Like Sunday, we awoke to a seasonably sunny day with daytime highs expected to reach 10-12 degrees Celsius. I found the temperature and circulation of air, even in downtown Philadelphia, refreshing. It seemed everyone was on the move in anticipation of spring. We strolled through the China Town Area of Philly on our way to the National Constitution Center. China Town in Philly is a thriving, busy and colourful neighbourhood.

We arrived at opening to tour the National Constitution Center, where we purchased four Philadelphia CityPass booklets. the CityPass in Philly gives access to five city attractions, including the Constitution Center, at about 40% cost savings of actual price. We've used them in Toronto, New York and Chicago with great success (limits time in line-ups, less handling of cash, keeps us organized).

Upon entry, we began a visit that was divided into two distinct segments. Firstly, we were treated to a one person play, Freedom Rising, that reviewed early American constitutional efforts on to present day, through speech, video/image, and lights. It was well done and set the tone for the next part of the tour, the exhibit space. The second portion was quite hands on and used text and technology to share how America has grown since the original constitution, amending and continuously examining how the country governs. Of note, Monica and I were most impressed with a conversation we had with a guide on how Americans gained the right to counsel before the law, secured through a Supreme Court case spirited by a nearly illiterate drifter/petty theif/convict Clarence E. Gideon. Excellent story of how one person can affect change.

At the end of the exhibits, one enters Signer's Hall, a room furnished with life size, accurate statues of those that attended the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors are welcome to move within the figures and get a "sense" of the faces of the nation in their day. George Washington was tall, and must have been a physically imposing partner in any room. I liked the Franklin statue, the sage sitting and keeping watch over a country in the making.

On this day we broke with tradition and used our passes to gain Hop-on / Hop-off access to the Phila Trolley & The Big Bus tour of the city.  We'd seen the tours in most of the larger cities we've visited, but never jumped at the offer. Situated at the open top of the double decker bus, we set out with our witty Philly tour guide to prowl the city.  Early stops included Betsy Ross House, so called home of the creator of the American Flag, and Elfreth's Alley, America's oldest street. The bus traversed the city, from monument to attraction.  Great views and, although a bit "fresh" in the spring air and having to duck from the bare branches, a pretty cool tour.  Kids loved it and especially followed the ruminations of our guide... Reminded both Janie and I of how "telling stories" stays relevant.

Our destination on the bus tour was to the attraction located the furthest distance from our accommodation... Philadelphia Zoo.  We used our CityPass to enter the zoo and found ourselves quickly on our way.  Lots of construction and renovations being implemented on the grounds, looking as though they were targeting some summer openings. We enjoyed the visit, and although there was nothing remarkable about the presentation and animals, it was fun.  Good section on Big Cats and the Polar Bear exhibit would have been excellent with some livelier animals.  We usually see zoos in the early am, when animals always seem more alert.  That being said, not everyday does one sit next to a Bengal Tiger, stare at a Giraffe or listen to the expectant howl of a peacock.  Worth the stop for sure!

After the zoo, we caught the remainder of the Philly Bus tour, with a different guide, around Fairmont Park and back into the city. The tour helped me locate the rest of the attractions I had planned for the rest of the trip. I think we'd do this type of tour again given the chance... And doing it as part of the CityPass seemed an economical way to try.

Now, it seems that Peter and Monica, somewhere along the way, have become Hard Rock Cafe fans. After ogling it from the bus tour, I knew we'd be on the hook for it before leaving the city. So, at mid-afternoon we dawned its doors and blew the days budget on a meal. Food was good, and everyone toured the building examining the many artifacts suspended in every free segment of wall space. Totally full, we resumed our walk.

While passing the Civil War monuments of MacLellan and Reynolds in front of City Hall, we were struck by a commotion in JFK Square, or commonly Love Park (so named after the LOVE monument set in the park Center). Low and behold they were in full fledge St Paddy's Day mode, with open drinking in the park and Parade rounding the corner. After taking in some of the festivities, we settled on heading back to our room and relaxing for the evening. All hands were feeling the effects of two big driving days and two full days of attractions. We set our evening sights on some swimming in the hotel pool and vegging in front of some senseless cable... Snacks reigned supreme!