Built in 1857, the Academy of Music functions as both a concert hall and opera house. It hosts a variety of performances each month. To purchase tickets, be sure to visit the website provided.
The Liberty Bell is a Historic National Landmark drawing thousands of visitors year-round. The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, was first called the State House bell in the 1700s. It is the national symbol of life and liberty. This is why Philadelphia is often referred to as the "nation's cradle of liberty."
Parking and transportation at the Liberty Bell
There is metered street parking all around the Liberty Bell for people traveling around the city by car.
The closest and most popular parking garage is the Independence Visitor Center underground garage.
For public transportation options, visitors can take SEPTA's Market- Frankford line to 5th Street and walk one block. For travelers coming from New Jersey, the PATCO line's 8th Street stop is a four block walk.
Best and worst times to go to the Liberty Bell
Visitors who love a family-friendly party should visit the Liberty Bell on the fourth of July. There are special events planned all day and night. Visitors can also walk a few blocks to see spectacular fireworks at Penn's Landing.
The worst time to visit the Liberty Bell is in February, based on weather in Philadelphia. Frigid temperatures and snow can make for canceled flights and possible street closures.
Admission to the Liberty Bell
Admission to the Liberty Bell is free.
Must see/do at the Liberty Bell
Travelers to the Liberty Bell will see how it is now located in a visitor's center. This center has many interactive exhibits explaining the history of the bell followed by a National Park Ranger providing a live history lesson right under the bell.
The Liberty Bell is situated on Independence Mall where visitors can stop and visit the President's House for free right next door. This outdoor exhibit focuses on the history of slavery in Philadelphia and by the founding fathers.
Other places to visit near the Liberty Bell
The National Constitution Center is two blocks north of the Liberty Bell and has free general admission. Certain special exhibits charge admission fees.
Other places to visit near the Liberty Bell
The National Constitution Center is two blocks north of the Liberty Bell and has free admission except for certain special exhibits.
The Benjamin Franklin Museum is located two blocks east of the Liberty Bell. This interactive museum focuses on the many contributions Benjamin Franklin made to society. It is perfect for visitors of all ages. The museum does charge a small fee for admission.
The City Tavern was founded in 1773 and is a big favorite for visitors to Philadelphia. Servers are dressed in colonial outfits, and the menu reflects the cuisine of 18th Century Colonial America.
Insider tip for visitors to the Liberty Bell
Most visitors to Philadelphia want to have a cheesesteak or an Italian hoagie. Not too many people know there is a famous Italian sandwich spot called Campo's Deli just three blocks from the Liberty Bell. Campos's offers other sandwiches with a Philadelphia flare. But visitors looking for cheese whiz on their steak need to say, "Wit Whiz".
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist and digital media specialist for 20 years.
Located in Marion, Ohio, the Harding Home Presidential Site was the home of the 29th president, Warren G. Harding, and his wife, Florence. Upon arrival, visitors will enter the Press House, a cottage built for the press that covered Harding's 1920 presidential campaign. Visitors will then go on a guided tour through the Harding Home. Those interested in presidential history and President Harding will enjoy the site, since the majority of the rooms and objects are original to Harding's time.
Best and Worst Times to Visit the Harding Home Presidential Site
The best time to visit the Harding Home Presidential Site is from May 2-November 1, Wednesday-Sunday, from 12-5 p.m. The Harding Home Presidential Site is in its offseason the rest of the year, so those wishing to visit the site during that time are required to schedule a tour in advance by emailing the Harding Home through its website or by phone at 1-800-600-6894.
Must See/Do at the Harding Home Presidential Site
Make sure to look inside the mobile voting booth located next to the Press House, which is the same type of voting booth that voters in the Midwest used when they voted for President Harding in the 1920 Presidential election.
Stop back inside the Press House after your tour to buy souvenirs from the gift shop inside.
Although photography isn't allowed inside the Harding Home, you can take pictures outside, so walk around the grounds and take some pictures before you leave.
Admission at the Harding Home Presidential Site
Admission prices to the Harding Home Presidential Site range from $3-$7. Visitors can receive a discount if they are AAA members. Friends of Harding Home, Ohio History Connection Members, Marion Technical College students and staff, and active military members and their families can visit the home for free.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Harding Home Presidential Site
It is easiest to travel to the Harding Home Presidential Site by car, since the city of Marion has limited public transportation. The Harding Home Presidential Site has its own parking lot located behind the Harding Home.
Food at the Harding Home Presidential Site
The Harding Home Presidential Site does not serve food, but there are several restaurants within a five minute drive of the site. One of the best restaurants in town is Payne's Pizza & More, located at 1624 Marion-Mt. Gilead Road; a five minute drive from the Harding Home Presidential Site. Payne's Pizza is known for their nine inch sub sandwich specials, which include chips and a drink.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Harding Home Presidential Site
To get the full Harding experience, visit the Harding Memorial, the burial site of President Harding and his wife, Florence. The memorial is less than a five minute drive from the Harding Home Presidential Site and is located at the intersection of Vernon Heights Boulevard and Delaware Avenue. The Harding Memorial is free and open to the public year-round.
Miranda Roehler has lived in Northwest Ohio for her entire life. She studied Creative Writing and History at The University of Findlay and has been published in multiple international journals.
One of the National Park Service's 400 parks, and the only one dedicated to American painting, Weir Farm was officially declared a national historic site by Congress in 1990. It highlights the home and place of inspiration for painter J. Alden Weir. Weir, who acquired the 153 acre farm in 1882, responded to the natural landscape with impressionist paintings that depicted stones, woodlands and meadows, beginning a tradition that other artists, such as Mahonri Young and Sperry Andrews, would later emulate. The Land of Nod, as the site has been called, has a visitor center, tours, and en plein air activities for kids.
