Philadelphia and its Countryside/Lehigh Valley

The land that comprises this region has significant historical meaning. Many years ago, to make good on an old debt, King Charles II of England handed over a little piece of territory between the Delaware and Schuykill rivers to a Quaker names William Penn. This land helped pave the way to the fall of British Colonies in America. Central to this region is Philadelphia, a city full of history - the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross' House, Christ Church - just to name a few of the historic landmarks found here. And don't miss the Lehigh Valley, which includes Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton (where Crayola crayons are made). Things to See and Do Attractions Boat Rides at Wells Ferry in New Hope - Narrated, entertaining, riverboat tour. Buckingham Valley Vineyards and Winery in Buckingham - Entertaining, educational, self-guided tours, free wine tasting. Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation in Media, PA - Historic interpreters recreate lifestyles of the late 18th century farm family. New Hope and Ivyland Railroad in New Hope - Scenic old-fashioned steam train rides. Philadelphia Orchestra in Philadelphia - Known worldwide for its musical excellence. Philadelphia Trolley Works/76 Carriage Co. in Philadelphia - Full tour service. Trolleys and horse-drawn carriages. River Country in Point Pleasant - Rent canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes on the Delaware River in Point Pleasant, PA. Sesame Place in Langhorne - Sesame Street themed play park for families with children 3-15. Shady Brook Farm in Yardley - Fall festival, holiday light show, corn mazes and seasonal produce. The Crayola Factory at Two Rivers Landing in Easton - Crayon and marker manufacturing demos, hands on activities for all ages. Covered Bridges Bartram's Covered Bridge in Newton Square - Built in 1860. Crossed Crum Creek. Located on Goshen & Boot Roads. Bogert Covered Bridge in Allentown - Built in 1841. Spans the Little Lehigh River. Located on Fish Hatchery Road. Cabin Run Covered Bridge in Plumstead Township. Built in 1871. Spans Cabin Run Creek. Located on Covered Bridge Road. Erwinna Covered Bridge in Tinicum Township. Built in 1871 (although local records indicate 1832). Located on Geigel Hill Road. Frankenfield Covered Bridge in Tinicum Township. Built in 1872. Crosses Tinicum Creek and is located at Hollow Horn Road and Cafferty Road. Knect's (aka Slifer's) Covered Bridge in Springfield Township. Built in 1873. Spans Durham Creek. Located on Knecht's Road. Loux Covered Bridge in Plumstead Township. Built in 1874 and crosses Cabin Run Creek. Located on Wismer Road. Mood's Covered Bridge in East Rockhill Township. Built in 1874. Spans Perkiomen Creek. Located on Blooming Glen Road. Pine Valley (aka Iron Hill) Covered Bridge in New Britain Township. Built in 1842. Spans Pine Run Creek. Schofield Ford (aka Twining Ford) Covered Bridge in Newton Township. Built in 1873. Spans Neshaminy Creek. Located on Swamp Road. *Closed to traffic* Sheard's Mill Covered Bridge in East Rockhill Township. Built in 1873. Spans Tohickon Creek. Located on Covered Bridge Road. South Perkasie Covered Bridge in East Rockhill Township. Built in 1832. Spans Pleasant Spring Creek. Located on Walnut Street. *Closed to traffic* Uhlerstown Covered Bridge in Tinicum Township. Built in 1832. Crosses the Delaware Canal. Located on Uhlerstown Road. Van Sant (aka Beaver Dam) Covered Bridge in Solebury Township. Built in 1875. Spans the Pidcock Creek. Located on Covered Bridge Rd. Historic Sites Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia - Restored colonial home where Betsy Ross sewed first American flag. Brandywine Battlefield in Chadds Ford - Headquarters of Washington during the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. Christ Church in Philadelphia - Active historic church open to visitors daily 9am - 5pm. Historic Bartram's Garden in Philadelphia - America's first botanical garden. National Historic Landmark. Valley Forge National Historic Park in Valley Forge - Site of the famed 1777-78 winter encampment of George Washington and the Continental Army. Washington Crossing Historic Park in Washington Crossing, PA - Here General George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 prior to the Battle of Trenton. Museums Allentown Art Museum in Allentown - European masterpieces, American collection, Frank Lloyd Wright Library, Performing Arts Series. Childventure Museum in Fort Washington - Hands-on children's museum; enriching activities and fascinating cultural exhibits. James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown - Historic site with collection of 19th and 20th century American Art, PA Impressionists, sculpture, changing exhibitions, educational programs. Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia - Explore over 200 galleries containing 2,000 years of paintings and sculptures. The Civil War Library and Museum in Philadelphia - Exhibits and research library concentrated on the Civil War. Parks & Trails Delaware Canal State Park in Upper Black Eddy - National Historic Landmark. Picnicking, fishing, hiking, bicycling, canoeing. Evansburg State Park in Collegeville - Creek, picnicking, hiking, horseback trails, fishing, hostel, golf course. Fort Washington State Park in Fort Washington - Historic Washington encampment area. Seasonal hawk watching, picnicking, pavilions. French Creek State Park in Elverson - Campground, seasonal activities, boating, cabins. Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square - 1,050 acres offering exquisite flowers, majestic trees, manicured gardens, 11,000 types of plants, roses, orchids, water lilies. Marsh Creek State Park in Downingtown - 535 acre lake, wind surfing, sailing, fishing and hiking. Nockimixon State Park in Quakertown - 1,450 acre lake. Picnicking, boating, marina, hiking, cabins. Tyler Arboretum in Media, PA - 650-acre historic arboretum; plant collections, educational programs, historic buildings. Science & Nature Related Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown - North American animals, natural settings, petting barn. Game Preserve in Schnecksville - 1,200-acre zoo - wildlife and nature education programs, picnicking and hiking. Lost River Caverns in Hellertown - Guided walking tours through beautiful crystal formations. Mill Grove/Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary in Audubon - Home of John James Audubon now a museum and National Historic Landmark. Philadelphia Zoo - America's first Zoo; features over 1,600 animals!

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