Hartford, Connecticut

Welcome to the Insurance Capital of the World! Hartford, Connecticut is not only the state capital but also the fourth largest city in the state. The city managed to snag this nickname thanks to its abundance of big name insurance companies and its illustrious medical universities. Hartford is the main city of the Greater Hartford metropolitan area, and has a population of over 100,000. It’s also one of the oldest cities in the United States, this means the city is filled with rich history for any visitor to enjoy.

The city houses many of the country’s oldest buildings, some of which include the oldest art museum’s. the oldest park is also located in Hartford, making it an excellent location for anyone visiting.

Hartford was also where Mark Twain would raise his family, he would remark about how he found the town to be beautiful. For a while, Hartford was one of the richest cities in the United States, many of its riches coming after the American Civil War. This was because Hartford was the home of one of America’s most famous arms makers, Colt’s Arm Manufacturing Company.

Hartford is now in a strange situation, while the Greater Hartford Area is one of the richest in the country, most of its population lives below the poverty line. Though you’ll find this is true of most major cities. You’ll often find most of Hartford’s younger residents enjoying the nightlife, while the older residents take a limo home. Despite this, Hartford is filled with vibrant culture for any visitor to enjoy. Greater Hartford‘s is also filled with both high ranking universities and manufacturing companies, however Hartford is most known for its top tier insurance companies.

While an odd nickname, Hartford Connecticut is known for being the insurance capital of the world.

Many insurance companies built their main operating bases in Hartford due to its location. Connecticut is in between New York and Massachusetts, making it an ideal location for companies looking for a work force. With both New York‘s and Massachusetts’ concentration of workers, Hartford is perfect for insurance companies who mainly rely on blue collar workers. Recently, New Jersey has also become a prominent location for insurance companies, as it sits in between New York and Washington D.C.. now a days you’ll find many big name executives taking limos to places like Downtown Jersey City in order to extend their reach. Don’t be too surprised if you find a car service going to or from New Jersey and Connecticut.

During colonial times Hartford operated as a trading center for both the Dutch and the English. For a while, Hartford would be sold around until 1636 where Hartford’s boundaries would be officially set. Then new docks were built, helping explode the trade market within the city.

Hartford would also have a prominent role during the industrial revolution. The city would begin to specialize in manufacturing precision parts used in automobiles, clocks, and even rifles. Colt’s Arm Manufacturing Company was stationed in Hartford Connecticut. Hartford was also known for its innovation, with many modern pieces of technology coming from that time. Some of these include rotator cuffs for machinery, gear transmission for vehicles, and even chucks that are used for drills.

In the early to mid 1900’s Hartford was hit by a flood and then a massive fire that killed over a hundred people. Then after World War II, a number of Puerto Ricans moved to Hartford, this drove a lot of its original residence to outer suburbs. This led to a decline in the main city, causing insurance companies to move their offices out.

Hartford would storm back into power following the establishment of the Hartford Graduate School. The city would then kick off a 4 decade long rebuilding process beginning with the reconstruction of the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Multiple colleges, and company buildings would be constructed, and many houses were turned into museums. Transit hubs were built and many skyscrapers began to pop up around the city, the most notable being City Place I. Connecticut’s insurance giants would move back in during this time, most famously the Phoenix Life Insurance Company. Most company’s would build their offices on Constitution Plaza.

Constitution Plaza is a mixed use development that is occupied by both retail and office buildings.

It was seen as the ideal urban environment and was often used as an example for what urban growth should look like. a mixed urban plaza were both vehicles and pedestrians can co-exist safely, while still allowing access to the road should any resident want to take a taxi home. The plaza is surrounded by a number of mid-twentieth century buildings that were mostly designed by Charles Dubose. Such buildings include the 100 Constitution Plaza, 200 Constitution Plaza, and many more. Though most residents would agree that the Phoenix Life Insurance Company Building is the staple of the plaza. Constitution Plaza also features a freestanding pavilion used by Trinity College as part of their campus, and a U shaped court that was repurposed to luxury apartments by the company Spectra in 2015. The plaza itself is connected via well kept walkways and has numerous large pedestrian areas that include pools, fountains, and even a clock tower. Constitution Plaza is now home to many restaurants and shops, turning it into a retail hotspot for anyone visiting Hartford.

Hartford’s main place to stay is currently the Marriott.

The Greater Hartford area is a name that is used to define a large boundary that covers both Hartford and even parts of New England. While Hartford is known for being home to insurance companies it has recently expanded its specialty. Recently Hartford is becoming one of the leading entities in the tech industry thanks to its location.

Connecticut ranks as the 3rd most educated state in the country, making it prime real-estate for both universities and tech companies. The Greater Hartford Area is home to many universities that specialize in many aspects. While mainly known for its medical universities, Hartford has recently expanded to other areas.

Hartford is now home to schools that specialize in areas such as tech, and manufacturing. Some of Hartford’s universities now specialize in healthcare. Some of these universities include UCONN, Trinity, and even St. Joseph’s. This has also made Hartford one of the best states for tech companies wanting to put to use the skills of graduates.

