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Philadelphia Attractions! – Liberty Bell Independence Hall Philly Cheese Steak Reading Terminal Market

To round up our list of things to do and attractions in Philadelphia, we are going to cover Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross and the American Flag as well as all the yummy stuff at Reading Terminal Market!

We start our historical trail at the independence hall and it all starts here, at the independence square…

Picture of the Independence Square Philadelphia

While we were there, the independence hall was under renovation…

Independence Hall Philadelphia (under reconstruction)

We were led into the hall where the declaration of independence was signed…

We were told by the tour guide (who by the way is very very knowledgeable) that there are currently 2 actual pieces of articles from George Washington’s time. The rest of the tables and chairs re-modeled to resemble what it was like during that time. So the two articles were…

The painting seen here taken with our Philly Bear from Radisson Hotel

Painting from George Washington's time — Painting from George Washington’s time

and the chair which George Washington sat on…

Chair with a sun that George Washington sat on

We were told by our guide that George Washington often questioned whether the sun was a rising sun or a setting sun. The answer was obvious…a rising sun…

Next, we were told a piece of information that even most Americans would not know. The declaration of Independence was actually completed on the 2nd of July 1776! Then why was the declaration of independence only signed on 4th of July 1776? According to our guide, it was time taken to amend from the version that Thomas Jefferson had originally drafted. Some of the things like abolition of slavery as well as the mention of the tyranny of the king were removed from the final version…

Next we were led upstairs…

The long room upstairs of Independence Hall Philadelphia

Other stuff upstairs…

Study Table Independence Hall Philadelphia

The arms in the Ammunition Room @ Independence Hall Philadelphia

The signer was fashioned to commemorate the fore fathers who signed 2 important documents in the history of America – The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

What we really like about Philadelphia is that life in the city is so delicately interwoven and intertwined with its history. Just a few blocks away, we are along the historical trails where we arrived at the Betsy Ross House. We were just in time for the daily flag raising ceremony at about 10am.

Flag raising ceremony Betsy Ross House Philadelphia

You would almost certainly notice that there are only 13 stars on this flag. This was because it represents the number of states then that participated in the movement…

Next we visited the liberty bell with its infamous crack…

Well we didn’t exactly catch the crack (because of the crowd) as we took it from the back angle. There were many stories in the hall that leads up to the bell which tells of why the bell cracked what happened when they rang the bell when the declaration of independence was read and so on…

Hallways of stories about the Liberty Bell

There were many recollections and many interesting snippets about the Liberty Bell, do spend some time reading them!

Next we headed to the famous Reading Terminal Market!

The reason why we were here was because of Man vs Food (MVF)! At that time, we were still having our Starhub Cable TV, so we watched MVF every Wednesday. This episode recounted the French-Dipped Sandwich of DiNic’s!

Dinic's Roast Pork and Beef @ Reading Terminal Market — Dinic’s Roast Pork and Beef @ Reading Terminal Market

We took the liberty of ordering both the Pork and the Beef sandwich topped one with roasted pepper (Jalapeno – chilli pepper) and the other with Spinach.

Beef Sandwich topped with Roasted Pepper and Pork Sandwich with Spinach @ DiNic's — Beef Sandwich topped with Roasted Pepper and Pork Sandwich with Spinach @ DiNic’s

We didnt regret it! In fact, even as we’re writing this post, we’re feeling hungry!! The roast was tender and flavourful while the peppers really packed a punch (definitely not for those who do not take chilli). The spinach also complimented the sandwich really really well.

Not only was the food good, there was some eye candy for Kate as well…

Handsome Owner of Dinic's — Handsome Owner of Dinic’s

As we ventured along the walkways of Reading Terminal Market, we stumbled unto another gem…

Bassetts Ice Cream - America's Oldest Ice Cream Company — Bassetts Ice Cream – America’s Oldest Ice Cream Company

The ice cream was o so good! It was because of the high content of butter in Bassetts ice cream, so do take note – especially for those who are watching those calories! The ice cream parlour also packs in alot of history, being established in 1861 and serving in this same spot for a long long long time now…

Peanut Butter Swirl with Rum and Raisin @ Bassetts Ice Cream

There was also chocolates galore here in the Reading Terminal Market…

Chocolates Galore at Reading Terminal Market Philadelphia

Chocolates Galore again at Reading Terminal Market Philadelphia

After the delights, we took a walk along the river and caught a glimpse of the USS New Jersey

Olympia Steel Warship and Becuna Submarine Philadelphia

Along the banks, we saw the Olympia (World’s oldest steel warship afloat today, since 1892) and the Becuna Submarine used during WW2.

