It is often said politics make strange bedfellows. Strange bedfellows indeed are Democratic political consultant James Carville and his wife, Republican political consultant, Mary Matalin. And who would have ever predicted that a Kennedy named Maria Shriver would wind up married to the 38th Governor of the State of California, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger? The two remain staunchly at odds over this year’s presidential race, with Shriver endorsing Obama and Schwarzenegger supporting McCain.

Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that married couples have a higher interest in politics than any other demographic. Numbers from the November 2006 election reveal that married individuals had the highest rates of both registration (75 percent) and voting (56 percent) versus unmarried persons. While this passion for our country is grand, it can certainly take its toll on a marriage when two people differ on what is "right" for the future of America.

If you and your spouse have been debating tax issues while passing the potatoes, healthcare reform during pillow talk and if one of you feels that the other is stubborn for not having any flexibility with regards to political views, it’s a sign. Take a vacation. Quick!

Head back to where it all began: Philadelphia. Fall back in love—with America and each other.

"I think people supporting either party will agree: the story of our nation’s founding that is told at Philadelphia’s historical attractions is quite moving," says Caroline Bean of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Rest assured, walking on quaint cobblestone streets, taking in romantic views of the Delaware River and visiting the history filled museums, attractions and monuments will spark a whole new level of communication in your marriage.

Here are some of Dean’s top picks for helping politically divided couples find common ground:

* At only four pages long, the U.S. Constitution is among the most influential documents in the history of the world. The 160,000-square-foot National Constitution Center (www.constitutioncenter.org) explores the Constitution through high-tech exhibitions, artifacts and displays.

* She may be our nation’s best known seamstress, but historians still debate Betsy Ross’ role in making the first American flag. However, the Betsy Ross House (www.betsyrosshouse.org) offers visitors an excellent glimpse into the life of a working-class woman in Colonial America.

* Take a peek into the postcard-perfect Elfreth’s Alley (www.elfrethsalley.org), where quaint brick homes line America’s oldest continually inhabited residential street. Measuring only 16 feet wide, the Alley was first opened in 1702.

* Only one of 20 World Heritage sites in the country, Independence Hall (www.nps.gov/inde) is the official birthplace of the United States of America. It served as the locale where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776; where the Articles of Confederation united the 13 colonies was ratified in 1781; and where the U.S. Constitution outlining the nation’s basic laws, was adopted in 1787.

* Against the backdrop of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center (www.nps.gov/inde) showcases the famous cracked Bell against the backdrop of and puts it in its historical context. This attraction showcases larger-than-life historic documents and graphic images that explore the facts and the myths surrounding the Bell.

* For good luck, passersby’s often throw pennies on the grave of Benjamin Franklin at Christ Church Burial Ground (www.christchurchphila.org). Franklin and his wife are at rest along with approximately 1,400 other people within a short walk of the early 18th Century Anglican Christ Church where so many important people from the Revolution went to pray and worship. An unusual element of this church is the architecture. While churches in the motherland were adorned with elaborate stained glass windows, Christ Church was built with large clear glass windows to showcase the artistry of God and bring additional reverence to the beauty and majesty of the trees, flowers and greenery native to Pennsylvania.

Visit www.uwishunu.com to learn more about where to stay, what to eat and catch wind of the latest and greatest of Philadelphia’s more off-the-beaten path offerings from local bloggers in the know. The website www.gophila.org will also link you to events calendars, suggested itineraries, tourism and arts attractions and other travel packages available in the city of brotherly love.

Sharing a passion for adventure, Bobby Hickman and Joni Strandquest own and operate EaglesQuest Media Inc., a freelance writing service focusing on business, lifestyles, travel and tourism within the U.S. and abroad. To learn more, or to suggest ideas for future columns, check out their website at www.eaglesquestmedia.com.