Due to its spellbinding architecture and sheer grandeur, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is a must-visit place on the list of every tourist in Philadelphia. This beautiful cathedral is the centerpiece of one of the largest Catholic populations in North America. It was designed by celebrated architect Napoleon LeBrun and constructed between 1846 and 1864 by blending Palladian and Italian Renaissance architectural styles. A beautiful “baldachin” or “canopy” over the altar is evidence of the Italian influence while the church façade is in the Palladian style. In fact, you may be forgiven for thinking you are in Europe while viewing this glorious cathedral. Embark on an audio tour and learn more about its eight chapels, 2000-seat sanctuary, vaulted copper dome, and a spectacular apse featuring red marble carvings and stained glass work. During the tour, you will also be familiarized with the fascinating history of the basilica. As Pennsylvania's largest Catholic church, this monument is recorded in the National Register of Historic Places.
When it opened in 1829 Eastern State Penitentiary was one of the largest prison facilities built in the country. The penitentiary experimented with previously unheard ideas of incarceration that prioritized reformation over punishment. A form of solitary confinement was the rule, on the theory inmates would use the time for prayer, reflection and penitence. Despite the cost and efforts taken, the system was not a success and numerous challenges finally led it to close in the 1970s, but not before inspiring numerous similar prison systems around the world. Inmates formerly incarcerated here include arch-criminal Al Capone and bank robber Willie Horton. Although it stands today in crumbling condition, visitors will find it fascinating to explore the vaulted cell blocks and central rotunda.
Philadelphia's South Street is home to one of the most remarkable creations of art in the city. Known as the Magic Gardens, this work by artist Isaiah Zagar spans almost an entire block and engulfs everything in sight including the pathways and building walls. The continuously evolving work is a colourful riot and incorporates tiles, bottles, bicycle tires, spokes; pretty much anything you could think of. With this stunning landscape and installations, the artist draws you into his world for a peek into his mind. This one is not to be missed.
Union Transfer is a joint collaboration of Four Corners Management, R5 Productions and The Bowery Presents. Housed in a historic brick structure dating back to 1889, this music venue opened in 2011 and is now among the prominent concert spaces in town. It features three fully equipped bars and a few concession stands. Most of their shows are for all ages. Some of their previous listings are Metermaids, Jello Biafra, The Antlers, Mischief Brew, Sage Francis and Guantanamo School of Medicine.
Sit on the sloping lawn or in the reserved boxes under the high shed awning. Pick up a drink or some food from the stalls by the back fence—everything from hot dogs to a full-course salmon dinner served by waiters. This outdoor stage is the summer home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, plus a schedule of jazz, rock, big band, the Philly Pops, opera, theatre, and dance. The acoustics can be unreliable and Philadelphia's erratic weather can be a problem, but you can sit in Fairmount Park, hear a good show, and look at the soft night lights of the downtown skyline.
Spreading across 9200 acres (3723.11 hectares) with 63 parks, Fairmount Park is among the biggest city park systems in the nation. It features picturesque trails, rolling hills, streams, historical structures, woodlands, public arts and more. The Centennial Arboretum, Horticulture Center, Japanese House and Garden and Philadelphia Museum of Art are some of the interesting sites located in this massive expanse. It also has recreational centers and sporting fields.
The Ferry Avenue Branch Library is one of the many Camden County Libraries and is an important public resource in the city of Camden. The library has a comprehensive collection of books, magazines, public documents, DVDs, audiobooks, and other electronic media as well as access to computers and free Wi-Fi. The library is spacious and well-maintained and the staff is very friendly and always happy to help with any questions.
Popularly known as the largest ocean liner of the United States and also known as the fastest ocean liner that can cross the Atlantic in the best speed possible, the SS United States is the pride of U.S. This beauty also served as a passenger ship for a few years. She welcomes several people aboard, also press reporters, events are organised here currently. She lights up on special occasions and is an absolute beauty to watch and visit whenever present here.
The BB&T Pavilion located in Camden, New Jersey is a perfect arena, any time of the year. It is a spectacular outdoor amphitheater in the summer, with huge screens, sophisticated sound system and an inviting green lawn to sprawl over. While during the harsh winters, it converts into an indoor theater, with comfortable seating, completely covered and temperature controlled. It is an ideal venue to enjoy some of the best performances in show business.
Walt Whitman House is the home where the renowned poet Walt Whitman,, breathed his last breath. This poet spent a few years here before passing away and had composed several poems and sonnets while he was here. Included in the National Register of Historic Places, this house is now a museum under the purview of New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry. The adjoining area of the house was declared as Walt Whitman Neighborhood and included in the National Register too.
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is one of the nation's most exciting maritime museums, offering tours, events and overnight retreats on board. It is infact one of the largest battleships and the most decorated one as well. The USS New Jersey (BB-62) was in operation for 22 years and it was commissioned and recommissioned 4 times over a period of 49 years and also won 19 battle stars. This museum aims to grant its visitors with a true sense of what it was like to live aboard this battleship.