A walk down memory lane … in Philadelphia, PA

This time last year, we did a road trip to Boston, stopping overnight in Gettysburg to break up the 17-hr drive. While in Boston, we made many side trips, one of which was our girl's getaway trip to Philadelphia and New York City. My sweet college friend and I took the Amtrak train from Boston, a comfortable and relaxing ride that gave us six hours of quality time to catch up on our lives.

We already felt the buzz of big city life when we passed through New York City, and the vibe continued when we got off at 30th Street Station. Our first stop was downtown Philly. We ambled around city hall and into Reading Terminal Market to see what's new. It's been a looong time since I last visited. 

Philadelphia City Hall

Reading Terminal Market

Then we grabbed a take-out (cheesesteak, of course) from a neighborhood joint to picnic at my favorite place in the city - the gazebo and promenade in the Museum area between Schuylkill River and Kelly Drive. 

Museum of Art

After we ate, we walked up the steps to the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art. You may recognize the museum area from the legendary movie Rocky. The view of the Philadelphia skyline was obstructed by scaffold and ongoing construction, much to our chagrin. 

Fountain of the Sea Horses

The south has Civil War history. The north has colonial history, and Valley Forge National Park is the perfect place to learn some. General Washington and his army camped here during the long cold winter of 1777-78. There is a visitor center and many historical monuments scattered throughout the park. We used to live about half hour away and had spent many a weekend here. The 3,500-acre park has lots to offer, from history to trails (jogging, hiking, biking, horse-back riding) and wildlife viewing.

soldiers slept in these log huts

Washington's Headquarters

We were in the vicinity, so we stopped at another favorite place, Wissahickon Valley Park, and even swung over to see our old house.

Our first house from years ago.

I've always loved the suburbs of Philadelphia. The city not so much, but every time I visit, I grow fonder for it. This trip was short but sweet. I really enjoyed it, and I think my friend did too. 

Have you been to Philadelphia? 

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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