Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

In Historic Philadelphia, some of the country’s most significant historic sites—many of which are free or low-cost, perfect for families and educational for all—share the neighborhood with trendy shops, modern restaurants and buzzing nightclubs. Affordable hotel packages with free parking and transportation options, including 50% off Amtrak, make a good

The following itinerary is available on gophila.com/sunny.

LOCATION: Center City and South Philadelphia

TRANSPORTATION: On foot, by taxi or car

DURATION: Two nights and two days

When the ego-driven characters of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia aren’t arguing and scheming in Paddy’s Pub, they’re creating scenes all over the

The following itinerary is available on gophila.com.

LOCATION: Historic Philadelphia, Centennial District, Bucks County, Kennett Square and Camden, New Jersey

TRANSPORTATION: Foot, taxi, bus or car

DURATION: Four days and four nights

This summer, forgo the same old family vacation in favor of a fun and—dare we say—educational trip

Visitors to Historic Philadelphia will find countless options for exploring Historic Philadelphia and its connections to the nation’s early history—whether it’s by land, by sea, by bus or by foot. Early risers can spend the day exploring every inch of America’s most historic square mile, and night owls can do

Restaurants, Bars And Entertainment:

• Abner’s of University City – Abner’s has been a part of the Philly college experience for more than 20 years, serving up cheesesteaks, gyros, pizza and more to hungry students until the wee hours of the morning. 3813 Chestnut Street, (215) 662-0100, abnerscheesesteaks.com
• Abyssinia Restaurant

DONNA SCHORR, a young-at-heart Baby Boomer
Director of Communications

Yes, I take a train ride to the city every day, and at this age, I’m no expert on late night clubbing. But I’ve lived in or near Philly for decades (never mind how many), and I can tell you a

Restaurants/Cafes:

• Buddakan – Stephen Starr’s original temple of modern Asian cuisine offers creative takes on Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Indian fare in a striking, theatrical setting. 325 Chestnut Street, (215) 574-9440, buddakan.com
• Chifa – Chef Jose Garces blends the best of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine in his latest

Historical Sites And Attractions:

• Wannabe sailors can spend the night in the nation’s most decorated battleship, the Battleship New Jersey, and take tours of the officers’ and crew’s mess halls, communications center and high-tech command center. 62 Battleship Place, Camden, (856) 877-6262, battleshipnewjersey.org
• The nation’s most famous seamstress, credited

Eat And Drink Your Way Through Philadelphia:

1. It’s hard to say whether kids or adults have more fun at the fudge-and-candy parties at Betty’s Speakeasy. Large or intimate groups can schedule time to cut fudge, make candy, decorate cookies and gobble them up at the end of the party.

Thanks to its “City of Brotherly Love” and “Place That Loves You Back” monikers and the iconic Love sculpture that anchors Center City’s Love Park, Philadelphia has long been identified with that most euphoric of emotions. It should come as no surprise that hundreds of singles-friendly attractions across the region

There are many reasons to visit Philadelphia any time of the year. Let’s see: It’s here where the nation was founded. It’s here where colorful neighborhoods bred distinct shops, bars and restaurants. It’s here where there’s always something worth discovering. And it’s close by. In fact, Philly’s within a 350-mile

AMBLER
Residents describe Ambler as a town where even visitors feel a sense of place. It’s a “real town” where locals and out-of-towners join together to enjoy professional theater and independent film, to admire art displayed in the storefront of a refurbished Art Deco building and to partake in a

MEDIA
Self-designated as the first fair trade town in the country, Media is also the last suburban town in the nation to run a trolley through its downtown. Residents call Media “Everybody’s Hometown” because the town’s friendliness welcomes all visitors. Brick sidewalks and tree-shaded streets encourage walking to the centrally

WEST CHESTER
Chester County’s seat of government is a tree-lined and welcoming city where a stately historic courthouse dominates the skyline; West Chester University students populate the shops, bars and noodle houses; and the popularity of the skateboarding culture (plus the presence of hometown celebrity prankster Bam Margera) draws enthusiasts

