I had two full day’s to explore Philadelphia with my mom, one of brother and his kids and some of their friends. I had previously never thought much about Philadelphia except when watching National Treasures or eating a Philly Cheesesteak. But other than that the city never really crossed my mind.
Now that I have had a taste of the history and the thriving newer culture as well as the mouthwatering food, I would truly love to go back and dive more into it for a longer period of time. I will say that it is an industrial city so the smog is heavy and the majority of the city could be considered dirty. But thats most major cities so this is no different.
As you drive though the streets of Philadelphia, you will notice there is an abundant amount of murals across many buildings. This has been going on since the 1980’s when the graffiti writers were at an all time high and the city was more than done with seeing it all. Underage teenagers could no longer legally buy spray paint so Jane Golden, the founder and director of Mural Arts Philadelphia encouraged these young people to pick up a paint brush and learn mural work rather than graffiti. Thats why the majority of the murals are not defaced with graffiti now days because there is a respect between both kinds of artists.
Philadelphia Historic Site’s
Independence Hall
Is open 9-5 and currently doesn’t require tickets. Its first come first serve. Tours begin every 15 minutes. You will have a well versed historical Park Ranger talk all about the history of Independence Hall, the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and how it forever shaped our world.
This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed!
The Liberty Bell Center
Is open 9-5 with no tickets required. Only 20 people are allowed in at one time. The building is small but the bell is big! But maybe not as big as some might think. If you only have a short amount of time, I would personally not recommend waiting in line to see the bell unless you have a real desire too see it.
The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in the background
The Presidents House
Here you can see the site where George Washington and John Adams lived. This is also now a commemoration for enslaved people. It is an open air Historical site that is open 24/7 and is within walking distance of Liberty Bell Center.
Penn’s Landing
Here you can see ships of all shapes and sizes. It was just a bit after 7am when we visited with coffee in hand and the cold breeze from the river sending shivers through our bodies. It was a lovely morning! The walk to Penn’s Landing is beautiful and there is a lot of historical buildings to see along the way. And the SeaPort Museum is right there on the river as well!
Historical District
There is so much history around every corner! Getting a map is important so you don’t miss anything! But there is an online suggestion trail if you would like to follow that here. But I would encourage you to take time to stop and see places like Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church, and the Franklin Court Printing Office.
Philadelphia Eateries
Now lets talk about something we all love…FOOD! If I had more time I would have likely gotten multiple meals or snacks from all sorts of vendors!
The Bourse Food Hall
This artisan shopping and food market is a must! This 105 year old Victorian historic building is as unique on the outside as it is in the inside! Here you can find food from all over the world. Walking through the market with all the different mouthwatering aromas will make you 10x hungrier than you were before you walked in. Take time to walk around and try different things but know that every place has a decently long line.
This lovely gentleman made me my first Philly cheesesteak in Philly! And it was tasty!
Reading Terminal Market
Want to talk about a maze! This market is quite large with all sorts of goodies available with every step you take! There is even an interactive map so you don’t get too lost. We did not get to explore for very long because it was closing within half an hour of us getting there. its opened 8am-6pm.
Pat and Geno’s War on Philly Cheese Steaks
This rivalry is known by just about anyone who comes to Philadelphia or anyone who enjoy’s food tv shows. For those who don’t know, Pat’s came first making their debut in 1930 with the first ever Philly cheesesteak. 36 years later Geno’s built their shop directly across the street and claimed they are now the masters of the cheesesteak. So who’s is better? Thats for you to decide! Both are always PACKED! Make sure you don’t come too hungry because you will be here awhile between trying to find parking and standing in each line. If you are traveling with someone then tag team it each get one from each. Good tip to know is they only take cash! And having exact cash is easiest and faster.
This interactive science and educational experience is outstanding! Open 10-5 on weekdays and 10-6 on weekends. $23 per adult, $19 per child, Military and senior are $21.