If you consider yourself a museum goer than you’ll be happy to know that Hartford is packed with them. From the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art to the Mark Twain Museum, Hartford is worth visiting for the history alone! Most people like to visit a new place for the shopping and dining and Hartford is no exception to this. Whether you love pizzerias or Halal food, you’ll find something for anyone, including a few taverns. If you’re Still looking for a reason to take a limo to Hartford than look no further then its collection of breweries. Phantom Brewery, Thomas Hooker Brewery, the Hanging Hills Brewing, and so many more. If Breweries aren’t your thing then you’ll be glad to know that Hartford also features a number of wineries as well.

As of late, The Greater Hartford Area is becoming prominent in manufacturing and even aerospace. Some of these manufacturing companies include Reno Machine Co., Novo Metal Finishing Equipment, Hebert Engineering & Design and plenty more, including a couple of solar companies. While most manufacturing companies in Connecticut fabricate heavy machinery and metal framing, they also conduct plenty of precision manufacturing as well. Companies such as Synectic Product Development, focus on developing medical products for hospitals and clinics. Hartford’s expansion into tech and manufacturing has led to an explosion of vibrant urban culture in the city.

Hartford is now home to many different types of arts, whether that be music, writing or even performing arts. Hartford has many different genres of music for anyone to enjoy, from salsa, jazz, blues, indie, composer and even electric! The city also has plenty of shows for any visitor interested in Street Performances, acting, or even comedy shows! Hartford has a number of parades for anyone looking to vacation on a holiday. Some of which include, St. Patrick’s Day, Veterans Parade, and even a Puerto Rican Day Parade!

Hartford has many activities for any visitor. If you’re planning a vacation to Connecticut soon, it’s important to have good transportation there. Now a days most limo service’s will provide an hourly service for anyone looking to take a shopping trip. Hartford is also home to one of the oldest parks in the United States.

Bushnell Park was conceived in the 1850’s and is a made up of 50 acres of green land. Today the park hosts many events including park tours and even a carousel. During Hartford’s winter fest Bushnell Park offers free ice skating classes for anyone visiting.

Bushnell Park is at the center of downtown Hartford, not only does it have scenic views but also offers a number of activities for visitors to enjoy. While one of its main attractions is the ice skating rink during the winter they also offer a carousel. During Hartford’s winter holidays they also offer free carousel rides on Sundays from 12 to 5 PM. There are also a number of marathons and even jazz concerts that can make visiting Hartford worth while.

Hartford is also packed with residents who work in the city, so you’ll often times find them taking a car service or taxi in order to avoid public transit. Most drivers in the city are very reliable, however if you want to be absolutely sure than you can also order a limo. Overall any visitor planning a visit to Connecticut should absolutely give Hartford a chance, but remember! Connecticut may be the insurance capital of the world but it has much more to offer for any visitor. If you’re looking to get away from all the noise then you’ll be glad to know Connecticut has plenty of quiet towns to enjoy, our personal favorite being Old Greenwich. So if you’re looking for your next vacation spot, give Connecticut a try!

Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Welcome to Old Greenwich, one of Connecticut’s most popular vacation spots! With a population of over 6,000 people, those visiting will find plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy. So if you’re planning a peaceful getaway then visiting Old Greenwich should be first on your list, so take a limo down to one of Connecticut’s most beautiful spots. Old Greenwich is managed by the town of Greenwich, a town consisting of different sections that are separated by zip code. Old Greenwich is filled with different activities for visitors to enjoy, whether that be visiting one of the local athletic fields in the town, or even going out boating!

Old Greenwich is located right next to the water! Meaning you can ride the ferry or even explore the marinas. If you’re more interested in history, then be sure to visit the Old Greenwich Bruce Museum of Arts and Science. Overall, Old Greenwich has plenty to do for anyone visiting.

Old Greenwich also includes a couple of parks, such as Binney Park Master Plan and many more playgrounds for anyone to enjoy. Old Greenwich is a part of Greenwich Point, which was purchased in 1640 by a woman named Elizabeth (Fones) Feake Hallet, who was originally the niece of John Winthorp. For a while, The town was actually named “Elizabeth Neck”, after the woman who originally purchased the land. It was eventually changed to Greenwich Point, which is where Old Greenwich stands today.

Old Greenwich Station is a commuter railroad system that is located in Greenwich, and is managed by Amtrak.

The rail system works directly with the New Haven Line, a rail system that runs from Connecticut to New York City. The Station itself was built in 1872, it was originally named Sound Beach Railroad Station however this was eventually changed to Old Greenwich Station. The building that the station operates in was built in the late 1800’s and still holds some of its exterior Victorian architectural style. In 1989, the station was registered as a historic place in the nation, however it was registered under the old name the “Sound Beach Railroad Station”. Old Greenwich Station was remodeled as recently as 2009, where it was made to accommodate for longer trains among other renovations. Overall, the project took over $14 million, and was just completed in 2019.