NEW HOPE
New Hope, Pennsylvania, the popular riverside artist colony recently named as one of the “Top 25 Art Destinations in the Country” by American Style Magazine, offers eclectic charm comfortably offset by casual sophistication. Peppered with bed & breakfasts, galleries, historical attractions, restaurants and nightlife along Main Street and

BYOBs Rock!
Philly eaters’ favorite four-letter word? BYOB. The letters stand for bring-your-own-bottle, and that translates into big savings when you do the liquor shopping before heading out to the restaurant. BYOBs are usually smaller, friendlier neighborhood spots—and the city’s best-kept dining secrets. Italian bistros are the most common of

With its "Legends of Ireland"; theme, the Philadelphia Flower Show will be even greener than usual in 2007. Taking place March 4-11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the show will weave bits of Irish lore, legends, entertainment and arts and crafts throughout the many displays.

After passing through the ferns,

Pass the Popcorn
Got a movie jones? You can catch something on the big screen every night in Philadelphia, not just in the local cineplexes, but also in dark corners of restaurants and bars, grand old auditoriums and luxury theaters. Scores of hipsters stream in for a dose of beer

Looking to enjoy a sophisticated evening on the town that’s away from the fast pace of big city life? Searching for refined haute cuisine amidst the serenity of the countryside? In the mood to sample new wines while gazing at the stars? Philadelphia’s nearby suburbs boast a welcome combination of

On the heels of a successful first year, uwishunu®, a two-year marketing initiative promoting Philly primarily through new media and Web 2.0 tools, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is responding to the uwishunu.com audience’s interest in original content with the debut of three new Web video

In addition to her career as a groundbreaking surrealist painter, Frida Kahlo was a dedicated cook and food enthusiast. So with the first major Kahlo exhibition in 15 years making its only East Coast venue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from February 20 to May 18, 2008, it is

On any night of the week, there are countless things to do after dark in Philadelphia. From an upscale happy hour at a renowned museum to movies with a side of beer to cabarets with a little of everything, nights in Philly fit any mood. Here is a sample of

With dozens of venues cultivating and showcasing live music throughout Philadelphia, it’s no wonder that Rolling Stone magazine’s 2007 Hot List calls the city a "hot scene" for music. It’s a city that has produced such artists as Chubby Checker, Hall & Oates and Patti LaBelle, and more recently, The

Openings:

• Please Touch Museum and Centennial District – When it opens on October 18, 2008, the children’s museum’s new location in Fairmount Park’s Memorial Hall—a National Historic Landmark built in 1876 for the Centennial Exhibition—will boast three times more space for exhibitions and programs. Just outside the museum,

Music loversand gardening fans will find lots to groove to when "Jazz it Up," this year’s edition of the Philadelphia Flower Show, rolls into the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 2-9, 2008. And after strolling through floral displays that re-create familiar New Orleans scenes and enjoying live jazz performances taking

The following itinerary is available on gophila.com/barkleyhendricks.

LOCATION: Historic Philadelphia, Center City and North Philadelphia

TRANSPORTATION: On foot, by taxi or car

DURATION: Two nights and two days

Note: Locations picked by Barkley and friends are indicated as such. Other places are suggestions of the tourism office.

Philly’s flavors,

• The second largest city on the East Coast, Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States, with a population of 1.4 million in Philadelphia and 3.9 million people residing in the five-county region.
• Thanks to founder William Penn, Philadelphia’s Center City follows an easy-to-navigate grid street design. The

Gay and lesbian travelers looking to extend their summer fun into autumn need look no further than Philadelphia in 2009 and beyond. With a handful of new restaurants, bars, clubs, events and hotels to complement Philadelphia’s cherished and historical gay-friendly heritage, Philadelphia is the place to Get Your History Straight

It’s the time of year when visitors wander the cobblestone streets of Historic Philadelphia and ask the question, are they or aren’t they…haunted. Halloween offers lots of “Poe-tential” for literary encounters with spooky characters, as well as family-friendly ghosts and goblins who some think still inhabit the centuries-old neighborhood.

