Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 5248 FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2016 Next time VACAY from Peterborough Airport! ‘Like’ us on facebook MARLIN TRAVEL PORT PERRY Marlin Travel is your local agent for Stewart Tours. 2017 Departures include New York City, Charleston, Quebec City and more. Ask us for details. 158 Casimir Street, Port Perry 905-985-2268 • virginia.frew@marlintravel.ca MC TICO #4577532 Jonathan van Bilsen is a photographer, author and columnist and can be followed at photosNtravel.com One of the ‘must see’ attractions is Independence Hall, the place where it all began. Here you are guided through the courtroom, where many a trial has taken place as well as the Assembly Room, where George Wash- ington’s “Rising Sun” chair sits stately at the back of the room. You can see the chairs where Benjamin Frank- lin and John Adams sat and it is almost as if you can hear them argu- ing about the constitu- tion of the newly formed country (very little has changed). The room where the constitution was signed is also part of the tour, and if you are lucky, you will be escorted to the second floor (dependant on the size of the group) to see the Governor’s Council Chambers and the Long Gallery. There is also the Committee Room, where many of the breakout sessions took place. The Hall was built in 1732, and in 1776 the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Indepen- dence within its walls.The history is deep and interesting, and the guides do an excellent job of bringing all the historical elements to life. The only way to see Independence Hall is through a guided tour, which is offered at no charge. Tickets how- ever, must be ordered in advance or picked up at the visitor centre the day of your tour. Tickets are free but do specify the time of your tour. It is best to organize that on line before you go. Another historical spot is the Liberty Bell, complete with crack. It seemed smaller than I expected, but interest- ing none the less. The famous crack is clearly visible, and there is a large hall leading up to the bell, which is filled with information about its construction and use. There are many museums and churches worth a visit, and if you go on the fourth of July, as I did, you will be for- tunate to see the big parade. If shopping is your thing there is a huge Macy’s as well as a C21 right downtown. The old City Hall is an architectural marvel and well worth the visit, and while you are walking you may want to take in China Town and the birthplace of Betsy Ross, originator of the US flag. You can even have your picture taken with the statue of Rocky Balboa, located just out- side the Philadelphia Museum of Art, on the ‘Rocky Steps’. All in all, Philadelphia and the sur- rounding area make a pleasant visit, experiencing history and culture. Just be sure to avoid any political conventions during your visit. Philadelphia (continued from page 47) Independence Hall - the place where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution was adopted. The chance to enjoy the Amish countryside in Lanark County makes it worth driving to Philadelphia.