Greenwich Point is a popular beach site that sits in close proximity to Long Island. You’ll find most locals jogging or walking around the area, some visitors will even fish or swim in the water. Greenwich Point sits right on top of Long Island Sound, a body of water that sits between Connecticut and Long Island. The beautiful beaches can make taking a limo service totally worth it.

The land was first occupied by the Siwanoy Indians, who would use the land during the summertime in order to fish. In 1640 a man named Robert Feake bought the land for his wife, Elizabeth Feake, and named it Elizabeth’s Neck. They would then build their home nearby, where they would retain the land for more than a hundred years.

The land would then be purchased by a man named John Kennedy Tod, a Scotland born, American raised banker, who renamed the point to Innis Arden. In his early days, Tod was actually a Rugby player, who would represent multiple teams throughout his career, one of which being the Glasgow District. He also represented the West of Scotland District and even played internationally, where he represented Scotland against England.

He then moved to New York were he would begin a new career as a banking partner. Tod would form the J.Kennedy Tod & Co. banking group; he also became involved in restructuring railway properties. Tod would eventually die in 1925, passing away in his Innis Arden summer home.

After the death of Tod and his wife, Innis Arden was given to the Presbyterian Hospital of New York. Innis Arden would operate as a getaway for nurses until the beginning of World War II. Then, in 1944 the land would be sold to the Town of Greenwich, were it would be renamed to Greenwich Point. Greenwich Point is open to anyone who has beach passes, the area is typically open from 6:00 AM until sunset. Greenwich Point has a number of picnic tables, grills, showers, snack bars, restrooms, and plenty of benches to sit at.

Old Greenwich would begin its industrial presence in the 1920’s, where Conde Nast would operate a facility dedicated to printing top selling magazines. Some of these magazines would include Vogue, Vanity Fair, and House & Garden. Old Greenwich also had a bit of an industrial presence during the 50’s, it was home to a vacuum manufacturing facility, operated by Electrolux.

Today, the town is known for being very friendly and community based! so if you’re planning a relaxing vacation, Old Greenwich might be the place for you. You’ll often find the locals walking their dogs or relaxing in front of their porch, ready to mingle. Old Greenwich has a ton of associations dedicated to maintaining a safe and clean neighborhood! Old Greenwich also has a farmer’s market that operates throughout the summer season, the market is typically located on 38 West End Avenue, Old Greenwich.

Old Greenwich is riddled with all kinds of sellers during their farmers market. From fresh produce to even baked goods you’ll find anything and everything! take a limo up to Connecticut, we guarantee you wont be disappointed.

Binney Park is a 33 acre park that was donated to Old Greenwich by Edwin Binney, an American entrepreneur. Binney Park is filled with walking paths, stone bridges, and even a gazebo, the park also features tennis courts, and even baseball fields. The park is great for picnics and quite popular among photographers, they also host a number of nightly concerts during the summer. Binney Park is a great spot for couples! as the beautiful waterways and stone walkways make it a perfect romantic setting for anyone visiting Old Greenwich.

If you’re looking for a place to do some gift shopping, or if you’re simply looking for a meal, then you’re in luck. Old Greenwich has a handful of cute shops with plenty of souvenirs for visitors to choose from, the town even includes a thrift shop!

If you start getting hungry then you’ll be glad to know that Old Greenwich has plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. For the most part, the restaurants around the area are locally owned with a quant menu, the most popular of which being Le Fat Poodle. However two of the most popular restaurants serve Italian cuisine, Applausi Osteria, and Lugano.

Old Greenwich is a fantastic place for those looking for a quiet getaway with the family, and getting there can be just a hassle free. While you can opt to using public transit, it’s often unreliable and is not readily available in the area. most visitors will often take transportation to the neighborhood via car service or even a limo service. though if you’re looking to take a taxi to the area then its best to go with a black car service. some drivers are willing to provide transportation from longer distances, whether that be New York to Connecticut or even New Jersey to Connecticut. So if you’re looking to take a limo out to Old Greenwich, we suggest researching in order to find the right transportation company for you.

Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Center City Philadelphia is one of the most important financial districts in the country and is home to more than a few big name companies to prove it, but don’t let that fool you. Center City is located in one of the nations best states to take a vacation, especially if you’re looking to get away from big city noise. Center City includes other neighborhoods in Philadelphia, the most notable of which is the central business district. Center City has become a key player in the worlds economy mainly based off its location. Pennsylvania‘s neighbors with New York, and New Jersey, making it a perfect location for companies wanting to be closer to the greater area. Center City can be split into four different sections, South Street, and Vine Street covering the South and North borders of Center City. Delaware River covering the East, and the Schuylkill River to the west of Center City. In total, Center City is made up of about 7 different neighborhoods. Within this section of Center City is the home of multiple big named companies. Some of these companies include Sunoco, Aramark, Comcast, Lincoln National Corporation, and many more. There are also a number of Diplomatic offices in the neighborhood. Most of the Educational Institutions in Center City are private schools, and have been that way since even the 1940’s. Center City also has a number of hotels that one can stay at, not just the Marriott but beautiful hotels like The Bellevue Hotel, Sofitel Philadelphia, and many more.

