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Top Fall Family Getaways In Philadelphia

At any time of year, exploring the sights and sounds of Philadelphia is an adventure. Millions of visitors flock to the City of Brotherly Love to walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin, shop in a world-class downtown, dine in excellent restaurants, amble through exciting museums and relax in Rittenhouse Square. To enjoy the best weather and view the city at your leisure, head to these top spots for a great fall family getaway.
Betsy Ross House
239 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 686-1252
www.historicphiladelphia.org

Price: $5 adults/$4 children/$15 to $20 special events

Historic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell can get pretty packed in peak tourist season, but visitors can beat the crowds by visiting these must-see sites in the fall. The Betsy Ross House, home to the creator of the first American flag, features seven tiny rooms that are best viewed in the cool autumn weather. Less people, less humidity and less heat allow for a more relaxed, longer and more in-depth tour. Kids can even take an alternative tour with a scavenger hunt.

Related: Guide To The Betsy Ross House

Elfreth’s Alley
126 Elfreth's Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-0560
www.elfrethsalley.org

Price: $5 adult/$2 children 6 to 12/free children younger than 6

As the oldest continuously occupied street in the United States, Elfreth's Alley transports visitors back in time. Horse posts, shoe scrapes and brick federal and Georgian homes line the narrow cobblestone street that has been in existence since 1702. Fall is the prime time to explore the museum and attend several special events.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show
26th Street Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 763-8100
www.pmacraftshow.org

Price: $15 adult/$5 children younger than 12

Visiting Philadelphia in the fall would not be complete without exploring what the Fairmount neighborhood has to offer. Stroll along the Schuylkill River at Fairmount Park amid the autumn leaves and Jacques Lipchitz sculptures. A la Rocky Balboa, jog up the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the gateway to Fairmount Park, for the 36th Annual Craft Show. Running from Nov. 8 through Nov. 11, this year' exhibition and sale will feature 195 top American, British and Irish craft artists. Every medium, from baskets and ceramics to jewelry and leather, will be on display for your family to enjoy.

Eastern State Penitentiary
2124 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 236-5111
www.easternstate.org

Price: $12/adults/$10 seniors/$8 students and kids

If you're looking for a more spooktacular event to include in your fall getaway because you just couldn't get enough of Halloween, then take a tour at Eastern State Penitentiary, a hair-raising tradition for families with a high tolerance for fear. Open from April through November, the former castle-like prison hosts a variety of daily tours in which guests roam through dark corridors and shadowy jail cells. When it opened in 1829, it occupied almost 11 acres and housed thousands of prisoners in strict isolation. Today, guides relate stories of escapes and famous prisoners like Al Capone, but the self-guided tour, "Voices of Eastern State," narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, lets you meander through 20 compelling sites throughout the eerie prison at your own pace.

Related: Top Museum Exhibits To See This Fall in Philadelphia

Dining

Hickory Lane American Bistro
2025 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 769-2420
www.hickorylanebistro.com

Gear up for this ghoulish haunted prison event with good grub at Hickory Lane American Bistro. The restaurant is just down the road from the penitentiary and the art museum and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Award-winning executive chef Matt Zagorski was born in Pennsylvania and offers an ever-changing menu perfect for the area. Not only will your family enjoy the American cuisine, but mom and dad will appreciate the family friendly prices.

Lodging

The Latham Hotel
17th and Walnut
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(877) 528-4261
www.lathamhotelphiladelphia.com

Price: from $169

The Latham Hotel is a 139-room boutique hotel on historic Rittenhouse Square, a popular place to people watch. Surrounded by some of Philadelphia's best shops and restaurants, the newly renovated establishment is a hot spot for vacationers. Standard amenities are offered in comfortable Victorian-style rooms. Fall is one of the best times to take advantage of getaway deals including the autumn in the city package.

Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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