A Road Trip Through the American Revolution in Greater Philadelphia

Start day one on a full stomach with takeout halal food from this popular morning-through-afternoon Brewerytown spot. Chef Nicquan Church offers up a healthy menu, including stuffed omelets, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, fruit smoothies and more.

Spend the morning in Germantown, just a 20-minute drive northwest of Center City. The Philly neighborhood played host to the Battle of Germantown, the only Revolutionary War battle to be fought in Philadelphia proper, on October 4, 1777. (Spoiler alert: We lost.) While some sites remain temporarily closed due to COVID-19, road trippers can walk or drive this 1.3-mile stretch of Germantown Avenue to explore the exteriors and grounds of five key 18th-century spots: Cliveden, where George Washington and his army fought for hours to remove British troops who had taken shelter during the battle; Concord School House & Burying Ground, where more than 50 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried; Wyck, used as a field hospital during the battle; Germantown White House, which both British General William Howe and Washington called home during their lifetimes; and Grumblethorpe, also occupied by the British during the battle.

After all that learning, it’s time to refuel. Hop back in the car, drive and park in Center City, then head to The Bourse, an artisan food hall located in an 1895 commodities building in Old City. Snag some takeout (fried chicken from Freebyrd Chicken and a Peanut Butter Captain Crunch ice cream from Scoop DeVille are good places to start), then walk across the street to Independence Mall, where ample green space affords a comfortable picnic spot in full view of Independence Hall.

The afternoon offers a chance to walk through American history in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, which abounds with sites from the time of the American Revolution. Some can’t-miss stops in what’s been called “America’s most historic square mile” include the open-air President’s House, where George Washington and John Adams served as president — and where nine enslaved people lived and worked during Washington’s time in office; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington Square; the singular Merchants’ Exchange Building. And while the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are temporarily closed, guests can still catch a glimpse of the famous bell through a window on the east side of The Liberty Bell Center and get great views of the hall from lush Independence Square in the rear. (Bonus: Explore Welcome America’s  YouTube channel for virtual tours of The Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall.) Download the National Park Service’s Independence Mobile App and/or peruse our guide to all the sites in Independence National Historical Park for more.

After long days of debating the future of the colonies, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and others gathered at City Tavern for an early version of happy hour. Make like the Founding Fathers and sate your 21st-century appetite with hearty fare and beverages delivered by colonial-costumed servers at the recreated City Tavern, now seating guests outdoors in its verdant outdoor space. Pro tip: Yards Brewing Company’s Ales of the Revolution — based on recipes conceived by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington — make for a fine dinner pairing.

After a busy day of sightseeing and exploration, spend the night where American history was made. The diverse selection of hotels in Philadelphia’s Historic District includes boutique inns, big-brand chains, waterfront accommodations and invisible service. And all hotels are following guidelines from the city of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to ensure guests’ stays are safe and comfortable.

Greet the morning of day two with a meal from one of two Old City spots. If it’s a weekend, make a reservation for an outdoor table at High Street on Market, a James Beard Award-recognized restaurant offering fresh breads, a breakfast sandwich and pastries, as well as an assorted selection of soups, pasta and pizzas. Anxious to hit the road? High Street on Market offers takeout seven days a week, or you can swing by Old City’s Stripp’d Juice on your way out of the city. On the menu: organic, fresh-pressed juices made from locally sourced, non-GMO ingredients; açai bowls; brioche breakfast egg sandwich; and chipotle guac toast.

At Valley Forge National Historical Park, located about a 35-minute drive northwest of Center City, visitors travel back in time to the harrowing 1777-1778 winter encampment of George Washington’s Continental Army. Woodlands, streams, meadows, monuments and 26 miles of trails commemorate the sacrifice and transformation of the Continental Army during these pivotal six months of the Revolutionary War. Three must-visit spots: the reconstructed log huts at the Muhlenberg Brigade Area; the iconic National Memorial Arch; and the moving Patriots of African Descent Monument. Guests who’d like to stick closer to the car (and the air conditioning) can use the park’s official 60-minute audio tour, available to stream or on CD. A final note: Some on-site locations may be temporarily closed to COVID-19.

Marching orders dictate that it’s time for rations at Malvern’s General Warren Inne, a short 15-minute drive southwest of Valley Forge. Fine dining or casual lite fare await diners in the circa-1745 building. (That’s 31 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed, for the record.) Choose to sit indoors or outdoors, read up on the site’s fascinating 275-year history and enjoy.

On September 11, 1777 (several weeks before the aforementioned Battle of Germantown), 30,000 American and British soldiers faced off here in the largest land battle of the American Revolution. Despite being led by a who’s who of the Continental Army — Washington, Wayne, Lafayette, Knox and others — the Americans suffered a major blow. While the site’s historic houses are temporarily closed due to COVID-19, guests can freely explore the battlefield with the help of the site’s audio tour and/or this self-guided tour.

Toast to your newly found expertise in late 18th-century American history at Chaddsford Winery, a short seven-minute drive from Brandywine Battlefield Park. The winery’s owners turned an 18th-century barn into a premium wine operation in 1982, eventually expanding to their current 30,000-cases-a-year output of dry reds and whites, as well as sweet seasonal favorites. Set amid the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley, the Delaware County winery currently offers outdoor seating from which to enjoy wine by the glass and bottle; Pennsylvania craft beer; and frozen wine slushies and popsicles, as well as food from a rotating cast of food trucks. (Don’t forget to choose someone from your party to be the designated driver.)

It’s time to settle in for the night — and two options await. Drive southwest 15 minutes to find Kennett Square, the “Mushroom Capital of the World” (seriously!), with both big-brand hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts. Or drive 20 minutes north to find West Chester, a quaint Brandywine Valley town that exudes an energetic, young vibe in its bustling downtown area, where casual eateries, cute shops and myriad accommodations line the streets.

After two (very) full days, you’ve still barely scratched the surface of the Philadelphia region’s Revolutionary-era history. Explore our Historic American Revolution Trail of Greater Philadelphia for a comprehensive guide to 35 key sites and landmarks throughout Philadelphia and the Countryside. Note that some attractions remain temporarily closed due to COVID-19; check ahead with each attraction before visiting.