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Looking to plan your next date? There's no better time than the present to surprise your significant other with a perfectly planned night. The City of Brotherly Love offers a wide range of ways that you can bond with your sweetheart. While you can always opt for dining at an acclaimed restaurant, attending a breathtaking theatrical performance or exploring a world-class museum, why not spice up your night with something a little out-of-the-box? Sweep your date off of her feet and get ready to make some unexpected and precious memories that will last for years. Below we've highlighted some top unique date ideas in Philadelphia. Get Creative With Clay You and your sweetheart can try your hand at pottery at The Clay Studio, a ceramics and pottery studio located in Old City. The Clay Studio hosts many Date Nights throughout the month, and it's a great place more to learn a new hobby with your date. Roll up those sleeves, throw some clay on the potter's wheel, get a little dirty, and let your creativity flow. Here, you can either let your imagination run wild, or you can get some advice from an on-hand instructor. The Clay Studio even glazes and fires your finished product so you can put it on display. While the studio often has open time slots, we do recommend you sign up in advance just in case. Float in Space Head on down to Flotation Philly, in Fishtown, for a very fun and unusual date night. What exactly takes place there? You and your date will slip into two side-by-side sensory-deprivation pods where you will float in warm water in complete darkness and silence for 90 minutes. The pods hold 10 inches of water that's loaded with Epson salts to increase your buoyancy and create a feeling of weightlessness. Many clients find the experience deeply relaxing, and it's certainly something out of the ordinary. If the two of you are hungry afterwards, you can end the evening at one of the nearby restaurants located just down the street. Have a Luxurious Stay-Home Date You can stay at home for an evening and still treat your date and yourself to some extravagant treats. First, give Soothe a try. This on-demand, in-home massage service will send therapists to your house with little to no notice. Afterwards, splurge and order a delicious meal from Caviar, a food delivery service that only serves food from the city's top independent restaurants. After tantalizing your taste buds with fresh food from Fat Ham or Amada, you can top off the evening by getting brews delivered to your door from goBeer. Through this service, you can order just about any beer that you and your date desire. For a city that's packed with history, hipsters, and just about everything in between, the options for a creative date night are truly endless. While the above are just some of our favorites, we want to hear from you. What is a unique date that you've ever been on or planned? Image by Free-Photos, used under CCO 1.0

Do you long to get back on the ice, or are you curious about trying ice skating for the first time? There are several great opportunities to go ice skating in Philadelphia. You just have to know where to look and when. Check out the options below, and don't worry if you're a beginner. Many of the rinks offer beginner's courses and rentable skates at the door. Additionally, most are affordable family options. Rothman Ice Rink Need an ice skating spot close to the city center? From Nov. 11, 2016 to Feb. 26, 2017, Dilworth Park operates the Rothman Ice Rink. The park has hosted Rothman for the past two years, each more time raising support for charitable sponsors. This ice rink is just outside the enormous, castle-like City Hall, and it's best to go at night when you can enjoy the glowing skyline views. Rizzo Ice Rink Are you more interested in a casual ice rink with a restaurant menu and low prices? This rink is free to visit when renting skates, which only costs $4, and the place has a very casual vibe, ideal for preteens and teens. Rizzo Ice Rink has public skating sessions on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with different times. It also holds youth hockey games and skating camps. Blue Cross RiverRink From Nov. 25, 2016 to March 5, 2017, the Delaware River Waterfront offers a beautifully lit and decorated skating rink. There's also a toasty lodge with arcade games for when you need to warm up. In the center of it all is a huge, adorned Christmas tree and firepits for toasting marshmallows. A picture of the amazing tree is reason enough to visit, as it has over 100,000 LED lights strung around its branches. Wissahickon Skating Club Since 1956, this skating club has held hockey games, figure skating events, synchronized skating, and all sorts of interesting activities that families will love. From toddler introductory courses to adult mastery lessons, this is the place to be if you want to learn to skate. Wissahickon is known as the high-end ice rink of Philadelphia, with a gigantic amount of space, snack bar, and pro shop where you can learn more about different kinds of skates and have yours sharpened to perfection. Palace Roller Skating Center Palace Roller Skating Center is a perfect family night out for fans of skating and video arcades. Though all ages are welcome, Palace has a reputation for being less crowded with kids. Their adult sessions held from night to the wee hours of the morning are perfect for relatively serious skaters. In daylight hours, Palace Roller is excellent for birthday parties, and like Wissahickon, they have a pro shop for buying and maintaining high-quality personal skates. As you can see, Philadelphia is a great city for ice skating. Some of these choices are special events in case you only skate every so often, and others are establishments that offer public skating most or all of the year. Have a great time and remember that beginners are welcome! Image by manfredrichter, used under CCO 1.0

