A Sip of History

Visiting my family in Philadelphia this week, it seemed appropriate to take in some history leading up to July 4th. With the signing place of our Declaration of Independence just minutes away from my childhood home, it's easy to scratch that itch.

Take the Tippler's Tour, Philadelphia's nod to the drinking culture of Colonial times. Thursdays at 5:30 from April through October, the tour leads thirsty travelers on a journey through history, visiting places like the City Tavern, established 1773, which served as the unofficial first meeting place of the Continental Congress. Here, the likes of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington washed back their dinner with low-alcohol small beers and seasonal shrub cocktails (fruit, vinegar, sugar, and spices paired with spirits).

One fun fact I learned was that Ben Franklin, ever the inventor and wordsmith, created over 200 phrases to describe someone who'd had a lot to drink. The crowd favorite seems to be "nimptopsical."

A Tippler's Tour ticket will set you back only $30, which includes a drink at each of the tour's four stops, plus snacks and gratuity. You may even make a few new friends along the way. For tickets and information, visit Historic Philadelphia website. —Siobhan Crosby