Philadelphia Architectural Style Hike 1 of 7: Colonial vs. Colonial Revival

3-4 hours; 4-5 miles; brisk pace between stops; best examples of Georgian, Federal and Colonial Revival architecture in Philadelphia's Society Hill, Old City and Center City neighborhoods; possibility of late lunch afterward if there's interest.

We're kicking off a new series of hikes to showcase Philadelphia's amazing variety of architectural styles. We'll work through the styles chronologically (mostly), starting with a comparison of similarities and differences between original Georgian and Federal buildings (built from about 1700 to 1830) and Colonial Revival buildings, which were built from about 1900 to 1940 and were intended to emulate the Georgian and Federal styles.

This sets up a fun game for us. We will stop at several outstanding examples of each architectural style, which are spread across Center City, Old City, and Society Hill. But in addition, between the main stops, we can play "Is it real . . . or is it a copy?" as we hike through the neighborhoods. It's often hard to tell which buildings are originals in the Georgian and Federal style, and which were built much later in the Colonial Revival style.

We'll start with the right way to view Independence Hall, which at over 270 years old is almost two centuries older than other buildings we'll visit on this hike. Afterward we'll wind through Old City and Society Hill, and then head over to the Rittenhouse Square area. If you haven't been on previous architecture style hikes with us, I guarantee you'll see Philadelphia from a new perspective. For those who have joined previous hikes, this hike features several new buildings that we haven't visited previously. All are welcome!

As always, we will move quickly between buildings, but we'll also stop for enough time at each one to enjoy and discuss the wonderful craftsmanship. No knowledge of architecture is needed . . . just an interest in seeing beautiful places and a willingness to stay with the group.

GENERAL RULES : ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx: allow 30min -1hr extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. •• For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2025), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (2152474459) or at mrbasketball.net/HIKEpay.html . Thanks.
Yearly donation $15 July-Aug; $10 Sept-Nov; Dec new year.