Further on, we walked by other memorials such as these Vietnam and Korean War Memorial…

On the last day as we walked about town, we came by the famous Philadelphia Stock Exchange…

Rounding up the trip, there was just one last thing we had to do…that is to enjoy a Philly Cheesesteak!

Philly Cheese Steak from the road stalls, the way the locals have them

Road side stall for Philly Cheese Steaks!

Philadelphia has got to be one of our favouritest place in USA. It has got a rich history, modern architecture and great food. It is a must visit place when you are in the USA!

You can read about the other 2 Philadelphia Posts here…

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Updated on February 6, 2021October 12, 2011attractions City Hall Comcast Centre holiday Philadelphia Attractions Philadelphia Philly Phillie Phanatic Places of Interest Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Things to do Things to do in Pennsylvania Things to do in Philadelphia Things to do in USA Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips USA vacation

Things to do and attractions in Philadelphia Philly Part 1

There are so many things to do and attractions in Philadelphia! Let’s find out what are the things to do right here in Philadelphia!

Philadelphia is one of our favourite city in the United States. It is really the amalgamation (combination) of all things great for a tourist.

The city is rich in history, with the liberty (declaration of independence), liberty bell and the american revolutionary war as its background. However, a few blocks down you will see modern buildings such as the Comcast Centre, One Liberty Place and Two Liberty Place. There is really a good intertwine between the modern facade and history of the city. Walking in the historic district makes one feels like you are walking back into colonial times as well. For more about colonial USA, click here.

But to a traveller and tourist , a complete coverage of a city comes with its food! (well at least that’s true @ 2bearbear.com) Philadelphia is famous for….drum rolls….Philly Cheesesteaks! We’ll also visit some of the other famous eateries in Reading Terminal Market and of course features from Man VS Food (MVF)!

We started our drive early this weekend once again. The drive was approximately 4 hours and we were able to stop by the Jefferson Memorial (something we missed when we visted Washington DC the last time).

The man himself - Thomas Jefferson — The man himself – Thomas Jefferson

Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was not only one of the founding fathers but also the main author of the Declaration of Independence?

As we approached our hotel (Radisson Hotel Philadelphia), we were greeted by this building and awed by the city hall on the horizon…

Starting to feel the colonial flavour in Philadelphia

We were somewhat misled by the GPS as we entered the central business district (CBD), the tall buildings must have clouded out the signals. However, we did eventually arrive at our destination – Radisson Hotel Philadelphia!

Elegant Lobby of Radisson Hotel Philadelphia

Intricate paintings on ceiling of Radisson Hotel Philadelphia

Chandelier in the Lobby of Radisson Hotel Philadelphia

We were also pleasantly surprised by the room which was spacious yet had the cosy feel to it…

Comfortable Bed of Radisson Hotel Philadelphia

Dressing table of Radisson Hotel Philadelphia

We quickly unloaded our stuff and headed out towards the city hall and we were greeted by him!

All over town we could see many many different versions of him wearing different costumes and designs. We then took several pictures around the city hall area…

Structures around the City Hall area in Philadelphia

Intertwining history with modern structures - Philadelphia — Intertwining history with modern structures – Philadelphia

Soon we entered the much talked about Comcast Centre. Not only because it is the tallest building in Philadelphia, but also because of these magical screens…

Comcast Centre Screen as part of the wall.... — Comcast Centre Screen as part of the wall….

The screens displayed images so realistic that without looking closer, you would have thought the screens were part of the wall…(Note that the lines between the screens are also part of the screen) then it happened, it began displayed videos and animation. The smaller screens were integrated as part of a larger screen…

Black Screen on Comcast Center Philadelphia

Animation at Comcast Center Philadelphia

Video with piano keys at Comcast Center Philadelphia

In our next post we will show you more of Philadelphia!

