Pennsylvania Archives - Mom's Guide To Travel

Jun 11 2016

10 Free Things To Do In Philadelphia This Summer

Looking for free things to do in Philadelphia this summer? Depending on how long you’ll be in town, you may find that there are more things to do in Philadelphia for free than you have time for.

If you’re driving into Philadelphia do yourself a favor, park your car. Both times that I visited with my boys I parked my truck in our hotel garage and left it there until it was time to go home. I found that this was a less stressful way for us to get around the city.

Enjoy the city by bus or foot. Hands down, public transportation or walking is the best way to find even more free or low cost things to do in Philadelphia.

In your normal day-to-day you probably drive around everywhere anyway, so why not give yourself a break. This will not only allow you to get a full sense of city life but it will also allow you to spot the little things you might not see while stuck in traffic.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia

I think Hotel Monaco by Kimpton is hands-down the best location for a visit to Philly. Besides having great views, it’s conveniently located across the street from Independence Hall and within walking distance from some great places to eat or stop for a treat.

Parking is by valet and will probably cost you upwards of $30 per day but it’s well worth it. It’s called peace of mind.

What are Free Things To Do In Philadelphia?

The Historic Sites

Experience early Philadelphia (and American) colonial history right downtown at Independence Mall.

1. Liberty Bell Center

Start on 6th and Market Streets to learn about the facts and myths surrounding the bell. You’ll learn about the history of the bell’s crack, eye historic documents, and hear how important groups in American history adopted the bell as a symbol of freedom.

Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is free. You’ll have to undergo a security screening but thankfully the process is no comparison to what you go through at the airport.

Tip: Summertime the line tends to be insane so I’d suggest starting early at 9 a.m. when they first open their doors.

2. Independence Hall

Ever wanted to see the rooms where early constitutional negotiations were made? This is where you want to go. Independence Hall is a must! Admission is by tour only.

The guided park ranger tour of Independence Hall brings the history book to life. You’ll first go through an orientation before visiting the courtroom where lawyers met and argued. The Assembly Room is most impressive with George Washington’s “rising sun” chair commanding most of the attention.

On the second floor you’ll tour the Long Gallery as well as the Committee Room where committees met to discuss colonial policy.

Tip: Although tickets are free, you may want to consider paying the $1.50 for guaranteed timed tickets in advance, either online or by phone. You’ll avoid having to stand in the long walk-up ticket line. Sometimes it’s good to pay for convenience, especially when it’s hot and you’re traveling with kids.

3. Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation, which houses one of the most important collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings in the world, offers free admission and programming on the first Sunday of every month for its Free First Sundays, presented by PECO. The Barnes also has an art library located on the lower level, which is free to visit Monday through Saturday, as well as free audio tours.

4. Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site

The Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site was once home to the legendary writer who wrote short stories such as The Black Cat here. Visitors can explore his fascinating life and learn how Poe influenced today’s literary heavy-hitters. Tours are self-guided or led by a park ranger from Friday through Sunday.

5. National Museum of American Jewish History

On Independence Mall, the National Museum of American Jewish History invites people to enjoy one of its most popular exhibitions for free. The Only In America^® Gallery/Hall of Fame celebrates the lives and achievements of 18 Jewish-Americans who show that America has provided individuals with extraordinary opportunities. The ground-floor gallery boasts some big-name artifacts: Albert Einstein’s pipe and Steven Spielberg’s Super 8 camera, among others.

6. United States Mint

During self-guided tours of the United States Mint, visitors watch coin production from 40 feet above the factory floor and see the nation’s first coining press. Audio and video stations explain currency’s history. Free.

7. Valley Forge National Historical Park

The site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of General George Washington and the Continental Army, Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a glimpse into the Revolutionary War with historic structures such as Washington’s Headquarters and commemorative monuments such as the National Memorial Arch. Visitors can explore the park by car, by bike or on foot guided by the park’s cell phone tour.

8. The Fabric Workshop and Museum

A contemporary art museum devoted to creating work in new media and new materials through its Artists-in-Residence program, The Fabric Workshop and Museum boasts an extensive permanent collection, in-house and touring exhibitions and comprehensive educational programming. Free.

9. Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is open to visitors who can pay what they wish to explore the entire main building, showcasing works by Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dalí, Himalayan artists and many others. The museum offers free cell phone tours that add perspective to the collections.

