Intriguing Facts About Fun Philly

In our history books, the fact that the city of Brotherly Love was the site of the Declaration of Independence; it’s where you are encouraged to ditch your diet and dig into delicious Philly cheesesteaks; and it also played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, was a meeting place for the Founding Fathers of the country...but these are all common knowledge. Having been one of the country’s capitals, it’s had its run as a headliner, before Washington D.C. took over. Suffice to say, there is a lot more from where that came from. 

Being the city where many of the country’s firsts came about, the can-do spirit is still very much rife and alive. The spirit of intense excitement of being able to forge ahead in multiple industries and being written repeatedly on pages of our history books has created a society of influencers. Philly handily beat out New York City and Columbus, OK, for the hosting of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, while Republicans will be holding their nominating convention in Cleveland. With its history, knowing nuggets of its decorous past will inevitably lead down the road of politics.

Even with that said, there’s really more to Philly than cheesesteaks, politics, and history. So, without further ado, here are some compelling facts about the city to tickle your noggin. 

1. The Birth of the Giant Brain in the 1940s

We’re going on out a limb to say that, apart from the brains in the humans who helped come up with ENIAC, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, the Giant Brain, was the closest we came to an automated system at the time. It was also the first fully electronic computer in the world when it was designed and built at the University of Pennsylvania. The endeavor received enthusiastic response and support from the United States Army which started using the computers right off the bat during WWII. Reputed to be 1,000 faster than any other computers known to man at that time, it was a natural winner.

It was smart enough to out-calculate the best of human beings and was said to be Turing-complete. Just by inputting data (read: numbers), it helped in artillery firing tables for the Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory and was included in the study of thermonuclear weaponry.

You won’t find the computer around anymore, that goes without saying, what with a smartphone in everyone’s hands, we literally have something that outperforms this relic device. But it’s interesting to explore what was successfully salvaged of ENIAC. Visitors who are into computing and science will find original bits and pieces of it at The School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania, National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., The Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA, The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, The United States Army Ordnance Museum in Maryland, The U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum in Fort Sill, The United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, and a little further away, in the London Science Museum. 

• University of Pennsylvania
  Philadelphia, PA 19104
  (215) 898-5000
  
• National Museum of American History
  1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
  (202) 633-1000
  info@si.edu
  www.americanhistory.si.edu
  
• Computer History Museum
  1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043
  (650) 810-1010
  www.computerhistory.org
  
• University of Michigan
  500 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
  (734) 764-1817
  www.umich.edu
  
• U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum
  Corral Rd, Fort Sill, OK 73503
  (580) 442-1819
  www.sill-www.army.mil/famuseum
  
• United States Military Academy
  Building 606, West Point, New York  10996
  (845) 938 4041

 

Want to enhance your Phillies tailgate? Swing by your local Whole Foods Market for their made-in-house burgers – grill (and tailgate!) ready. pic.twitter.com/QtEYbkwNdz

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 16, 2018

Continue Reading more interesting fun facts about what you can find at every corner of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, on our website, Bus Rentals Philadelphia right now by clicking on the link above.

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Bus Rentals Philadelphia is the One-Stop-Shop for All your Ground Transportation Needs

We are dedicated to serving you, ensuring that you’re getting the best deal in the market, making comparisons and helping you get to where you need to be at in a comfortable Philadelphia charter bus, coach or limousine. We are here to serve you. Our mission and vision have always been simple: to be the one-point contact for all your charter bus rental needs...not just Philadelphia, but also out of town, and nationwide! We want to serve you no matter where you are, and whatever time it is that is convenient for you. We offer you a personal account executive who will act as a contact for all your travel and transportation needs. So, if you have a day-trip, church outing, sporting event, city tour, corporate event, bachelor or bachelorette party, wedding, prom, or field trip coming up, we would like to be the charter bus company of choice. Wait no more! Give us a call at 1-800-304-1993 right now to get your quick charter bus quote or complete this simple contact us form and we’ll get back to you promptly with all the information that you need.

The Small Towns of PA Where Everyone Knows Your Name

Everyone knows that when it comes to good ole Philly, it’s always about Liberty Bell, it’s called the City of Brotherly Love, and if you’re a foodie at heart, the Wing Bowl (tens of thousands of people would throng to Philly to experience a full-blown eating contest). You can’t really beat that.

