Despite crowds, visitors can enjoy Philadelphia on Fourth
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PHILADELPHIA -- The nation's birthplace becomes a frenzied place over the Fourth of July weekend, but savvy visitors can still enjoy the activities planned for Philadelphia.
With thousands expected to descend on Independence Mall, visitors should start their day early and plan carefully, said Jane Cowley, of Independence National Historical Park.
About 15,000 people a day visited the Liberty Bell over the holiday weekend last year, and tourism has been up 30 percent at the landmark this year, officials said.
"Philadelphia is where it all happened," Ms. Cowley said. "There's no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend."
Tourists new to the city might start their day at the Independence Visitor Center at Sixth and Market streets.
"People can come to us and say, 'We have a 3-year-old, a teenager and our grandmother. How can we make everyone happy?' and our staff will be able to tell them what to do," said Kathleen Ries, a visitor center spokeswoman.
Guides will likely point history buffs to nearby Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution drafted.
Entrance is free, but timed tickets are required. They are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and can run out quickly.
Latecomers might benefit from the extended hours offered over the holiday weekend. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. -- and no tickets are required after 5 p.m.
Beyond the traditional sites, Sunoco's "Welcome America!" festival offers a variety of special activities.
On Monday, those with historical leanings can enjoy breakfast with Ben Franklin and pass the evening with Thomas Jefferson -- or at least, re-enactors who play them. In between, visitors can tour the Christ Church Burial Ground or dine on barbecue on the Battleship New Jersey or Latin food from stalls lining the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
As the sun sets, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops will perform a concert of patriotic tunes.
The celebrations take off on Tuesday, when Philadelphia rolls out a red, white and blue carpet at Independence Hall for the reading of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.
After a children's parade kicks off the "Let Freedom Ring" celebration, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito will speak before a 2 p.m. bell-ringing that ends with the ceremonial tapping of the Liberty Bell.
A concert by Lionel Richie and American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino and fireworks over the art museum steps cap off the celebration.
Although some 70 percent of visitors come by car, those who take public transportation may have an easier time of it.
For those who do drive: AAA surveys show gas prices are about 22 cents higher in the city than average in Pennsylvania.
For those spending the night, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. has discounted hotel packages that include free parking throughout the stay.
The nation's birthday this year coincides with Philadelphia's celebration of Ben Franklin's 300th birthday. Travelers with time should head to Franklin Court, where the statesman's house once stood, for a walking tour or, for young visitors, a harmonica demonstration.
Finally, Ms. Cowley advises visitors to drink plenty of water for the typically sultry July weather in Philadelphia and to pack light, to avoid delays at security checks.
Jessica Griffin, Associated PressVisitors walk around the Liberty Bell, now located in the new Liberty Bell Center at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.
Click photo for larger image.
First Published July 2, 2006 12:00 am
