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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION
PENNSYLVANIA | PHILADELPHIA
Urban Love Let outdoor adventures fill your days
F
OR AS LONG AS tourists have visited William Penn’s City of Brotherly Love,
Independence National Historical Park has been a focus of their attention — and rightly so, given that “America’s most historic square mile” is home to Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center and Christ Church Burial Ground. But declare your independence and go a little farther afield to explore what USA TODAY’s 10Best readers selected as some of the best urban spaces in America.
FAIRMOUNT PARK CONSERVANCY
FAIRMOUNT PARK Encompassing more than 2,050 acres, Fairmount Park provides city residents and visitors with an expansive natural landscape to explore. Horseback riders, off-road cyclers and hikers will find miles of trails, while a 125-yearold trolley takes visitors on tours of the park’s many Colonial-era mansions. Kids love the many play areas, as well as the Philadelphia Zoo — America’s oldest.
RITTENHOUSE SQUARE William Penn, founder of Philadelphia, planned for five town squares when he designed the city in the 17th century. Rittenhouse Square, in the heart of the city’s most exclusive neighborhood, is the most popular. This tree-filled park is surrounded by some of Philly’s top restaurants, as well as high-end shopping and luxury apartments.
M. EDLOW/VISIT PHILADELPHIA
SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL For a view of Philadelphia’s skyline, try the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, part of the Schuylkill River Trail. Pedestrians and cyclists can walk or ride along the river and take in the skyline from four different vantage points. If you’re feeling energetic, this trail extends more than 75 miles through five counties of historically rich southeastern Pennsylvania. One highlight is a 30-mile stretch from Philadelphia to Parker Ford, passing through Valley Forge National Historical Park along the way.
BARTRAM’S GARDEN This spot is considered one of Philadelphia’s best-kept secrets and one of the best places to try BARTRAM’S GARDEN urban kayaking. Bartram’s Garden offers a launch point with art installations along the Lower Schuylkill River with free rentals on Saturdays, giving members of the community a chance to get out on the water even if they don’t have their own kayak.
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