The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition Feb 2020

Philadelphia Freedom By: Jill Stolz We are incredibly lucky to be living where we do. In one hour we can be in New York City and in one and a half hours, we can be in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is rich in American history and very accessible to families. There is so much to see and do in Philly so I am going to highlight ten of the most popu- lar attractions for every age group. 1. Franklin Square – this public historic area contains the site of Benjamin Franklin’s home and The Betsy Ross House where the first American Flag was sewn. Recent additions of fami- ly-friendly attractions such as mini- golf, a carousel, storytelling and a picnic area draw crowds of young families. 2. Philadelphia Museum of Art – this majestic building was founded over 125 years ago and holds an impres- sive 300,000 works of art and exhibits making it the third largest art museum in the country. 3. Valley Forge National Historic Park – served as the 1777-1778 win- ter encampment for General Washington’s troops. There are a dozen encampment buildings on the grounds and recreated cabins locat- ed on the vast grounds of the Pennsylvania countryside. This is a great day trip on its own in May - September and a beautiful place to picnic. 4. The Liberty Bell Center – located in Independence National Historic Park where the Declaration of Indepen- dence was signed on July 4, 1776. The relatively new center features everything you could ever want to know about the Liberty Bell. 5. The National Constitution Center – high-tech exhibits, artifacts and displays explaining the history and significance of one of our country’s most important documents. 6. Longwood Gardens – a horticultur- al destination created by Pierre du Pont offering more than 1,000 acres of gardens, woodlands and mead- ows with spectacular fountains, dis- plays, shows and educational pro- grams. There are over 11,000 differ- ent typesof plants to be seen here. 7. Independence Hall – Tickets (free) are required for admission to tour the place where our Founding Fathersshaped our nation. 8. The Franklin Institute – originally opened in 1934 to showcase Ben Franklin’s inventions, it has become a premier hands-on science museum complete with a planetarium and I- Max theater. This is a fantastic muse- um to introduce young children to. 9. The Barnes Foundation – a visit to this estate in suburban Philly affords a close-up look at a vast collection of Renoirs, Cézannes and Matisses, not to mention works by Manet, Degas, Seurat and Picasso to name just a few. Displayed in a unique manner, this is not to be missed by any art lovers. 10. The Rocky Statue – are you hum- ming the Rocky theme song yet? Donated to the city of Philadelphia by Sylvester Stallone, the bronze stature is a destination of visitors from all over the world. Located at the bottom of the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it is a tradition to run “The Rocky Steps” and pause at the top to admire the view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and theCenter City skyline while pumping the fists in triumph. Even though I said I would only high- light ten sights, I did want to make men- tion of two more places that I think are worth visiting in Philadelphia: the U.S. Mint (self-guided tour of how money is made) and the Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo, opened on July 1, 1874. Whether you fit these sights into one weekend trip or make several visits, be sure to spend some time strolling the various city neighborhoods to browse, shop and dine. A great place to grab lunch is the Reading Terminal Market, featuring fresh foods and produce, Amish specialties, unique pottery, jewelry and crafts, and much more. I also love the funky boutiques and eclectic restau- rants on South Street near the water- front. And there is Rittenhouse Square, a beautiful neighborhood and park dot- ted with upscale restaurants and cafes and the more commercial Walnut and Chestnut Streets in Center City. So go ahead and make plans for thenext long weekend or day off from school to explore the streets of Philadelphia. You will not be disappointed. Register NOW for Summer 2020! jcc camp ruach.org Call Alanna Steinberg to schedule a tour! 908-443-9026; asteinberg@ssbjcc.org SAVE $200 Swim Instruction • Adventure Course • Archery Sports • Art • Cooking • Music • Teen Travel Transportation Provided Call Alanna Steinberg to schedule a tour at 908.443.9026; asteinberg@ssbjcc.ort Ages 2-Entering 9th Grade Wed., Feb. 12 Thur., March 19 Some Restrictions Apply. CAMP OPEN HOUSE 5:30 - 7:00 PM & Multiple locations throughout New Jersey! Save $25 using promo code: INNOVATE25RPRINT at invent.org/camp For Grades k-6 All-new programming led by local educators In partnership with the USPTO a High-energy, hands-on stem camp PAGE 13 www.theconnectionsnj.com Kid’z connection