Here you can watch live science experiment shows, explore a giant heart, gaze upon the stars in the planetarium, use your body to complete an electrical circuit, and even witness the striking of lighting up close!
This family fun filled institution is a gold mine for kids and adults!
The picture on the left is a playground for the kids to play in the “brain” and the picture on the right is what your brain looks like.
If you get a chance to explore Philadelphia like I did, let me know your favorite place or thing you got to experience and if there is something I need to explore next time myself!
Delight yourself in something new! Until next time friends! Dass
Ice Castle is a beautiful winter wonderland! Thousands of icicles created by professionals and lit with LED lights all through out the castle will have you gasping in awe! The Ice Castle here in Dillon is only open from late December until early March due to melting of the ice.
This icy fortress is created with 20 million pounds of ice! Daily they are making thousand more icicles.
Only about an hour and a half drive from Denver. It could easily be a day trip if you are staying in the Denver area.
Locations
They currently have four locations.
Lincoln New Hampshire
Lake Geneva Wisconsin
Midway Utah
Dillon Colorado.
I will be talking about my experience at the Dillon location.
Dillon
Dillon is close to Frisco, Silverthorne and Breckenridge all are located in Summit County which is a beautiful area to spend a winter vacation in with loads of other activities available!
Prices
Adults Weekday $17.99
Adults Weekends $22.99
Children Weekday $12.99
Children Weekends $17.99
You can buy tickets from the official Ice Castle website
When To Visit
You can visit in the day where its a bit warmer and you can see the ice castle better in more natural lighting. As well as doing daytime activities. At night though is when the castle is lit up with all the beautiful colorful lights. So its a personal preference or what works best for you.
Parking
Dillon Town Park offers parking for the Ice Castles. And there is a large parking lot just off of Buffalo Drive. Also there is parking near Town Hall which is within walking distance as well.
What to bring
Make sure you wear warm clothes. And wear boots! My mistake was that I did not wear waterproof boots or snow boots and ended up soaking my feet from the slush within the castle.
If you have small children, bring a sled to pull them around in instead of a stroller, it will make your life much easier. They do have areas for kids to slide on ice slides and thrones for little kings or queens to sit upon for a cute snapshot! So make sure you have your camera ready.
Need To Know
Re-entry is not allowed. Make sure you and your kids use the restroom and fill your tummy with food and drinks before coming into the attraction.
No outside food or beverage is allowed so please plan ahead and go get some hot chocolate afterwards!
If you are wanting to enjoy a nice meal before or after check out my other article on some of my personal favorite places to eat at around Summit County here.
These are the restaurant’s I consider to be the best places to eat in Summit County Colorado. Just from my own experience, memories and preferences. I have plenty other restaurants that I need to delve into but haven’t had the chance yet.
Best Places To Eat In Silverthorne
Sauce On The Blue
This Italian restaurant is a bit higher priced Italian but the quality of the food speaks for its self.
You can dine in their lovely yurts which is a neat experience within itself or even outside on their patio.
Their food is fresh and they have a good size wine list as well as a full bar with multitude of spirits to create whatever mix drink you desire.
They have a well rounded menu no matter what you are craving. Its a nice spot for a romantic evening with your partner and can be elegant enough to dress up for dinner but also casual enough you would be fine in jeans and a t-shirt.
Like I said this is more expensive restaurant, and the food prices can be divided between single or family meal prices. But you are looking between $22-$40 depending on the item. Website here Menu here Location
The Bakers Brewery
Fresh quality food and Summit Craft beers from scratch.
Their menu is subject to change but the quality of food is always fantastic!
The first time visiting for me I had some amazing pesto noodles with chicken! Unfortunately they did not have that on the menu the next time I visited. But every time I’ve been back I’ve never been disappointed.
Friendly atmosphere. And we’ll priced food for great quality.
They have 3 beer awards and have their beer in 5 different bars!
This restaurant is by far my favorite! Possibly because I have great memories here with my parents and how we always make it a point to eat their mouth watering French onion soup!
