ELFRETH'S ALLEY, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Another Philadelphia treasure, this one much older than the beautiful Kimmel Center, is Elfreth's Alley, one of the oldest continuously-inhabited streets in America. People still live on this lovely little street, keeping well-tended container gardens, as well as a few in-ground plants. Taking a leisurely stroll upon its centuries-old cobblestones is like stepping back in time, to an age when Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross walked this historic city's streets. Today, its residents take great pride in their lovely private homes, but if you want to see one from the inside, you can take the tour of the one Elfreth's Alley house that is open to visitors. In any case, you'll want to linger as you enjoy the flowers, rest on a bench with one of the best views in the city, or admire the couple of smaller gardens tucked away here and there, especially a lovely little surprise garden at the end of the street. Elfreth's Alley is truly a quiet haven in the busy city!