Ash and Isaac left early to go to the airport for our rental car. They gave us a Kia Carnival, which despite its silly name, seems to be a good car. I recall liking its predecessor, the Sedona, on prior trips. We packed up and headed out of town, towards Lexington and Concord, since that is where the Revolution officially began (“shot heard round the world”). There was actually quite a bit more to do there than we thought so we only saw a few sites: the bridge, the old manse, the overlook. Very neat to see and a recommend if you’re into the history.

We got a move on so that we could hit Tree House Brewing on our route. I *think* this was the day we stopped at a Cracker Barrel, which made everyone happy. We got to Tree House and had no idea it was that massive! We enjoyed some beer but to be honest, it wasn’t my favorite. I am sure for people who enjoy hazies, it’s their god-tier brewery. It was a cool space though and we bought some cans for our friends who like New Englands and Pale Ales. Once back on the road, we pushed on towards Philadelphia. I believe we got in around 7-8 and found the Airbnb and parking lot. Ash was most worried about finding parking but it turned out just fine; the lot was directly across from our place and never filled up. We checked into our place and found it less than satisfactory, but it was what it was; we made the best of it. The steep steps up to the second bedroom – and bathroom! – were kind of ridiculous and the wi-fi was garbage, which meant no TV. That first evening, we walked to Urban Village brewing, which was very close. In fact, the only really good thing about the place was its location. Everything was very walkable. We went into the Heirloom market and the kids got some food and we called it a night.

Our first full Philly day, we had reserved a tour of Independence Hall at 10, so we walked the little over a mile to that area of town. It was only a 20 minute tour but for only a buck a piece, pretty cool. I thought it was neat to see a National Treasure filming location, but then again, I am a nerd. We walked across the street after to see the Liberty Bell. We didn’t spend time reading all their displays but we did get a cool pic with it. After that it was on to the Reading Terminal market, where they also filmed a National Treasure scene! My family all got reportedly fantastic pretzels and I got my first cheesesteak from a place called Uncle Gus’s, which had come recommended by people on Reddit. Indeed, it was super tasty; this one had seeded bread, which made all the difference. We headed to Yards brewing after, which was good but not amazing. Isaac got wings and Dakota, mozzarella sticks, and we watched a soccer game. I honestly, do not recall what we did after that. I believe we just went home. I had complained about the wifi and I think that was when our hostess told us to get the device from her upstairs unit, and we could finally get on. I do believe we played card games for a while and called it a night.

The next morning was slated for going to Hershey Park and had we known the traffic onWest 76 – an awful road! – would be so bumper to bumper, we probably would have left earlier, since it was about a 2 hour drive. We figured if we left around 7/7:15, we’d have enough time to stop and eat but no. We actually didn’t pull in until about 10:05. It worked out though because like a lot of those non-Disney parks, it wasn’t all THAT crowded. Ash and Isaac went off to do their things, and Dakota and I, ours. That is to say, the baby stuff. We did have lunch together, and found the decent beer. They mostly served Troegs there, as it was brewed nearby. At a point, Dakota and I got a locker, changed, and went into the water park. But hoenstly, since we’d had a rainstorm two nights prior, it was actually a little cool out. Too cool for water, but we managed. The main tube slide area seemed to be closed, limiting our ride possibilities, but there were some other fun things. At a point, Isaac and Ash came over to that side and the kids went off to do things together while Ash walked with me to find the BBQ placed I’d read about. Sadly, we coudln’t find it so I just had another – subpar – cheesesteak. Later on, we would find ourselves by said BBQ place, but oh well. When we got home that evening, we were all pretty tired so we called it a day.

The following morning, we had planned to go to the American Revolution museum, which was pretty great, though more expensive than I wanted it to be. I shouldn’t complain; the USS Constitution one was a “suggested” amount and I paid a flat 20. Anyway, despite the large number of students there, who were loud and disrespectful, it was a very cool museum, which ended with a presentation about George Washington’s tent, which was in their possession. At the end of a little video about it, they revealed it. No photography allowed due to its age but it was a neat thing to see in person. 

Aftrewards we headed to a place I’d found called Bru craft and wurst, which was really good. We sat in the back, watched soccer, and everyone got something they wanted off a reasonably priced lunch menu. Ash and I both got brats and German beer!

Our last stop of the day was Cartesian Brewing, which turned out to be a rather nice surprise; great beer. We stayed long enough for the tomato pie place inside to open. They also had blueberry and lemon scones freshly made, which we ate, and then the basic tomato pie, which we all liked. The sauce was so garlicky and yummy. Apparently that is the primary feature – and difference. Ash thought it was better than the 9.1 place!

That was our last night in Philly so I let the kids get ice cream which definitely made Isaac happy. We played some cards and went to bed early! The next day, it would be time to move onto Maryland.

ETA: Forgot to add pics!