Philadelphia Off the Beaten Path: From Founding Fathers to Forgotten Outlaws

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by Bev Posted on

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The Liberty Bell is only the beginning—discover the hidden history waiting beyond Philadelphia’s famous landmarks.

Key Takeaways

  • Explore Philadelphia beyond the Liberty Bell to uncover its rich history and hidden gems.
  • Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell for a dose of American history in the bustling city center.
  • For a quieter experience, head to Chestnut Hill, featuring local shops and historic charm just nine miles away.
  • Discover unique attractions like the Mercer Museum, which showcases industrial tools in a castle-like setting.
  • Don’t miss the Plumsteadville Tavern, a historical pub linked to the Revolutionary War and its outlaws.

From the Heart of a Founding City to a Quieter Century

Philadelphia’s City Center is full of history, energy, and the constant noise of a big city. But just a short trip away, you’ll find quiet streets and a historic town that feels like you’re in another century. You can start your exploration in the core of Philadelphia’s City Center, and visit places like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, then go further, to the Philadelphia off the beaten path, outside the city, with the stories of Revolutionary War outlaws in Bucks County, the Plumbsteadville Tavern dating back to 1751, and the unique Mercer Museum.

Standing Where the Founders Stood

  • A cloudy day and Independence Hall with slick sidewalks from rain.
    Independence Hall
  • The Assembly Room at Independence Hall
    Assembly Room at Independence Hall.
    The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed in this room.
  • A bronze marker in the brick indicating where Abraham Lincoln stood to raise the flag in honor of George Washington in 1861.
    Abraham Lincoln stood here in 1861 in honor of George Washington

Drop me in one of the famous founding cities of America, and I can’t get enough of it. I am fascinated to be standing in the very spot where George Washington and our Founding Fathers stood, the men who helped create this great nation we continue to cherish and care for. I stand in that very spot, or the spot I think they must have stood, and I try to picture their conversations, their arguments, and their agreements. That’s exactly what I did on the floor of Independence Hall. I was in Philadelphia for a work conference, and I couldn’t help but feel fascinated by the history all around me.

Classic Philadelphia: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and a Stay in the City

  • The Rising Sun Chair, the Speakers Chair, it was George Washington's chair and one of only two items original from the time of George Washington.
    The “Rising Sun” chair, the Speaker’s chair, and George Washington’s chair is one of only two original items remaining in the Assembly Room at Independence Hall from Washington’s time.
  • A side view of the Libery Bell.
    The Liberty Bell
  • Me in front of Independence Hall.
    Me in front of Independence Hall

Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other historic sites are smack in the middle of a busy city (520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106). If you haven’t visited before, you really should—it’s definitely worth it, especially if you enjoy American history.

You’ll need tickets for Independence Hall, but if you get there by 9am, you can enter for free between 9 and 9:50am. Just be sure to arrive early—lines start forming quickly, and everyone has to go through metal detectors.

Stay in the Heart of Historic Philadelphia: Kimpton Hotel Monaco

  • The circular lobby entrance with burgandy wall. tiled floor and a sail ship chandelier hanging from the ceiling at Kimpton Hotel Monaco.
    Kimpton Hotel Monaco
  • A guest room, white walls, white comforter, large windows and a blue velvet headboard at Kimpton Hotel Monaco.
    Guest Room at Kimpton Hotel Monaco
  • Kimpton Hotel Monaco

I spent a night in the middle of City Center at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco (433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106). The hotel has an eclectic style, with touches of local history and a bit of whimsy celebrating the world traveler. It’s the perfect location for your visit to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell since it’s just across the street. I could even see Independence Hall from my window. The hotel also has the Stratus Lounge rooftop bar, though the city views are blocked for safety reasons. It’s just too close to the National Park. You can also grab a meal at the Red Owl Tavern.

Leaving the Noise Behind: A Short Journey to Chestnut Hill

Leaving the busy city behind, you can head just nine miles from City Center Philadelphia to Chestnut Hill. Depending on traffic, the drive can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Chestnut Hill has quiet streets, small shops, a village atmosphere, and a historic inn. This was my first real taste of Philadelphia off the beaten path, where the city slows down, and history feels more personal.

  • Coffee and Breakfast Boutique in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia off the beaten path,
    Coffee & breakfast at
    Breakfast Boutique Chestnut Hill
  • A view of historic Chestnut Hill from the guest room window of the Chestnut Hill Hotel, Philadelphia off the beaten path.
    A view of historic Chestnut Hill from a guest room window at Chestnut Hill Hotel
  • An Old Fashioned cocktail on the bar with the bar of bottles in the background at Char & Stave, a Cocktail and Coffee bar in Chestbut Hill, Philadelphia off the beaten path.
    An Old Fashioned at Char & Stave

Many places do not stay open late at night or open early in the morning. However, I discovered a great spot called Char & Stave by Bluebird Distilling, which serves fantastic cocktails made from their own liqueurs. They also offer coffee in the morning. The vibe here is to bring your own food, and I must say, the cocktails are excellent.