Halloween

Art lovers, garden enthusiasts, film connoisseurs and sports fans keep coming back year after year for festivals, sporting events, art shows, parades and cultural events in Philadelphia. Here’s what’s going on in the region in 2010*:

January:

• Thousands of decorative strutters kick off the New Year by marching up

A major art exhibition, a Puerto Rican parade and grassroots community events are all in the works for Philadelphia’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, taking place from September 15 to October 15, 2009. Those wishing to experience the culture and charisma of the city’s large Latino community will find plenty of

As summer’s high temperatures subside and leaves turn red, orange and yellow, Philadelphia and The Countryside® welcomes autumn with special exhibitions, Halloween haunts and all-ages annual events. Princess Diana, Jim Henson, Henri Matisse, George Washington Carver and Barkley L. Hendricks lead the lineup, which also includes Body Worlds 2 at

There’s always a ton of fun and fabulous things to do on any given night in Philadelphia—hip bars, luxurious lounges, indie rock haunts and electric clubs. But visitors looking for more variety in the nightlife scene have plenty of choices as well, such as dance lessons, drag shows, movie showings,

Philadelphians are cheering the arrival of Relish, one of the city’s newest culinary destinations where live jazz accompanies a light and modern Southern menu. Owners Benjamin and Robert Bynum give classic fried green tomatoes a dusting of parmesan, and braised turkey wings and collard greens meet apple cornbread stuffing in

After exploring the Galileo, the Medici and the Age of Astronomy exhibition, appearing only in Philadelphia, only in 2009 (April 4 through September 7, 2009 at The Franklin Institute Science Museum), visitors are encouraged to spend a night or two and enjoy other exhibitions and events in the region.

When foodies hit the road, they take their passion for farmers markets, culinary tours and tasting experiences with them. Whether it’s called culinary tourism or just plain fun, the chance to see, smell and taste the best of local gastronomy is a big attraction, and it’s getting bigger. The 2009

When it comes to visiting Philadelphia, some of the best things to see and do are free—or close to it. For families and budget travelers eager to explore the region, that’s great news. Check out the city’s many low-cost or no-cost attractions, including historic Independence Hall, free student recitals at

NOTE: Click here for the Sunoco Welcome America! media credential form.

This is a Sunoco Welcome America! press release.

Spirited summer family fun in Philadelphia keeps marching on with the annual Sunoco Welcome America! festival. Visitors to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection will be treated to two

This summer, Historic Philadelphia is home to brand-new attractions, activities and events, including the provocative new exhibition at The African American Museum in Philadelphia, Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia, 1776-1876. After undergoing an extensive renovation, the city’s premier African-American museum will unveil its stunning permanent display on Juneteenth

Visitors in search of nighttime fun will fall in el amor with Philadelphia’s Hispanic dining and dancing scene. Well known for its bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spots, steakhouses and hometown flavors, Philadelphia’s Center City and surrounding neighborhoods boast authentic flavors that add spice to any night. And those looking to don their

Restaurants/Cafes:

• 10 Arts by Eric Ripert – In this intimate space located inside the glitzy Ritz-Carlton, Chef Eric Ripert presents American cuisine with an emphasis on organic, locally grown ingredients. 10 S. Broad Street, (215) 523-8000, ritzcarlton.com/hotels/philadelphia
• Bindi – Guests enjoy the spices and full flavors of traditional Indian

Culinary Delights From Around The World:

• A Full Plate Café – Co-owner Shannon Dougherty’s vegetarian influence is noticeable in the health-conscious menu, including the mac-and-cheese, utilizing multigrain pasta. Vegans, vegetarians and carnivores can all find something here. Plus, the drinks are served in mason jars. 1009 N. Bodine Street,

Restaurants/Cafes:

• Alma de Cuba – Diners her enjoy dishes with a Cuban flair before topping the meal off with a chocolate Cuban cigar. Attentive service and knock-out décor make Alma de Cuba a highlight on Stephen Starr’s lengthy resume. 1623 Walnut Street, (215) 988-1799, almadecubarestaurant.com
• Barclay Prime – Stained

