Great Sites and Sounds to See in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You have made plans to vacation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the well known sites and attractions are already on your list to see, however, I want to inform you on the not so well known attractions to look at during your stay.

1. Lights of Liberty
During the Summer months (actually May through October) through the streets of Chestnut and Walnut street history comes to life. Once dusk sets in you will put on a pair of lightweight headset to hear the stories of the American struggles for independence. Stories will be projected onto the walls of many historical buildings such as the Independence Hall and the Carpenter's Hall. The stories that will be playing in your ear will be narrated by some of Hollywood's finest such as Claire Bloom, Walter Cronkite, and Ossie Davis. Each show begins at dusk and to avoid crowds plan your site seeing adventure for this on a weeknight. The weekends tend to be a little more crowded. Special offers and discounts are available. Go to www.historicphiladelphia.org for more information.

2. Elmwood Park Zoo
If getting closer to nature is what you want, then visiting this zoo will make your dreams come true. Take a stroll through the wetlands to visit the river otters, head on over to the small mammals area where their birds and reptiles put on a show twice daily, or maybe you would like to just head on in to their indoor part of the zoo to take a closer look at their alligators, snakes and snapping turtles. The Elmowood Park Zoo has many different attractions and events going on throughout the year from Halloween Spooky Nights to celebrating Earth Day. The zoo is opened daily from 10 am to 5 pm, weather permitting and closed major holidays. The prices range from $8.50 to $11.50. Check out www.elmwoodparkzoo.org for all your pricing information and their extensive event calender!

3. Audacious Freedom
Located at 701 Arch Street, Audacious Freedom is the newest addition to the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The exhibit depict the life of African Americans living in Philadelphia during the 1776 to 1876. It shows what type of work they did and how they lived their lives and how they molded those lives so generations after them would have a better one. The museum has many different activities going on including family fun days. This exhibit is opened Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm, closed on Mondays. Price for admission is $8 to $10. Head on over to www.aampmuseum.org for more information!

4. American Helicopter Museum
This 20,000 square foot hanger hold 70 years worth of helicopter history. Certain helicopters shown at this venue were used in different wars, on rescue missions, police surveillance and even agriculture. The American Helicopter Museum also has the only V-22 tilt-rotor Osprey helicopter in the world! If you stop by every third Saturday of the month from 11 am to 3 pm you will be able to ride in a real helicopter. The other hours of operation for this site are Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment only on Monday and Tuesday. Their website www.helicoptermuseum.org will give you all the other information you will need.

5. Christ Church
If you are more into a religious aspect of history then check out the Christ Church on North American Street. The churches architecture of the steeple and tower made it to be one of the tallest buildings in America until 1856. Walk the cobblestone alley to a tree lined brick path into a small park and listen to the bells toll from the steeple. Those original eight bells that rang when America proclaimed freedom from England in 1776 are still rung at least once a week to this day. The church is open daily with a guide giving walk through as well as Sundays their is a church service at 9 and 11 in the morning and Wednesday communion at noon. Check out their website, www.christchurchphila.org for more information pertaining your visit.

6. Christ Church Burial Ground
Located on 5th and Arch Street, just steps away from the Independence Visitor Center, you will find a very historical burial ground. Head to this sacred site to learn about men, women and children lived during the historical times. You will also find grave sites of men who were signers of the Declaration of Independence. Not to also mention that Benjamin Franklin and his wife are buried there as well as the man who dug their graves. The cemetery is closed during January and February. Click on the site to learn more about tourist information, http://www.christchurchphila.org/News_Events/Historic_Events/130/vobId__414/.

7. Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge
Walk through this 52 acre campus where each acre is dedicated to each state of the United States also Puerto Rico and District of Columbia. Each acre will depict the recipients from that state that were awarded the Medal of Honor. There are special days where this park is packed like July 4th and Memorial Day, however if you want to walk around during a weekday you will be pleased to find the quietness of this park. Check out their website, www.freedomsfoundation.org before heading over there for all their information on hours of operation and admission. While you are their download a map of the 52 acre park so you will be well prepared for your walk through!

8. Melrose Diner
After you have done all the fun site seeing in Philadelphia you will need to refuel, so stop by 1501 Snyder Ave at Melrose Diner to grab you some delicious grub. I am added this to my places to see in Philly because it has been a historical site for the city since 1935. The waitresses still dawn their 1950's attire along with the amazing service to boot. The best part about this diner is the 24 hours of operation! So if it is 2 in the morning or 2 in the afternoon, you can stop on in and get the only food made famous by Philadelphia like custard based french toast, potato boats and their famous butter cookies!

9. Boathouse Row
If you are looking for more of a sporting adventure in Philadelphia, then head on over to Boathouse Row located at Fairmount Park. You can either enjoy a single rowing adventure down the river pass the beautiful historical boat houses or compete in their many different levels of competition they offer throughout the year. Head on over to www.boathouserow.org to check out all the fun attractions they have going on year round!

10. Boyd's
Shopping is a must while you are visiting Philadelphia and Boyd's is the place to be. Boyd's to Philadelphia is like Macy's to New York. This 60 year old business has been running throughout the years with the highest standards and always putting the customer first. You can still get items tailored made there and also pick up your designer purchases! There is a little cafe also located on the premises that allows you to regain your stamina when you think you can not shop another minute! Check out their website, www.boydsphila.com for more information.

I surely hope I helped you find some great places to visit in the Philadelphia area that are off the beaten path or may not be as well visited as those other well known places are. More information on all these places can be found at www.visitphilly.com.