[Shelbelle]

Jean, my son and DIL live there, if you let me know what kinds of foods you like, I can ask them for a list of good restaurants in the downtown area. 

[Shelbelle]

If you have a car, Longwood Gardens is about 40 minutes away and is lovely anytime of year, it is not far from the Q. I am not sure if Q still offers tours, we did it long ago, it was nice to see the huge bldg . 

[PA Mom-mom]

@JeanLouiseFinch  Definitely do the whole Liberty Bell, Independence Hall visit, including the guided tour of Independence Hall. The Museum of the American Revolution is great if you are history buffs and willing to spend a few hours. Depending on when in March you will be in Philly, the Philadelphia Flower Show may be going on (Feb. 28 - March 8). That means CROWDS around the Convention Center and Reading Terminal Market. Reading Terminal Market is certainly worth a visit, but avoid during the Flower Show hours.

If you are in the area, it might be worth a trip to Valley Forge. It's one of our favorites.

[Shelbelle]

We have stayed in the tourist area at the Bellevue and the Cambria both very nice and great walking location. 

[Shelbelle]

Cheesesteak Pat's, Gino's and Skinny Joeys