It had been a few years since I visited Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love so I thought I would head south of the Big Apple on one of the last sunny days of autumn and find out what I’d been missing.
I had a few wee travelers with me so our first stop was the Philadelphia Zoo. Did you know it’s the oldest in the country? It was chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1859 but its opening was delayed by the Civil War until July 1, 1874. It opened with 1,000 animals and an admission price of 25 cents. Today the zoo takes up 42 acres and is home to some 1,300. In warmer weather you can venture 400-feet in the air for a ride in the zoo’s own hot air balloon or glide along Swan Lake. In colder weather 
There are peacocks everywhere – gorgeous peacocks – and flamingos in flaming pink. The more shrimp, salmon and carrots they eat, the pinker they blush! Such a pretty sight beside the autumn landscape.
Food is sadly lacking at the zoo. Over-priced burgers, hotdogs and fries are served at one small cafeteria. You would be better off packing a picnic lunch and grabbing one of the many tables for a break.
Before heading home, a stop at Geno’s for a Philly Cheesesteak is a must. Add the onions and opt for the cheese whiz. Mmmmmmm, yummy street food.
Philly is rich in history and architecture. Its urban neighborhoods are largely rowhouses spanning centuries, from Colonial times through the 20th century. The rowhouse is just what its 
name implies – a house in a row, lines of them, from the plain four-story houses for factory workers to the more elaborate, bay-windowed, elegant homes of Rittenhouse Square. Today’s Philadelphia skyline is a study in contrasts – from the regal buildings of Constitution Square to modern skyscrapers.
The city’s waterfront boasts several hotels and dining aboard a barge or two, like the Moshulu or the 
Spirit of Philadelphia cruise lines.
I drove down just for the day and realized this was a city that deserves to be savored and studied.
Quick Link to Philadelphia & Amish Country Day Trip From New York City
