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Delaware Valley

Counties

Pennsylvania

The Delaware Valley also encompasses the surrounding states of Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. The following counties in those states are considered part of this region.

Delaware

Maryland

New Jersey

Cities

Other destinations

Culture and History

The Delaware Valley is home to the "birthplace of America," Philadelphia, PA. Sites throughout the valley hosted battles between the British and colonia Americans during the Revolutionary War and Philadelphia itself saw the writing of the Delcaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. Philadelphia today is the center of the region with 6.2 million people living within it's boundaries. Neighboring Camden, rated the most dangerous city in America, was once an industrial center and today is revitalizing its downtown and waterfront with attractions like a concert arena and an exotic aquarium. Wilmington, DE to the south is the largest city in Delaware and is one of the most important banking cities in the United States.

Talk

Dialect in the Delaware Valley sounds much like its New York City counterpart to the north. Many r's are dropped. In Philadelphia, "water" is pronounced either "wudder" or "wooder." Words like "kawfee" and "hawt" with an exaggerated "o" sound have been borrowed by denizens of the New York City area.

Travel to Delaware Valley & Visa Requirements

Tours & Getting around Delaware Valley

The Delaware Valley is extensively served by both the national rail company Amtrak and the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. SEPTA commuter rail extends to Marus Hook, DE and Trenton, NJ. Southern New Jersey is also served by the Delaware River Port Authority's PATCO Hi-Speedline which is a hybrid subway and above-ground system.

Taxis can be hailed in the major cities in the Delaware Valley including Philadelphia and Wilmington. For those adventurous enough to drive in these two large, car-congested cities, parking is scarce and roads can be hectic. Defensive driving is one's best bet in Philadelphia and Wilmington, as drivers are known to be both vocal and ruthless.

In Philadelphia, two subway lines and a subway-surface line cover the city. The Broad Street Line runs north-south and the Market-Frankford Line runs east-west. The subway-surface line parallels the MFL and makes stops at smaller stations than the subway of the same direction.

Delaware Valley attractions and sightseeing

  • National Historical Park Located in Philadelphia's historic district, the park contains the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Constitution Hall, the Declaration of Indepdendence, the Constitution and soon a revitalized Franklin Square complete with historic carousel and mini golf course.
  • New Jersey State Aquarium Located in Camden, NJ, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, the NJ State Aquarium is home to various exotic species of aquatic animal life.
  • Valley Forge Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia, it contains Valley Forge National Historical Park which was the site of the camp of the Continental Army from 1777-1778 and is today both a historical monument and a recreational area with various cultural activities.

Delaware Valley city tours

  • Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, [1]. 'Sesame Street' Themed Amusment Park. Park has water rides, parades, roller coasters, live shows, and Sesame characters walking around. Located across the street from the Sheraton Bucks County, and Oxford Valley Mall.

Delaware Valley Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Delaware Valley nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

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This page was last edited at 10:56, on 23 July 2008 by Wikitravel user Kire1975. Based on work by David, Nick Roux, Lucas Cox, Ryan Holliday and Tom Holland and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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