Travel Tip #25 - Have Fun with Hollywood Connections

     Over the years, we've dragged our daughters to many different historical sites around the country. The ones they've enjoyed the most are the ones they feel a connection to. One way we've been able to do that is to choose sites they've learned about - in school, books, TV shows, or the movies. One reason I really like the National Treasure movies is that they visit several historical sites during the course of each movie. When we visited these sites, our daughters showed more interest in those sites than some of the other ones we saw because they recognized them from the movies. For example, in New York, we visited the Intrepid and Trinity Church. In Philadelphia, we visited Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. In Washington DC, we visited the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the White House.
     In Virginia, we not only visited Mount Vernon, but we took the special National Treasure: Behind the Scenes Tour in which they gave us the inside story behind the filming process - what was real, what was faked, where different events took place, and how they even changed the script after discovering that there was a "secret" underground passage on the grounds. Another Hollywood inspired tour we took was the Night at the Museum Tour at the American Museum of Natural History. I'm sure other places have similar tours.
     Another fun thing to do is take fun pictures reminiscent of the movie. For example, we took a picture of our daughter hiding in the bushes at Mount Vernon where Nicholas Cage changed into his tux in National Treasure 2.

National Treasure II

     I got a picture crossing the bridge in the Plaza de Espana in Sevilla Spain, where George Lucas filmed Anakin and Padme crossing in the Naboo scene of Star Wars Episode II.

Star Wars Episode II

     Some of the other places we've visited with Hollywood connections are: the lake house in Seattle where they filmed Sleepless in Seattle, the Smithsonian (Night at the Museum II), the Lincoln Memorial (Night at the Museum II), the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky), Gettysburg (numerous Civil War movies), Jamestown (Pocahontas), the Alamo (The Alamo), NASA (Apollo 13), the River Walk (Miss Congeniality, Cloak & Dagger), the Freedom Trail (Johnny Tremain), Niagara Falls (Superman II), Times Square (New Year's Eve), Tiffany's Jewelry Store (Breakfast at Tiffany's), the Empire State Building (Sleepless In Seattle, An Affair to Remember, Independence Day), and the Statue of Liberty (just about every "end of the world" style movie ever made). There are others, but you get the idea.
     So the next time you are trying to figure out how to make an historical site or museum interesting to your kids, look for a Hollywood connection and try to watch the movie as a family before going. It can make a 3 star experience into a 5 star one.

Spotlight: Philadelphia - Adventure Aquarium

Spotlight: Although technically in Camden, New Jersey, the Adventure Aquarium is located within the Philadelphia metro area - just on the other side of the Delaware River. In addition, it is one of the options on the Philadelphia CityPASS. The Adventure Aquarium was originally the New Jersey State Aquarium. It opened in 1992, and went through major renovations in 2005. Adventure Aquarium features about 8,000 live aquatic or semi-aquatic animals in a variety of freshwater and marine habitats. The aquarium has 200,000 sq. feet of floor space, and its tanks hold over 2 million gallons of water.

Location: From Philadelphia, you cross the Ben Franklin Bridge into Camden. Take the 6th Street exit, and follow 6th St. to Cooper St. Turn right, and take Cooper Street to Riverside Dr. Turn left, and look for the aquarium on your left: map

Cost: $25.95/adult (13+); $18.95/child (2-12); 4D Adventure combo (add $3); free admission with Philadelphia CityPASS

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; 2-3 hours

Description: The Adventure Aquarium has several programs. These include Hippo Feed and Talk (10:30 am & 2:30 pm daily; plus 11:30 & 1:30 times on weekends), Penguin Feed and Talk (11:15 am daily; plus 3:45 on weekends), Meet the Divers! (11:30 am daily), and Sea Turtle Time (1:15 - Sat. & Sun. only). We thoroughly enjoyed the Meet the Divers show.

