Monday, September 10, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Travel along the “most historic square mile in the country”—the same streets which
Franklin, Adams, and Washington walked. See the Liberty Bell, the hallowed symbol of our nation’s freedom; Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed; Congress Hall, the home of the U.S. House and Senate when Philadelphia was the capital; Christ Church where many of the founding fathers worshipped; Franklin Court, Ben’s home and print shop, and more. Then enjoy lunch on your own at the historic Reading Terminal Market, boasting a vast assortment of the many Philadelphia area foods and specialties.
Next you’ll visit many of the newer Philadelphia sites including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, and the Franklin Institute. Run (or walk) up the “Rocky Steps” at the Museum of Art. Finally, we will drive past City Hall and then continue along the Avenue of the Arts which is the home of the historic Academy of Music, the Merriam Theatre, the Wilma Theatre, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Tuesday, September 11, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Journey back in time as you travel through the pastoral countryside of Lancaster County
and discover the customs and lifestyles of these quaint people. The first stop will be the Amish Village where you will see how an Amish farm operates and how the family survives without the modern trappings we all take for granted. The family is the most important part of the Amish life and you will see the close relationship between the children and their parents.
Lunch is always a favorite at Good ‘n Plenty Restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Style food. Then shop at the Kitchen Kettle for such Amish specialties as quilts, crafts, jams, and relishes.
Brandywine Valley
Wednesday, September 12, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Today we will ride into the historic Brandywine Valley, the countryside that has inspired three generations of Wyeths in their art and is home to a number of du Pont families. Longwood is sure to delight anyone who loves
exquisite flowers, majestic trees, and opulent architecture. Here, amid the over one thousand outside acres and 20 indoor gardens, you will find perfection at every turn. Spend time viewing the beautiful water gardens, rose displays, bonsai displays, a desert house, and much more at this duPont estate. Lunch will be on your own at the Terrace at Longwood.
Fairmount Park and Park Houses
Thursday, September 13, 8:30 am – 11:45 am
Fairmount Park, the largest landscaped city park in the country, also is home to the finest group of authentic, early American houses in the country, nestled along the Schuylkill River. The tour will take you inside two of the most famous of the mansions.
Mt. Pleasant was built in 1763 by a Scottish privateer and was once owned by Benedict Arnold, who was convicted for treason before he could occupy the home. The elaborate interior contains boldly ornate woodwork and Chippendale-styled furniture. The next stop will be Lemon Hill which was built in 1798 by Robert Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The house is noted for its unusual oval salons and an entrance hall of checkerboard Valley Forge marble.
The tour also takes you along Boathouse Row, the home to the “Schuylkill Navy” and the site of many yearly regattas. The classic Tudor structures along the riverside are beautiful landmarks and part of Fairmount Park’s charm.
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