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Updated on January 31, 2021September 23, 2011attractions Colonial Williamsburg holiday Places of Interest Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips USA vacation Virginia

Take a step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg – Learn more about USA History during Colonial Times here!

To learn more about the history of USA, look no further than a visit to Colonial Williamsburg.

Kate and I looked upon this trip with much anticipation because we were told that this is a town re-constructed to be like that during Colonial times. We were also told that not only the structures were colonial, even the actors in Colonial Williamsburg dressed as a person during those times. So we were fascinated to just take a step back in time and history into Colonial times through Colonial Williamsburg. Actually, towns like these pretty much reminded us about the Village by M Night Shyamalan. Cool!

We parked our car at the designated car park and bought our tickets at the ticketing counter. At the entrance, there was a huge 3-D map of the entire Colonial Williamsburg!

Pictures of what you would be expecting at Colonial Williamsburg.

Collage of scenes at Colonial Williamsburg

As we proceeded to the town, there were little milestones on the floor that leads you into thinking that you have been magically transported back in time….

Away from 21st Century... — Away from 21st Century…

Famous Quotes of USA Nation Makers along the way

J F Kennedy "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country" — J F Kennedy “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”

After a short walk, we “magically” arrived at Colonial Williamsburg

Towards The Town Hall in Colonial Williamsburg

Authentic Horse-drawn Carriage Colonial Williamsburg

We first took a short visit to the armoury to see all the weapons stored there. The armskote was telling a story about how they prepared themselves for the battle. It really sounded as if you were right there getting ready for the revolution!

We took out the programme sheet and headed for the first “show”

Programme sheet at Colonial Williamsburg

It was very exciting to be part of the show! The actors addressed all the audience as if they were villagers during the colonial times…

Addressing the "Villagers" at Colonial Williamsburg — Addressing the “Villagers” at Colonial Williamsburg

Arrival with music at Colonial Williamsburg

When the “traitor” spoke, actors that were planted in the audience jeered and all the audience jeered along as well!

Jeering at the "Traitor" at Colonial Williamsburg — Jeering at the “Traitor” at Colonial Williamsburg

A pastor sharing during the Colonial times and the imminent battle…

And the Hero is none other than General George Washington himself

General George Washington addressing the Villagers at Colonial Williamsburg

After all that drama and fantastic show put up by the actors of Colonial Williamsburg (really inspiring speech from Washington), we headed to the “local bakery”!

Products at the local bakery @ Colonial Williamsburg

As it was right after the show, everyone headed out for lunch. Good thing Kate and I targetted the bakery early and we arrived amongst the first at the queue (sigh…kiasu Singaporean nature). Here, we enjoyed the chocolate chip cookie, ginger bread as well as the root beer!

Chocolate Chip Cookie, Root Beer, Ginger Bread of Bakery @ Colonial Williamsburg

But Kate forgot to ask to open the root beer, so we had to queue again to get it opened….ahh…thirst quencher…

Thereafter, we took a short walk around the rest of the area. There are buses that take you from one place to another, but you can also choose to walk. We also realised that there are lodges where you can totally immerse yourself in colonial history!

High class eating places at the Market Square of Colonial Williamsburg

All in all, we totally enjoyed ourselves. The actors immersed in their roles and that brought the characters to life, bringing/ transporting the audience back in time!

P.S. We visited Philadelphia later and learnt that the declaration of independence was actually completed on 2 July! There were things such as the abolishment of slavery and tyranny of the king included in the first draft, therefore it took 2 more days for refinement. Hence, the 4th of July. Picked this piece of information from the tour guide at the independence hall! Interesting!

P.S.S After we returned the car this particular weekend, we had a bad encounter at the 7-11. We were told by the cashier that 2 hotdogs were on offer at $2.50 but when she keyed into the cashier, we were charged $2.50 per hot dog! Sigh…so we piled on the cheese, radish and onions to make our hotdogs more hua…

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