After much discussion and indecision, we decided to take a spring break road trip. In alignment with Ella's history curriculum we headed to Pennsylvania.
April 12, 2021
On the road. It's an eight and a half hour-ish trip from Cincinnati to Philadelphia. We made it in exactly ten hours with only three stops and three very patient and calm kids. Arrived at our clean and well-equipped rental and turned in for the evening.
April 13, 2021
From the home base of our city apartment, we set off on foot. We toured Independence Hall and got an unexpectedly massive lunch from the Famous Fourth Street Deli to eat at the apartment. After a nap - yeah vaca - we walked to Elfreth's Alley, Christ Church, Christ Church Burial Ground, and the Betsy Ross House.
April 14, 2021
We began the day with a visit to the Liberty Bell followed by the Todd House, then an 18th century garden, Carpenter Hall and the B. Free Franklin fully operational colonial US post office which was supposed to be open, but was closed. After a ramen noodle lunch and some down time at the apartment, we embarked on our most ambitious walk (2.5 miles) to Love Park, Philadelphia City Hall, and Reading Terminal Market. We got dinner at the market - Middle Eastern which is inevitable if you know us and our eating habits.
April 15, 2021
On our last morning in Philadelphia, we made a quick stop at Geno's and Pat's for the meat eaters among us who couldn't leave the city without a cheese steak. We got some of the wiggles out at a playground and then we drove into Amish country for the more laid back part of our vacation. We had some time to burn before checking into our farm house rental, so we stopped at petting zoo/country store.
April 16, 2021
While waiting for our friends to arrive, we made a quick trip to a goat dairy to buy some cheese where I had a lovely conversation with the Amish owner. I am always so thankful to connect with and learn from others who lives are markedly different from mine. After hearing that the man chooses his cheeses based on his mood, Ella asked him what cheese is best when he feels very sad. The answer just goes to show that we're more alike than different, "Any cheese works in that circumstance because it's a comfort food." We also stopped by an Amish bakery and got some sweet treats for brunch. Our friends arrived at the farm house around lunch time and we had no plans other than to relax and spend time together.
April 17, 2021
Another lazy day on the farm, so lazy, in fact, that we had ice cream for dinner. Movies, games, campfire, farm animals, walks, good food, along with the peaceful and lovely vistas of Lancaster County - who can ask for anything more?
April 18, 2021
Our last morning of vacation and we felt sad to be leaving and were dreading the long car ride home. After some coffee and hearty toast, we packed up and headed west. Thankfully, all five of us did great on the road and we arrived back home around 7:00 pm, glad that we took the leap to travel and to see friends. As we pulled into our street, Emilia exclaimed, "It's so beautiful. It's our Cincinnati."
*Planning the first stop of this trip mid-week and during the off season plus the Covid-related crowd restrictions really helped our family succeed with the sights in Philadelphia. We had no lines and front row access everywhere which allowed us to see a lot without a huge investment of time or stress. This is what we call another Covid silver lining.*
Love it! The girls are getting so big!
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