Additionally, Char & Stave opens earlier than 9 a.m., perfect for that cup of coffee you might be craving. This is part of the charm of Chestnut Hill, a peaceful and beautiful neighborhood.

A Historic Stay at the Chestnut Hill Hotel

  • The exterior of this four story historic building, the Chestnut Hill Hotel, Phildelphia off the beaten path.
    The Chestnut Hill Hotel
  • A guest room, looking at the bed through the mirror at the Chestnut Hill Hotel, Philadelphia off the beaten path.
    A guest room at The Chestnut Hill Hotel
  • Off the courtyard and part of the historic grounds with stone brick building at the Chestnut Hill Hotel, Philadelphia off the beaten path.
    The Chestnut Hill Hotel

Consider staying at the Chestnut Hill Hotel (8229 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118). This historic inn has been welcoming guests since 1772, though the current building dates to 1894. There are plenty of perks to staying here instead of downtown: no extra destination fees, free parking in a large lot behind the hotel, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Most of all, you get to enjoy a hotel full of history and charm in a quiet, lovely town you might miss if you stayed in the city center.

One of America’s Oddest Museums: The Mercer Museum

  • The Mercer Museum, a 1916 castle built to house an industril tool collection, Philadelphia off the beaten path,
    The Mercer Museum
  • Looking in the cavern of the castle from the top floor with many arches, a boat and tools hanging, at the Mercer Museum, Philadephia off the beaten path.
    Inside the Mercer Museum
  • A row of metail fire grates hanging on display at the Mercer Museum, Philadelphia off the beaten path.
    The Mercer Museum

There’s even more to see. Since I was staying in Chestnut Hill, I visited the Mercer Museum (84 S Pine St, Doylestown, PA 18901), which isn’t far away. Have you heard of it? It’s one of the most unusual museums in America! Industrial tools. Yes, it is a museum of industrial tools. But that is not all. Henry Mercer built a six-story castle in 1916 just to display his collection. Imagine a castle filled with nothing but industrial tools! It’s a fascinating place.

Revolutionary Outlaws: Discovering the Doan Gang

  • An exhibit on the Doan Gand of Bucks County, on display at the Mercer Museum, Philadelphia off the beaten path.
    The Doan Gang Exhibit
  • An exhibit on the Doan Gand of Bucks County, on display at the Mercer Museum, Philadelphia off the beaten path.
    The Doan Gang Exhibit
  • An exhibit on the Doan Gand of Bucks County, on display at the Mercer Museum, Philadelphia off the beaten path.
    The Doan Gang Exhibit

The Mercer Museum also has a temporary exhibit on display through December 2026 that caught my attention: The Doan Gang, Outlaws from the Revolutionary Era. I had never heard of them before, had you? They were loyalists to the British Crown. The exhibit explores both their perspective and the Patriots’ view. Patriots saw them as outlaws, but those who supported the Crown did not. After seeing the exhibit, we decided to visit one of the oldest taverns in Bucks County. Why not enjoy a beer there? The museum told us about this tavern and why we should visit.

A Beer with History: Plumsteadville Tavern

  • Beer tabs at the Plumbsteadville Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in Bucks County, Philadelphia off the beaten path.
    Taps at the Plumbsteadville Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in Bucks County
  • Having a beer at one of the oldest taverns in Bucks county where the Doan gang is said to have hung out during the Revolutionary War, Philadelphia off the beaten path,
    Having a beer at Plumbsteadville Tavern
    (it’s also a restaurant and inn now)
  • The oldest room in the Plumsteadville tavern dating back to 1715, Philadelphia off the beaten path,
    The oldest room is said to be from 1715

Plumbsteadville Tavern ( 5902 Easton Rd, Pipersville, PA 18947) is one of the oldest taverns in Bucks County, where the Doan Gang once lived. It’s said they used to meet here. The oldest part of the inn, now the lounge, was built in 1715 by Samuel Hart. Hart had to sell it during the Revolutionary War because some of his family sided with the British. It’s a great spot to have a beer and imagine the outlaws who once gathered here.

Philadelphia Beyond The beaten Path

In the end, Philadelphia’s story goes far beyond its city blocks. If you’re planning a visit, don’t stop with the Liberty Bell. Exploring Philadelphia off the beaten path led me to some of the city’s most memorable stories, from charming Chestnut Hill to Revolutionary outlaws and a museum unlike any other.

If you’re looking for more cool spots to visit that are tied to American history, take a look at:

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