They have amazing burgers as well as French fries. They used to have really good ranch but the last time I visited they had changed their ranch recipe.
Also their mountain man Mac and cheese is to die for! Warm melty gooey goodness.
They have a multitude of lagers and ales they brew in house.
They have beers flavored after Palisade peaches and even some beers distilled in whiskey barrels. All sorts of flavors you are able to taste.
The most expensive item here is a New York strip for $27. Other wise nothing exceeds $15 per item.
This casual arcade bar and restaurant is a must go if you’re looking for a fun relaxing evening.
They have 25 flat screens, 27 arcade games, 30 beers on tap and 48 beers in a bottle.
Its kid friendly and gluten friendly!
Plenty of booths to sit with your friends and family and enjoy the environment or play games while waiting on your food. Customer service is great and friendly and the food is wonderful with another well rounded menu!
The most expensive item is a large pizza for $23. Other than that your range will likely stay between $10-$13 individual item.
Is a welcoming environment that give you large portions of amazing comfort food meals. It is kid friendly and late nigh pub grub friendly as well!
Legend has it Ollie was a lumberjack who milled wood for the growing mining town of Breckinridge. But to feed his men he built his tavern with hospitality and homemade food that he called “pub & grub”. This restaurant still has the same spirit the legendary Ollie did during his time as well.
I personally built my own Mac n cheese that was delicious and delightful I must say! They have great wings and burgers as well!
Theres nothing on their menu that exceeds $16 individually
This unique restaurant with homemade recipes, joyful workers and lively atmosphere will makes you feel all warm and happy inside and out! Just like being part of the family.
Summit County is a great area to delve into all different restaurants with amazing flavors no matter your preference or budget. Next time I plan to spend more time in Breckinridge area because they do have a lot of options. Maybe I should do a restaurant crawl! What do you all think? If you have any suggestions on restaurants I should try out please leave a comment and let me know! Until next time! -Dass
This is me, just a 25yr female who has a free spirit and a wandering heart. I’ve never felt at home in a single place but more so in the moments that turn into memories. In the laughter of children and the late night emotional talks with family and the early morning adventures that turn into late night shenanigans with friends. That’s where my home is. My mind thrives on creating things. I’ve been a photographer for several years now doing all different types of photography. I also enjoy making art with water colors, acrylics and ink. As well as journaling, poetry and videography. I feel stifled if I’m not creating something.
Things Needed To Change
From Summer 2016 to spring 2019 I lived in Colorado. During the first two years I was suffocating myself and my creativity. I worked myself nearly constantly and surrounded myself with people who smothered my growth. And I asked myself is this me? Is this where I want to be? It wasn’t until the spring of 2018 when I made some personal changes to my life and a list of places I had to go that year, no matter what. So I did this crazy thing…I actually did it! I went to over 20 different places and got to see and experience so much! From Dinosaur National Monument Utah to Malibu California and even to the ice castles in Dillion Colorado. With many many places in between! After I traveled to the last place on my list and checked it off I felt… melancholy because it was over but at the same time I felt overjoyed that I actually followed through with it! So starting 2019 off I had a whole other list of places I would go! And this list took me all the way to Europe where I explored 7 countries in 16 days!
You can do it!
Most people don’t believe they will ever make enough money to go and see the world but it’s very simple, if you put your mind to it, you can do it. If you don’t buy that 3$ cup of coffee every morning 365 days a year that saves you over 1,000$. Or if you don’t buy that candy bar and soda in the check outline that probably rounds up to almost 1,000$ as well! If you put those dollar bills into a jar somewhere out of sight then it will be out of mind and the money just keeps growing and you’ll have enough to go see those beautiful waterfall in Peru or see those bears in Alaska. Obviously I know we all have bills and debt we have to pay, but focusing on paying such things off has to be a priority.
Whats Your Priority?
