Kate,

In Philly, try the Franklin Institue online and see if you are interested. www.FI.edu.

Norht of Philly is Bucks County, PA which I think is beautiful and the city, New Hope is very artsy craftsy.

Statue of Liberty is a must and Central Park. While walking through just think of the age of the park and what it was built for. Just amazing!

Manhattan is a sight. World Trade Center site and Rockafeller Center is worth a look.

I don't know much about accomodations though.

SoHo is a must as Meredith pointed out. Dotsie will be instrumental in getting you in and out of Philly. Lancaster (Amsih Country) if you have the time is beautiful and worth the effort.

I am about 1 1/2 from Lancaster.

Lynn