You may have heard of Philadelphian Horace Trumbauer, who designed the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the New York Evening Post Building. Long before those buildings came to life, Trumbauer designed a gorgeous castle in the Philadelphia suburbs in 1893 inspired by England's Alnwick Castle.
This aerial view of Grey Towers Castle shows how the magnificent estate looks 1928
Pennsylvania was once full of covered bridges, with over 1,500 of these pretty creek crossings dotting the countryside. Now, there are just about 200, and Lancaster County has the most. You don't have to go all the way out to the country to see them, though - these 10 are located close enough to Philadelphia that you can cross most of them in an afternoon drive! Let's take a look at these beautiful covered bridges in Philadelphia and nearby.
The Thomas Mill Covered Bridge is part of Wissahickon Valley Park and it crosses the Wissahickon Creek. This is probably the one most Philadelphians have walked across.
This beautiful bridge was constructed circa 1860 and it's 60 feet long. You can find it near the intersection of Goshen and Boot Roads in Newtown Square, PA 19073. Get a closer look at Bartram’s Covered Bridge:
The shortest bridge in Bucks County is a beautiful covered bridge named Erwinna. It was built in 1832. Find it at Geigel Hill Road in Tinicum, PA 18947.
Frankenfield Covered Bridge is one of the longest you'll ever cross, with 130 feet of road! It's located just two miles upstream from the mighty Delaware River. Find it at Hollow Horn Road and Cafferty Road in Tinicum, PA 18947. Get a closer look at Frankenfield Covered Bridge:
The Glen Hope Covered Bridge was rebuilt after a fire, but it still brings back memories of the past when you cross it. Find it at Hickory Hill Road in South West Grove, PA 19390. Take a closer look at the Glen Hope Covered Bridge:
The oldest covered bridge in Chester County is the Halls Covered Bridge. It's a beautiful, airy bridge that is frequently photographed. Find it at Sheeder Road and Birch Run Road in Chester Springs, PA 19425.
One of the most unique covered bridges is the beautiful white Harmony Hill Covered Bridge in West Chester. Enjoy this historic bridge when you cross it near Harmony Hill Road and Route 322 in West Chester, PA 19382.
The Hayes Covered Bridge is one of the prettiest red bridges you'll find. Cross it in the middle of the countryside on Route 15068 in Modena, PA 15061.
Have you been to any of these covered bridges in Philadelphia or its environs? Do you have any favorites? Let us know in the comments! The Thompson Mill Bridge is the closest one to Center City. While you're there, hike through Wissahickon Valley Park and see a whole world of wonders just north of the city. Be sure to check with AllTrails for any reviews and maps.
We already know that Philadelphia is the best city on the planet, but outsiders don't realize just how amazing our hometown truly is. Here are just a few examples of places that are near and dear to our hearts! These places are the best of their kind in the country, and they each prove that Philly is something special.
Did you know that City Hall is the largest masonry building in the world? Beyond that, it's a beloved center of town where you can listen to live music, watch street performances, enjoy markets and fairs at Dilworth Park, and see a great view of the city from the clocktower.
The Magic Gardens are among the most famous mosaic tile works in the world. This impressive piece of art is almost an entire block long, and it's all been created by one man. You could get lost here for hours.
If you're looking for something edible, chances are you'll find it at the Italian Market. There are gourmet shops, homemade pasta shops, a cheese shop with over 300 cheeses, the world's best tortilla shop, and so, so much more.
Fairmount Park is the largest urban park system in the country. There are so many impressive hidden gems here that it would take years to track them all down. If you're a fan of stunning gardens and architecture, be sure to check out the Shofuso house.
Between the oldest street in America (Elfreth's Alley) and the home where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, you can't just pick out one must-see Old City sight. This section of town is best explored on foot when you have hours to spend enjoying the historic buildings and landmarks.
South Street is the most interesting street in the country. From pizza slices the size of your torso to unique thrift shops, music venues and bars... it's all here. This edgy part of town has always been a popular spot for artists of all types to enjoy similar company.
Zahav's wildly famous Lamb Shoulder dish has been called the best meal in America - or even the best meal in the world - by food critics everywhere. Even if you're not a fan of lamb, you've got to try this once in your life. Order it ahead of time when you make reservations - it takes them 3 weeks to prepare!
The museum dedicated to one of the most interesting men in the world happens to be one of the best museums in the world! This hands-on science museum covers everything from physics to physiology. Philadelphians of all ages enjoy running through the famous giant heart.
The vendor list at Reading Terminal Market reads like a who's-who of delicious food. DiNic's Roast Pork has been awarded the best sandwich in America, Hershel's East Side is the only place to get a perfect reuben outside of NYC, and both the 4th Street Cookie Company and Pennsylvania General Store sell the city's best cookies. Get a tasty grilled cheese at Meltkraft or try world famous donuts at Beilers. Be sure you come hungry!
There's always something happening at Penn's Landing. This waterfront spot is home to food trucks, concerts, outdoor performances, and pop-up parks like Spruce Street Harbor Park. You can check out tall ships here and even dine on the only tall ship restaurant in the world at the Moshulu. Enjoy ice skating or roller skating at the river rink, where there are year-round carnivals.
Technically, Longwood Gardens is outside of Philadelphia in Kennett Square. That does not take away from the fact that this DuPont estate is one of the most impressive horticultural displays in the world! Philadelphia is known as America's Garden Capital, and Longwood is the most impressive one we have. Be sure to give yourself hours to explore, because you'll never want to leave.
Brauhaus Schmitz opened just a few years ago, but it has already made quite the impression. It's one of the most authentic German beer halls outside of Germany! Take a vacation without leaving South Philly by dining and drinking at this South Street establishment. Of course, their Oktoberfest is absolutely unforgettable - but just an ordinary dinner is pretty darn good, too.
What do you think makes Philadelphia the best place on Earth? Personally, I don't think there's any place in the world that can compare with The Incredible Reading Terminal Market, and the Shofuso House in Fairmount Park always takes my breath away. Share your favorite Philly spots in the comments below!
