Monday, August 11, 2014

A Wealth of History and Fun in Southeastern Pennsylvania

In today's economy free or inexpensive attractions are an almost must for those family vacations. Of course, finding them can be a bit tricky, though with the Internet, it is becoming a lot easier. Like many areas, southeastern Pennsylvania has a host of different options to partake in. The biggest challenge is figuring out where you want to start and if you can fit everything into just one visit.

Abington, Pennsylvania

Briar Bush Nature Center:

1212 Edge Hill Road | Abington, PA 19001 | 215-887-6603 | http://www.briarbush.org | e-mail info@briarbush.org for information on prices and daily actives

This 12-acre nature center includes not only trails to explore but also a bird observatory, native wildflower gardens, butterfly house, woodlands and meadows along with a windmill-fed pond. Also available is a museum with many hands-on exhibits and a gift shop. While much is free, there may be some that you need to pay for. Call or e-mail ahead for more information.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library:

4278 Griscom Street | Philadelphia, PA 19124 | 215-289-6484 | http://www.garmuslib.org

This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Civil War and houses many different artifacts, books and memorabilia from the Grand Army of the Republic. Hours vary so do not assume that they are open; call ahead to see if they are open on the day you wish to visit.

Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site:

532 N. 7th Street | Philadelphia, PA 19106 | 215-597-8780 | http://www.nps.gov/edal/index.htm

Open Wednesday thru Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm with no cost for admission. Edgar Allan Poe lived in this home while writing "The Black Cat"; one of his famous short stories. Things to do include learning about Poe's life and work in the context of his time, examine how Poe influenced not only writers around the world but also Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen king, and explore numerous surprises throughout Poe's historic home.

Independence National Historical Park:

143 South Third Street | Philadelphia, PA 19106 | 215-965-2305 | http://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm

Hours vary throughout the year for different sites located at the Independence National Historic Park. Check the website or call when planning your trip. Admission to all park sites is free but timed tickets are needed to visit Independence Hall during the months of March through December. Built to preserve the history of the birth of the American Democracy, this park covers over 55 acres and 20 city block within the city of Philadelphia. Some places to see include the meeting place for the first and second Continental Congress, the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed, where the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of the United States was debated and signed, the home of Benjamin Franklin and the home where Thomas Jefferson stayed which working on the Declaration of Independence are just a few things to see at this site. Be prepared to walk and spend more than one day exploring this historical area.

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Valley Forge National Park

1400 North Outer Line Drive | King of Prussia, PA 19406 | 610-783-1077 | http://www.nps.gov/vafo/index.htm

Valley Forge National Park offers a variety of different actives for people and families to partake in. The cost of admission is free though if you are looking for a guided tour, these do cost some money. If interested, call the number above to find out prices.

Depending on the season you visit, you will find many different areas to pursue. Outdoor activities include auto touring, biking, bird watching, boating, cell phone tours, fishing, hiking, interpretive programs and nature walks. Besides these, you have the chance to explore a place ripe with history from the United States Revolutionary War. The welcome center offers not only a place to stop and obtain information on the park and different daily activities but also houses the museum, an online store, a film, and an American Flag. Hours are 6 am to 10 pm year round for the park, 9 am to 5 pm daily for Washington's Headquarters and 9 am to 5 pm daily for the Welcome center.