Vacation in Philadelphia
Philadelphia and adjoining areas present a wonderful vacation opportunity. Take some extra time before or after the conference to visit one or more of the area’s offerings.
37 Things to Do in Philadelphia for July 4 Week
The 10 Most Essential Things to Do on Your Visit to Philly – No tour guide needed. Check out this website’s list of must-see locations.
New Jersey Shore – Atlantic City and Ocean City, NJ are wonderful places to spend a day at the beach, walking the boardwalk, biking, fishing. Only 1 hour from Philadelphia.
Valley Forge National Park – 35 minutes from Center City Philadelphia. Beautiful Valley Forge Park was home to the American Revolutionary Army during the winter of 1777-78. Hiking trails abound, or a 5 mile loop on a paved walking/biking path takes you past soldier’s huts where you will often find Revolutionary soldiers demonstrating, musket loading and firing or baking bread or games for children. Visit the beautiful Valley Forge Chapel and the stone house where General Washington spent that winter. Check the calendar of events for 4th of July celebrations at the Park as well as Summer evening carillon recitals.
Hershey, PA – The Sweetest Place On Earth! – 100 minutes from Center City Philadelphia.
Battle of Gettysburg. Just under a 3-hour drive from Philadelphia this crucial battle of the Civil War began on July 1, 1863 with a sighting of the advancing Confederate army from the Cupola of the Lutheran Seminary. For 3 days the battle raged in and around the normally sleepy little town of Gettysburg. Take a tour, or walk or bike (you can rent bikes) the battlefield. Walking the path of Pickett’s Charge will give you a great feel of the hopelessness of that last charge. Climb over Devils Den, Little and Big Round top. See the Cyclorama and museum in the visitors center. The Eisenhower Farm is a nice tour. Want to visit Gettysburg with two very amateur tour guides? Contact ALCM members Andy Heller and Jane Knappe.