Vacation 2016, Hot Town, Summer in the City

Today we started with donuts and a bit of soccer at the Independence Mall before our timed ticket allowed us to tour Independence Hall.

It's a good thing Ava had read all about the Declaration of Independence as our park ranger's Philly accent was pretty tough to understand.



We also checked out the Liberty Bell and got a picture after rude people kept getting in our way, and almost knocked Ava down. 

We had an early lunch of Colonial favorites at City Tavern, which originally opened in 1773.  Fortunately, it had modern day air-conditioning.

 

After lunch we visited the Betsy Ross house, where she may or may not have lived, and may or may not have created the stars and stripes.  

We then trudged through the heat to Elfreth's Alley, America's oldest continuously habited residential street, dating to 1707.

We then walked a few more blocks for an ice cream stop at the Franklin Fountain, a cash-only establishment, leaving us with only $1 to our name.  Chris also spilled much of his blueberry ice cream (part of which is seen below) all over his clothes, but saved it from falling on the ground.

Next up was a visit to the U.S. Mint where much of the nation's coins are minted.  As the many signs told us, no photos were allowed inside. 

We made a quick stop back at the visitor's center for goofy pictures and a visit to the gift shop. 

Walking back to our hotel, we stopped by the Reading Terminal Market and City Hall before Ava had another go at the fountain.

Ava enjoyed her cheesesteak dinner (she opted for "American witout") and a mellow evening as we prepare to see friends in Delaware tomorrow.