Summer 2009 in Philadelphia is gearing up to be festive, affordable and full of family-friendly fun. New exhibitions and attractions indoors and out let visitors explore the stars, walk along the treetops, frolic in cooling waters and come face-to-face with historic figures. Free activities, including mural tours, historic storytelling and

Gay and lesbian travelers eager to get their “history straight” and “nightlife gay” will find an eclectic mix of fun and fabulous happenings in Philadelphia and The Countryside® throughout the year. Dance parties, drag shows, pride parades and cultural events are among the offerings for gay travelers in 2009. Here’s

Philly Beer Week is one of the countless reasons to Love Philadelphia. From March 6-15, 2009, beer lovers from all over can sip their way through more than 100 events at the second annual Philly Beer Week, which attracted more than 15,000 participants during its first year.

This year’s Philly

A full wallet is one of the countless reasons to Love Philadelphia. Some of the best things to see and do here are free—or close to it—which is great news for families and budget travelers eager to explore the region. Check out the city’s many low-cost or no-cost attractions, including

These days, it’s hard to lift a beer bottle in Philadelphia and The Countryside® without hitting a bar or store that prides itself on offering the most vast, eclectic and hard-to-find beer list around. Every month brings news of the opening of a beer bar (often known as “gastropubs” because

One hundred years ago, Philadelphia was known as the greatest brewing city in the Western Hemisphere or the “Cradle of American Libation,” according to Craig LaBan of The Philadelphia Inquirer. In fact, it was in Philadelphia taverns that the American Revolution took hold. Today, area microbreweries are reclaiming the region’s

Name: Don Russell, also known as “Joe Sixpack”
Affiliation: Philadelphia Daily News
His Story: In the 12 years that reporter Don Russell has written a weekly beer column for the Philadelphia Daily News, he has fashioned himself into an internationally sought-after figure in the beer world and has raised the

New On The Scene
After a few seasons of high-profile liquor-licensed restaurant openings, the Philly bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurant is back and as affordable as ever. Mémé, the new tenant of the 22^nd Street Melograno space (more on Melograno later) serves earthy American goods like foie gras and onion tart

The following itinerary is available on gophila.com/holidays.

LOCATION: Center City, Penn’s Landing and the Brandywine Valley

TRANSPORTATION: Foot, taxi and car

DURATION: Two days and two nights

Crisp starry skies…cozy firelight dinners…colorful twinkling lights. The holidays are here, and all around Philadelphia, romance is in the air. Time for

Art lovers, garden enthusiasts, film connoisseurs and sports fans keep coming back year after year for festivals, sporting events, art shows, parades and cultural events in Philadelphia. Here’s what’s going on in the region in 2009:

January 2009:

• Thousands of decorative strutters kick off the New Year by marching

The Calendar of Events is organized as follows:

November 2009
December 2009
January 2010
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
July 2010
August 2010
September 2010
October 2010
Ongoing Activities

NOVEMBER 2009

Through November 1, 2009
HAUNTED POE. This theatrical work unites literature, history and theater

Journalists are taking notice of Philadelphia as a hot urban destination, as evidenced by the many accolades bestowed on the city in September and October 2008. Here’s a look at what some national magazines and a Web site had to say:

• Business Facilities chose Philadelphia as one of seven destinations

A major art exhibition, a Puerto Rican parade and grassroots community events are all in the works for Philadelphia’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, taking place from September 15 to October 15, 2008. Those wishing to experience the culture and charisma of the city’s lively Latino community will find plenty of

Fall 2008:
25^th Annual Feria Del Barrio
The annual Feria del Barrio is one of Philadelphia’s largest celebrations of Latino music and culture, bringing together thousands of residents to celebrate 25 years of arts, education and community. The free, family-friendly day, held this year on September 7, 2008,

New On The Scene
The region’s love affair with Mexican cuisine rages on with newcomer Azul, a 50-seat exposed brick cantina and tequila bar that serves inspired fare like achiote-braised pork enchiladas, chocolate tamales and chili-spiked brunches. Building on the phenomenal success of their Passyunk Cantina Los Caballitos, Dave Frank

