The Pre-Trip has sold out.
Check in at hotel at Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City @ 1100 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. This hotel is in the heart of town and is just across from the convention center.
5:30 pm Meet in the lobby to head over to dinner. Along the way we may stop for pictures under the Chinatown Friendship Archway
6:00 pm Dinner – In Chinatown, which is only a couple blocks away from the hotel, we will eat at New Harmony Vegetarian Restaurant (Kosher Chinese).
After Dinner we'll hop on Philly By Night bus tour of the area to get a taste of Historic Philadelphia under a starry night sky! The Philly By Night tour takes off nightly for a city-wide tour of Philadelphia’s most notable attractions. Sites include:
Cost included in base price
8:30am: Breakfast: Located on the top floor of the hotel. The 10th Floor Grill is a casual restaurant overlooking the city, so you can enjoy looking out on the city while eating breakfast. The varied menu features Philadelphia favorites. Meal not included in price ($19 for Breakfast buffet or order off menu)
9:30am: Meet downstairs in lobby to depart for the day.
9:35am: Walk ½ mile across town to National Museum of American Jewish History
10:00am – 12:30pm National Museum of American Jewish History. National Museum of American Jewish History, in the heart of historic Philadelphia, deliberately placed right next to Independence Mall with the sculpture of Religious Liberty facing the Liberty Bell. The museum brings to life the 360-year history of Jews in America. You’ll learn the part the Jews played in the Revolutionary War, see the letter George Washington wrote to the first synagogue in the US, assuring ‘to bigotry no sanction” and learn much more.Tracing the stories of how Jewish immigrants became Jewish Americans, through and the use of evocative objects and state-of-the-art interactive technologies, the museum elucidates the origin of the various Jewish religious movements and the role and participation of the Jewish Americans in various social movements, and we’ll see the unique Only in America® Gallery/Hall of Fame on the ground floor.. Entrance Fee include in base price
12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch at the The Bourse Food Court (not included in base price)
1:30pm – 5:00pm Breakout into smaller groups
Option A1: Franklin Steps Historical Self-Guided Walking Tour We invite you to get acquainted with Benjamin Franklin; printer, writer, scientist, inventor, creative citizen, statesman, evolutionary, and diplomat - the man who "stole the lightning from the sky and the scepter from tyrants.” The tour is about one mile long. There are several stops along the way to spend time in. We will provide you with all the info you will need to do the tour on your own or as a group. Note: Some of these locations have entrance fees, some do not. You pick and choose what you wish to see. These entrance fees are not included in base price of the Pre-trip
We invite you to get acquainted with Benjamin Franklin; printer, writer, scientist, inventor, creative citizen, statesman, evolutionary, and diplomat - the man who "stole the lightning from the sky and the scepter from tyrants.” The tour is about one mile long. There are several stops along the way to spend time in. We will provide you with all the info you will need to do the tour on your own or as a group. Note: Some of these locations have entrance fees, some do not. You pick and choose what you wish to see. These entrance fees are not included in base price of the Pre-trip
Option A2: Philadelphia Museum of Art Discover works of art at one of the largest and most renowned museums in the country. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is known not only for its majestic 1920’s neoclassical building atop the steps, made famous in the movie Rocky, but also for its superb art collection and special exhibits, as well as surprising permanent Asian and Medieval European installations. Art Museum admission includes The Perlman Building and The Rodin (if time allows). Price: Adults - $20 / Seniors (65 & over) - $18 Additional Charge (Pay at Museum) ***Highly recommended: Discovering the Impressionists, a special exhibit, with timed tickets, costs $5 in addition to entrance fee. This must be booked by you on your own, in advance, to assure availability. Book your ticket for the 2:30 slot. PMA is the only US stop for this exhibit. Option A3: Guided Jewish Walking Tour of Philly Did you know Jewish history and Philadelphia history intersect greatly? Find out how by going on a two hour/approx. 2 mile walking tour of Philadelphia! This tour includes the historic sights of the city with Jewish history behind each stop. The tour emphasizes the colonial aspects of Philly including stops at Mikveh Israel Synagogue (Founded in the 1740s.), Elfreth's Alley (America’s Oldest Residential Neighborhood and was the Jewish neighborhood in the 1700's), Franklin Court (site of the brick home of Benjamin Franklin) and a walk by Independence Hall and Congress Hall. You will be guided by Simmi Price Hurwitz of American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia. Simmi Hurwitz went to Boston University and Temple University with a degree in Education, after which she taught in the Philadelphia school system for several years. She has been doing tours of Philadelphia for many years. She has taken dignitaries and school children through the city. Most notable group- children of Nazis. Her husband says she does these tours to convince people that everyone is really Jewish. It might be a little exaggerated. $13/ Person Additional Charge Option A4: Classic City Bike Tour of Philly 3 hours Want to see the classic city sites by bike? This is your tour. We'll hit up as many of them as possible, from the Rocky Steps to the Liberty Bell to the Italian Market and Rittenhouse Square. We'll do an easy ride through some hidden gems in the city along our way. Price $60 Additional Charge (Note: There maybe some additional cost involved in getting from the lunch to this activity.)
