Sample Itineraries
African American Itinerary
DAY 1
Morning: Visit the National Constitution Center's "Freedom Rising" production, the Liberty Bell and The President's House in Historic Philadelphia. The President's House appropriately commemorates the enslaved Africans who lived and worked at the site of the nations first White House under President George Washington.
Lunch: Dine at your choice of restaurants in Reading Terminal Market, an authentic farmer's market, to discover tantalizing dishes featuring selections from Oprah's favorite soulfood to cheesesteaks.
Afternoon: Take a tour of the Philadelphia Doll Museum, the only museum in the nation that showcases an impressive collection of black dolls throughout history.
Dinner and Music: Relax and feel the cool sounds of blues and soca as you dine on Caribbean influenced cuisine at WarmDaddy's restaurant or Ms. Tootsie's, voted "Best Soulfood" by Black Enterprise Magazine.
DAY 2
Morning: Take a self-guided walking or driving tour focusing on African-American history and culture. Points of interest include: The African American Museum in Philadelphia, the All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and the Philadelphia Museum of Art –the first major American museum designed by a black architect.
Lunch: Tour a fortune cookie factory, try bubble tea from a tea house and choose from more than 100 restaurants in Philadelphia's own Chinatown.
Afternoon: Take tour of the Johnson House in Germantown, an important station on the Underground Railroad. Then tour the homes of Paul Robeson, one of America's greatest heroes, singers, actors, athletes and activists; and Marian Anderson, world-renowned contralto concert singer.
Dinner: Save room for a plate of Philadelphia flavor. South Street and West Philadelphia are full of eateries serving Senegalese fare, communal dishes in the Ethiopian and Eritrean tradition, and tasteful curries.
Evening: Enjoy a world-renowned performance at the Freedom Theatre or one by Philadanco, at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
DAY 3
Morning: Attend service and tour the lower level museum of Mother Bethel A.M.E Church – the birthplace of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church sits on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans.
Lunch: Explore your discount shopping options, dine at the food court in Franklin Mills Mall, a landmark outlet mall with more than 200 stores.
Afternoon: Spend some time shopping at Franklin Mills' outlets (there's no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Pennsylvania).
Dinner/Evening: Dine on eclectic cuisine at a hip and lively restaurant on South Street or enjoy a relaxing meal on Main Street in Manayunk, or you can let the spirit move you by taking in a live performance on a gospel cruise located on the Spirit of Philadelphia.