Unless you’re into history, culture and bucolic sceneries. Some small towns and communities around Philadelphia, however, remains on the list of the most beautiful cities in America and if you're looking for something unconventional and non-touristy, you're in luck.

Philadelphia is blessed with hundreds of miles of lazy coastlines, is home to well over 120 state parks and campsites, and is a short distance away from one of the country’s most beloved natural sites - the Appalachian Mountains. The main Philadelphia city center boasts of being the site for the United States Declaration of Independence, Independence Square, the largest art museum in the country....and Philly Cheesesteak. But you’ve got to take the Philadelphia charter bus out for a detour around a few under-promoted small towns around Philly to truly comprehend the full context of its traditional values. And here are some to consider visiting. 

1. New Hope, PA

A Junction Between An Old World And The New
Location : 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Philadelphia, PA
Distance : 40 miles using I-95 S
Strategically-located along Delaware River, New Hope, over several years, was named one of America’s Favorite Towns by adventurous travelers from renowned magazines and websites like Trail & Leisure. Backed by hundreds of years of history as it served as a connecting point between many bustling cities in the East; today, New Hope serves up a platter of options in the form of theaters, art museums, cultural attractions, quaint motels and B&Bs, restaurants and eclectic shopping destinations that you can poke around leisurely in.

What you will inadvertently notice about New Hope is that many parts of the town look like it was torn off from the pages of our history books. It rings of the 1800s more than one would expect and yet is an amazing tourist town that offers charming antique shopping destinations, quaint art galleries, brick-and-mortar retail outlets, beautiful state parks and wildflower preserve along the streets, Delaware River and Delaware Canal. World-class chefs have decided to bring unique flavors of the world (think fried catfish, po’ boys and gumbo ya-ya), mingled with traditional cuisine into Buck County and it makes for a fantastic foodie tour destination. While a delightful American continental dinner can be had at Logan Inn, don't forget to also leg it across New Hope’s Main Street in search of the most palate-pleasing traditional delights. Just ask around, if you’re unsure, as the locals will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Places to Visit in New Hope, PA

• New Hope Winery
  6123 Lower York Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
  (215) 794-2331
  www.newhopewinery.com
• The Bucks County Children's Museum
  500 Union Square Dr, New Hope, PA 18938
  (215) 693-1290
  www.buckskids.org
• New Hope and Ivyland Railroad
  32 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938
  (215) 862-2332
  www.newhoperailroad.com
• Bucks County Playhouse
  70 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938
  (215) 862-2121
  www.bcptheater.org
• Washington Crossing Historic Park
  1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, PA 18977
  (215) 493-4076
• New Hope Arts Inc
  2A Stockton Ave, New Hope, PA 18938
  (215) 862-9606
  www.newhopearts.org 

Continue Reading the article on Bus Rentals Philadelphia for tips of visiting small towns like Jim Thorpe, Bushkill and Lititz, PA!

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Visit The Small Towns of Pennsylvania in a Philadelphia Rented Charter Bus

You can make your trip to New Hope, Jim Thorpe, Bushkill, or Lititz a luxurious one with the help of an affordable charter bus! Contact us and we will help connect you with a budget-friendly, well-equipped and modern charter bus that will ensure your comfort every mile of the way. And when you’re done with your activities, all you need to do is to hop on, relax on the charter bus and bond with your group while recounting everything’s that’s just happened along the way. Day trips can be comfortable, not a hassle. Give Bus Rentals Philadelphia a call today!

4 Parks in Philadelphia that will Make You Feel Young at Heart

Even before the city of Philadelphia was founded, our forefathers were already enchanted with the incredible, breathtaking outdoor spaces all around Philadelphia. So inspired were they by the New World that William Penn called his little newfound colony Penn’s Woods, renamed Pennsylvania. Arm yourself with a map from the city's Visitors Center or a GPS system on your smartphone, pull up your bootstraps and you’re ready to plan your trajectory around greene countrie. Many of the parks started off as a part of the recreated imagination of the country’s forefathers. In the form of spacious urban spaces packed with families and little ones tumbling around the manicured greens, youngsters testing their strengths at the parks amenities skateboarding, cycling, running, jogging, walking and playing frisbee. On the fringes of the vast spaces are often pop-up gardens filled with blooming flowers

The park systems in and around Philadelphia also houses many of the city’s most iconic landmarks and historic institutions like The Barnes Foundation, Please Touch Museum, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Glen Foerd on the Delaware, Shofuso Japanese House & Garden, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The well-maintained trail systems are also built around green spaces, often snaking their ways around rivers, calming streams, piers, business and shopping districts. Therefore, you are a short walk away from attractions like Spruce Street Harbor Park, Race Street Pier, Longwood Gardens or Valley Forge National Historical Park.