There's always something exciting going on in the city of Philadelphia, and the holiday season is no exception. Whether you're looking for some family holiday fun, or you are searching for a unique date night idea, these events are ones you can't miss. Here's what's happening in Philadelphia this holiday season, so that you can mark your calendar accordingly. Macy's Christmas Light Show Nov. 25 to Dec. 31 Located at the Macy's in Center City, you can take part in a Philadelphia tradition that has been standing since 1956. Multiple times a day, you'll find that the 100,000 LED lights and Wanamaker Organ bring the store to life during light show performances. What's even better is that you can also get some holiday shopping done while you're in the store. more Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Nov. 25 to March 5 Penn's Landing is now transformed into a winter wonderland, housing an Olympic-sized ice rink. While overlooking the beautiful Delaware River, you and your loved ones are sure to enjoy the holiday trees, lights, and decorations as you skate around the rink. There's also a chalet-style lodge where you can fuel up in between laps around the rink. If you are looking to stay closer to the heart of Philadelphia, you can skate at the similar Rothman Ice Rink, which is located at Dilworth Park. You'll also find the America's Garden Capital Maze here too, which is a beautiful wintergarden and cabin, open until February 27. The Christmas Village in Philadelphia Nov. 24 to Dec. 24 If you are searching for handcrafted gifts to give this holiday season, the Christmas Village in Philadelphia is the place to shop. You can stop by various vendor booths, eat, drink, and check names off of your holiday shopping list. All of this is located at City Hall, so you don't even have to travel far to join in on the seasonal fun. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Nov. 11 to Jan. 1 Everything from Holiday Coaster Rides to meeting Santa, a festive light display and so much more can all be found at Hersheypark this holiday season. There's also a synchronized light show and a children's Christmas show that's sure to please the entire family. If you're looking for something fun for the entire family, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is the best way to spend a day together. Christmas in Fairmount Park Dec. 1 to Dec. 31 For something a little different, you should stop by the six Fairmount Park mansions to see them in all their holiday-glory. You can take a tour through these beautifully decorated mansions and enjoy holiday treats provided by the staff. Each day represents a different theme during "A Very Philly Christmas," which happens the first two weekends of December, giving you and your loved ones the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit together. As you can see, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Philadelphia this holiday season. Bundle up, head out, and create some memories with friends and family. Image by Daria-Yakovleva, used under CCO 1.0

Philadelphia is known for its historical value, which is why it makes sense that some of our nation's greatest museums are housed in this wonderful city. If you're looking to add a little culture to your next outing, the following are the Philadelphia-based museums you should include on your list. The Philadelphia Museum of Art Since the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the third-largest art museum in the country, it rightfully sits atop a pedestal at the end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Here, you will find a wide range of art, including American pieces, Modern works, and even those that are considered Renaissance and Impressionist. There's over 80 period rooms and a number of ever-changing exhibits. Eat a hearty breakfast and wear comfortable shoes, because you can spend hours and hours in this incredible museum. more Beyond art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is known to host a number of fun events throughout the year. You can visit this institution over and over again, and no trip is to be the same twice. The Barnes Foundation This particular stop is important because it features one of the world's largest collections of Post-Impressionist and Impressionist paintings of the French variety. In this museum, you will also find early Modern works as well as African sculpture pieces. Aside from its art, the Barnes Foundation is also known for its sustainable roof and a glass canopy that glows in the evenings. The Franklin Institute Appropriately named, the Franklin Institute is a museum dedicated to the sciences, ranging everywhere from sports to space. You can discover the physics behind your favorite sports games, view the Earth-orbit research station, and so much more. In 2015, the Institute opened a brand new exhibit, the SportsZone, where you can enjoy 21 different interactive zones all related to sports. There's even a 79-foot IMAX screen and the second oldest planetarium in North America. The Penn Museum If you are looking for something other than paintings, the Penn Museum is the place you need to be. This institution is also referred to as the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, where you will learn about the scientific expeditions made to Ancient Greece and Italy. There's even a 15-ton Egyptian Sphinx housed at this museum, among nearly one million more equally as fascinating artifacts. The Please Touch Museum For a kid-friendly adventure, one that will ward off yawns and tantrums, is the Please Touch Museum. This facility was designed with little ones in mind, creating a world where they can learn and explore with hands-on, interactive exhibits. Your kids can learn about nature, play an active role in their favorite fairy tales, and even learn about different modes of transportation. There are exhibits designed for kids that are three and younger too, so even your littlest little ones can enjoy this fun museum. Whether you want the kids to have a learning experience, you're looking for a date idea that's different, or you want to expand your own horizons, any one of these fine institutions is the perfect place to do so. https://pixabay.com/en/woman-art-creative-relaxation-girl-1283009/

