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Monthly Archives: January 2014

King’s Dominion

King’s Dominion is some of the most thrilling fun you can have in Virginia. This theme park has all the thrills you want in an amusement park PLUS 20 acres of water rides included with your admission. The roller coasters in King’s Dominion are one of a kind. The Dominator is currently the longest floorless coaster in the world. And on the Backlot Stunt Coaster you get all the excitement of movie stunts, dodges, and explosions with the break-neck speed of a coaster. And Anaconda drops you 144 feet and surprises you with the world’s first looping coaster to showcase an underwater tunnel. Fortunately for the faint at heart, there are plenty of family rides at King’s Dominion too, as well as live performances and a variety of dining options. Plus, did we mention the water park? King’s Dominion guarantees to be one of the biggest thrills on your exciting tour.

 

Ghosts of Virginia Beach

What is a history lesson without a few exciting legends? The Ghosts of Virginia Beach walking tour takes a look at some of the darker tales from Virginia’s rich history. The Boardwalk and city streets of Virginia Beach take on an entirely different appearance by lantern-light, and your guided tour takes a ghostly turn as well. You’ll follow the legends of Blackbeard the pirate, what happened to his head, and why his crew apparently still hangs around. Plus, what’s a ghost tour without witches? You’ll learn about the most famous witch in Virginia and her trial. This tour is a haunting look into the paranormal and the legends and ghost tales that accompany Virginia’s fascinating history.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours

 

Independence Seaport Museum

Independence Seaport Museum Tour

Credit Independence Seaport Museum

The Independence Seaport Museum is located in Philadelphia. Visitors can explore Philadelphia’s interesting past and present. Connect yourself with the water through art and artifacts, interactive exhibits, the workshop on the water, and two historic ships- the Olympia and the Becuna. The museum is within walking distance of the Liberty Bell. There are various exhibitions presented for the group at the location. Exhibitions include: Tides of Freedom: African Presence on the Delaware, O, Sugar! The Magical Transformation from Cane to Candy, Disasters on the Delaware: Rescues on the River, Olympia: Launching the American Century, Homeport Philadelphia, Coming to America, Philadelphia and the China Trade, and Ship Via Philadelphia. The Disasters on the Delaware: Rescues on the River exhibition lets guests explore the disasters that unfolded as the Delaware developed into a watery highway for trade and commerce while experiencing all of the misfortunes, along with the miracles and the lessons learned. The exhibit also introduces historical prints and newspaper headlines that were used to broadcast and memorialize these terrible marine catastrophes.

Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo

Credit Philadelphia CVB

The Philadelphia Zoo is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The location features over 1300 animals. Other options include the following: dining, shopping, exhibits and other attractions. Dining options include: Smokehouse BBQ, Tiger Terrace, Philly Cheese Steak, and healthy options. If you love animals and beautiful landscape, then the Philadelphia Zoo is the right location to visit! There are several different types of animals which include the following: Most Endangered Animals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds, and Mammals. The Most Endangered Animals exhibit contains the following: the Amur leopard, the Bali-mynah, the Blue-eyed black lemur, the Chinese Alligator, the Guam rail bird, Micronesian Kingfisher birds, the Panamanian Golden frog, the American Alligator, and many others. Birds of Prey include: the Andean Condor, the Northern Bald Eagler, and the Turkey Vulture. Other exhibits and attractions include the following: the Amazon Rainforest Carousel, Lorikeet Encounters, the Draft Horse, Camel Safari, and Swan boats. These will all make your group visit more memorable! The Philadelphia Zoo is a one-of-a-kind destination and a must-see during the trip to Pennsylvania.

Valley Forge

Valley Forge SceneryValley Forge is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The location is significant because of the fact that it was the 177-78 encampment for the army during the Revolutionary War. The location has a visitor center which contains the encampment store and a collection of museum exhibits pertaining to the winter encampment and the Revolutionary War. There are also various tours offered to groups. The group can take a ranger led guided walking tour that is 40-minutesin length and is a 1.4 mile trip. The tour will cover a variety of topics from the winter encampment and the American Revolution. When the walk is finished, visitors can learn about camp life by touring the replica log huts as well as the surrounding historic area of the Muhlenberg Brigade. Guests can also enjoy a Trolley tour. You will climb aboard an old fashioned trolley and take a tour of Valley Forge. The ride lasts 90-minutes. There are extended stops at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts and Washington’s Headquarters.

