Tag Archives: Philadelphia

Tips for Touring Historic Philadelphia with Kids

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As the birthplace of America, Philadelphia is teeming with interesting historical sites and attractions. The Declaration of Independence and Constitution were both signed here, and symbols of American history and freedom exist throughout Philadelphia’s famous Old City.  It’s a fun and exciting place to learn about history and take in the amazing sites. To ensure a fun-filled trip for you and the kids, consider these tips from Hussain al Nowais:

  1. Learn about America’s history before you go

Get the kids excited about the trip and teach them a little about America’s history before you go. You can teach them fun facts about America’s founding, and switch up their bedtime stories with tales of the founding fathers and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This will help them understand what they’re seeing when they get there.

  1. Get your tickets in advance

You’ll need tickets to visit Independence Hall and the Constitution Center. Tickets can sell out, so be sure to purchase them in advance. If you are unable to get tickets in advance, then have someone in your party pick up tickets at 8:30 a.m. when they open. Keep in mind that everyone in your party will need a ticket, and the tickets will have timed entries.

  1. Stay nearby

If you’re spending the night in Philadelphia, stay somewhere nearby. This way can get an early start and don’t need to worry about walking too far or driving in the city. There are plenty of great hotels in Old City.

  1. Get an early start

With so much to see, you’ll want to get an early start to ensure you have enough time for everything on your list. This gives you plenty of time to see the most popular attractions, like the Constitution Center, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell, while having extra time to stop by Ben Franklin’s grave, the Betsey Ross House, and other must-see sites.

  1. Visit the Liberty Bell first

Once you have your tickets for the Constitution Center and Independence Hall, it’s best to stop by the Liberty Bell. The line to see the Liberty Bell only gets longer as the day goes on. If you don’t have time to wait for the Liberty Bell, you can see it through the glass from outside the building.

 

 

Top Exhibits to See in Philly Right Now

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Whether you’re into history, pop culture, or science and technology, Philadelphia’s museums have something for everyone. Check out these top-rated museum exhibits from Hussain al Nowais.

Bill Graham and the Rock and Roll Revolution at the National Museum of American Jewish History

A notable manager and promoter, Bill Graham worked with a ton of rock and roll icons, including Jimi Hendrix, Santana and The Rolling Stones, and helped launch the careers of many rock and rock greats in the 1960s. The National Museum of American Jewish History explores the life of Billy Graham, as well as the cultural transformations that occurred during the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s in the world of rock and roll. The exhibit, which runs until Monday, January 16, 2017, features rock and roll memorabilia, photographs, psychedelic art and more.

Magic in the Ancient World at the Penn Museum

In ancient societies magic was deeply intertwined with science and religion and a major part of everyday life. Ancient magic addressed a lot of the hopes, dreams and passions people grapple with today, such as the desire for good health and fortune, protection from evil and even revenge. Magic in the Ancient World features 81 ancient artifacts, including magical stones, protective amulets, and curse tablets, and explores the role magic played in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome. The exhibit will be on display until September 4, 2017.

Robot Revolution at the Franklin Institute

From self-driving cars, to scientific research, surgical assistance, and rescue missions, robots are here to help improve our lives. At Robot Revolution, you can come face to face with some of the most cutting-edge robots used to enhance human life. Supported by Google.org and The Boeing Company, Robot Revolution features a collection of 40 innovative robots curated from some of the most advanced global robotics companies and universities. More than half of the robots can be operated or interacted with. The exhibit will be on display until April 2, 2017.

 

 

Three Essential Holiday Attractions in Philadelphia

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There’s nothing quite like the holidays in Philadelphia. From ice skating on the waterfront, to shopping artesian gems, to gazing at the amazing light displays, there are tons of iconic attractions to enjoy this time of year. Here are the top three holiday attractions in Philadelphia, according to Hussain al Nowais:

Blue Cross River Rink Winterfest

Penn’s Landing has been transformed into a winter wonderland for Winterfest. Ice skate on the Olympic-size ice rink, which overlooks the Delaware River and is surrounded by a winter garden with holiday trees.  When you’re done skating, grab a bite to eat inside the ski resort-style lodge, or sit by a fire pit with a refreshing cup of hot coco.

The Christmas Village

This year the beloved Christmas Village is happening at City Hall while its usual destination, Love Park, undergoes renovations. The open-air market is outfitted in charming holiday décor and features over 80 vendors selling a wide array of gifts. New this year is a holiday-themed carousel in the courtyard of City Hall.

The Comcast Spectacular

The Comcast Spectacular is one of the world’s highest resolution LED displays, which shines bright on the Comcast Experience video wall. The 15-minute show features dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet, a magical sleigh and more, supported by your favorite seasonal songs.

 

Must-See Exhibitions in Philadelphia This November

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Aside from its professional sports teams and famous cheesesteaks, Philadelphia is famed for its world-renowned museums. From the Franklin Institute Science Museum, to the National Constitution Center, to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum), the City of Brotherly Love has something that caters to everyone. Whether you’re interested in science and technology or history, Hussain al Nowais recommends seeing these exhibitions that are currently or soon-to-be-displayed at Philadelphia’s world-class museums.

Jurassic World at The Franklin Institute

November 25, 2016 – April 23, 2017

Starting this November, the Franklin Institute will date back to prehistoric times with the unveiling of the Jurassic World exhibition. Fans of the Jurassic Park movie series will be in awe of the 15,000-square-foot exhibition featuring a life-like animatronic 25-foot-long Brachiosaurus, 24-foot tall T. Rex, and other Jurassic giants.

Headed to the White House at the National Constitution Center

Now – December 31, 2016

In honor of Election Day, the National Constitution Center is featuring an interactive exhibition that examines the U.S. election system. Visitors can explore multimedia, artifacts, and more to learn about everything from campaigning to Presidential Inaugurations.

The Golden Age of King Midas at the Penn Museum

Now – November 27, 2016

Head to the Penn Museum to explore the one-and-only King Midas, the famous Greek mythological figure who could turn everything he touched into gold. The real King Midas resided in Gordion; in 1957, Penn’s archeological team discovered his father’s tomb there. They collected more than 120 objects that are featured in this exhibition to tell the story of King Midas and his life in Gordion over 3,000 years ago.

Three Reasons Everyone Loves Philadelphia

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Philadelphia Cityscape, Medium View

Known for its dedicated sports fans, rich history, and the world famous Philly cheesesteak, the City of Brotherly Love is a sought-after city to live and visit. While there are countless reasons to fall in love with Philadelphia, here are a few favorites from Hussain al Nowais.

Sports

Philadelphians are notorious for being very dedicated sports fans. With their deep commitment to their sports teams, it’s no wonder their MBL team mascot is called the Phillie Phanatic. Whether it’s the NFL Eagles, NBA 76ers, NHL Flyers, or MLS Union, you can always count on Philadelphians to be rooting hard for the home team. Unlike other sports crazed cities, Philadelphia has all of their sports stadiums conveniently located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.

History

Philadelphia is rightfully nicknamed the Birthplace of America. The city was where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both written, as well as the nation’s first capital. Philadelphia is a history buff’s dream, as it houses many iconic landmarks, including the National Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia Art Museum and much more.

Food

You can’t go to Philadelphia without trying the world famous Philly Cheesesteak, though there’s a great debate whether the best is from Pat’s or Geno’s. Aside from cheesesteaks, the city offers countless restaurants offering all types of authentic cuisines, from French and Irish to Asian and Spanish. Then, of course there’s Reading Terminal, a foodie paradise with a variety of delicious foods, sweets, and coffee.