Fairmount water works in Philadelphia was the first municipal waterworks in United States designed by Frederick Graff in the year 1812 following the wide spread of yellow fever epidemic (which that time was thought to be caused by unclean water). Within no time the design of the park started grabbing people's attention and soon became one of the most popular tourist attractions.

In fact Fairmount Water Works was the second most popular tourist sites after Niagara Falls in United States during the greater part of 19th century. The Fairmount water works was initially housed on the banks of Schuylkill River, just downstream from the Fairmount dam and Boathouse row in a group of neoclassical structures.

At the time of its construction, this dam measuring 1,204 feet was considered to be the longest in the world that had giant water wheels of 16 feet diameter operating pumps sending water through a series of mains to the city's reservoirs.

Just as an epidemic lead to the designing and establishment of Fairmount water works, another only lead to its closure. Yes, the typhoid epidemic that hit the city resulted in shutting down of several water pumping stations and soon water works were transformed into public aquarium. It was in early 1980 that US Secretary of Interior who placed water works on the list of threatened national landmarks.

However things have changed now and there seems to be a very bright future for Fairmount water works. Efforts are being made by investing $26 million to restore Fairmount water works completely and also include an interpretive center as a component.

This restoration project is headed by Ed Grusheski, museum director who is also interested in historic and environmental preservation. A building that was initially disguised in its industrial function has now become one of the most popular tourist attractions for its beauty and location by the river side.

Fairmount Water Works Restaurant offers the best good quality foods and drinks. Mostly served using the self-serve buffet style, they offer greater options. Their staff is very courteous.

During the sunny May and June, watching the sun set over the park is very stunning and inspiring. Sitting and dinning from the outside to watch the waterworks 'the Schuylkill River' an historical architectural is a breath taking experience.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/water-works-restaurant-and-lounge-philadelphia

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The atmosphere is accommodative of any form of activity ranging from going for a business venture, celebrating one's achievements to going to propose for marriage. The restaurants are also pet friendly.

Attractions at Fairmount Water Works Restaurant

The Water Works were a onetime engine room for the Philadelphia City Water Department

The Huge water wheels, turbines and pumps are now housed in buildings resembling temples, this was later reopened as an interactive education centre, restaurant and lounge. What're you waiting for? Reserve a Philadelphia hotel and begin your tour!

http://www.gophila.com/C/Dining_and_Nightlife/223/Dining_Restaurants_and_Food_in_Philadelphia/221/Alfresco_Dining/222/U/Water_Works_Restaurant_and_Lounge/2310.html

Come to the Fairmount water works interpretive center and learn more about watersheds. This is a very popular tourist attraction for its great engineering work and amazing architecture. You also get to watch and learn how the water from the river reaches the City. It's a fun as well as an educational experience. This place will instill in the visitors the need to protect the watersheds. A slight change in our daily life will help in maintaining our natural environment. It is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM and on the Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM.

How to find a hotel close to the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center

Finding a hotel of your choice is no more a problem. You can surf the internet and find a huge number of options. You can also check the ratings of the website to find good hotels in city center Philadelphia which is in proximity to the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center. For your benefit we'll provide you with three great hotels close to the Water Works:-Embassy Suits Hotel Philadelphia: City Center: [0.2 miles away from the Center].

http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/PHLDTES-Embassy-Suites-Philadelphia-Center-City-Pennsylvania/index.do

- Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel: [0.3 miles].

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1776-Best Western Center City Hotel: [0.4 miles].

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=39087

What to look for in a hotel - It's a must to ensure that your hotel has parking facilities. Free parking is always better.-The hotel which arranges daily tours for its guests is definitely much better than the rest.-You must check with your hotel for car rental services.

Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center is a great place to arrange meetings, group tours like school visits and even receptions. The meeting rooms which include a classroom and laboratory can hold 35 and 45 people respectively. For more information visit the website:

http://www.fairmountwaterworks.org/