Within Center City lies the historic Old City, one of the oldest cities in Philadelphia and used to be one of the most important neighborhoods in the U.S.. Old City is also where Quaker and William Penn first settled, and for a while was one of America’s most important financial centers. After the central business district moved west, the area became littered with warehouses and light industry. During the 20th century the area was restored thanks to the development of the Independence National Historical Park and United States Bicentennial. During the 1980’s the area went through some extensive gentrification, many warehouses were converted to art studios and galleries.

Old City contains a lot of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture, along with a few cast-iron warehouses scattered about. Old City is popular for its nightlife as well, housing multiple lounges, bars, and restaurants.

One of Old City’s best attractions is the Spruce Street Harbor Park, a colorful park filled with floating barges, craft beers, shuffleboard, a waterfront boardwalk and many more activities for any visitor to enjoy. Spruce Street Harbor Park has LED lights strung up as well, wrapping around trees to make the nightlife look spectacular.

Most of the park’s food and drink services are located at the boardwalk. Old City is also home to many boutiques, galleries, and even local businesses. Old City also hosts an event called First Friday, where art galleries and shops hold open houses for art, and fashion. Old City has a number of restaurants that are actually owned by some celebrity chefs. Some of these restaurants are Cuba Libre, Amada, Buddakan, and many many more.

Right next to Old City lies Society Hill, and like its neighbor, it’s also one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods. Society Hill had been established as far back as the 1680’s.

Society Hill also holds many 18th and 19th century style homes and was named after the Free Society of Traders. The Free Society of Traders was a group of merchants and landowners with personal business in the area. Society Hill had direct access to the Delaware River meaning that it became one of the most populated areas in the state. The neighborhood became flooded with many churches, market halls, taverns, and brick houses.

Society Hill used to have a creek in it, Dock Creek, eventually it became polluted and was filled in by the city. Dock creek would eventually be renamed to Dock Street, which now houses its own brewing company! During the 19th century the area began to expand but at the cost of its quality, after the 1940’s Society Hill turned into a slum. Then in the 1950’s the neighborhood turned over a new leaf thanks to an urban renewal program.

Many houses were restored and bought out by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. Many new parks, walkways, and townhouses were built and replica 18th century streetlights and sidewalks were added to bring together the colonial aesthetic. Eventually the area was bought in the late 1950’s, this time by 3 separate companies looking to redevelop Society Hill.

The three companies looking to change the area are; The Redevelopment Authority, the Philadelphia Movement, and the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. Certain parts of the neighborhood were demolished or relocated, the cleared up area was then used as the site for the Society Hill Towers.

During the mid 1960’s the area would go through another redevelopment, this time being led by architect I. M. Pei, a Chinese-American architect who was raised in Shanghai. Pei’s team would introduce a townhouses and towers project into the neighborhood; the plan was completed in 1977. Waverly Court and Penn’s Landing Square would eventually be built by architect Louis Sauer, an American architect. Louis Sauer’s team would eventually go on to design several row houses for the neighborhood. Louis Sauer’s team would eventually go on to design several row houses for the neighborhood. Louis Sauer’s team would eventually go on to design several row houses for the neighborhood.

Society Hill is also connected to Old City through the Spruce Street Harbor Park.

Penn’s Landing is a waterfront that goes alongside the Delaware River and is a great visiting spot for any visitor looking for a great view. Penn’s Landing can be seen as the city’s main event center, you’ll often find many celebrations or concerts at the center.

The area itself is named after William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania and the man that established the city in 1682. The area is managed by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, a company made to handle the development since 2009.

Penn’s Landing has a multitude of historical ships and docks for any historian to enjoy. Some of these ships have been turned into Museums or even restaurants. Some of these ships have been turned into Museums or even restaurants. Some of Penn’s Landing’s most well known memorials are the Irish Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial.

Washington Square West also holds some of the nation’s oldest buildings. Such buildings include one of Philadelphia oldest Jewish burial grounds, the oldest hospital in the nation, and even The University of the Arts. Washington Square West is also home to Thomas Jefferson University, one of the best medical universities in the country and the leading health care center.

Penn’s Landing actually used to have a trolley system running through it, it was unfortunately shut down in 1995. Penn’s Landing also has a Rink, during the winter it’s an ice skating rink, then during the summer it’s used as a roller-skating rink. Rothman Ortho is another great rink to use for ice skating. this makes Pennsylvania one of the best states to experience the holidays!

Penn’s Landing has a ferry system that allows travel from New Jersey to Pennsylvania called the Riverlink Ferry. The Riverlink Ferry began operations in 1992, and operates from April to October.

Chinatown is made up of Asian Americans and is actually still growing in size! As of 2018 Philadelphia’s Chinatown has continued to grow mainly due to large migration from New York City. The area is supported by Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, PCDC for short. Chinatown came to be when in the mid-late 19th century, Cantonese immigrants moved near Philadelphia’s commercial wharves. The first business was opened by Lee Fong in 1871, a laundry mat, and soon after the rest of ethnic Chinese followed. Throughout the Early 1900’s the area began to consist mainly of restaurants, and one grocery store. In the mid 60’s a large number of families began to move to Chinatown, this led to the area going up for a renewal program.

