Are you prepared for Mother's Day? If not, don't panic! Curbed Philly has you covered: we've compiled a short walking tour you can take with your mom, and it's totally free. Anna Jarvis, an activist who lived in Philly and established Mother's Day as a national holiday became disgusted with its over-commercialization by 1923. Since then, things have only gotten pricier and pricier: expensive prix-fixe brunches and gifts take the place of taking the time to connect with Mom. In honor of Anna Jarvis, here's a Center City Mother's Day stroll that costs exactly $0.
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Map: 100% Free Mother's Day Walking Tour
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JFK Plaza (Love Park)
There is nothing that proves your dedication to your Mom like taking a dorky photo under the LOVE statue. Nothing. So make it happen. [Photo by Laura Kicey]
Macy's
Sure, you're going to Macy's, but not to shop: The building was originally occupied by John Wannamaker's eponymous store. John Wannamaker provided the funding for Anna Jarvis' Mother's Day campaign. The Wannamaker building is also one of the most impressive sites in Philly, and contains the largest working pipe organ in the world.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
There's a charge for going inside the gardens, but for the purposes of this stroll, it's worth a look at this non-traditional garden from the outside. If you do choose to go in, there are free arts and crafts offered with admission. [Photo from Magic Gardens Google+ Page]
The Curtis Center
Check out the lobby at the Curtis Center to sneak a peek at one of the city's hidden treasures: a 15 by 49 foot Tiffany stained glass mural.
Todd House
The Todd House was the first Philadelphia home of Dolley Madison, who lived there with her first husband, John Todd. John Todd perished in the yellow fever epidemic of 1793, but Dolley survived and remarried to James Madison. [Photo by df3vi]
Betsy Ross House
Though it's not certain that Betsy Ross did sew the American flag, her reputation as the mother of the flag has been an important part of US history. [Photo by Hank Waxman]
Queen Village
End your tour of the city in Queen Village. No, not just because your Mother is a queen, but also because it's a nice walk, and if you do want to treat your Mom to brunch, this is a great place to do it. Happy Mother's Day! [Photo by betzy]
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