10. Franklin Square

Franklin Square is one of five public parks designed by William Penn as he was creating the layout for Philadelphia. The park is free and has lots of great activities to do. There’s a miniature golf course, classic carousel, burger place, storytelling bench, picnic area and more.

Less Expensive Things To Do in Philadelphia

Ride the Philly Phlash on a $5 all day pass. You can hop on and off to 22 locations in the city to explore Philadelphia’s most popular cultural institutions.

Make sure to bring exact change. If you only need a single ride, it’ll cost you $2. You might as well get the all day pass and ride the full loop around the city. I did it with my kids when we were done hopping off and on to see sites.

It was a great way to see the sites and make a mental note of what we wanted to visit next time.

For some serious savings on Philadelphia’s most popular attractions, tour-goers can snag a CityPASS ticket booklet, which includes four tickets to Philly favorites. Visitors can pick either Adventure Aquarium or ThePhiladelphia Zoo, but Philadelphia Trolley Works, The Franklin Institute and the brand-new One Liberty Observation Deck are always included.

As of March 1, 2016, the cost is $59 for adults and $39 for children ages 2 to 12—45% cheaper than full-price admission costs. The pass is valid for nine consecutive days beginning with the date of first use. What’s more, it allows holders to skip the main entrance ticket line at most attractions.

What are some of your favorite free things to Philadelphia in the summer? And while you’re at it, why not Pin this story on your board.

Heads up! This blog post has affiliate links to help keep it alive and offset administrative costs.

Feb 15 2016

The Best Hotels In The Mid-Atlantic

Over the past six years of traveling, I’ve stayed in some of the best hotels in the mid-atlantic, all within driving distance from my home. What I like most about many of these hotels is that they are historic properties filled with rich stories of the past and standard-setting architecture.

The following post which originally appeared on The Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog, highlights a few of the best hotels in the Mid-Atlantic, a couple of which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.

The Mid-Atlantic states are comprised of a broad range of cultures, geographies, and sightseeing opportunities—and that’s exactly what makes this such a great region to visit. Whether you have your eye on New York, Virginia, or any of the states in between, you’re guaranteed a unique travel experience. What’s more, you’ll also have access to some of the country’s best accommodations. Case in point? Just take a look at these five exceptional Mid-Atlantic hotels.

1. Fairmont Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Right in the heart of Steel City lies the Fairmont Pittsburgh, which offers 4.5-star accommodations in addition to its stellar location. You’ll never tire of things to do in the area; nearby attractions include Heinz Hall, Monongahela Incline, Heinz Field, PNC Park, and tons of theater, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities. When you’ve had your fill of Pittsburgh’s thriving cultural scene, head back to the hotel to relax via the on-site health club, sauna, steam room, restaurants, or spa, which includes massage, aromatherapy, and pedicure treatments. Even Fido is welcome in this 185-room hotel: Guests are permitted up to two cats or dogs per room.

2. Hotel Monaco Baltimore, Baltimore, MD

Unique amenities abound at Hotel Monaco—think an in-room Xbox, yoga mats, animal-print robes, a stocked bar (including organic options), and personalized wake-up calls. These modern comforts belie the hotel’s storied history: It was originally built in 1906 as the B&O Railroad headquarters. Today, some of that historical gravitas remains in the form of marble stairs, chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and stained glass. Luxury isn’t just to be found in the hotel’s architecture; guests can sip on a complimentary glass of wine by the lobby’s fireplace before pampering themselves with in-room spa services. If you manage to pull yourself away from the hotel, you’ll be able to explore Baltimore’s Inner Harbor within 10 minutes. The hotel is also near Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Baltimore Convention Center.

3. Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia, PA

Immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s rich culture by booking a stay at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. The hotel is located in the heart of Philly’s theater district. (Case in point: The Hyatt is only two blocks away from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.) It’s also only five blocks from central Rittenhouse Square, around which are a host of restaurants and upscale shopping opportunities. If you prefer history to shopping, head to City Hall (it’s less than ten minutes away on foot) or the Liberty Bell (a 15-minute walk from the hotel). The hotel is also a destination in its own right—the gorgeous building features marble baths, modern amenities, and stunning city views in addition to a nationally acclaimed fitness center.

4. Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC

Since 1930, the Omni Shoreham has played host to U.S. presidents, inaugural balls, and world leaders from across the globe. But you don’t have to be famous to enjoy the hotel’s four-star luxury accommodations. Guests can choose from a variety of deluxe rooms or luxury suites; no matter which you select, expect the room to be decked out with granite-topped wet bars, stainless steel bathroom fixtures, and gorgeous artwork. Unwind at the Shoreham Spa & Health Club, stroll through the poolside green gardens, or take a nap in a backyard hammock. Hankering for a bite to eat? Simply head to the hotel’s full-service restaurant. Or strike out into downtown Washington, DC; the hotel is steps away from a variety of restaurants, Rock Creek Park, the National Zoo, and the Woodley Park-Zoo Metro Station, which will take you to popular attractions like the White House and the Lincoln Memorial in a matter of minutes.

5. Omni Richmond Hotel, Richmond, VA

It’ll be tough to leave your room at the Omni Richmond, where luxury and Southern hospitality merge in a wonderful way. Guest rooms feature premium bedding, pillow-top mattresses, and Egyptian-cotton sheets; hypo-allergenic bedding is available upon request. Room service is available 24 hours per day, or guests can help themselves to meals or snacks at the hotel’s restaurant (Trevi’s Grille) or lounge (Trevi’s Lounge). The hotel is particularly well designed for business travelers. It offers a business center, 14 meeting rooms, and a massive conference space. Those looking to explore Richmond will love the hotel’s location—the surrounding area is packed with restaurants and sightseeing opportunities, including historical boat tours.

Sep 28 2015

Where To Go For Fall Getaways

Fall getaways_Pumpkins — Signaling Fall with pumpkins at Great Frogs Vineyard – Annapolis, MD

Apples, squash, pumpkin, corn mazes and the smell of spice all drum up images of Fall. This time of year is perfect for travel because prices for hotels and flights are lower, crowds are smaller, and the weather has cooled off a bit. So check your kids’ school schedule and enjoy the season with a few Fall getaways.

Find a few ideas below for family trips, girlfriend getaways, and guy trips to get you started. For a more complete roundup of Fall family travel ideas around the country, check out this guide by Family Travel Consulting.

Family Day Trips

Depending where you live you can hop in the car for a scenic drive to see the colors of the changing leaves. If you have extra time, you can jump on a plane and enjoy some relaxation before the holidays.

Quick Tip: Check your local Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) website to find areas close to you that they highlight for Fall day trips. You can find information on Harvest festivals and events that feature hay rides, pumpkin patches, craft corners, food vendors and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Live in driving distance to Harford County, MD? Visit a haunted house, attend an apple festival, enjoy pumpkin picking, take a historic walking tour or journey through a Maize Quest. Events start this week and run through October. Check out their site here for more details and information.

Have time, will travel

If you have a little more time to spare and can catch their flash sales, consider all-inclusive Club Med resorts. They’re currently running a “Fun in the Winter Sun” promotion (sale price ends October 1). Prices start at $115 per person with children under 4 staying free and kids age 4-12 at 50% off adult prices. Children 13-15 stay at 40% off the adult rate.

I stayed at Club Med Sandpiper Bay and had an incredibly relaxing time at the L’Occitane spa. Including the Sandpiper Bay property, other Club Meds that are participating in a include:

Club Med Cancun
Club Med Ixtapa
Club Med Columbus Isle
Club Med Punta Cana
Club Med Turkoise

Even if you don’t catch the “Fun in the Winter Sun” sale, you’ll find value in taking a 4-day Fall getaway with the family to an all-inclusive resort (Note that there’s also a “Press Pause” sale that runs until October 27 for select dates through April 27,2016).

Educational Getaway

You may not feel as bad taking that extra day off from school or work if you combine your Fall getaways with education. Harbour Village Beach Resort in Bonaire, Dutch Antilles might be the perfect option if your family is into conservation and coral reefs.

The resort has installed underwater cameras that allow visitors to view the marine life just off the resort’s sandy shore. The video and data monitoring system provides students of all ages with a deeper understanding of how important coral reefs are to healthy coastal and underwater ecosystems. Families can even take a Conservation Dive training course together.

Spa Getaways

FallGetaways_WineSign — A visit to a vineyard is the perfect way for a mom to enjoy Fall.

Fall getaways aren’t just for the family. Anyone that knows me well, knows that retreating to a spa during the Fall is my M.O. And there’s no shortage of spa retreats around the world. Where you decide to go depends on your time and your money. Check out a resource like Spafinder.com or you can take a peak at a few of the places that I’ve been.