1. Wissahickon Valley Park

Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 247-0417
www.fow.org
As vast as the park is, it gives off the feeling that it aims to simplify all complexities of the modern world. With more than 2,000 acres of park space, which includes the Wissahickon Creek flowing in from Schuylkill River, its 57-mile of serene wild, untouched landscape and its 1,800-acre gorge serves as a respite for people who simply needs to connect with nature. The trail leads hikers and runners into the depths of forests and meadows. You can even take a drive along the gravel road that sits along the calming creek, or hike your way up the more challenging off-road cycling and hiking areas. Armed with a camera or smartphone, be on the lookout for local wildlife like chickadees, titmice, doves, wrens, blue jays, woodpeckers and owls. Thanks to its healthy population of birds, it is an important birding area as designated by the National Audubon Society.
What to expect:-

• A popular hiking spot with the locals
• Well-maintained, marked trails
• A magical experience at the forbidden drive trail
• Lets you connect with nature
• Has an ice-cream bar
• Perfect for picnics
• Just a short drive from downtown Philly
• A great green space for birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts

Continue Reading this article on Bus Rentals Philadelphia right here!

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Bus Rentals Philadelphia Saves You Time, Effort and Money with Our Seamless Philadelphia Bus Rentals Service

Having a one-person point of contact plays a major role in making the entire bus booking experience a seamless one. And this is what Bus Rentals Philadelphia provides you when you use our charter bus rental services - one person to answer all your questions and tend to your queries. As soon as you contact us and book through our system, a sales representative and account executive is assigned to you and from there, you’ll sail through from the first mile to your last. So, forget about doing the comparison yourself and let us do the homework and legwork for you right now!

Top 6 Gardens In The Heart of Philadelphia

a Traditional Japanese Garden with Pagoda

With spring approaching, flowers are blooming and America’s own Garden Capital is ready to blow your mind with the best of its flora and fauna. Offering everything from traditional Japanese gardens to the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, there’s much to learn from the following gardens at the heart of Philadelphia. 

No, you don’t need to be a gardening expert or have a green thumb to enjoy the spellbinding fields and arboretums in Philadelphia. Tens of thousands of people from all around the world have come to experience the tranquility of Philly's tranquil gardens, oftentimes referring to them as their ‘little getaways’. Entrance fees and classes are affordable so, you don’t have a bust a budget during spring break. Just gather the kids, family, and friends and you’re ready to have a relaxing weekend outdoors in the manicured garden of your choice.

1. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Lansdowne Dr & Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
(215) 878-5097
www.shofuso.com 
Clock into this amazing traditional Japanese garden and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped right out of the Philadelphia charter bus and into a whole new different era. Gifted by Japan to American as an act of friendship, the garden symbolizes the post-war peace between the two countries. At the time of its construction, it was the first to showcase such a deep combination of Japanese contemporary art against an American backdrop. Small as it may be, it is a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Philly. There are guides available to take groups around the attraction and much is explained throughout the tour. The traditional 17th-century Japanese house and garden in Fairmount Park serves well over 30,000 visitors annually, while its Nio-Mon Temple Gate, also known as the ‘Japanese Pagoda’ and lotus pond, are absolute show-stealers. If you’re keen, the establishment offers garden workshops, lessons on tea-drinking and ceremonies, Taiko lessons for kids and adults, and classical Japanese dance lessons are also available all year round.

