Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Yes, Philadelphia was the new nation’s capital from 1790 until 1800 when construction was completed on federal buildings in Washington, D.C. Philadelphia was the site of many historic firsts for the United States. The first Continental Congress was held here in 1774. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence here and the famous document was adopted here in 1776. The Constitution was drafted here in 1787.

The best place for general aviation pilots to fly to for a Philadelphia visit is Wings Field (LOM) in little Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Wings Field is an AOPA favorite because it is here that the founding members of the association formed what is now the largest general aviation association in the world—the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Throughout the year, Philadelphia is celebrating America’s birthday and the best place to start is at the Museum of the American Revolution where “The Declaration’s Journey” exhibition showcases how the American Declaration of Independence became one of the most influential political documents in modern history. The exhibition gathers some of the most important and rare documents, works of art, and artifacts from around the world that reflect the complex 250-year history and legacy of the Declaration of Independence, according to the museum.

“A Nation of Artists” showcases artists from around the country at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Fine Arts Center. There are exhibitions throughout the city called “52 Weeks of Firsts.” The First Bank of the United States will be open for the first time in 50 years. And if all this history is too much, you can always yell “Adrienne!” and run up the steps like Rocky; “RockyFest” also takes place all year in the City of Brotherly Love.