     In addition to hippos, penguins, and sea turtles, the Adventure Aquarium has sharks, rays, guitar fish, birds, eels, star fish, saw fish, sea horses, frogs, an alligator, cape porcupine, jelly fish, and hundreds of other fish species. Most of the tanks are viewing only, but there are a few special tanks where guests may pet the animals, including a small species of shark, rays, moon jellies, lobsters, and pink shrimp. Very few aquariums allow guests to touch several of these animals, and Adventure Aquarium is the only one to provide access to all five.

     One of the most unique exhibits is Dinosaurs of the Deep, where guests meet about 20 prehistoric monsters that ruled the seas during the Jurassic Age. The 4D Theater combines special effects with a 3D movie to create a unique experience for guests.
     The highlight of the aquarium is probably the Shark Tunnel. As you walk through the shark tunnel, you have a great view of the sharks swimming all around you. The sharks cannot see in, but you can observe them as they swim only feet away.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - There is no toll to cross into New Jersey via the Ben Franklin Bridge, but there is a $5.00 toll to go from Camden into Philadelphia.
- Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first serve basis. They may be borrowed with a fully refundable $10 deposit.
- Strollers may be rented for $4 or $6 (double) on a first come, first serve basis.
- Coolers larger than 12"x12"x10" are not permitted inside the aquarium. All glass bottles are prohibited.
- All pets are prohibited except for service dogs for guests with special needs.
- Dining is available at the Feeding Frenzy Cafe.
- Visitors may get a $4 off coupon (per person, up to 5 guests) at participating Subway restaurants.

Nearby: Dr. Ulysses Wiggins Waterfront Park, Penn's Landing, Trenton Battle Monument, New Jersey State Museum

Travel Tip #24 - Rental Car Insurance

     If you've ever rented a car, you've experienced the pressure to buy the rental car insurance. To make it worse, there are four types of insurance they try to get you to buy: loss-damage waiver, liability, personal accident insurance, and personal effects. If you don't purchase them, they not only make it sound like you're crazy for not buying it, they also make you sign several additional places saying that you know that you are liable if there is something wrong with the car when you return it. I'm sure many people buckle under the pressure and decide to buy it after all figuring that it is better to be safe than sorry. Is it really the wisest course of action? Are you playing a form of Russian roulette if you don't buy it?
     Chances are, the insurance you already pay for (car, home, and health) will already cover most of the possible problems you may encounter with your rental car. If you purchase the Rental Car Agency's insurance, for up to $50/day, you'll almost assuredly be double covered in several areas. That doesn't mean that you should automatically refuse all the insurance options offered you by the rental car company. There are situations (like if you are out of the country) in which your insurance won't cover you in case of an accident. The key is to be informed before you enter the rental car agency so that you know exactly what you need, and what you don't. That way you won't be pressured into purchasing double coverage, while still making an informed decision about what you might need.
     So how can you find out exactly what you need? One way is to call your insurance company representative. If you are traveling on business, check your company's insurance policy since many personal insurance policies don't cover you in those situations. Also, I've found the following web page very informative regarding whether or not to purchase additional coverage: nerdwallet.com
     One other note of caution, make sure you thoroughly check your rental car for damage before you drive off the lot. I've found a couple of things wrong with the rental car I was assigned that weren't noted on their checklist that I probably would have been charged for upon returning it. Also, when we went to Philadelphia, the car we rented wouldn't start. We had already completed all the paperwork, so they just switched keys for another car and changed the information in the computer at the desk. Since we were in a hurry, I failed to do another vehicle check and noticed later that the front grill was cracked. Sure enough, they tried to charge me for it when I returned the car. I fought it, and since I hadn't signed anything saying that that particular car was in great condition when I rented it, they finally dropped their claim; but the hassle it caused almost made us miss our flight.
     So, the next time you rent a car, do your homework before entering the rental car agency. It could save you a lot of money or a major headache. And don't forget to bring proof of insurance with you. Evidently, this is a new ploy being used by some rental car agencies to coerce you into buying their insurance. As you are picking up your car, they insist that you prove that your insurance covers you driving one of their vehicles or they charge you for the insurance anyway. Good luck on your travels.

