Elfreth's Alley Philadelphia

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Location: Off Second St. between Race and Arch, Philadelphia

Elfreth Alley in Philadelphia was commemorates the life and times of Jeremiah Elfreth. Take a walk down the oldest street in America and picture yourself as a colonist living on this street when it was built in 1702. Resplendent with cobblestones and beautiful 18th century town homes, the properties were once owned by local blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth, who rented them to captains, shipwrights, and colonial artisans.

Today, the homes are still privately owned but owners work together with the Philadelphia Historic Commission to preserve the historical integrity of the street. While visitors can't enter the private homes, they can stroll down the street each day and also visit the Elfreth's Alley Museum to learn about the alley's historical facts and secrets through photos and collections. The museum offers guided tours and a gift shop.

During the months of May through August, visitors to Elfreth's Alley may even run into local Philadelphia Ben Franklin and some of his friends. If you're visiting during the Christmas season, you'll want to aim for "Deck the Alley", a wonderful old-fashioned night of roasting chestnuts, apple cider, and Christmas carols.