2. Bartram’s Garden

5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 729-5281
www.bartramsgarden.org
John Bartram was a well-known botanist, explorer, plant collector and the founder of Bartram’s Garden; the garden and home are strategically located off of the alluring west banks of Schuylkill River. Bartram went on to develop both the home and garden as a part of his hobby and lifestyle, and the garden, today, is the oldest surviving botanic garden of its kind in the United States. The garden offers free admission for all and is open all year round except for City-observed holidays. Apart from reliving history through the tours, there are special events like its annual spring plant sale, Mother’s Day event, and greens sales held at its 46-acre grounds. The guides would happily share nuggets of information about the garden, history of the Bartram family and Philadelphia, while you unwind with a walk along Schuylkill River. During warmer weathers, patrons can sign up for a river cruise to the Bartram’s Garden to and from Philly city center. 

Continue Reading this article on Bus Rentals Philadelphia, a premiere ground transportation company with a large fleet of charter buses, coaches, mini buses, school buses, limousines, vans and corporate cars that can be used for events like corporate functions, family dayouts, sporting events, field trips, weddings, and many other types of group events in and around Philadelphia, PA! Give us a call at 1-800-304-1993 right now or contact us on our website right now!

Best Spring Events in Philadelphia in 2014

With the wild weather that is currently slowly calming down, it is time to get out the summer gears and have some fun at festivals and other yearly events held throughout spring and summer when you are in Philadelphia. If you have few ideas about where to go and what to do despite having the luxury of being driven around in a large, comfortable charter bus, you can definitely take a cue from some of our Philadelphia charter bus rental customers who are more than happy to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback with you.

Celebration of Black Writing (CBW)

May 1 to May 31

It has been 30 years since the event was first introduced to the local Philadelphia folks and this year,CBW 2014 is ready for more action and participation. The event is held throughout the month of Mayat varying locations and time. The best you can do is to check their official website (artsanctuary.org) to keep abreast with new programs and activities.

Read more here

Unique Museums in Philadelphia

Love history and all things musty, moldy and with a story? Then there are some unique museums in Philadelphia you need to visit when you travel to this lovely historical state. There are lots of museums located in Philadelphia, and with the guidance of your charter bus, you can be sure to enjoy as many of these museums as you can possibly visit in your holiday to Philly.

The Palestra, for the Basketball Fan

As a historic arena and home gym of the University of Pennsylvania, the Palestra is known for its rich college basketball history as a museum of Philadelphia Big 5 programs. These programs are:-

• La Salle
• Penn
• Saint Joseph’s
• Temple
• Villanova

Read more here...

Popular Religious Buildings in Philly

You don’t have to be religious in order to enjoy the beauty and architecture of these buildings. In Philadelphia, there are many religious places to visit, not just for worship but for its ornate and interesting architecture. Many of these religious places are part of the National Historic Landmark and rightfully so as they are built a long time ago and is part of Philadelphia’s history. You can hop on and off your Philly rental bus to get to these places.

If you would like to see the only synagogue designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, then you should head over to the Beth Shalom Congregation, a Conservative synagogue located in the suburb of Elkins Park in Philadelphia. Did you know that Beth Shalom actually means House of Peace in Hebrew? If you take a look at the architecture, you would notice that despite being built in 1953, the synagogue has a very modern look to it. It has inclined walls which are pretty steep and its translucent look comes from the fiberglass and plastic materials made to build it. During the day, the translucent walls are lighted by natural sunlight, while in the night, the entire building glows from the inside out by artificial lighting. Right in front of the synagogue, you will find a laver which is a fountain worshippers use to wash their hands before a sacrifice or service.

On the east side of Logan Circle in Philadelphia, you will find an impressive Roman Catholic cathedral called the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. This is the head church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Philly and designed by Napoleon LeBrun. Built from 1846-1864, this is the largest Catholic church in Pennsylvania and is also listed in the US National Register of Historic Places. This cathedral is a sight to behold from afar. Modelled after the Lombard Church of St Charles in Rome, the cathedral features a grand facade and a vaulted dome, with ornate main altar and oversized apse of stained glass and red antique marble.

Moving over to Appletree Street, you will find Saint Clement’s Church, a Episcopal church designed by John Notman. Another two churches designed by the same man stands within a few blocks from each other - the Church of the Holy Trinity and Saint Mark’s Church. Although these three churches are designed by the same man, they are built and designed differently. Both Saint Clement’s Church and the Church of the Holy Trinity features a Romanesque Revival style and made entirely of brownstone, while the Saint Mark’s Church was built in the Gothic Revival style. So, do go by this area to view all three churches to see the differences in style and architecture, all designed by the same man.