North East visit in December/January
Replies: 7 - Last Post: Dec 7, 2012 9:29 AM Last Post By: tiltedflipcurves
jump to
North East visit in December/January
Hello LP Experts,We'll be travelling to the states for the first time in 2 weeks time for 10-12 days, specifically to North East (New York City and nearby), now since most of the time will be spent in NYC (7-8 days), we want to visit DC and another city for the remaining 3-4 days, randomly we have chosen Philadelphia (since it will be on Train Way from NYC to DC), what do you think about Philadelphia? is it worth it? shall we swap it with another city?
Thanks in advance!
E!
1
Whether Philly is "worth it" is highly subjective. I know people who love it, and I know people who hate it.It is based on your interests, which you never tell us. Do you like history? Art? Music? Food? Shopping? Parks? Night clubs? Strip clubs? Remember, we don't know you, and what we like may be what you hate.
2
Personally, I like Philadelphia and if you are interested in American history it's a must see with Liberty Hall where the Continental Congress met and wrote the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The Liberty Bell is there too. There is an excellent art museum in Philadelphia.But, if you have only 3-4 days to split between Washington DC and "another city" like Philadelphia, I'd devote the entire time to Washington DC and leave other cities for another time. There is far more to see and do in DC than you could possibly accomplish in 3-4 days.
3
I pretty much agree with CascadeBob. I like Philly. We go up there just for the day from time to time; great history and some really good food. That said, you are going to loose most of day each way between NY and DC by the time you check out of one hotel, get to your train, get to and check into your new hotel and settle in. That has really cut into your time to spend in any one city, let alone two. Spend the time in DC, I have lived here for almost 40 years and still learn of new things to see. I don't think you will regret it.4
There is an excellent art museum in Philadelphia.
Oh did they attach an art museum to those steps? I always wondered what that was. (wink).Yes Philly is a love it or hate it location. I grew up outside of Philly. Its major sites are Penn's Landing (preferably with guided mini-tour), Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The walking tour of the "historic area" is worth it, and for some, "The Rocky Steps" are the highlight of their trip. The Franklin Institute (science museum) is worthwhile but not world class.
But Philly really isn't about the sites, it's more like Chicago. It's more about the local color and the local cuisine (scrapple and eggs for breakfast, cheesesteak for lunch, a raucous sports bar or actual sporting event in the evening.)
Alternate sites include nearby
- Washington's Crossing, which is appropriate to see in cold weather, but has become more of a place to shop for antiques and never really developed into a world class destination
- Valley Forge, (also cold weather appropriate), which I have fond memories of as a kid but have never seen as an adult, so I can't really comment.
- Baltimore, a somewhat pricey, but worthwhile town that is best seen when the weather cooperates. See the aquarium, tour the USS Constitution, take the boat tour to Fort McHenry, eat great seafood, go to Little Italy and have some pasta.
Edited by: LongIslandBob
7
I would leave NYC at an early hour, spend a day in Philly (Magic Gardens, Independence Hall, and Rodin/Barnes/Art Museum would be my top recs), and continue on to DC in time to check in for the night. To maximize touring time, pick up NYC street food and Reading Terminal or 30th St. Station market food to eat on the buses or trains.Bag storage (confirm this): http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111206075919AA3ZI3O
