A walk in the parks of Philadelphia

Getting to Washington Square is quickest on the subway. From 30th Street Station, head to the 9th/10th Street Station.

Washington Square Park is imbued with history. At the heart of the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to the soldiers who died during the American Revolution. The macabre history of the square, though, goes back to when the park was used as an internment area for victims of a colonial-era yellow fever epidemic. Whether by virtue of its somber history or its tucked-away location, Washington Square Park transmits a tranquil aura.

A short walk brings you to Independence National Historical Park, an equally historic site. The park lies right behind Independence Hall, which is also a worthwhile stop for the history lover who wants to see where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and wrote the Articles of Confederation.

Tickets to Independence Hall are free and available at the Visitors Center. Get your ticket first and then visit the park, since tickets are usually given for tours two hours in advance. Independence National Historical Park is an oasis of foliage. Visit within the next few weeks if you can: The fall rainbow of leaves is stunning. Museums and sites such as Independence Living History Center, Pemberton House and National Liberty Museum surround the park.

Thanks to William Penn's grid system for Philadelphia's streets, we were easily able to move on to our next destination: Franklin Square. The park is one of the five planned by Penn, who also founded the park system. During the War of 1812, American troops paraded and drilled in Franklin Square; today, it's a microcosm of an amusement park. Alongside food stands and a few vendors, a carousel, circus music, a Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course and a playground provide the perfect opportunity to indulge your inner child. Though conducive to a younger crowd, the park is unfortunately also tainted by unsavory trash and can attract a disingenuous public.

Don't be fooled by the seemingly short distances between parks on a map. The walk from Franklin Square to Love Park is a good trek. Surrounded by slabs of cement on all sides, Love Park displays little of the romance of its name and was a disappointment. There is minimal greenery and too much noise. The iconic sculpture itself is the most disappointing. The three-dimensional Robert Indiana sculpture is made from the letters "L O" placed atop "V E." The highlight of it is the colors: A bright red face contrasts with the blue and green interior. Elevated on a platform, it's only a few feet tall and doesn't compare to that on 6th Avenue in Manhattan. The park's focus is instead on the speeding skateboarders who continually dodge standers-by to jump up on curved ledges and stair railings.

Rittenhouse Square could not be more different from Love Park. It is tree-filled and surrounded by quaint shops and restaurants, though they are almost invariably pricey. You'll find a wide array of people in the park. During my visit, I encountered a group of people with signs that read "Free hugs" (and they weren't lying), a cluster of jugglers practicing and a group of musicians playing mellow alternative rock. The park's most frequent visitors, however, are dog owners. The park is replete with dogs of all colors, shapes, sizes and even outfits. The general atmosphere here is jubilant and outgoing. If there is one must-visit park, it is Rittenhouse Square.

If you need a place to grab some grub, there are two cafes near Rittenhouse Square that I recommend. Jutting out on a side street, La Colombe offers excellent coffee, warm drinks and pastries. With hot chocolate for only $2, it's also very affordable. Inside, you'll find a relaxed atmosphere with people chatting or reading over tabletops of mosaics made from broken Italian pottery. Tuscany Cafe, on the other hand, faces Rittenhouse Square and is more vibrant, filled with young students.