Food, Glorious Food:

1. Can’t decide between the chocolate peanut butter martini, White Cosmo, Miami Sky, Red Hot Mary or the dozen-or-so other specialty drinks at Red Sky Restaurant and Lounge? Now, guests don’t have to. They can order up to four different carafes, which contain two glasses each of

The National Constitution Center, in partnership with the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation and WPVI-TV, will webcast the 2007 Liberty Medal ceremony live on www.libertymedal.org, making the event available to a worldwide audience for the first time. The 2007 Liberty Medal will be awarded jointly to Bono, U2 lead

Every city has its hidden gems, but without a local guide, it can be tough to find them. Philly is no exception — in fact, this city is full of surprises you won’t find in the official guidebooks, like the vintage stores in Northern Liberties or the authentic Polish eateries

Due to popular demand, Disney Theatrical Productions and Kimmel Center Presents Cadillac Broadway at the Academy have extended the Philadelphia engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING through the summer of 2006 at the Academy of Music. Tickets for performances August 15 through September 10, 2006 will go on sale Sunday,

More Than A Dozen New Restaurants On The Scene
Mediterranean cuisine takes center stage in Philly this summer with three new but very different restaurants. At Society Hill’s Zahav, one of the most anticipated local openings of the season, co-owners Steve Cook and Michael Solomonov (of Marigold Kitchen and Xochitl

When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, Philly does July 4 like nowhere else. A highlight this year will be the real-life wedding of two re-enactors who portray Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross. The couple will be married in front of Independence Hall with Mayor Michael A. Nutter officiating and

Whoever said less is more sure wasn’t thinking about Fourth of July in Philadelphia and The Countryside®. When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, America’s birthplace knows that more is better. In addition to the many free events that are part of the Sunoco Welcome America! celebration, the region is

Some of the city’s best chefs are bringing their culinary talents to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, for A Taste of Philadelphia, an opportunity to feast on fine cuisine at fast food prices. The event, a joint production of Sunoco Welcome America! and the

The best place to celebrate America’s birthday is the place where it all started 232 years ago—at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. On Friday, July 4, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., Mayor Michael A. Nutter will lead the city’s Independence Day Ceremony, a commemorative event that pays tribute to the 18^th-century

Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross are getting married, and it’s happening in Philadelphia. In reality, Ralph Archbold, the city’s nationally recognized Ben Franklin re-enactor, fell in love with Linda Wilde, who often portrays Betsy Ross, and they decided to get married. The couple will exchange vows in a public ceremony

Girlfriends visiting Philadelphia can pack a lot into a few days. They can visit classic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell Center and also take in the region’s best restaurants, shops, nightclubs, museums and African American heritage sites, including the Marian Anderson House. To download the itinerary, gal pals

The outlying counties of Greater Philadelphia—Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties—bring culture and entertainment to Philly’s ’burbs, offering numerous nightlife options for all tastes and moods. From the most coveted reservation in the country at Talula’s Table in Chester County to the local filmmakers preview parties at the Bryn Mawr

With so much to do in Philadelphia, visitors will want to sleep over so they don’t miss a thing. And with pleasant weather ushering in even more events—and a hotel package that gives guests a $50 gift—there’s even more to fit into a Philly trip. Fortunately, there are a number

Where to go? What to do? When deciding how to spend your night out in Philly, it all depends on your mood. And luckily, the city has a neighborhood for every one of them. Ready for a fancy pants night on the town? Rittenhouse Square is all you. Have a

As Philadelphia’s dining scene continues to grow, the city’s bistros, gastropubs, brasseries, eateries, diners and fast food spots are growing by…hours. By law in Philly, last call at the bar happens at 2:00 a.m. Last call for food, however, is anywhere from 11:00 p.m. to never. Check out this list

Philadelphia is well known as a top-notch casual destination—think Eagles games, cheesesteaks and the vibrant art and music scene—but those looking for an upscale night on the town will find plenty of possibilities for fun. The city is filled with glamorous nightlife options that offer locals and visitors alike the