A property that I’ve recently discovered through Spafinder is the Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina in St. Lucia. This property is “cocooned by flourishing tropical forest” with a spa that debuted in December 2014. Aside from offering spa services, guests can enjoy personal training, pilates, yoga, and nutrition classes. This resort is on my short list.

Guy Getaways

FallGetaways_Vineyard — The vineyards at Great Frogs winery in Annapolis, MD

Bromance is real and guys love traveling together just as much as gals so in honor of the men in your house, here are some activities and spots in the Mid-Atlantic Region (Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) for them to enjoy a Fall getaway.

Golfing: Howard County, MD; Valley Forge, PA; Prince William & Manassas; Roanoke, VA
Breweries/Oktoberfest: Frederick, MD; Pennsylvania
Zip Lining: Lancaster County, PA
Kayaking: Northeastern, PA
Mountain Biking: Indiana County, PA
Fishing: Calvert County, MD; St. Mary’s County, MD
Ale Trails: Bucks County, PA; Central Pennsylvania; Lehigh Valley, PA; Charlottesville, PA
General outdoor adventures: Pocono Mountains, PA; Pennsylvania Grand Canyon; Harrisonburg, VA; Shenandoah County, VA; Lexington and Rockbridge, VA

Whatever experience you decide for the Fall, know that now is a good time to enjoy cheaper pricing before the holiday travel rush. If you need help planning, I’m just an email away.

Feb 26 2014

Philadelphia Hotel Monaco Family Fun Night Package: 5 Things To Love

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Imagine taking a quick city getaway with the fam. In cities like Philadelphia, parking can be a nightmare, searching for a restaurant with kids a bear, grabbing a quick pre-dinner wine more drama than it needs to be, and entertaining the kids in the evening enough to put you to sleep early.

Kimpton’s Philadelphia Hotel Monaco does a good job with its’ Family Fun Night Package addressing all of those needs. As I contemplated when I’d visit the hotel again, I realized how much I appreciated the package, the little details that made me happy.

1. Valet parking

Parking in Philly is a beast. With the Monaco’s prime location on Chestnut Street across from the Liberty Bell, it’s almost impossible to find a space. It’s a relief to exit your car right in front of the hotel, surrender your keys and just begin your getaway. Tip: Take care of your valet handsomely. The convenience and service in a hectic city is priceless. Outside of the package, valet parking costs $40 per night per car. The Family Fun Package includes valet parking for one car.

2. Hosted Evening Wine Hour and Kids Hour

Although the wine hour and kids hour is available to all Kimpton guests, it’s still a part of the total package of what you’re paying for in staying at the Philadelphia Monaco. The kids get a chance to eat candy and enjoy games in the lobby at 4pm while parents get to enjoy a glass of wine at 5. Everybody gets their “time”. Everybody’s a happy camper.

3. Movies in Bed

The In-room movie selection was surprisingly good. The Philadelphia Monaco had all the latest releases of both family movies and adult movies. Outside of the package , the In-room movie will run you $17.95 but is included in the family fun package. The hardest choice will be what to watch on your flat panel HDTV.

4. The Rooms

In general, the hotel’s decor is fun, modern, and eclectic. Simply put: visual candy. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed. I stayed in a Parkview King Room and couldn’t be any happier. I had a wonderful view of Independence Hall and the park. My king bed was ridiculously comfortable with its’ 300 count frette linens. I’ve seen well-made beds before but for some reason, this bed looked so pretty I didn’t want to disturb the sheets.

To give you an idea of size, the Parkview Queen Queen room is 350 square feet – a good chunk of real estate for a family of four. Even if you decided to be more conservative with the Double Double room, you’re still getting a decent 300-325 square feet to spread your wings. A desk to work on, modern furniture, a sliding bathroom door, bold wall paper and curtains…the colors are bold but still relaxing.

5. Late Check-out

With the Family Fun Package, you can check out as late as 2pm. For me, this is vacation gold. It was just enough time for me to wake up, have brunch, come back and let my food digest while I watched a movie – a perfect end to a quick city getaway.

Other things that I love about the Philadelphia Hotel Monaco:

The Robes

The robes are one of my favorite things about Kimpton hotels. The fun animal print robes for adults are sexy yet comfie and they make your relaxation experience that much cozier.

