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Top Hidden Destinations To Visit In Philadelphia

Philly is near famous for its cheese steak, its underdog sports teams and most of the historical stops such as Betsy Ross' house and the Liberty Bell. But there are numerous hidden destinations in the city of brotherly love that perhaps you missed. According to Ellie Slomine Director of Visitor Services at the Philadelphia Independence Visitor's Center, the city is embarking on a $15 million fundraising campaign  which will add improvements, amenities and a 4,000 square foot expansion for the visitor's center. This will meet the new demands of travelers as Philly has become more popular since the Papal visit and the Democratic Convention. But amongst all the popular attractions there are hidden gems. Here are the top five hidden destinations to visit in Philadelphia.
City Hall Tower
Observation Deck
1450 JFK BLVD
Philadelphia, PA. 19109
(215)686-2840
www.philadelphiapass.com

The tower at City Hall is regularly seen by both tourists and locals and is just part of the Philadelphia scenery. However you can actually go into this tower and observe the city from the top.  The City Hall Tower is approximately 500 feet from street level and it is a timed activity. You need to purchase tickets either online or at the Visitor's Center. Free admission is possible with purchase of the Philly pass which is about $6 for adults and $4 for children for about 40 different Philadelphia attractions. You can stop into the visitor's center to purchase the City Pass.
 

Washington Avenue Green
1301 S.Christopher Columbus
Pier 53
Philadelphia, PA. 19147
www.washingtonavenuegreen.com

Washington Avenue Green is a riverfront park located at Washington and Columbus BLVD in South Philly. It is formerly known also the home of Pier 53. The park is being "returned to its natural state"; it was formerly part of the industrial district and is now full of greenery which improves every day. History lovers will also love to visit Washington Avenue Green to learn about immigration into Philly during the 19th and 20th centuries.  This park is also very popular for open air painters.  The Park is owned and operated by the Delaware River Water Front and also maintained by the volunteer group "Friends of Washington Avenue Green."

Professor Ouch's Bizarre Bazaar and odditorum
720 S. 5th St
Philadelphia, PA. 19145
(215)668-0195
www.bizarrebazaarphilly.com

In Queens's village, step out of the way Ripley, Philly has Professor Ouch full of pop culture, oddities and curiosities to delight the curious and the bored. Open mid-day 12-8 p.m, except Tuesday and Wednesday. Professor Ouch is part museum, part thrift shop and all fun.  You will find new stuff, old stuff and some truly odd things like skeletons. You will also get to see vintage posters, and a lot of goods in pop culture,(also think part Spencer's gifts). Some things that are so odd you may not be sure what it is. No admission costs.

Related- Top Historical Tours In Philadelphia

Philadelphia Magic Gardens
1020 South St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19147
(215) 733-0390
www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org

The Philadelphia Magic Gardens is one of most unique places to visit in the city that won't cost you very much money to tour. Admission costs about $7 for adults and is free for children five and under. The Magic Gardens spans about three city blocks and is full of beautiful handmade mosaics, created from discarded items and found items in the folk art tradition. You can also take a workshop here in the fall to learn how to create them yourself. The Magic Gardens is open daily and has both indoor and outdoor exhibits and is most often described as a magical experience.

Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle
84 South Pine St
Doylestown, PA. 18901
(215)345-0210
www.mercermuseum.org

If you are looking for something a little different maybe consider visiting a true castle right here in the Philadelphia area.  People who like architecture, or just feeling like you are somewhere far away, will enjoy this hidden destination. Fonthill Castel was built in between 1908-1912, so it's not ancient ruins but it is full of history in its 44 rooms.  Both the castle and The Mercer Museum contain archeological items from the early 1900's and property sits on over 66 acres. There are both permanent and   additional exhibits which change; from July through November 6, 2016 you can learn all about the American Flag and all of its changes which include both pre civil war flags and political advertisements, and even Native American relics. Both are open daily and admission for each is $12 for adults and $6 for children (kids 5 and under are free).

Related- Top Attractions For Art Lovers

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.
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