The Best Road Trip: From Ardencroft, Delaware to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Are you planning a scenic road trip with your family or friends? Why not consider driving from Ardencroft, Delaware to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? This drive offers a perfect combination of nature, history, and city life, making it the perfect getaway for weekends and holidays. Get ready for an exciting adventure as we jot down the top places to see along the way.

The Route: From Ardencroft, Delaware to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The route we have chosen for this road trip will take you through beautiful towns and historical sites before reaching Philadelphia. This route offers a combination of scenic highways and local roads, making it perfect for a leisurely drive.

Distance: 34 miles

Time: 45 minutes

Visit the Brandywine Valley

The Brandywine Valley is an excellent place to explore nature, history, and art all in one place. Located just outside of Wilmington, Delaware, it’s the perfect place to start your road trip. The valley has several attractions, including the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Longwood Gardens, and the Hagley Museum.

If you love art, don't miss visiting the Brandywine River Museum of Art, located on the banks of the Brandywine River. It’s world-renowned for its collection of American art, with an emphasis on the works of three generations of the Wyeth family. You will be charmed by the art and the scenic surroundings of the museum.

Longwood Gardens is another must-visit attraction in Brandywine Valley. It’s a 1,077-acre public garden with 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens. The place is beautiful year-round, but spring is especially breathtaking with the azaleas, tulips, and countless other flowers in bloom.

Hagley Museum is worth visiting if you are interested in Delaware's industrial history. The museum is built on the site of the original DuPont family gunpowder mill and has several exhibits throughout the site. It's a particularly great spot for kids.

Bike through Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good bike ride. Located in Philadelphia, Fairmount Park is not just one of the largest urban parks in the country but also one of the oldest.

The park has several hiking and biking trails, including Schuylkill River Trail, Wissahickon Valley Park, and Forbidden Drive. The Schuylkill River Trail stretches 130 miles along the Schuylkill River from Philadelphia to Schuylkill County, and there are plenty of great spots to stop and take in the beautiful scenery along the way.

Wissahickon Valley Park is another popular destination within the park that offers hiking trails through the woods and along the creek. Forbidden Drive, located at the park's edge, is also ideal for biking surrounded by stunning autumn scenery.

Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

When you think of Philadelphia, you probably think of two iconic symbols of American independence: the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Both are located in the Independence National Historical Park, which is a must-visit destination for history buffs.

The Liberty Bell was rung in the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, after the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Bell was ordered from London in 1751 to celebrate Pennsylvania’s 50-year anniversary, and it has since become one of America’s most cherished symbols of freedom and independence.

Independence Hall is another iconic destination within the park where you will be transported back in time to 1776. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. It's also where the U.S. Constitution was debated and signed in 1787. The Hall is open to the public on a limited basis, but it's worth a visit if you can make it work.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is popularly known as the "Rocky Steps" museum. This museum’s iconic entrance stairway was featured in the 1976 Best Picture film, "Rocky." Beyond the steps, it is one of the largest art museums in the country. The museum has an extensive collection of American art in addition to works of every medium from around the world.

The museum has over 240,000 works of art displayed in 200 gallery spaces that span over two miles, making it one of the largest art museums in the country. It's a must-visit destination for art lovers visiting Philadelphia.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary is a decommissioned prison that operated from 1829 to 1971. Known for being one of the most expensive and most extensive prisons in the world, it has now become a historic landmark and a popular destination for tourists.

Visitors can take a tour of the prison and learn about the life of the prisoners and the penitentiary era. The penitentiary is also home to several art installations and exhibits, including one by renowned Chinese artist and activist, Ai Weiwei.

Conclusion

A road trip from Ardencroft, Delaware to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the perfect excuse to get away from your daily routine and enjoy a unique adventure. The route is scenic and offers an array of historical and artistic attractions for everyone. Be sure to make the most of your trip by visiting the places we mentioned above and making unforgettable memories.