My parents keep insisting we take visitors to the Liberty Bell. How can I convince them to go... anywhere else?
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My parents keep insisting we take visitors to the Liberty Bell. I’ve been five times this year. I can’t do it anymore, but they want me to tag along because they think if I don’t I’ll just play my Switch at home. How can I convince them to go... anywhere else?
Zoe Greenberg, Life & Culture Reporter
First of all, I assume that you’re a child, or at least someone who has to listen to your parents, and I want to say thank you for your dedication to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Mike Newall, Life & Culture Reporter
Yes, PiningforSwitch, I too will operate under the assumption you are a sophisticated, well-read minor who enjoys stellar local news coverage and playing Nintendo.
I have to ask, “Why are your folks so enamored with the Liberty Bell?” Don’t get me wrong, I love a good bell, especially that one. But seems like your parents are dragging every out-of-town Tom, Dick, and Mary to the thing every chance they get.
Zoe Greenberg
I’m thinking we need to approach this with a Compelling List of Alternatives.
Mike Newall
I mean we are a world-class city of world-class history, culture, food, neighborhoods. Roam the Barnes. Washington’s tent at the Revolution Museum is always a kick. Run the Rocky steps even. But come on, how much Liberty Bell does one family need?
Zoe Greenberg
I feel like the Liberty Bell is a one-stop generic stop. We need to get more specific for each visitor. Do they love food? Take them to Reading Terminal. Or Pizzeria Beddia. Or Irwin’s at the top of the Bok Building with an unmatched view of the city. (All things I’ve done with Philly visitors, by the way, and they were all hits.)
Mike, what would you recommend for history buff visitors?
Mike Newall
Walk Old City. There are the big places — the Revolution Museum, Independence Hall — and so many smaller museums filled with treasures. The American Philosophical Society, home to Lewis and Clark’s actual journals — is a can’t miss hoot.
But one more thing on PiningForSwitch’s parents:
I haven’t been to the Liberty Bell in a few years, but I remember this photo that hung in the pavilion. A photo of a South Philly rowhouse bedroom from 1976 decorated to the hilt for the Bicentennial with every imaginable liberty bell paraphernalia: Photos. Pillows. Bed sheets. Big bells. Small bells. Liberty Bells everywhere. Every time I went, I was enamored with this photo. I respect obsessions. But that’s a lot of bells. But now I’m thinking this photo of this crazy Liberty Bell bedroom could be the childhood bedroom of one of your parents, PiningForSwitch. It’s all starting to make sense.
Zoe Greenberg
You think it’s an unhealthy obsession with the bell?
Mike Newall
No, I totally get obsessions. I have so many — comics, gardening, banging on a guitar — but I don’t drag Uncle Norman and Aunt Bea to my living room to watch me play every time they pass through town. Variety is the spice of life, wouldn’t you agree, PiningForSwitch?
Okay, another tip. The Navy Yard! Best place in Philly. Beautiful. Historic. Quiet.
Zoe Greenberg
Your parents need to start thinking about the obsessions of their visitors. Mosaics? Take them to Philly’s Magic Gardens. Impossible to get dinner reservations? Her Place Supper Club. Semi-illegal urban gallery that might fall into the water (more)? Graffiti Pier!!!
Mike Newall
Oh my, Zoe. You could be a tour guide in another life. I want to do all the things you said. (I am actually a registered Philadelphia tour guide. I forgot that to this very moment.)
Oh, no. I am having a vision. It’s PiningForSwitch and his parents and his poor relatives and they are trekking out of the Liberty Bell and where are they going? Every time? Wawa!!!! That’s their Philly tour. A cracked bell and Wawa. Oh, no.
Zoe Greenberg
It’s tragic. In 2026.
Mike Newall
I mean it is right across the street. But still.
Zoe Greenberg
I haven’t been to the Liberty Bell since my high school class trip. There’s too much else to do!
Mike Newall
How do they confront their parents?
A calm conversation. A suggestion of a different place to visit. An advice question to the local paper?
Zoe Greenberg
I’d say draw up a list of alternatives so thrilling, your parents can’t turn you down. This isn’t about the Switch. It’s about respect for Philadelphia.
