History and culture can be found around every corner of Philadelphia and Valley Forge, and there are plenty of traditional and unusual ways for groups to experience the rich character. Following is a sampling of unique experiential tours.
Travel back in time—to 1778—and spend an exciting evening at the famed Valley Forge encampment to learn what nights were like for the Continental Army under the leadership of Gen. George Washington. Groups can start the three-hour summertime program, entitled Valley Forge: After Hours (610.783.1077; www.nps.gov/vafo), with dinner before checking in at Washington’s headquarters, then kick back around a campfire to hear some soldiers’ tales.
Visitors can also tap into the rich heritage of Valley Forge National Historical Park via cell phone tours (408.794.2820). The number gives dialers 24-hour access to various messages featuring historical facts, as well as voices and events that recall the winter encampment of the Continental Army. Pre-recorded prompts follow the auto tour and signs located at several park locations.
The Famous Criminals of Philadelphia Tour (215.525.1219; www.famouscriminalstour.com) is a 90-miute candlelight walking tour that leads participants around the alleys of the old part of town, as a guide narrates fascinating true crime stories from Philly’s colorful past.
The Philadelphia in the Movies Film Tour (215.922.1206; www.toursignup.com/movie) puts guests right on the spots where hits like The Sixth Sense, Rocky, Philadelphia, and Twelve Monkeys were created.
The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program (215.685.0754; www.muralarts.org ) began a couple of decades ago to combat urban graffiti and neighborhood blight. Graffiti writers were encouraged to redirect their energies to mural-making and develop their artistic skills. Groups can take advantage of behind the scenes, docent-led tours of the murals, filled with anecdotes and stories about the complex methods and costs of mural making.