Spotlight: Philadelphia - The Betsy Ross House

Spotlight: Betsy Ross is best known for sewing the first U.S. flag - with 13 stars and 13 stripes. The account of this historic event was first made public in 1870 in a speech by William Carnby, one of Betsy's grandsons. He and several other family members signed sworn affidavits that they heard the account first-hand from Betsy's own mouth. According to the account, George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross met with Betsy in 1776. Washington presented her with a piece of paper which contained a sketch of a flag with 13 red and white stripes, and 13 six-pointed stars. When asked if she could make a flag from the design, Betsy reportedly suggested that they change the stars to five points rather than six. They agreed, and she proceeded to sew the first U.S. flag. Although most historians claim that the account is fictional, it is the most commonly disseminated account of our flag's origin. Regardless of who produced the first version of the flag, it was officially adopted by the U.S. Congress on June 14, 1777 - Flag Day.
     The Betsy Ross House was built around 1740. It served as both a business and a residence for various artisans for more than 150 years. The first floor front room was used as a workshop and showroom, while the remainder of the house was used as a residence by the family. It is believed that Betsy Ross lived there with her family from 1776 to 1779. She was primarily an upholsterer, but supplemented her income by sewing flags, tents, musket cartridges, etc. during the war effort. Her family identified the building as the place where Betsy sewed the first U.S. flag. In 1898, while many other colonial era homes were being torn down to build newer buildings, a group of concerned citizens formed the American Flag House and Betsy Ross Memorial Association to raise funds to purchase the home. Once they purchased the home, a portion was turned into a museum and opened to the public. In 1937, the house went through massive renovations in an effort to restore it to its appearance when Betsy Ross's family lived there. The house was donated to the city of Philadelphia in 1941.

Location: 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia; it is within easy walking distance of Independence NHS

Cost: Audio tours: adults - $7.00; children/students/seniors/military - $6.00; Self-guided tours: adults - $5.00; children/students/seniors/military - $4.00

Time: About 30 min. - 1 hour; Open 10:00 - 5:00 pm daily

Description:  Visitors to the home can see seven rooms furnished with period antiques and reproductions, including the only interpretation of an 18th century upholstery shop in the country. Original Betsy Ross memorabilia on display include her: walnut chest-on-chest, Chippendale and Sheriton side chairs, eyeglasses, quilted petticoat and Bible. They can also speak to "Betsy" herself as she works in her workshop. An audio tour, narrated by "Betsy," tells about her life as a business woman, revolutionary, mother and wife, helping the visitor gain a better appreciation of what life was like for the working class in the 18th century.
     The grounds include an annex building, a civic garden, a fountain, and the tombs of Betsy Ross and her third husband, John Claypoole. Visitors can mingle with History Makers and hear stories from our nation's history.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Groups of 20+ visitors are eligible for discounted group rates.
- The house is closed on Mondays from December - February.
- Kids' audio tours include 13 "history mysteries" (age 4-8).
- The Betsy Ross House is currently hosting a special exhibit entitled: A Museum in the Making: The American Flag House & Betsy Ross Memorial Association, 1898-1941. It will be open until January 2016.
- You can't take pictures inside the house.
- The Betsy Ross gift shop sells flags that have been flown over the Betsy Ross House.
- Concessions are available in the courtyard from May 1 - Labor Day.

Nearby: Independence Park NHS, Christ Church Burial Ground (Ben Franklin), Arden Theatre Company, The Franklin Fountain (old style ice cream shop)

Travel Tip #23 - Take a look at CityPASS

     In an earlier blog entry, I discussed the New York Pass. When we planned our trip to Philadelphia, we looked for something similar and found the Philadelphia CityPASS. We had heard about CityPASS before, and had even looked at the New York version before ultimately deciding on the New York Pass. After looking over the Philadelphia version, and adding up the cost of the sites on our A-list, we realized that it would save us several dollars/person regardless of whether or not we would be able to see all the sites. In addition, it gave us free access to two other sites on our B-list (things we would see if we had the time).
     We used our pass to travel around the city via the Big Bus Tour and the Trolley Works. Once activated, we had unlimited access to the buses and trolley for the remainder of that day and the entire next day. Since the Big Bus had 27 stops throughout the city, it was the perfect way to travel around - especially since we got to hear great stories about the history of perhaps the most historic city in the United States instead of dealing with the stresses of navigating unfamiliar, traffic-clogged streets in search of non-existent parking spaces.

