East Coast Summer Travel

Part 1 of 3
Last week my husband and I took a road trip to three of America's historic destinations! Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, D.C. Since we were on a small budget I wanted to share my tips to having a great vacation all while saving money!

Our first stop was Philadelphia, Pa. We took I-70 from Columbus through the PA Turnpike (which only accepts cash) to Philly. Our stay was actually free because we stayed with my cousin in her apartment. My advice in any large city is to take advantage of public transportation. It's cheap and gets you where you need to go in a short amount of time. Plus no headache of driving and getting lost!

Here are my Philly travel tips:

If you want to go inside Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed go directly to the Visitor's Center across the square first thing in the morning and get your timed tickets. They are first come-first serve and it's the only way to get inside, otherwise you will just walk around the outside. Tickets are free!



The Liberty Bell is in a museum across the street and always has a line. Get there early to avoid the crowd. Also the line is always outside so dress appropriately for waiting. Museum is Free!


If you need a great place to eat I highly recommend going to the Reading Terminal Market located at 12th and Arch. It is a smorgasbord of every food you could think of! I am a fan of Bassetts Homemade Ice Cream and Hershel's Deli.

Love park is always a top tourist spot. It is actually dedicated to JFK. But you always see the LOVE statue and fountain. The fountain is incredibly refreshing to your feet on a 96 degree day! It also gives you a beautiful view of City Hall and Museum of Art (Rocky Steps).


Everyone must run the steps to be in the shoes of Rocky! We chose to go to the Museum of Art at night to look at statues and run the steps. Remember, stretch before running and do your best! :)




Of course one of the great tourist sites in Philly is Dueling Steaks! Geno's vs. Pat's Steaks.
Geno's kind of looks like a carnival exploded. These are the ordering instructions at Pat's.


We chose to eat at Pat's because it is the original. I had Provolone Witout and my husband had Whiz Wit.

Off the beaten path sightseeing:
Second Bank of the United States - It's actually an art gallery now and very close to Independence Hall.
Masonic Temple Philadelphia - Founded in 1873, many of the Declaration Signers were Masons.
City Hall Tower - You are able to go up in the tower (weather permitting) and it gives a great free view of the city from above!
South Street - One of the most eclectic areas for shops and food - Definitely worth a stop!

Philly is a great town with LOTS to see and do on a budget - next stop New York City!