There's plenty to see and do in the City of Brotherly Love. If you find yourself in Philadelphia, make sure you sign up for one of these tours. Founding Fathers Tour Take two hours to get some exercise and walk around Philadelphia. You will see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. There you can stand in the place where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. The tour will also take you to the first home of George Washington. Your guide will show you Philadelphia's Historic District, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Old City Hall, and the Betsy Ross House. You will also have the opportunity to rehydrate with a craft beer at a local pub. more Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl Part of the rich history of Philadelphia goes well beyond the Declaration of Independence. Learn more about the sordid history of Philly with the Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl. A local guide takes you to three taverns while you learn about infamous gangsters, such as Al Capone. During the tour, you will also learn about pirates and bootleggers that infested the city and stop into one of the many taverns rumored to be haunted. As part of the tour, you will also get drink specials during the walking tour. Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour Philadelphia is no stranger to walking tours, but the Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour is one of the better tours to learn about the rich history of the city. This 75-minute tour is led by an expert guide, and you will see where Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington lived. During the tour, you will also see where seamstress Betsy Ross sewed the first American Flag. The tour will take you to the Independence National Historical Park and the first Supreme Court Building. This walking tour visits over 20 historical landmarks throughout Philadelphia in just over an hour. Philadelphia Ghosts and Graveyards Tour If you're looking for something a little different to do in Philadelphia, consider taking the Philadelphia Ghosts and Graveyards Tour. With witch trials, pirates, and gangsters throughout Philadelphia's past, it's no surprise many people think the city is haunted. Over the course of two and a half hours, you will visit Ben Franklin's grave and the spot of witch trials. A local University professor takes you through the top paranormal sites as the Old Pine Street Church Graveyard and various boneyards located through the city. Although this tour is family-friendly, parents should use their discretion when considering bringing the little ones along. Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia During the course of over a mile, you will see the biggest sites that led to the freedom and independence that began in Philadelphia. Whether it's clear skies or gray, professional guides take you through the National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, the Declaration House, and the Betsy Ross House. You will get to experience over 20 historic sites throughout Philadelphia. The guide works to give a fun and energetic tour without missing out on any of the history. After you've had your Philly Cheese Steak, make sure you head to the city to see all that it has to offers by taking one of these five tours. Image by StelaDi, used under CCO 1.0

