The argument could be made that Philadelphia is the birthplace of the America. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was written, signed and read in 1776, and the Constitution would later be drafted and signed in the same building. A trip to Philadelphia is a great way for kids (and adults who have been away from a classroom for decades) to learn more about how a handful of British colonies came to be the United States of America.

Carpenters’ Hall – The Very Beginning

Although many guidebooks will direct visitors to start their trip at Independence National Park, the events that took place there would not have been possible without the gatherings held in the middle of the night at Carpenter’s Hall. In this building, the would-be founders came together in secret to discuss things like liberty and treason, risking their lives to do so.

Independence Hall

Once you’ve gotten an appreciation for what was risked, it’s time to learn more about how and where our version of democracy came to be. Independence Hall is free to tour, but timed tickets must be picked up at the Independence Hall Visitors’ Center. The ticketed tour will take you through the building where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. Although much of the furniture in the room has no historical significance other than looking like it belongs, you can see the chair in which General George Washington sat when he presided over the negotiations that would result in our Constitution.

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Summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean that road trips need to take a backseat. See what I did there? I know, clever.

Valero Energy Corporation and Last Exit Group have teamed up to create The All-American Road Trip website. It gives users the opportunity to plan trips and share the tales that follow them home. The site, if it says so itself, uses “eye-catching graphics, and thorough descriptions of destinations near and far. Along with detailed route maps, destination finders, driving directions, and itinerary tools, visitors will find tips, tricks, and time-savers to make planning any size trip easy and fun. Listings of local restaurants, hotels/motels, campsites, rest stops, and of course, Valero gas stations, are all at travelers’ fingertips.”

What? I think Valero showed quite a bit of restraint.

You can follow The All-American Road Trip on Facebook and Twitter. You can also follow UpTake on Facebook and Twitter, because we’re cool like that.

Enjoy the open road!

Oh, say can you see...

Today is Veteran’s Day.

To all that have served, our humble thanks.

Photo by arbyreed and Mr.Throk via Flickr

Beers across America

Beer lovers, unite! This week has been American Craft Beer Week, but don’t fret if you’ve missed any of the festivities — this weekend is beer-filled and then some!

The annual American Craft Beer Week runs through the 23rd of May and celebrates small and independent craft brewers.  Promotions in most states run throughout the “Mother of all Beer Weeks.”  Check the official website for beer events in your area. Read More »