Discover works of art at one of the largest and most renowned museums in the country. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is known not only for its majestic 1920’s neoclassical building atop the steps, made famous in the movie Rocky, but also for its superb art collection and special exhibits, as well as surprising permanent Asian and Medieval European installations. Art Museum admission includes The Perlman Building and The Rodin (if time allows). Price: Adults - $20 / Seniors (65 & over) - $18 Additional Charge (Pay at Museum) ***Highly recommended: Discovering the Impressionists, a special exhibit, with timed tickets, costs $5 in addition to entrance fee. This must be booked by you on your own, in advance, to assure availability. Book your ticket for the 2:30 slot. PMA is the only US stop for this exhibit.
Did you know Jewish history and Philadelphia history intersect greatly? Find out how by going on a two hour/approx. 2 mile walking tour of Philadelphia! This tour includes the historic sights of the city with Jewish history behind each stop. The tour emphasizes the colonial aspects of Philly including stops at Mikveh Israel Synagogue (Founded in the 1740s.), Elfreth's Alley (America’s Oldest Residential Neighborhood and was the Jewish neighborhood in the 1700's), Franklin Court (site of the brick home of Benjamin Franklin) and a walk by Independence Hall and Congress Hall.
You will be guided by Simmi Price Hurwitz of American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia. Simmi Hurwitz went to Boston University and Temple University with a degree in Education, after which she taught in the Philadelphia school system for several years. She has been doing tours of Philadelphia for many years. She has taken dignitaries and school children through the city. Most notable group- children of Nazis. Her husband says she does these tours to convince people that everyone is really Jewish. It might be a little exaggerated. $13/ Person Additional Charge
Want to see the classic city sites by bike? This is your tour. We'll hit up as many of them as possible, from the Rocky Steps to the Liberty Bell to the Italian Market and Rittenhouse Square. We'll do an easy ride through some hidden gems in the city along our way. Price $60 Additional Charge (Note: There maybe some additional cost involved in getting from the lunch to this activity.)
6:15pm – Meet in lobby with your luggage to give to Brian to take to camp. Then to head out for dinner (not included in base price). There are two options:
Option D1 for Kosher Dinner: Hamifgash Restaurant - Menu Option D2 for Dinner: Non-Kosher Jim’s Steaks South St. @ 400 South Street: Then catch some ice cream down the block.
Option D1 for Kosher Dinner: Hamifgash Restaurant - Menu
Option D2 for Dinner: Non-Kosher Jim’s Steaks South St. @ 400 South Street: Then catch some ice cream down the block.
8:30pm – Evening entertainment TBD
Check out of rooms by 9am. Bring all luggage packed and moved into designated room before heading out for the day. You will be able to pick your luggage back up after 1pm. Then head out to do tours for the morning. Breakfast will be on the run during the morning.
Option M1: Self-guided Biking Tour in Fairmount Park See the Sights in Wheeled Fashion! Ride a 9 mile loop bike ride from boathouse row, along the Schuylkill River to view numerous sculptures view the sculling boats, and explore a part of Fairmount Park, of one of the largest urban parks in the world. We plan to continue up a one-block-long uphill piece away from the river to view where in 1876, there was the Centennial Fair and Civil War Heroes Memorial, with its wide concourses and Centennial Hall/Memorial Hall (now housing The Please Touch Museum), then on to Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. The gardens are open to the public for free. If there’s time, a tour or look-see of the Japanese House (socks only) is available.
Additional Charge payable on site:
$32.40 for 1/2 day Rental of a 3-Speed Bike from Wheel of Fun Bike Rentals Cosmic Café is next door for breakfast. $7 Adult / $5 Senior for the Shofuso Japanese Garden.
