Your Guide to Philadelphia, Home of Dental Solutions Market Street

History of Philadelphia

The earliest settlers of what would become Philadelphia were the Lenape people, who lived along the Delaware River. The city of Philadelphia was founded in 1682, not long after the creation of the colony of Pennsylvania, by William Penn, who signed a peace treaty with the Lenape. Penn's goal was to establish a place where anyone of any faith could be free to live as they wished, and this atmosphere of tolerance helped Philadelphia rapidly grow into one of the most prominent cities in the colonies. One of the largest contributors to the city's progress was Benjamin Franklin, who published his own newspaper here as well as Poor Richard's Almanack. He also founded the city's first hospital, library, and fire department, among the first in the colonies.

As the largest American city, Philadelphia would also go on to take a pivotal role in the birth of our nation. The city was the meeting place of the Continental Congress, and it was here, in what is now called Independence Hall, that the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. The Articles of Confederation were adopted in Philadelphia in 1777, and a decade later, the Constitutional Convention met here to ratify the Constitution. Philadelphia also served as the nation's capital from 1790 to 1800, while Washington, D.C., was being built.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Philadelphia transitioned into an industrial powerhouse, becoming a hub for manufacturing, trade, and innovation. The city's population boomed as immigrants arrived, contributing to its diverse culture. The 20th century brought challenges, including economic downturns and social changes, but also significant growth in education and health care with institutions like the University of Pennsylvania. As the 21st century began, the city saw a period of revitalization, embracing its rich history, arts scene, and new industries and transforming into a vibrant, modern urban center known for its blend of history, culture, and community spirit.

Typical Weather

Philadelphia has a typical mid-Atlantic climate with all four seasons. In the summer in Philadelphia, the weather can be hot and humid, with temperatures in the high 80s. Winters are fairly mild here; the temperature in Philadelphia rarely falls below the 30s, and snowfall tends to be light. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage, so these seasons are particularly good times of year to come and explore the city's many attractions.

Attractions

If you're looking for things to do in Philadelphia, there's no shortage of options, especially if you're into American history. Many people flock to this city to see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Museum of the American Revolution, but you might also want to take the time to check out the National Constitution Center, the United States Mint, and the Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence (right up the block from our office!).

Lovers of art and culture will also find plenty of fun things to do in Philadelphia. Inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you'll find famous works by Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, Marcel Duchamp, and many more, and out front, you'll find the famous "Rocky steps," complete with a statue of this famous film character: Take a picture with the statue, then run up the steps just like he did and take your own triumphant photo at the top! Art lovers should also check out the collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works at the Barnes Foundation. You might also want to take a stroll through John F. Kennedy Plaza, commonly known as "Love Park," to see the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana.

Looking for something to do with the kids? They're sure to enjoy the fun science exhibits at the Franklin Institute or the fascinating animals at the Philadelphia Zoo, the nation's oldest zoo. You could also take them to explore Fairmount Park, the largest park in the city.

Where to Eat

When you think "food" and "Philadelphia", you probably think "cheesesteak," and there's a good reason for that: If you've never had a Philly cheesesteak, you're missing out. The most famous places to get one are Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, which are right across from each other at the corner of East Passyunk Avenue and South Ninth Street. But there are plenty of other great cheesesteak places throughout the city, and if you ask six different locals where the best one is, you're likely to get six different answers. Another tasty treat you'll find all over Philadelphia is pretzels: The city is known for its amazing soft pretzels, too, so if you're looking for a quick snack, you'll find some great ones at places like Center City Pretzel Co. and A&A Soft Pretzels.

Of course, great food in Philadelphia isn't limited to greasy, salty foods eaten from a paper wrapper (though those are delicious). If you're looking for a nice, sit-down meal, the best restaurants in Philadelphia are sure to have whatever you're craving. Splurge on dinner at a top-rated restaurant like Jansen, enjoy some authentic Mexican cuisine at Cantina la Martina, explore the menu of Thai specialties at Kalaya, or just sit down for a beer or a cocktail at a great bar in Philadelphia like Next of Kin or Midnight & The Wicked. No matter what you choose, you can't go wrong!

Where to Stay

Since it's a pretty big city, there are plenty of hotels in Philadelphia, so you'll always be able to find a place to stay here. There are plenty of chain places, of course, from the Four Seasons to the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, but you could also treat yourself to a stay at The Rittenhouse, a five-star hotel in Center City, or the Alexander Inn, a boutique hotel within walking distance of many top attractions.

Where to Find Dental Care Services in Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love has it all, from great attractions and rich history to incredible food, and at the heart of it all, you'll find Dental Solutions Market Street, just a block or two away from Philly's most famous sights in Center City. At our office, you'll get skilled and compassionate care from one of the top dentists in Philadelphia, and we'll work with you to make sure that you can get the dental care you need at an affordable price. We offer a full range of Philadelphia dental services, from routine cleanings and exams to fillings, dentures, braces, and Invisalign. We even provide sleep apnea treatment. Book an appointment online or call our office today!