The family trip to Germantown,Pennsylvania has become a tradition in my family. We travel to Germantown to get to know our extended relatives. For some of us,it’s our first time visiting there. However,there is so much information to gather to make the visit worthwhile and comfortable.

Researching the area:

I started with the Germantown Visitor’s Guide. This guide is filled with helpful information such as the best time to visit,where to stay,restaurants,historical sites,activities,museums,and more. It has a map of the area with places of interest marked on it.

When researching the area,I learned that the Germantown Historical Society houses a museum that displays an array of historical objects. I learned that there is a park named after Frederick Douglass,the African-American abolitionist. There is also a Civil War museum.

Staying in the area:

This is the most important part of the family trip. I found several hotels that are close to the main attractions. One hotel that caught my attention is the Hampton Inn & Suites Germantown. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi,free hot breakfast,and free coffee. It’s located near the Historic District. 

The Best Western Plus at 1st & Market Streets is a good option. It’s also a short walk from the Germantown Visitor’s Center.

Activities:

After staying in the area,I visited the local attractions. The Germantown Historical Society has an excellent collection of exhibits that give a detailed look at the history of the area. The African American History Museum has several exhibits that relate to the lives of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.

There are many other interesting exhibits,such as the Civil War exhibit. The Civil War Museum. The museum contains the largest collection of Civil War memorabilia in the country. The museum is free. You can also attend a lecture on the history of the Civil War.

The Philadelphia Children’s Museum is in Germantown. This museum features interactive exhibits that teach children about the environment,health,and science.

In Germantown,you can walk the original route of the Underground Railroad,a system of secret routes and safe houses that helped people escape slavery.

Food:

Like most small towns in Pennsylvania,Germantown has a wide variety of restaurants. My family likes to eat at the Bistro Bar & Grill at the Franklin Institute. The Bistro serves tasty American cuisine,and it’s a convenient place to stop for a quick meal on the go.

I discovered the Germantown Farmers Market on Instagram. The market is held on the first Saturday of the month from 8 am to 1 pm. The market has vendors selling fruits,vegetables,and meats. I also learned about the nearby restaurants,which are mostly German and American. I found the following restaurants: German Garden Bistro,Biergarten Restaurant,and The Village Inn. 

If you’re looking for more casual dining,the Shoe’s in the Alley Restaurant & Bar at 15th & Market Streets is a popular place to grab a bite.

Transportation:

It is important to find out how to get to the Germantown area from your home. You can search for transportation options using the Germantown,Pennsylvania,Google Maps. Once you know how to get to Germantown,Pennsylvania,you will be able to plan your activities and meals accordingly.

Prepairing for your trip:

Here are some tips to make your trip the best it can be:

1. Be sure to pack plenty of food and drinks for your trip.

Germantown is just a short drive from Philadelphia,but it’s also about an hour and half from NYC and DC,so be sure to bring snacks and drinks for yourself as well as your kids. We love making stops at local coffee shops and restaurants in the area,and there are several to choose from.

2. Have extra cash on hand for souvenirs.

The Germantown area is known for its unique and beautiful Christmas lights,so be sure to stop at one of the many neighborhoods to admire the decorations. The Germantown Christmas Parade is a fun tradition in the area and something everyone should see.

3. Bring comfortable shoes for walking around town.

There are lots of charming shops and restaurants to explore,and the area is also filled with lots of historical sights and museums to visit. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes and be ready to explore.

4. Bring a camera.

Germantown is such a charming,quaint area that you won’t want to miss out on any of the photo opportunities. Take a walk along the Riverfront and snap photos of the famous Washington Monument. Visit the nearby National Toy Hall of Fame and snap photos of your favorite toys. Grab a bite to eat at one of the local cafes and snap photos of the view.

5. Pack some comfortable pajamas.

Whether you are staying in the city or heading to one of the local bed and breakfasts,be sure to pack some comfortable,cozy pajamas for the nights you spend there. We suggest packing a pair of PJs with a hoodie to throw on if it gets chilly.

6. Pack a comfortable coat.

It’s pretty cold in Germantown in the winter. Make sure to pack a warm coat that you can take off and put on as needed.

7. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

You’ll want to make sure you have sunscreen to protect your skin and lips. You can also bring a lip balm to apply after you eat.

8. Get the kids involved.

Don’t forget to get the kids involved in the planning process. It can be easy for them to get bored while you’re busy working on the itinerary. Ask them what they’d like to see and do on your trip and be sure to include those things on the list.,

9. Stay hydrated.

Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for yourself and your kids throughout your trip.

10. Make sure to leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

Bringing home some special mementos from your trip will help create memories for years to come.