Technology Aware

One of the challenges for hotels housed in historic building is their ability to accommodate today’s digital guests. This is not the problem at the Philly Monaco. They get it. Outlets, outlets and more outlets. I guess because I have so many devices, it’s something that always sticks out for me. Mom and Dad don’t want to compete over outlets with the kids nor do they want to move hotel furniture around to access an outlet. I counted 11 easily accessible outlets in my room, from the bathroom to the side of my bed, to the desk, to outlets designed into the furniture, there was a place for me to be plugged in.

Great On-site Restaurants

We dined at Kimpton’s other Philadelphia property, the Hotel Palomar on 17th street. Square 1682 is a low-lit chic little restaurant that knows how to make simple foods like popcorn and carrots interesting. For starters, we had popcorn drizzled with truffle oil. I opted for the specials: a vast bowl of carrot purée soup and the jumbo scallops with poached lobster – both very delicious, colorful, and satisfying. To wrap up the evening, our host graced us with a large cheese plate with over five cheeses, fruit, nuts, and quince – a meal onto itself.

Disclosure: I was hosted by the Hotel Monaco to check out the property and experience the Family Fun package. I received no compensation – all opinions expressed are my own.

Jan 13 2014

The Lodge at Woodloch: A Top 10 Destination Spa

Woodloch spa — The pool at the Spa at Woodloch

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If you came across a spa whose literature read, “ranked #2 Destination Spa in the World by Travel and Leisure magazine”, wouldn’t you be intrigued to investigate for yourself?

Well, this spa-lover is no different. I’ve been to my fair share of getaways and I had to check out the spa at the Lodge at Woodloch to see for myself.

Atmosphere

Woodloch spa thermal pool — Outdoor thermal pool

You may want to move in to the Spa at the Lodge at Woodloch when you go. It’s that good. Three words for this top-rated spa: Gorgeous, Serene, Relaxing. I don’t think anything else needs to be said.

When you book your appointment, the reservation specialist will be kind enough to inform you that you have 2 hours before your service to enjoy the facilities at the spa. This courteous mention may only be applicable to visiting spa guests and not overnight guests. In other words, they know how dope their facilities are so they need to put a time limit on it, otherwise some people will book a 50-minute treatment but spend the whole day there.

It’s a relaxing atmosphere where one can easily get lost.

Trip Planning Advice

I’ve often found it challenging to travel to spa resorts with the entire family. I’m one of those spa junkies that wants to spend 5-6 hours at the spa, detoxifying, relaxing, thinking and just sitting in stillness.

When you travel with your husband and kids, that’s not a reality. It feels downright selfish, even if he tells me to stay and enjoy since I’m working. I feel guilty and I almost never completely relax. The best advice I can give for this mom-guilt is to either leave the family home or book your husband some spa time as well.

That’s exactly what I did.

My husband enjoyed his spa time as much as I did. We made sure that we allowed the kids to do what they wanted, even if it meant just playing around the room.

Highlights of the Spa

lodge at woodloch — Waterfall pool with waterfall off.

One of the most exciting surprises for me when I visited the spa was that it was pretty empty. Now, this won’t be the case every time but it was a fluke that I welcomed. It could’ve been the early appointment time, I’m not sure. However, an empty spa is a peaceful spa.

I’m not a big fan of co-ed spa facilities. I’ve ran into a couple of them before like the one at the Corinthia hotel london spa. I want men to have their own pools and waterfall facilities but because I was there at a quiet time, I only bumped into one man. And since there are so many areas to relax, if you feel uncomfortable (because you know you don’t have much on under your robe), you can always find another quiet, relaxing spot.

The waterfall and the outdoor thermal pool are tied for first place as far as the best part of this spa. Both take a little gutsiness before getting into. Both are beautiful amenities and what make this spa facility really stand out.

The waterfall pool is a romantic spot for couples, one that you wouldn’t want to share with too many other people. The outdoor pool you won’t mind so much. In December, as you look at the snow just before disrobing and getting in, you’re happy that there are other warm bodies around.

Overall, if I had to do anything differently, I would either go up to Woodloch with either my girlfriends or my husband. I would’ve liked to have enjoyed the spa with him instead of having to split up like we always do. The other alternative is to pay for a sitter to accompany us for the getaway so that we can get that much-needed alone time.

Having experienced the Spa at the Lodge at Woodloch, I can understand its rating.

Disclosure: The Lodge at Woodloch hosted my stay and a treatment at its spa facility. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated for this post.