Things to see and do Pennsylvania

The 82 steps of the museum and the statue of Rocky (at the bottom of the steps, on the right side opposite the museum) are unmissable of a visit of Philadelphia. We scramble to take pictures in front of the famous (and fictive) boxer immortalized by Stallone in the saga eponymous and we climb the steps running as "the Italian standard" in the first of six films. The statue appeared in the 3 rd opus, and if originally it was (as in the film) at the top of the steps, it was moved to avoid too dangerous gatherings. This saga, which tells the story of a man full of ambition from the poor neighborhoods of Philadelphia becoming a successful boxer of success, has contributed greatly to raising awareness of the city internationally.

To organize the visit, we recommend a stop at the Visitor Center to take a map, inquire about special events or events of the day with Rangers and watch a documentary that tells the key moments of the Valley Forge camp. The small annex museum is well done and helps to understand the difficulties faced by people (including diseases) and even to weigh one of the guns that soldiers used.

The most important sites in the park are presented along a circuit that forms a ten-mile loop. The visit can be made by car, bicycle for athletes or by bus (pay guided tour). In the summer (June to late September), a free shuttle system is set up and stops at every point of interest. The shuttle runs continuously and passes every stop every 20 minutes.

Washington's Headquarters is certainly the highlight of the visit. Washington headquarters is located in the only stone house in the camp. However, space is not great and it must be imagined that 25 people lived here (counselors, his wife…). A little before the house on the trail, the 1913 Valley Forge Station was renovated and hosted an interesting exhibition on General Washington. A good introduction to understand the operation of the site (the headquarters and houses of elite soldiers) that can be seen as the Pentagon of the time. A little further, Washington Chapel is the perfect place to drink a refreshment or picnic.

3rd Street Gallery is an art gallery located in Philadelphia. Founded in 1978, it is run by artist members and features exhibitions by contemporary artists working in a variety of media. It is also open by appointment. You can support local artists by visiting the gallery and purchasing their work, or by becoming a member of the cooperative.

Point State Park is located at the confluence of three rivers, the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers gathered here to form the Ohio River. There is a large basin in which a 46 m high water jet is set, as well as the remains of two of the oldest buildings in the city, Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt, witnesses of the Conquest of Conquest, also known as French and Indian War, or "war against the French and Indians" (1754-1760). This North American war, which pitted the Kingdom of France and its American allies to the British Crown aided by the Iroquois, began in the region.

On 2 floors, the Fort Pitt Museum presents the history of the war against the French and Indians and the essential role of Western Pennsylvania in conquering the New World.

Industrial became millionaire before his thirty years thanks to his company in the exploitation of coke, Henry Clay Frick was a modern patron who spent 40 years of his life and a huge part of his money in the art collection: Bronze, Italian and French paintings, China's porcelain, etc. After his death, in 1919, her daughter Helen continued his work and expanded the family collection, much of which was exhibited at the museum. Highlight of the visit: Clayton, who was the main residence of the Frick from 1883 to 1905, before they settled in their homes on 5 th Avenue in New York. The sumptuous residence, where original works and furniture are exhibited, provides an excellent overview of the day-to-day life of the wealthy (many in the neighborhood, then dubbed Millionaire's Row). The museum café is pleasant and serves good dishes.

La Muse Gallery is an art gallery located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The gallery features a variety of exhibitions by local and international artists. La Muse Gallery is a must for art lovers in Philadelphia.

This funicular has been in operation since 1877. It now works on electricity and not on steam: that is the only difference. Park down at the Lower Station on Carson Street and within a few minutes on the edge of this engineering marvel, you can reach the panoramic point of Pittsburgh at the top of the wooded hills of Mount Washington, 120 metres high. The funicular was restored in 1963 and it is in the hand-carved carriages that you get to the people who borrow it to go to the office.

This museum preserves the late th-century quilts from Lancaster Amish. The region and its museum are much more famous than it appears in the textile environment. So notice to amateurs. Of the 82 pieces, 6 are exposed by rotation (with change every months). Before receiving these collections, the building housed a bank, the door of which is still there.

Closed to the public until further notice.

This house was built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950 s, at the request of a couple of Kaufmann friends of Fallingwater. Perfectly integrated into the landscape, it exudes a lot of serenity. Celebrated for its functional aspect, it is surprising to learn that the site was visited by Wright, only after the work largely undertaken. Very interesting for those who want to learn a little more about the concept of Usonian House, which means, for Wright, an affordable home, functional, with an important interaction between inside and outside. For those who wish to stay in the surroundings, you can sleep in another house made by Wright, Duncan House, converted into a luxury guesthouse since 2007.