You have to deliberately make your future a priority. You have to teach yourself to be better than your “right here right now” desires. Those desires won’t mean anything to you in a year or even five months! But if you hold off and you start saving then all your dreams can turn into plans and become reality. And those memories will last a life time! Thats a guarantee. But I’m also not telling you this because its “easy” because its the opposite of that, actually. But as someone who has done it and is working even more on it as we speak, I know it can be done.
Book suggestions
The Compound Effect Is a brilliant book that will show you how to start making the life you desire. By far one of my favorite books that I will re-read over and over. You can use this book in so many aspects of your life.
Dave Ramsey has quite a lot of books or podcasts that will teach you how to start your financial freedom journey.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad Another great book that gives you a different perspective on money and time.
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day This book will let you see first hand how people drop everything and travel! Matt Kepnes is a great writer. You should also follow his blog if you haven’t already!
In Conclusion
It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you live or what season of life you are in, if you want to do something you just gotta keep your head up and do it! Surround yourself with positive people and people who will push you to become a better version of yourself. Even if there are people who tell you that you’ll fail, you just have to prove them wrong! Its their own insecurities speaking for themselves and really doesn’t have anything to do with your own ability.
So yeah, this is me! Who are you? Who do you want to become? How will you start? No matter what, keep working towards your dream! I have faith in you.
Where is your number one place you’d want to visit in 2021? Until next time!
Dinosaur National Monument Is 210,844 acres spread across both Utah and Colorado. Founded in 1915. In 1909 Earl Douglass came across a tailbone of an Apatosaurus in the middle of the Utah desert! Wow wouldn’t that be a sight to stumble upon? After that he set up his life here practicing his Paleontology and for that we get to enjoy these amazing sites! Keep in mind that there are only dinosaur fossils on the Utah side of the monument and not the Colorado side.
How To Get There?
Only a 30 minute drive from Vernal Utah to the Visitors Center. There are plenty of hotels and Airbnb in the area if you’d like to stay! Otherwise you have plenty of camping options as well!
Camping In Dinosaur National Monument
Gates of Lodore -$10 in peak season. $6 in off season. 19 sites.
Echo Park – 15$ for groups $10 for regular/walk-ins. and $6 during off season. 22 and 1 group site.
Deerlodge Park – $10 in peak season. $6 in off season. 7 sites.
Split Mountain – $40 during peak season. $6 during off season. 4 sites.
Green River – $18 regular. 79 sites.
And Rainbow Park $6 open all year. 4 sites.
Quarry Exhibit Hall
This historic fossil bone quarry covered by a building is one of a kind! You can get up close and personal with dinosaurs that have been in the same fossil bed since the day they died. Thats weird to think about isn’t it? There are over a thousand dinosaur bones in this two story tall wall. You do have the opportunity to be on the floor level and the second level to see these bones from all different angles.
Also there are interactive things for the kids to do as well as multiple Park Rangers on site to answer any questions you may have!
Fossil Discovery Trail
This short hike (1.2 miles) where you can walk where dinosaurs roamed and see fossilized bones in the canyon walls! Its a nice hike for kids just know that there are some steep and uneven parts to the trail so keep a hand on your children!
Boating & Rafting
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to delve more into this National Monument then this will be up your alley! They offer guided trips through the canyons! But if you’re experienced then you can apply for a permit to do it with out a guide. If you’re looking for single day trips or multi-day trips then check out Dinosaur Adrift.
Harpers Corner
This is a beautiful scenic drive with multiple places to pull off and hike or picnic! You get close to the sheer drop off cliffs with beautiful views but make sure you have your child’s hand!
Keep In Mind
Pets are allowed at the park but not allowed in any public building, on the river, backcountry or several hiking trails. Collecting any plants, rocks or objects of any kind is not allowed.
Enjoy!
There isn’t much shade so make sure to bring sunscreen, water and hats!
No matter if you enjoy history, dinosaurs, nature, or adventure this is a place for you and your family to enjoy!
Let me know if you get to visit this unique park! And if you already have been here, leave a comment below and let me know if I left anything out!
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