Option M2: The City of Murals: Mural Mile Walk Philadelphia is the “mural capital” of the USA, with more murals than any other city. It’s the city’s larger-than-life art gallery. You can now explore the stories behind some of Philadelphia’s world-famous murals like never before. The Mural Mile represents 17 Center City murals that demonstrate the diversity of styles and subject matter that makes the City of Murals – and Philadelphia’s neighborhoods – so dynamic and interesting. Using provided map, you can experience the Mural Mile on your own using your cell phone or the downloadable podcast. This is a 2.5 mile walk that will take about two hours to complete. There is a shorter version available if wanted. Option M3: Architectural guided tour: Emergence of a Modern Metroplis in Philadelphia Experience the transformation of Philadelphia from an engine of industry to a 21st century capital of business and culture. This 2-hour tour explores Philadelphia's diverse range of architectural styles and building technologies from the 1860s to the present, detailing the social, economic, and political forces that shaped the modern cityscape. Highlights include the spectacular Victorian interior of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art (PAFA); the soaring central court of Philadelphia's first department store, Wanamaker's; and the atrium of the Comcast Center, Pennsylvania's tallest sky scraper.
Philadelphia is the “mural capital” of the USA, with more murals than any other city. It’s the city’s larger-than-life art gallery. You can now explore the stories behind some of Philadelphia’s world-famous murals like never before. The Mural Mile represents 17 Center City murals that demonstrate the diversity of styles and subject matter that makes the City of Murals – and Philadelphia’s neighborhoods – so dynamic and interesting. Using provided map, you can experience the Mural Mile on your own using your cell phone or the downloadable podcast. This is a 2.5 mile walk that will take about two hours to complete. There is a shorter version available if wanted.
Experience the transformation of Philadelphia from an engine of industry to a 21st century capital of business and culture. This 2-hour tour explores Philadelphia's diverse range of architectural styles and building technologies from the 1860s to the present, detailing the social, economic, and political forces that shaped the modern cityscape. Highlights include the spectacular Victorian interior of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art (PAFA); the soaring central court of Philadelphia's first department store, Wanamaker's; and the atrium of the Comcast Center, Pennsylvania's tallest sky scraper.
Note: If you are planning on attending all three events (Pre-Trip in Philly, Main Event at Camp JRF and Post-Trip on the Delaware) PLEASE contact us at Event@MosaicOutdoor.org BEFORE booking any flights.
1001 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107. This is one and half block away from the hotel. It is approx. $7.50 (rates vary) / 2 Hrs. from NYC to PA or approx. $18 (rate vary) / 3 Hrs. from DC to PA.
30th Street Train station (PHL) (From New York Penn station is approx. $54 (rates vary), Travel time 1.6 Hrs.). From 30th Street Station take SEPTA to Jefferson (Market East) Station or TAXI.
By way of SEPTA: Take the Northeast Corridor Line to Trenton. Transfer to SEPTA to Jefferson (Market East) Station. Cost NYC to PA $15.50 & Travel time approx. 2.5 Hrs.
Arrive by 3pm on Tuesday September 1st, 2015. This will get you to the hotel in time to check in and get to dinner.
Take the Airport Train Line to Jefferson (Market East) Station (approx. 30 Min). Note that this option may be challenging if you have multiple bags. Once you are at street level take 11th street north for less than one block (about 300 feet) the hotel is on your left. Cost $8.50 Cash Only
LADY LIBERTY TRANSPORTATION CO., INC. - 215-724-8888 / 215-724-7777 (fax) $10/ person + tip. This is a 20 Min to over an hour ride depending traffic. LadyLibertyTransportation@Verizon.net
We will be taking a mix of 15 passenger vans and private cars. If you are driving and willing to take on passengers, let us know. Compensation is available.
$285 Pre-Trip including staying at the Hilton Garden Inn
$139 Pre-Trip without hotel
$156 for Single Room Up-charge
Note: Hotel rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn will be held for us until Wednesday August 5th. After August 5th we cannot guarantee a room but will see if we can help you. If you are trying to register for the Pre-Trip after August 5th please contact us at Pre-Trip@MosaicOutdoor.org to see if can accommodate you before doing so.
Also Note that parking in Central Philadelphia is not cheap. Expect to pay $30+ per day for parking in central Philadelphia.
Contact Pre-Trip Chair at Pre-Trip@MosaicOutdoor.org