Parts of Chinatown had to be demolished in order for the city to build a new highway, though this isn’t the only thing that was built. The Pennsylvania Convention Center was also constructed in that area. While this may have helped the neighborhood develop it was still very controversial. 

This led to the creation of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation which gave local businesses a say in local development matters. In the late 90’s, Chinatown began to expand, including not only Chinese immigrants but also Korean, Vietnamese and even Taiwanese. Soon Chinatown became more commercially viable, However this led to an unforeseen issue.

The commercial success caught the eye of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team who began to run a campaign to try to build a new area where they could play baseball. For a while they were planning on demolishing several buildings in Chinatown to make room for this new ballpark. This proposal was met with strong opposition from the PCDC, who felt that a ballpark would destroy Chinatown. Multiple rallies and protests were held by many different ethnic and religious groups in order to help stop the ballpark from being constructed. Eventually the ballpark was built south of Philadelphia instead of in Chinatown. This ballpark was opened in 2004 in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Chinatowns most recent addition was in 2012, with the addition of an Eastern Tower Community Center. It was quickly approved by the city, construction began in 2017 and it was officially opened 2 years later on November 8th.

Chinatown had to deal with constant renovation programs, highway proposals, and demolishing plans trying to get rid of the neighborhood. Despite this, the area is thriving and is still growing to this day! Today, Chinatown is filled with shops, restaurants, factories, and other industrial businesses.

If you’re looking for a drink you can go to Dragon Beer Garden or to the famous David’s Mai Lai Wah. While the area may be called Chinatown it is far more diverse than the name would have you believe. Chinatown is filled with Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and many more diverse Asian cuisine restaurants. Chinatown is also lucky in that it is near many of Center City’s hotels, making it an ideal area to visit. Chinatown also hosts events, one of the most well known being “Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival”, an illuminated fest where lantern artisans come together to present their work. Their work includes handcrafted lanterns, pandas, whales, dragons, and many more. The event also includes performances of acrobatics, martial arts, folk dancing, and more. Chinatown is also home to one of the oldest public markets in the United States, Reading Terminal Market. Reading Terminal Market is filled with many different cuisines, such as soul food, Asian cuisine, Middle Eastern cuisine, and even authentic Philly Cheesesteaks. 

Initially, when Center City was first established most of its development was based on the east side. The proximity to both major cities and key river points made it perfect for business to develop rapidly.

With Center City’s business district developing east, much of its residential district began to develop west. Most of these homes were built during the 1800’s by wealthy businessmen in the area. However the area truly came into being in the 1950’s, when the neighborhood would be redeveloped into a high-rise residential district. Center City West began to construct bigger buildings, attracting wealthier residents to the neighborhood. Such buildings include Penn Center, and the One Liberty Place which broke Philadelphia’s unofficial height limit. This allowed for Center City‘s economic and popularity status to skyrocket.

Such buildings include Penn Center, and the One Liberty Place which broke Philadelphia’s unofficial height limit.

This is largely due to the city’s proximity to the Greater New York Metropolitan Area. Pennsylvania is one of the best states for someone looking to work but still enjoy the quiet time. Center City West is made up of 3 different residential and commercial squares.

Rittenhouse Square is the name of both the public park in the middle and the neighborhood around it. The neighborhood is one of the highest income neighborhoods in the country, and forms a historic district with Fitler Square. Rittenhouse Square is maintained by a non-profit group, The Friends of Rittenhouse Square.

Rittenhouse Square was renamed in 1825 after David Rittenhouse, a clockmaker, and someone who lent a great hand in the American Revolution. David Rittenhouse was also a descendant of William Rittenhouse, the first paper-maker in Philadelphia. William Rittenhouse’s Paper-mill is still standing in Philadelphia to this day, now it’s known as Rittenhousetown. At the start of the 19th century Rittenhouse Square would become a very sought after neighborhood, thanks in large part to one man, James Harper.

James Harper was recently retired from U.S. congress and had been a merchant and brick maker before that. James Harper decided to use his wealth to set the tone for Rittenhouse Square; he would proceed to buy most of the north side and begin construction on his own house. James Harper would keep buying land in Rittenhouse Square, dividing it up and then reselling them.

After his death, the James Harper house would become the home of the Rittenhouse Club. From the late 1800’s to early 1900’s a number of well known and well off families would live in Rittenhouse Square. Such families include John Wanamaker, Edmund Bacon, and even his son at one point, Kevin Bacon.

In 1913, Rittenhouse Square would begin to add French architecture to the neighborhood. Thanks to Paul Philippe Cret, a French architect, who redesigned parts of the square to resemble Paris and French gardens. Paul added stone additions to pools and fountains, and constructed new entryways that had a much more classical look. Post World War II Rittenhouse Square began to add modern architecture to its neighborhood. Apartment complexes, office spaces, and condominiums began to pop up around the neighborhood, along with shopping malls  and high-rise buildings. Rittenhouse Square would still keep most of its Italianate, and Art Deco styles, but the majority of its Victorian mansions were replaced by residential buildings.

