Known as the “city of brotherly love,” Philadelphia is where America’s founding fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Philadelphia is also where you can find antiques galore. The fact that Philadelphia is home to an estimated 100 antique shops, some of the country’s foremost dealers, and the annual Philadelphia Antiques Show, makes Philly a premiere destination for antiquing. The Philadelphia Antiques Show features 60 dealers and draws serious collectors from around the world. At this show you’ll find formal European and American furniture, arts and crafts, quilts, textiles, needlework, silver, Native American arts, Asian arts, and the list of antiques go on. Although the prices are generally high, this show is not to be missed.

This show serves as the foundation for three other shows. The first takes place at Philly’s Navy Pier, offering 70 dealers. The second is the Original 23rd Street Armory Antiques Show, and the third is Antiques at the Highland, which takes place at the Highlands Mansion in Fort Washington. If you’d rather antique at your own pace, Philadelphia is home to many shops as well. The City’s Antique Row has many prestigious shops. You’ll also find shops on Third, Walnut, and Chestnut streets on Germantown Avenue. Flea markets are big here too and include the Big T, and the Quaker City Flea Market.

Beyond antiquing of course, Philly offers street corner after street corner of American history. From landmarks like Independence Hall to Liberty Bell to Betsy Ross’ House – one could easily step back in time in this marvelous city. Or if you’re not a history buff, Philly offers an impressive roster of fine art museums as well. So as you lose yourself in a time gone by in the streets of Philly, may you feel a twinge of sympathy for those who’d rather be spending a weekend in Philly like you, but aren’t.