National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center outside view

The National Constitution Center is steps from the Liberty Bell and is an essential part of the historical experience in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The location offers several fun options for adult groups. Visitors can take a guided tour, enjoy daily museum programs, and view a featured exhibition. The visit will begin with a live, multimedia performance, Freedom Rising, which is a stirring 17-minute journey from 1787 to the present. After the presentation, the group can explore the story of We The People which is an interactive exhibition that illuminates America’s constitutional history, and the iconic Signers’ Hall, where you can sign the Constitution which is alongside 42 bronze, life-size statues of the Founding Fathers. The museum features exhibitions and has a store for visitors to browse during the trip. There is a main exhibition as well as feature exhibitions that can be included in the visit. Featured exhibitions include the following: SLAVERY AT Jefferson’s MONTECELLO, AMERICAN SPIRITS, HEADED TO THE WHITE HOUSE, and LINCOLN: THE CONSTITUTION AND THE CIVIL WAR. The Town Hall Program is another option for your group to consider when planning your visit to the Constitution Center Museum.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Philadelphia Tours

Liberty Bell

Liberty BellThe Liberty Bell Center is located close to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The location houses the iconic historic landmark known as the Liberty Bell. The group can listen to presentations about the history of the bell. You can observe the bell through glass with Independence Hall in the background. The experience will be unforgettable! The group will have the opportunity to view larger-than-life graphical images and historical documents where you will discover the facts and myths about the bell. X-rays give visitors a glimpse of the inside of the cracked bell and her inner workings. There is also a history film available shown in quiet alcoves of the center. The film traces how abolitionists, suffragists and other groups adopted the bell as a symbol of freedom. Other exhibits show how the image of the bell was used on everything from ice-cream molds to wind chimes. The Bell now known as the Liberty Bell was cast in the Whitechapel Foundry in the East End of London and was sent to the current location in 1753. It was an impressive looking object and had a pound clapper. The inscription was part of a biblical verse from Leviticus, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”

Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Credit Independence Hall nps.gov

Located in Philadelphia, Independence hall is a place for your group to enjoy. This location is a significant part of history. Prior to the current name, it was originally known as the Pennsylvania State House. This is the place where the Declaration of Independence was argued and finally adopted. The United States Constitution was also signed at this location. Your group will experience fascinating views of the past and can also enjoy the rest of the park. The hall is also well-known for the housing of the Second Continental Congress which consisted of a group of men from the Thirteen British colonies of North America. The building is part of the Independence National Historic Park. Visitors can enjoy fascinating views of history and also visit the rest of the park at the same time. The declaration of independence was read to the public at the place known as Independence Square. A picture of this piece of American history is engraved on the back of the bicentennial Kennedy half dollar. There is also a picture of the building printed on the back of the U.S 100 dollar bill. Within the hall, there is a room known as the Assembly room of which a picture is printed on the United States 2 dollar bill as well. Your group won’t want to miss this exciting part of our historical culture! During the tour, there are some interesting visual elements to view. For example, you will see the courtroom where lawyers from opposing sides shared law books and tables. You can also see George Washington’s “rising sun” chair. The original inkstand that was used to sign the Declaration and an original draft of the Constitution are displayed in the West Wing of the building.

Franklin Institute Science Center

Franklin Institute

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Franklin institute is a hands-on science museum with an IMAX theater and a planetarium. The group will enjoy this thrilling experience. Featured exhibitions include: the Sports Challenge, the Train Factory, A Full Weather Station, The Franklin Airshow, the Amazing Machine, Space Command, The Giant Heart, and Electricity. There are several different scientific disciplines from sports to space for the group to explore. There is also an indoor sky bike. The planetarium is the second oldest in North America. Founded in 1824, the Franklin institute was built in honor of Benjamin Franklin due to his inventiveness in the field of science. It is located in Independence hall. In 1934, the current building was under construction and due to the Fels Planetarium being nearby, the museum became hands-on. The IMAX Theater and the Mandell Center were added in 1990. Today, this science museum is the most visited museum in Pennsylvania. The rotunda houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. It contains a 20 foot statue of Franklin, the scientist and founding Father. Tickets are required for admission into the museum. Call and book your group tour today!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Philadelphia Tours