Nathan Allen

Outdoor Gear Editor

Sometime during college, a few friends and I started a July 4th tradition. We'd have someone drive us to a small town about 10 miles outside the city we lived in, and we'd run back. There was something special about watching the sun set while pushing the pace on the crushed limestone trail, which hugged the Missouri River. We'd finish back in town just in time to meet the rest of our friends and watch fireworks.

The trail we ran on was the Katy Trail, a 240-mile Rails to Trails project stretching east to west across Missouri. Even though it's been at least a decade since we've done that July 4th run, I still reflect on how important the Katy Trail—and other public lands like it—are so critical to outdoor access and recreation.

So, as you celebrate (or don't celebrate) the independence of the United States, I recommend first reflecting on the fact that what we now recognize as our public lands were home to many Indigenous populations. Some still are. Next, my humble opinion is to feel grateful for the land that has been protected and preserved.

More than 800 million acres—a little more than a third—of U.S. land is publicly owned by federal, state, and local governments. It has trails, prairies, mountains, rivers, birds, fish, mammals, and us. And it should all be visited, respected, loved, and taken care of.

Happy Independence Day, everyone! I hope it's filled with gratitude and time outside.

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Destination of the Day

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Located only two hours south of New York and two and a half hours north of D.C., Philadelphia is a convenient getaway and also ideal jumping off point from several other larger Northeastern cities. As the birthplace of America, the City of Brotherly Love makes for the perfect Independence Day destination, but it's also a great place to visit any other time of year. With its blend of historic roots and funky charm, Philly is more laidback than its more prominent neighbors, and it offers just as much to do: world-class art museums, diverse and award-winning food options, and tours of significant historical sites.

Things to Do

Definitely pay a visit to the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall—but you should also plan to see other historical sites and museums, including the Betsy Ross House, where the woman who sewed the first American flag resided. Later, pay homage to fictional underdog Rocky Balboa by jogging up all 72 steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and fist-pumping at the top, just like in the movie. Then stop by Spruce Street Harbor Park, an urban oasis boasting floating gardens, food vendors galore, a beer garden, and boardwalk bocce.

What to Eat and Drink

The food item on everyone's mind when they come to Philadelphia are the cheesesteaks. Pat's (the inventor of the sandwich) and Geno's are two of the most popular. But there's so much more to Philly's food sphere. Whether you're seeking a BYOB sushi spot or the freshest seasonal seafood menu you can find, Philly has just the place to satisfy your tastebuds. There's also a burgeoning craft beer scene in the area, earning Philly its nickname of "America's Beer Drinking City."

Where to Stay

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods and each has a slightly different feel. Most visitors gravitate either towards Center City or Old City, which is where most of the action is and where you'll find a wide variety of hotel options to satisfy every type of traveler. For a more trendy vacation, consider further afield locations like the newly hip Fishtown area north of downtown.

Vacation Like a Pro

The city's downtown area is extremely walkable, and the beauty of the historic buildings in this area make for a perfect stroll. If you're up for a little exercise, grab a historic Philadelphia map from the visitor's center and take a stroll…or even snag one of the Ride Indego share bicycles!

Lynn Brown
Contributing Writer

Your Packing List

Muggy, hot, and humid are three words that you will hear often when you're in Philadelphia during the summer months. Plan to be as comfortable as possible by packing T-shirts, shorts, breathable pants, and dresses.

It rains a lot in the summer, and the city tends to get late afternoon thunderstorms with heavy downpours, especially in July. Pack an umbrella (like this one) if the forecast calls for precipitation.

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so a comfy pair of shoes is in order. For full-day excursions, TripSavvy editors can't get enough of Allbirds' Women's Tree Runners (available in men's here).

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Get Inspired

The Washington Monument is the tallest of all of Washington, D.C.'s attractions at 555 feet high. At one point, it was the tallest in the world until the Eiffel Tower was built. From the top of the monument, visitors can see for over 30 miles on a clear day.

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