City Hall as seen from the Big Bus Tour

Open air views of Philly

State Penitentiary

Adventure Aquarium

     In addition to the Big Bus Tour, the Philadelphia CityPASS gives you access to four of six other attractions: The Franklin Institute, the Adventure Aquarium, either the National Constitution Center or the Philadelphia Zoo, and either the Eastern State Penitentiary or the Please Touch Museum. We used our pass to visit the National Constitution Center, the Adventure Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo (America's first zoo), and enjoyed each of them. I realize that the current version of the CityPASS lets you see either the zoo or the National Constitution Center, but in 2012 the either/or options were different. We had totally planned on seeing the Franklin Institute, but we ran out of time. In any case, we still saved money by buying the Pass even though we only used 4 of the 5 options.

     CityPASS has offers for other cities as well: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California, Tampa Bay, and Toronto. Although we haven't personally used CityPASS for any of the other locations, we wish we would have used it in Houston. Unfortunately, we had already purchased tickets to NASA before looking at the CityPASS. If we had looked at the CityPASS ahead of time, we would have saved money even though we had no intention of going to two of the sites.
     So, next time you plan on spending a few days visiting one of our nation's big cities, take a look at the CityPASS and any other value packages before you start purchasing tickets somewhere. If you are going to go to several of the sites anyway, it might be worth it to buy the pass. Then again, if you were only planning on going to one or two of the sites, or are on a tight schedule, you might want to pass on the PASS. Still, it's worth taking a look.
   

Spotlight: Philadelphia - National Constitution Center

Spotlight: Although the National Constitution Center is not officially part of Independence National Historical Park, it is located nearby in Independence Mall and can easily be incorporated in your day's itinerary. The center functions as a National Town Hall, hosting government leaders, journalists, and scholars for public discussions and debates regarding the laws of government. It first opened on July 4, 2003.

Location: The National Constitution Center is located in downtown Philadelphia at 525 Arch Street.

Cost: $14.50/adult, $8.00/child (4-12), $13.00/youth (13-18), $13.00/senior (65+)
- Admission is free with purchase of the Philadelphia City Pass.

Time: Mon. - Fri. (9:30 am - 5:00 pm); Sat. (9:30 - 6); Sun. (noon - 5 pm). Allow between 1-3 hours.

Description: The National Constitution Center is dedicated to “disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people.”
     In order to accomplish this objective, the center has dozens of interactive exhibits that teach visitors about U.S. government. The three main exhibits are Freedom Rising, The Story of We the People, and Signer's Hall.
     As part of your price of admission, visitors get to view the fabulous multimedia theatrical presentation called Freedom Rising. This impressive 17-minute presentation takes viewers on a journey highlighting the way the Constitution has molded U.S. history from 1787 to the present.
     The Story of We the People guides visitors through milestones in U.S. history. The American National Tree highlights 100 individuals who have helped shape constitutional history. Artifacts include a rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, FDR's fedora, and Sandra Day O'Connor's Supreme Court robe.
     The other permanent exhibit is Signer's Hall. Here you can sign a modern copy of the Constitution amid a room full of life-size bronze statues representing the 42 original signers of the Constitution, including George Washington, Ben Franklin, and James Madison.

There are dozens of other exhibits and activities that are rotated through on a temporary basis. For example, one of the many activities is Hail to the Chief - a jeopardy style game in which participants test their knowledge of U.S. Presidents. You can also take the Oath of Office, committing yourself to uphold the Constitution.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Admission is FREE on Constitution Day (Sept. 17).
- The National Constitution Center offers a variety of constitutional seminars, discussions, course materials, and digital resources for students of all ages.
- Photography and video are prohibited throughout the museum except for Signer's Hall, where visitors are encouraged to take a picture with their favorite Founding Father.