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers some of the most stunning public parks in the United States and is known for its abundance of quality breweries both large and small. If you live in the Philly area or will be passing through and would like to sample some craft beers, stop in for a tour at one of these four local breweries. Sly Fox Brewing Company Sly Fox Brewing Company is a relatively young brewery about an hour north of Philadelphia. Since their inception, Sly Fox has crafted over 100 unique varieties and is always looking ahead for the next great blend. Tours take place weekly on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. After the tour, you can enjoy an assortment of light, casual fare inside the Sly Fox restaurant as you sample your new favorite IPA, lager, or stout. more Dock Street Brewing Company Dock Street Brewing Company began in 1985 as Philadelphia's first all-grain brew pub. Within a decade, they had become one of the most celebrated microbreweries in the country. Dock Street Brewing has also earned worldwide recognition for their rye IPA. Brew tours are available each Saturday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at a mere $4 per person. The price includes a commemorative pint glass and sticker. Like many Philly breweries, Dock Street has its own restaurant onsite, which offers award-winning pizzas and a fabulous Sunday brunch menu. Saint Benjamin Brewing Company The Saint Benjamin Brewing Company taproom and full-service restaurant are housed in a historic carriage house in the Kensington district of Philadephia. Saint Benjamin is a young company that prides itself on taking chances with modern interpretations of standard varieties like Belgian wits, traditional Czech pilsners, lagers, and cream ales. Saint Benjamin's limited run Junto brew is a bold Coffee Kolsch with a rich taste you can enjoy with a heavy meal or creamy dessert. You can take a tour of this beautiful brewery on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tours are offered about every half hour at no cost to you and include a complimentary sample. Yards Brewing Company Founded in the golden age of the Philly microbrewery scene in 1994, Yards Brewing Company began with a simple home brew in the shared garage of two college friends who had a mutual love for beer. After more than a decade and three expansions later, Yards is an up-and-coming name in the Philadelphia and nationwide brewery scene. Although Yard's Brewing specializes in ales, they offer a modest selection of seasonal stouts and porters. It has a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to stay longer rather than rushing you in and out like some breweries. You'll find a pool table and shuffle board in the tasting room, inviting you to sit down, sample another, and enjoy a friendly spar with your tourmates. Whether you love the hoppiness of an IPA or the rich taste of a strong porter or stout, you're sure to find the right match for your taste buds at one of Philadelphia's many local breweries. Plan your own trip or join one of the many brewery tours available the next time you're in the area. Image via Flickr by BhowardE

In 2016, Ardmore Toyota, Central City Toyota and the Enterprise Center hosted a Halloween Harvest at the Max Paul Park & Walnut Hill Community Garden. Children from all over the local area came to the Harvest for pumpkin painting, spider making, face painting and fun fall lawn games! Healthy and delicious snacks such as carrots & hummus, ginger snaps, popcorn and green smoothies were available for the kids to try and enjoy. Locals musicians also came around and shared their music with the community. A fun time was had by all! The Halloween Harvest was a great way to initiate autumn! We look forward to the next holiday inspired event at the Max Paul Park & Walnut Hill Community Garden, presented by Ardmore & Central City Toyota and the Enterprise Center and invite you to come around and enjoy the festivities!

If you're looking for a great way to help support your community, then we've got the campaign for you. October 14 th is the big Show Your Stripes day! The Show Your Stripes campaign was designed to create awareness for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. If you want to participate in this incredible campaign, it's easy as pie! On Friday, October 14th, wear your red and white striped items in support of the Ronald McDonald House families. Then post your best photos by tagging the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House (@philarmh) and using the hashtags #ShowYourStripes and #MyPRMH. We also invite you to join us at 12:20pm at the Philadelphia Art Museum for the “largest Show Your Stripes photo ever”! So, don't just sit on the sidelines - get out and show your stripes on October 14th! Image by kowloon, used under CCO 1.0

Brunch is not something reserved only for trendy New Yorkers, although that is where brunch culture seems to have first gained a following in America. As with many other trends in the U.S., brunch first became fashionable along the coastal areas (most notably New York and Los Angeles) before slowly working its way inland. Today, meeting friends for brunch is common, with the more popular eateries being fully booked every weekend. Philadelphia's brunch culture is thriving, and several restaurants have gained a reputation for serving up spectacular brunches. Lacroix at the Rittenhouse Located in Rittenhouse Square, Lacroix is part of the luxurious Rittenhouse Hotel. The quality of food to be enjoyed at Lacroix matches its upmarket surroundings. Here you will enjoy fine dining with an extensive brunch menu that includes oysters, foie gras, house-cured charcuterie meats, and even caviar. The build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and liquid nitrogen ice cream are two of their signature offerings. It's pricey but well worth the experience. more Sabrina's Cafe Sabrina's has five spots around the city, with all five being hugely popular, so you can expect a wait. The Stuffed French Toast is a winner. This is also a great venue for vegetarians, as there are several veggie meals on the menu. To snag a seat sooner, you can call ahead and get your name on the list to reduce your wait time. Green Eggs Cafe No green eggs and ham to be found at this top brunch spot in Philadelphia. What you will love is the Crème Brûlée French Toast, Red Velvet Pancakes, Chicken and Waffles Benedict, and an amazing selection of gourmet coffee that includes a crème brûlée latte, cookie dough latte, caramel cappuccino, and an apple pie latte (yes, you read that right!). For the ravenous, you can order "The Kitchen Sink" — a hearty breakfast with three scrambled eggs topped with sausage crumbles, Gruyère cheese, potatoes, peppers, onions, accompanied by a pork sausage and homemade jumbo biscuit. Parc Brasserie French-inspired Parc, also on Rittenhouse Square, offers a Parisian bistro-style atmosphere with plenty of outdoor seating and a great view of the square. The baguettes are baked in-house and their bread baskets are outstanding — great with either a cheese or charcuterie platter. Here you'll find typical French offerings, like Quiché Lorraine, Eggs en Cocotte (trout caviar), Eggs Benedict, a great Lobster Tartine, and, of course, good ole French toast. The Dandelion From France to Britain, The Dandelion is a British-inspired pub restaurant perfect for a boozy brunch. They have a wide selection of beers, drafts, and ciders plus some interesting cocktails, like the King Henry's Kick and Iron Lady (no doubt named after Margaret Thatcher). Some traditional British staples are found here, like Scones & Jam, Bangers & Mash, and Lamb Shepherd's Pie. Naturally, tea is another beverage on the menu — sip on Twinnings, Darjeeling Earl Grey, or English Breakfast. When it comes to brunch, Philadelphia certainly does not disappoint. These are just five of many restaurants to explore that serve up the most delicious mid-morning treats. Image by PublicDomainPictures, used under CCO 1.0