Some nights call for bottle service, prix-fixe menus and pulsing house music, and other nights are made for jeans and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Whether it’s enjoying a Guinness at a local Irish-style pub, listening to an emerging band at an indie haunt or nibbling on lamb burgers and hand-cut fries

For those who want a night on the town that includes pulsating music and packed clubs, Philadelphia can deliver. But the city can also satisfy those who prefer bowling and billiards to high heels and hip-hop. A slew of local comedy clubs, bowling alleys, theaters, ice skating rinks and sporting

Most well known for its historic charm and iconic attractions, Philadelphia is reinventing itself as a late-night city thanks to the increasing numbers of residents, visitors, college students and businesses populating the downtown area in recent years. Now nightlife-seeking tourists can enhance their daytime experiences with full evenings of fun

New On The Scene
Pass the gravy at Pat Bombino’s, the latest offering from restaurateur Al Paris, focusing on Italian classics such as meatballs and macaroni. The Bella Vista bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot is also cooking up a few innovations, such as salmon “osso bucco” with risotto and Nutella tiramisu. Horsham’s

Revelers in town for Sunoco Welcome America!, Philadelphia’s annual Independence Day celebration, can enjoy two evenings of free concerts during the festival, which runs from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6. Five-time Grammy winner John Legend will take the outdoor stage at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of

In the Philadelphia region, it’s easy enough to purchase wine and spirits at a state-controlled liquor store or buy beer from a distributor, but it’s more fun to bring a newly discovered bottle directly from the winery, brewery or distillery right to the bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurant. Food and wine enthusiasts

Summer in Philadelphia has long been the ideal time to celebrate our nation’s independence. This year, visitors can also learn about the tales of real pirates, gaze at contemporary American artwork, watch potential Olympic gymnasts in action, take the Presidential Oath of Office and experience other annual events that make

In September 2007, the Today show named Vesuvio’s Cheesesteak BLT the “Best Sandwich in America,” and now ForbesTraveler.com is calling Philadelphia’s Tacconelli’s Pizza one of America’s 10 best pizzerias. The Port Richmond restaurant joins great American pizza spots from Berkeley to the Bronx, including famed chef Mario Batali’s Mozza in

Fans of John Adams, the seven-part television series about the second U.S. president now airing on HBO, can visit Philadelphia to see where this legendary figure made history. Not only will they have a quicker journey to the city than the Massachusetts rabble-rouser did in the late 1770s, but they’ll

Although radically changed over the past 10 years, Historic Philadelphia continues to evolve and improve to meet the needs of modern day visitors. Major enhancements to the area will continue far into the next decade and beyond. From beautified outdoor spaces to new historic attractions and cultural institutions, Historic Philadelphia’s

This summer and beyond, Philadelphia will reveal untold chapters in the nation’s history and bring new emphasis to the undertold stories of African-Americans, allowing visitors to hear a far more accurate rendition of the United States’ early years than ever before. Not only will storytellers throughout Historic Philadelphia add new

Throughout the year, Historic Philadelphia is a lively destination where visitors shop, dine and delve into America’s past. But from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6, the neighborhood where our nation was founded is transformed into celebration central for Sunoco Welcome America!, the city’s annual nine-day marathon celebrating America’s

Presidential politics have been simmering in Philadelphia since George Washington’s Executive Mansion was here in the 1790s. And, in 2008, as the race among Senators John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama heats up, the city offers a unique mix of presidential happenings that are affordable, educational and fun. After

Historic Philadelphia is home to many of the most significant historic sites in the country. From the original Independence Hall to the modern National Constitution Center, each place plays a pivotal role in telling the city’s—and the nation’s—story. Here is just a sampling of the don’t-miss attractions found here:

American

If you’re in town covering the presidential primaries and you’re looking for a diversion, Philly has plenty of them to help pass the time. Consider this your condensed guide to some of the city’s best restaurants, shopping districts, attractions, nightspots, events and more. For more suggestions, visit gophila.com. And when