Paul Cret’s redesign was well received among the community, despite how many additions he made the park still remained largely the same, just more modern. His redesign was so popular that it actually caught the attention of several journalists who sought to interview him. Rittenhouse Square would become much more Centered and intricate, and despite many proposed changes, has stayed this way ever since.

Rittenhouse Square is littered with luxury apartments, an office tower, and restaurants scattered around. The park itself has many benches where people can eat, fountains, statues and even doggie bag dispensers. Rittenhouse Square has many historical and cultural institutions around the neighborhood. Among these institutions are many civil war and underground railroad museums in the area. Along with the Curtis Institute of Music, the Philadelphia Art Alliance and even the Wine School of Philadelphia! The neighborhood is also lined with many different Civil War-Era style mansions, oftentimes being used for the set of Hollywood movies. Rittenhouse Square features a number of events throughout spring, These events typically start at the beginning of May.

Northwest of Center City is Logan Square, a district that combines new high-rise corporate buildings with long standing historic houses. The Square is home to most of the nation’s buildings that are registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Logan Square has a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops for anyone planning to visit. Most of the square’s restaurants and grocery stores are at a walkable distance. Logan Square is also home to a number of colleges and museums as well, making it an excellent stop for anyone taking a vacation in Philadelphia.

Fitler Square is the name of a public park in Philadelphia and the neighborhood around it. Named after Philadelphia’s 19th century mayor, Edwin Henry Fitler. The park is maintained by both the Fitler Square Improvement Association and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Fitler Square is located west of Rittenhouse Square, oftentimes both neighborhoods are associated with one another, eventually garnering the nickname “Rit-Fit”.

Before the 50’s the neighborhood had fallen on harsh times, much of the city was overwhelmed by urban blight, and the park itself was just a wasteland of drunks and druggies. Finally the city managed to get Mayor Joseph S. Clark Jr to help improve the neighborhood through a petition. Mayor Clark began to free up money that allowed for the construction of new homes. At one point the neighborhood was almost removed in order to add a new crosstown expressway. Fitler Square also has a river to the west, Schuylkill River. Today, the neighborhood is mainly residential and houses single families that moved to the area.

Center City is home to many fun activities during the holidays. The city offers a number of places to shop, and dine with more than a few places to get a drink. Center City puts up Christmas lights and even hosts pop-ups during this time.

Center City hosts all kinds of pop up events for the holidays. Another well known event is restaurant week which last from January 15th to the 28th. Over 80 restaurants participate in this event and with prices ranging from $25 to $40, you’ll want to take a car service up to Pennsylvania.

Center City Philadelphia is packed with activities for any visitor, whether you want to visit its historic monuments or astonishing skyscrapers. Though getting around the city is often going to be your biggest issue. This is why its important to have a good transportation service that can get you around Center City hassle free. Often times you’ll find car services scattered throughout the city but it’s always good to know the good car service from the best car service. A good driver will even know the history of the city like the back of his hand!. One of the best wats to find an elite car company to drive you around is to narrow down your search. It’s best to look up black car services or luxury transportation services in Philadelphia, this way you can always find the best car services to get you around town. One of the best transportation services is My Destiny Limo, they can not only get you some of the best chauffeur service around but they also do long distance transportation. so next time you’re looking to visit Center City, don’t hesitate to book with a good car service to get you around.

Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Located Northwest of Washington D.C., and founded in the mid 1700’s, there lies a neighborhood called Georgetown. With a population over 70,000 Georgetown has a rich history from the day it was first founded. Today, Georgetown is home to some of the most fabulous restaurants in the country and some of the best shops as well! This makes it worth visiting for any tourist, so make sure you have transportation to the neighborhood to enjoy your stay. From its busy M Street to the beautiful Georgetown Park, there are plenty of things to do for anyone wanting to visit. Georgetown is also flooded with historic areas from both the 19th century and the 20th century. This can include things such as the Washington Harbor or even some of its historical schools. Georgetown is not just known for its high end shops and restaurants but also for its education. The neighborhood has consistently poured its resources into its education system landing them one of the most prestigious schools to attend, Georgetown University. Georgetown is a wonderful place to visit, and while it used to be more well known for its unattainable status. Though, recently its become much more accessible to the public, with more shops and restaurants for anyone to enjoy.

Georgetown was may have been founded in the mid 1700’s but its history goes all the way back to the 1600’s. In 1632 Henry Fleet, an English fur trader, documented a village of the Nacotchtank people called Tohoga, this is where modern Georgetown is now located. Henry Fleet had actually spent 5 years as the Nacotchtank’s prisoner, he was later freed for ransom. Henry Fleet saw the advantage that Georgetown had for shipping due to its connection to the ocean via the Potomac River. This lead to a port being build in the area and trade was then established. The port of Georgetown is actually about 40 years older than the city of Washington. Then in 1745, a tobacco inspection house was constructed alongside the Potomac River by a man named George Gordon. George Beall Jr. was also a prominent figure in the neighborhood, he was the grandson of George Bell who was a strong political figure among other things. In the 1750’s the 60 acre area was purchased by the Province of Maryland, this was done to turn the neighborhood into Georgetown. Robert Peter then became the first mayor of the town, Georgetown then began to build, using the river to its advantage by building ports and warehouses. After which the establishment of the federal capital helped Georgetown become its own independent district.