With a city rich in history like Philadelphia, you don't have to go far to find some fascinating sights. If you truly want to experience everything the city has to offer, check out one of these great walking tours. City Food Tours Learn more about the foods made famous in Philadelphia while getting a chance to burn off the calories you'll get from sampling them with City Food Tours. Food experts will give you a behind-the-scenes look at making these foods and offer interesting stories about the creation of some of the most popular foods. You can choose from six tours, including the Flavors of Philly Tour, which has stops with famous Philadelphia treats like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. All the tours have less than 30 minutes of walking but over two hours of good eating. more Grim Philly Twilight Tours If you want to send a shiver down your spine as you learn more about Philadelphia, book a spot on the Grim Philly Twilight Tours. On these adults-only tours, you'll learn about pirates, gangsters, serial killers, grave robbers, vampires, ghost hunters, and more. There's even a Bootlegger's Ball Prohibition Pub Crawl tour, where you can enjoy a few drinks and snacks as you tour three taverns with a seedy history in bootlegging and Colonial brewing. Researched and developed by university professor Joe Wojie, this tour offers a sensational look at the city's dark past. Tippler's Tour Between May and December, the over-21 crowd can learn more about Philadelphia's brewing past with three seasonally appropriate walking tours from Tippler's Tour Colonial Pub Crawl, including Ben's Kites and Flights in the summer, Ghosts and Toasts in the fall, and Yuletide Cheers and Beers in the winter. On these tours, you'll stop by four modern bars and one Colonial tavern to sample drinks and snacks, sing 18th-century drinking songs, and listen to stories about the drinking traditions in Colonial America. The tours cover about seven blocks and last around two hours. Mural Arts Tour With over 3,500 murals throughout the city, the Mural Arts Tour lets you discover what many call the world's largest outdoor art gallery. The tours occur year-round, and trained guides will take you along the streets to different murals so you can learn how the artists created them, the story behind the mural, and the history of the community where the mural is located. The tour goes for about one mile and lasts between an hour and a half and two hours. The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia If you want to explore the birthplace of America and learn the interesting facts behind some of Philadelphia's famous landmarks, head straight to The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia. This 1.25-mile, 75-minute outdoor walking tour takes you to 20 of the most historic sites in the city, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and the First Bank of the United States. This tour occurs every day from April through November. Whether you want to check out the good food, sample some drinks, or learn more about the city's history, these Philadelphia walking tours will give you a unique experience. Image by Fotorech, used under CCO 1.0

