Info for Tourists & Travelers: Understanding Philadelphia

The nickname “City of Brotherly Love” was coined when William Penn, who founded the city, named it to reflect its Greek translation and roots. Penn’s idea was to build a place, being a Quaker, that anyone can practice their own faith openly and without persecution. The original capital of the country, it was also the 2nd biggest British Empire after London. Its history, tradition, and culture are hidden not too deep beneath the layers of events and celebrations they continue to celebrate today. It is an exciting, renowned melting pot of immigrant cultures.

Source: Unsplash - Devon Wellesley

 Just like Penn intended, there are a lot of parks and green spaces to enjoy everywhere you turn in downtown Philly. As an ideal escapade from bustling city life, Philadelphia provides blocks of landscaped greens surrounded by public art, all of which can be clearly viewed from within your Philadelphia charter bus. Just to name a few: Franklin Square, Fitler Square, Washington Square, Rittenhouse Square or Logan Square.

Home to historic landmarks like Liberty Bell and the Declaration of Independence, it has inspired a smaller New Philadelphia in Ohio (30 minutes from Canton) which has a population of approximately 180,000.  Thanks to its rich history, culture and friendly people (except for when you’re supporting the opposite sports team, that is), the city revels in its own quirks. To sample what Philadelphia offers, look out for the following.

1. City of Firsts

You’re right if you think, being one of the pioneering cities in the country, that Philadelphia had the privilege of enjoying many historical firsts. It hosted America’s first independence, got to first explore the world of personal computers, ran the country’s first daily newspaper (The Philadelphia Packet and Daily Advertiser back in 1784), and its people enjoyed the country’s very first zoo! Not only did it build the country’s first hospital, it had the first medical school which, until today, is known for vast advancements in the medical sector. The stats don’t lie. One in every six doctors in the country received their training in Philadelphia.

Bring the Philadelphia charter bus to the following attractions if you’re interested in finding out more about how Philadelphia became the guinea pig for the countless industries that drove America forward.

• The American Philosophical Society

105 South Fifth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3386
(215) 440-3400
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am - 4.30pm
www.amphilsoc.org/library
Benjamin Franklin and his Quaker botanist friend, John Bartram established the society way before the Declaration of Independence. Its purpose was to have a place where the scientific discovery was independent of Great Britain’s dominance. Today, it is an International research center with focuses on early American history, Native American ethnography, linguistics, digital innovation, and sciences.

Ben is ready to root for our hometown team in next weekend's #superbowl! #flyeaglesfly🏈💚 #librariesofinstagram

A post shared by American Philosophical Society (@amphilsociety) on Jan 25, 2018 at 8:14am PST

• Dox Thrash - Accomplished Painter and Printmaker

Dox Thrash became well-known because he produced countless paintings, drawings, and prints during his lifetime that reflected his life as an African American. It was a bold idea at that time. In the 1940s, after introducing the Carborundum printmaking technique, he continued developing his expertise in etching, drypoint, mezzotint, lithography and linoleum cut. We are sure you’ll enjoy the results of his countless experiments as much as he did. He remained active in the art scene until his death and you can view his masterpieces at the Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Woodmere Art Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

• The First Bank of the United States

Independence National Historical Park - 128 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
The city established its first bank during a nationally tumultuous time. Chartered in 1791 as a part of Alexander Hamilton’s reforms, it played a crucial role in setting the financial stage right for the country. Introduced in the country’s first capital, it had the Federal Government take over Revolutionary War debts, raise money for the new government and established the country’s first national bank and currency.

• Bartram's Garden

5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 729-5281
info@bartramsgarden.org
Hours: Mon to Fri 10 am - 4 pm; Sat and Sun 10 am - 6 pm
http://bartramsgarden.org
The oldest surviving botanic garden in North America, the historic garden offers free admission for all. A little off-the-beaten-path, it’s a hidden gem and a sanctuary to those looking for a quiet place to relax, enjoy kayaking/paddling, picnic, or have a romantic date with their loved ones. Head out during sunset and you’ll be rewarded with countless Instagram-worthy pictures!

🎶 It’s just another manic Monday, I wish it was Sun(flower)day 🎶 #thebangles #bartramsgarden #sunflower

A post shared by Bartram's Garden (@bartramsgarden) on Aug 20, 2018 at 6:10am PDT

There's more where that came from! Continue reading this article for more on the best local cuisine to try in Philadelphia, why the history of Philadelphia is such a source of pride for the locals and what to expect from Philly sports fan (Answer: A LOT!) We've also listed down a whole bunch of interesting art attractions and venues to check out when in town!

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Bus Rentals Philadelphia Will Make Your Trip to Philadelphia Memorable With Affordable Charter Buses

If you’re trying to find a bus in Philadelphia, you’ve come to the right place! Bus Rentals Philadelphia, backed by a reputable leading ground transportation company in the United States and supported by a wide network of service providers, have a buffet of offerings up for grabs! You get a 50% discount off rental rates while they are still available any time of the year, enjoy promotional packages for overnight and long-distance trips, or travel in style during your corporate events and team-building outings. With reliable, professionally driven coaches, mini buses, school buses, party buses, limousines and shuttle buses, that’s one thing checked off your worry list.

So, forget about driving your group or family around Philadelphia on your own or renting individual cars because you can save money and do your part for the environment with charter buses. They’re more efficient in so many ways! Call us right now at 1-800-304-1993 for information about our promotional packages or complete a simple contact us form right here and we’ll quote you via email in no time.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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!