Nearby: Franklin Square, Adventure Aquarium, Chinatown, Penn's Landing

Travel Tip #22 - When you're looking for a restaurant, try something unique

     When we go on vacation, we try not to eat at the same places all the time. McDonalds? Taco Bell? Been there, done that. Instead, we try to find something unique that fits within our price range.
    When we were planning a trip to Philadelphia, we heard about the City Tavern. It was a little pricey, but when we heard that it was a favorite hangout for the delegates from the Continental Congress, our interest was peaked. When we found out that the tavern uses authentic 18th-century recipes, and that the ambiance of that period has been recreated - down to the style of cutlery and the dress of the waiters, we put it on our A-list itinerary.
     Sometimes, when you look forward to something, your high expectations create disappointment when they aren't met. That was not the case with the City Tavern. The food was absolutely exquisite. The ambiance was cozy and friendly. I ordered the rabbit - something I don't think I'd ever eaten. It was savory and unique. I guess you can say that it didn't "taste like chicken," and I mean that as a compliment.
      When we are in an area known for a specialty, we try that: lobster and clam chowder in Boston, Philly cheese-steaks in Philadelphia, BBQ in Texas, mofongo in Puerto Rico, and NY style pizza in New York. Other fun places we've eaten are: the Aquarium Restaurant on the Kemah Boardwalk, the Lone Star Restaurant on the Riverwalk, the Mount Vernon Inn, Planet Hollywood in NYC, Juniors Diner in Brooklyn, Nathan's Hot Dogs in Coney Island, the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, the Oceanarium in Honolulu, the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Vermont, and donuts baked at 14,000 feet on Pike's Peak.
     Obviously, you can't splurge every time you go out to eat, and we've had our fair share of fast food on our trips. But since you have to eat anyway, you might as well make it something memorable. Just make sure that the menu has some kid-friendly options if you have young (or particularly finicky) children. So next time you are visiting somewhere new, keep your eye out for something unique. It may end up being one of the highlights of your trip.

Spotlight: Philadelphia - Independence National Historical Park

Spotlight: The first thing most people think about when they think of Philadelphia is the Declaration of Independence. This document was produced by the Second Continental Congress which convened in Independence Hall after war broke out. The document was formally adopted by the Congress on July 4, 1776, which was later adopted as the birthday of the new nation that would be created as a result of the 13 colonies gaining independence from Great Britain in the Revolutionary War. Independence Hall was again the primary meeting place of the Constitutional Convention, which was convened in 1787 for the purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation. Instead of just revising the document, the group of diplomats created a whole new form of government. The laws and systems of this new government were spelled out in the U.S. Constitution - a document that would become a standard upon which all modern day democracies are modeled. These two documents have molded not only the history of the United States, but have influenced political ideology around the globe and have channeled the course of history throughout the entire world. Independence National Historical Park preserves Independence Hall and its accompanying sites for future generations to ponder the impact of these documents as well as the birth of a new nation - the United States of America.

Location: Independence Hall is located in downtown Philadelphia at 520 Chestnut St., and is located in the principal section of Independence National Historical Park. Several other buildings are located at Franklin Court on Market Street.

Cost: Most sites in the park are free. The Ben Franklin Museum charges a modest fee of $5/adult & $2/child (4-16).

Time: About 2-4 hours for Independence Park. There are plenty of other things of interest within walking distance to take up a full day of sightseeing. The Independence Visitor Center is open from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm daily. Other exhibits are open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Between May and September, the most popular exhibits remain open until 7:00 pm.

Description: Independence National Historical Park is often described as "America's most historic square mile." It is a conglomeration of important buildings and exhibits relating to the birth of the United States. The main section of the park is located at Independence Square, which includes several popular exhibits:
     Independence Visitor Center - This is the place to start your tour. Not only can you get tickets to Independence Hall, but you can also peruse the exhibits, watch films, and get information on special events and tours that are available.
     Independence Hall - This building played an important role in creating the United States of America. It was here that both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were drafted, signed, and ratified. Access to the rooms are only available through the official tour.

