Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the “birthplace of democracy”, is making history once more when the 2016 Democratic National Convention descended on this historic city on July 25-28, 2016. This time around, Philadelphia needed a slightly larger venue than what the Founding Fathers once used to write the Declaration of Independence. The Convention will be held in the enormous Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and host one of the most interesting and contested presidential elections ever.
The Democratic Convention serves as an exciting backdrop to Philadelphia, which among its many wonderful restaurants, parks and shops, also boasts some of the most interesting and United States historic sites. For instance, the “birthplace of democracy” refers to Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.
If you are curious how the Declaration of Independence began, you can visit Declaration House where Thomas Jefferson toiled over the writing of one of history’s most important documents.
Other historic sites include Carpenter’s Hall in the “Old City” neighborhood where the First Continental Congress met. It was also “…home to Franklin’s Library Company, The American Philosophical Society, and the First and Second Banks of the United States,” according to the Philadelphia Democratic Convention planners.
For museum buffs who want to continue down history’s cobblestone road, the Huntington Post recommends a visit to Benjamin Franklin National Memorial at The Franklin Institute. If you want to Immerse yourself in one of the greatest private collection of impressionist, post-impressionist and early-modern paintings, you can explore more than 3,000 masterpieces at the Barnes Foundation. According to the Barnes Foundation, the museum is home to 181 Renoir, 69 Cézanne, 59 Matisse, 46 Picasso, 16 Modigliani, and 7 Van Gogh.
Philadelphia has many historic indoor sites, but its outdoor architecture and parks are also worth a visit. The Huffington Post recommends a stroll through JFK Plaza or Love Park where the iconic 1960s Love sculpture by artist Robert Indiana has inspired generations of residents, business people and visitors .
Love Park is near to the historic Philadelphia City Hall, which happens to be the largest municipal building in the U.S. at over 14.5 acres of floor space. City Hall sits in the exact geographical center of William Penn’s original 1682 plan for the city.
A full day of perusing historic sites will make any history buff in need of nourishment. Philadelphia is home to some amazing coffee houses, great breakfast nooks, and excellent dining to keep both the spirit and palate alive.
The Huntington Post recommends to begin your day at Sabrina’s Café where the challah French toast is worth the wait. If you need more caffeine in your diet, local roasters, Square One Coffee, Rival Bros, Green Street and La Colombe are there to keep you on your game.
For fine dining, USA Today recommends the Capital Grille which is located next to City Hall, and “is a traditional mainstay is a great place to fill up on food as well as conversation. If you like entertainment with your meal, USA Today rates Volver as the number one dining experience in the city. The restaurant offers a “…stylish and relaxing upscale setting, … to escape from everything. Enjoy a multi-course meal complete with wine pairings like you’ve never tasted before. Begin with Siberian sturgeon caviar, deviled-egg duck liver mousse, or carnitas popcorn and move onto salads with live-lettuces from Jose Garces’ garden.
If you can’t get enough of Philadelphia, maybe you might want to consider moving here! We have a wide range of beautiful Philadelphia apartments for rent in the most exciting places in the city, so you can fall in love with the City of Brotherly Love.