View of Georgetown University in the 19th century

In the early 1820’s the Potomac River became so filled up with ports and silt that it became hard to navigate up to Georgetown. This was becoming such an issue that it became difficult to trade in Georgetown. The solution was to build a new canal going from Harper’s Ferry to Georgetown, however the introduction to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad altered that. To start with, the railroad was finished before the canal could be done, and it was much cheaper than the ferry. This practically killed any hope for a ferry to bring in money. While the canal was still built it was not as profitable as they had hoped, this was due to the train being much cheaper and much faster. There was an upside, the canal was originally made to allow for civilian boats to pass but with most residents now taking the train, it gave another route for ships and cargo boats to take. This wound up being extremely helpful as it helped clear up some congestion and provided a boost for the economy in the town. Georgetown would follow the trend of the evolving industries throughout the decades; during the 1820’s they traded tobacco, sugar, salt, and even hemp, later incorporating flour, and even coal. For the next 40 – 50 years the area would remain largely self governed, while this was good for expanding business it would eventually become a problem. Georgetown eventually had to deal with its original problem, constant shipping of coal leading to the area becoming silted. To make things worse in 1889 a storm at the end of May washed away a poorly managed dam in the area. This nearly destroyed Georgetown, it took years for the area to finally begin to rebuild. Georgetown not only rebuilt but also expanded. This led to the expansion of the railroads and allowed for new factories to be built in the neighborhood. Georgetown’s waterfront became more industrialized, with warehouses, and apartment complexes going up in the area. None of these apartments were actually well kept. By the end of the 19th century, Georgetown was a mix of industry along the river, and “projects” for the workers to live in. However, older homes remaining unchanged though most of them would remain abandoned for a while.

The opening of the Buffalo Bridge in the early 1910’s helped connect Georgetown with Rock Creek Park. then in the 1920’s construction began on large apartment complexes along the edge of Georgetown. The C & O Canal would deal with a series of floods throughout the years until it was eventually sold to the National Park Service in late 1938.

The area would then remain largely industrial until about 1968, a series of freeways then allowed for some commuters to avoid Georgetown altogether.

Georgetown has some of the best schools in the country and for good reason. With money constantly moving in and out of the area it allowed for schools to be well founded. Georgetown is home to many university-preparatory schools, the first being Columbian Academy. Georgetown was not just fueled by wealth but also its desire to properly educate the young. Georgetown contains multiple private schools such as; Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Georgetown Day School, and many more. The schools themselves also contain some interesting history for anyone willing to read. Georgetown does contain some public schools, and most are operated by the District of Columbia Public Schools or (DCPS) for short. There are also a number of public libraries in the area, mainly due to the District of Columbia Public Library operating there. However the most well known university is without a doubt Georgetown University.

Georgetown University is one the oldest schools in the United States founded by bishop John Carroll in 1789. It stands as the best private research university in the country and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States with highly picky admissions. It stands as the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the United States however the majority of its students do not follow the religion. The school’s alumni include more U.S. diplomats than any other university in the United States. Georgetown University’s main campus is identifiable by Healy Hall, a National Historic Landmark. The school now houses about 10 undergraduate and graduate schools.

Georgetown University is one the oldest schools in the United States founded by bishop John Carroll in 1789. It stands as the best private research university in the country and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States with highly picky admissions.

It stands as the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the United States however the majority of its students do not follow the religion. The school’s alumni include more U.S. diplomats than any other university in the United States. this means that visiting the university is not as easy as getting on a bus, often times the students take a car service to the school. This means that unless you have the funds, Georgetown University is very difficult to tour. Georgetown University’s main campus is identifiable by Healy Hall, a National Historic Landmark. The school now houses about 10 undergraduate and graduate schools.

Georgetown has 2 main roads going through it, one of them being M street and the other being Wisconsin Avenue. Wisconsin Avenue is part of the Maryland suburbs and is often being used as the main road in the neighborhood. Wisconsin Avenue actually starts in the Georgetown and passes through a lot of parks and neighborhoods. Wisconsin Avenue passes through Glover Park, Cathedral Heights, Cleveland Park, Tenleytown and Friendship Heights. Eventually the road goes into Bethesda and forms into one of the main streets in the area. M street is split apart into 4 different section. All of these sections are named after their direction Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast. The Northwestern section carries heavy commuter traffic as it connects Pennsylvania Avenue with Key Bridge and Canal Road. The Northeastern section of M street contains the Gallaudet University. Finally the southern sections of M street lead to both the Washington Navy Yard and a few National Parks.

Georgetown is packed with high-end boutiques that despite being designer pieces still capture that small town feel. You’ll often find these shops down on M street, such shops include; Rag & Bone, Bonobos, and even Kate Spade New York. This makes taking a tour of Georgetown a must while you’re visiting.