     Congress Hall - This building served as a meeting place for both houses of Congress (the Senate and House of Representatives) from 1790-1800. Important events that occurred here include the admittance of 3 states into the Union, ratification of the Bill of Rights, the presidential inaugurations of George Washington (1792) and John Adams (1796), the establishment of a Bank of the U.S., the Federal Mint, and the Department of the Navy.

House of Representatives

Senate chambers

     Great Essentials Exhibit - This exhibit displays existing copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution, as well as the inkstand that was used to sign the Declaration.
     Old City Hall - Built as the City Hall of Philadelphia, the building was used by the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791-1800.
     Liberty Bell Center - This building houses the original Liberty Bell that hung in Independence Hall until 1876, when it was replaced by the Centennial Bell. There are also exhibits and a video presentation.

     Presidents House Site - Here you can view the historic foundations of the house where both George Washington and John Adams lived with their families and staff while serving as Presidents of the United States.
     A blocks and a half east of Independence Square is Franklin Court. This section of the park includes a steel "ghost structure" outlining the spot where Benjamin Franklin's home once stood, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the Franklin Court Printing Office, the first U.S. Post Office, and an architectural/ archaeological exhibit.

First US Post Office

Franklin Printing Press

     Other nearby buildings indirectly associated with the Park include: Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Bishop White House, Carpenters' Hall, Christ Church, City Tavern, Declaration House, Edgar Allan Poe NHS, Free Quaker Meeting House, Germantown White House, Gloria Dei Church, Independence Archaeology Lab, Merchants' Exchange Building, National Constitution Center, New Hall Military Museum, Philosophical Hall, Second Bank of the United States, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, Thomas Bond House, Todd House, and Washington Square.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Although there is no charge to go on a tour of Independence Hall, you do need to obtain a "timed entry ticket" from the Independence Visitor Center (except during the months of January and February). You can order them ahead of time, but there is a holding fee ($1.50/ticket).
- You must pass through security checks before entering Independence Hall. You should arrive 30 minutes before your timed entry to make sure that you make it through security before your tour starts.
- One of the best times to visit is during Philadelphia's annual 10-day Independence Day celebration.
- Leashed pets are allowed on park grounds, but not permitted into any buildings.
- There is an underground parking lot under the Independence Visitor Center.
- You can't take pictures of the original documents in the Great Essentials Exhibit because the flash deteriorates the documents.
- Ben Franklin's grave is at Christ Church. It is a fad to toss pennies onto his tomb.

Nearby: National Constitution Center, U.S. Mint, Betsy Ross House, City Tavern

Travel Tip #21 - Check out the Local University

     To wrap up the idea of taking a "Staycation," this week's tip is to check out the local university (or your alma mater) for great entertainment ideas. Although most universities don't appear in most travel brochures, the truth is that many of them offer plenty of options for cheap, yet fun, entertainment. One of the reasons for this is because they cater to a clientele that is looking for a cheap source of entertainment. Luckily, you don't have to be a student at the university to visit most of the venues, and take advantage of the savings. Also, most of the money you do spend goes towards supporting the university and its students. To me, that sounds like a win-win situation.
     Here is just a sample of some of the activities you might find at a campus near you: a wide range of athletic events (not just basketball and football), museums (art, science, archaeology, athletic, etc.), concerts (instrumental and choral), dance performances (from a wide range of genres), theater (drama and cinema), planetarium, stand-up comedy, community classes, bowling alley, arcade, treat yourself to something tasty at the bakery or creamery, take a tour, stroll through the arboretum or pond, and browse the university book store.
     As you can see, if you haven't been back to your alma mater for a while, it is probably worth a visit. There are plenty of entertainment options available for adults, teens and younger children; and the best part is, many of them are free.