With over 40 million visitors every year, it's no surprise that Philadelphia has some incredible attractions to see. Whether you're interested in American history, world history, or great food, these are five of the best attractions worth seeing in Philadelphia. more Independence National Historical Park Independence National Historical Park is a 55-acre park that preserves many sites central to the American Revolution. The centerpiece of the park is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed by the Founding Fathers. Across the street from Independence Hall is Liberty Bell Center, home to the iconic Liberty Bell. The park also contains the First Bank of the United States, Carpenters' Hall, which was the site of the First Continental Congress, a recreated tavern, and more. Reading Terminal Market Open since 1892, Reading Terminal Market is the oldest indoor public market in the United States. If you're interested in trying out some of the city's famous foods, including pretzels, hoagies, and cheesesteaks, this is the place to go. Here you'll find over 100 merchants that offer everything from fresh meats, fish, produce, and artisan cheese, to clothing, books, crafts, and more. Every Wednesday and Saturday, you can also go on a 75-minute walking tour and learn about the history and food of this vibrant market. The Philadelphia Zoo The 42-acre Philadelphia Zoo is the first zoo in the United States and is home to over 1,300 animals, including many endangered species. Along with famous exhibits such as the Rare Animal Conservation Center, First Niagara Big Cat Falls, and McNeil Avian Center, one of the zoo's latest features is the Zoo360 Exploration Trails. This new experience lets you view animals like never before, including seeing lions, tigers, and other big cats right above your head in the 330-foot mesh-engineered overhead passageway. The Franklin Institute Named after statesman and scientist Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is a premier science museum and one of the oldest science centers in the country. The child-friendly exhibits include the Giant Heart, which is a walk-through replica of the human heart; Space Command, which features real space suits and lets guests view their houses in real time with a satellite; and the rooftop observatory, which, on a clear day, gives you the opportunity to view stars, planets, nebulae, and possibly even a few galaxies. Philadelphia Museum of Art If you're a fan of the Rocky film franchise, you might find it hard not to recreate the famous training regimen on the steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. However, it's worth a look inside the museum, as well. It has over 200 galleries that showcase more than 227,000 pieces of American, European, and Asian works of art. Along with paintings, drawings, photographs, and textiles, the museum also has a collection of armor that spans several centuries. If you're planning a trip to Philadelphia, make sure you take time to visit these top five attractions so you can learn more about this spirited city. Image by skeeze, used under CCO 1.0

From Philly cheese steak to art to rich history, visiting and exploring Philadelphia is both exciting and entertaining. One unique and beautiful aspect of Philadelphia is the variety of parks and gardens scattered throughout the city. While some are more popular than others, each provides a breath of fresh air amid a sea of greenery. We've highlighted some of our favorite gardens and parks in Philadelphia. Morris Arboretum If you're looking for a Victorian garden landscape, then take a stroll around Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania. Here you can go back in time and view classical English landscape structures and sculptures. This 92-acre arboretum also features a formal rose garden, majestic old trees, a garden railway display, and unique plants from all over the world. Plus, you'll get a bird's-eye view of the forest on the 450-foot Tree Adventure canopy walk. more Bartram's Garden Also known as the birthplace of American gardening, Bartram's Garden was first purchased in 1728 as a 102-acre farm. Located along the west bank of the lower Schuylkill River, the garden offers incredible views of Pennsylvania's landscape. Here you can go on a morning bird walk, catch the light river breeze, and stroll through the kitchen and flower gardens. Plus, you can visit the riverside meadow that's filled with different wild grasses and wildflowers. Independence National Historical Park History buffs will definitely want to visit the birthplace of American democracy. The Independence National Historical Park is located in the same area that saw the nation through its founding. Home to the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the New Hall Military Museum, Franklin Court, and more, this park will definitely leave you feeling inspired and proud to be an American. The Five Squares Philadelphia is home to five distinctly different squares designed by William Penn. Franklin Square is a favorite destination, with entertaining features such as a fountain, a miniature golf course, a carousel, and a picnic area. At Washington Square, you'll find big leafy trees and a quiet place to think. Rittenhouse Square, filled with trees, bushes, and sculptures, is a hide-and-go-seek player's dream come true. Logan Circle (Northwest Square) is best known for the massive Swann Memorial Fountain at its center. Finally, Centre Square is home to City Hall, Philadelphia's version of a grand medieval palace. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden This natural area in Fairmount Park is both serene and elegant. It features 1.2 acres of beautiful and peaceful gardens, a koi pond, and a magnificent 75-year-old weeping cherry tree. Here you can also tour the teahouse and admire its traditional Japanese-style architecture and landscaping. Those looking for an international adventure will find one right here in their backyard. Whether you explore one or more of these locations or have already found your perfect Philadelphia spot, we know that whatever garden or park you go to, you'll be met with a relaxing atmosphere, beauty, and history. Image by NeuPaddy, used under CCO 1.0