One of Georgetown’s best tourist destination is Georgetown Park. Georgetown Park is a mixed use area, consisting of both a shopping mall and condominium use. It also went through some of the most renovations throughout the decades. parts of its structure where actually used from old tobacco warehouses in the area, these parts can date as far back as 1838. In the 1850’s Georgetown Park was bought by John E. Reeside and Gilbert Vanderwerken, during which it was used to hold their Omnibus line. After it was used to hold the Washington and Georgetown Railroad, it was then converted into a machine shop for streetcars. At one point the building served as the United States Defense Communications Annex E. Donohoe Construction Co. acquired the building in 1975 and was tasked with developing the area into a combined housing and commercial complex.

When walking around Georgetown you’ll be greeted with the sight of America’s first style of home, federal-style. The town is packed with Federalist style homes built back during the 18th century. While the architectural style may be called “Federal” its actually a style from England called “Georgian”

These homes where often built by wealthy Englishmen who would hire builders and carpenters to construct rowhouses and townhouses. During this period of expansion most houses would be built in a federal-style, which was used to design homes between 1785 to 1830. These buildings feature low stoops, iron hand rails, and are well known for their Flemish bond brick layouts. The roofs on these homes are typically pitched and would often have two attic dormers, windows and entrances would also feature small cornices above them. Some federal style public buildings feature arched windows, these are typically used by churches and town halls. The standard federal-style home is built with wood framing on top of a brick basement. Federal homes are typically three stories high, flat, with six-over-six windows lined with simple masonry. the allure of federal-style homes is derived from the elegance of linear placement of doors and windows.

Federal style can also be seen used for the hotels in the area. Some of these buildings even feature pillars in the entryway, though these are mostly used in public buildings. With Georgetown being so synonymous with federal architecture its no wonder they offer tours to anyone visiting!

Washington Harbor is also one of Georgetown’s most famous destinations as well. Washington Harbor is a mixed used development that was designed by Arthur Cotton Moore. The complex contains luxury condominiums, offices, retail space, and restaurants. Washington Harbor has a postmodern architectural style. Washington Harbor has a set of floodgates designed to help protect it against river floods; the gates were later renovated after 2010. During its initial days it was mainly used as a commercial harbor, however this changed during the Industrial Revolution. At first Washington Harbor had to close because of a decline in commercial sales. This led to numerous Manufacturing plants and industry to be built in the area. After the 1960’s Washington Harbor went through numerous proposals but none were acted upon for almost a decade. Many Georgetown residents strongly opposed plans to build a series of highways throughout the city. Ironically enough the plan that eventually went through was a plan to tear down the already existing freeway. Washington Harbor was inevitably saved by President Nixon in 1971. Construction of the actual area began in the 1980’s and was opened in phases, the first phase being in 1986.

Today, the Potomac river contains multiple waterfront dining options, many of which can give you a fantastic view of The Kennedy Center. Some of the better options for seafood in the area are places like Sequoia, Nick’s Riverside Grill, and Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place. Georgetown is also home to some of the most famous restaurants in the country, so famous even presidents eat there! 2 of these restaurants are Farmers Fishers Bakers, and Fiola Mare, who have had the luxury of having guests like Joe Biden and James Bond. Some luxury hotels offer restaurants of their own, all of these restaurants offer top cuisine options for all their guests. Places like Bourbon Steak, and CUT by Wolfgang Puck can offer you a variety of Steaks and red meat options to satisfy your meat filling. There is also a restaurant called The Alex, named after Alexander Graham Bell, which features a Steampunk aesthetic for its visitors to enjoy. You can enjoy some Italian Cuisine at the Cafe Milano and Filomena Ristorante, or an all-American menu at 1798. Georgetown also features a number of stylish bars such as Richard Sandoval’s El Centro D.F., which serves up authentic Mexican food all day!

Georgetown has a number of excellent hotels to choose from, should you decide to visit. One of its more luxurious being The Graham Hotel, which is home to 50 exclusive rooms to choose and an indoor restaurant and bar. The Graham also has a phenomenal view of the Georgetown waterfront. The hotel also features an open rooftop lounge for anyone wanting to take pictures during their tour of D.C..

There’s also Greg Engert’s The Sovereign, where one can fill up their Belgian food desires. If you’re looking to enjoy a good cocktail check out Konditorei + Kafe Leopold. For those who just want to grab a quick bite to eat, you can check out places like Sweetgreen, or Good Stuff Eatery. There are also a number of clothing shops in Georgetown as well.

If you’re planning on visiting Georgetown its good to know the best way to get around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, there are no direct bus or train routes that go in and out of Georgetown, luckily there’s another solution! Washington D.C. has many great transportation services and one of which being My Destiny Limo! My Destiny Limo can provide you with a black car service to take you in and out of Georgetown. So if you’re looking for a safe car service, they have both the safest and most relaxing car services available to you. If you’re coming in from out the Washington D.C. area, or if you’re just visiting family, then you will be happy to know that some car companies can accommodate for that. My Destiny Limo can go as far out as New York City to Washington D.C. if you needed it.