Philly day 5: Happy 4th!!!

Hi everyone, and happy 4th of July!!! We went out for breakfast then headed over to Longwood Gardens to tour the incredible 1,077 acres of amazing gardens. Wow, you will not be disappointed.

http://www.longwoodgardens.org/History_1_3_2_1.html

The land was purchased from William Penn in 1700 by a Quaker family named Peirce. An arboretum was planted on the lands. In 1906, Pierre du Pont purchased it in order to preserve the trees. The lands were cultivated to the gardens seen today from 1906 through the 1930's. In 1946, the lands were turned over to a foundation, and in 1954, following du Pont's death, a director was hired to run it.

There is an open air theater, a conservatory, a tower overlooking a beautiful waterfall, a restaurant with casual and fine dining, as well as the large residence once occupied by the du Pont family. All are open for tour now. The home chronicles the history of the land, and is occupied by several cats (which didn't make their presence known to us, sadly.)

In 1907, Pierre started building the 400 foot flower walk. He had no master plan, but built out the gardens when inspiration hit. Following trips to Europe he built out an Italian water garden, including over a dozen fountains, lilly pad lakes, rose gardens and a topiary garden. There are several areas with fountains, and the 4-acre conservatory showcases thousands of plants from around the world. This is truly a horticultural masterpiece showcasing a great love. For the kid in you, there are several tree houses and two children's gardens Tours are offered, and this property offers continuing education classes to carry on the traditions of horticulture and to cultivate a love of it. The passion that led to the construction of this masterpiece is clear with every step.

It was quite hot and muggy, but we did enjoy this place for a while. We headed to lunch at the Pub, a large restaurant with a medieval theme and large portions, for an early dinner then back to the house to cool off a bit.

We headed out to see some fireworks as I was not about to miss them on the 4th! It took around 35 minutes to get there, and the fireworks sure didn't last that long! It was kind of funny.. by the time I got my camera set up to record them, they were over! Oops. Well, we tried. We headed home and watched the Philadelphia ones on the Museum of Art's steps and the NYC ones on the tv!

Heading to the airport to return home today. It's been such a great trip! I enjoyed visiting with my friends and family and seeing the sites of the city and the surrounding countryside. Hot and muggy aside, it's been a really wonderful trip! I can't wait to do it again! S