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Jan 8 2009

Philly Loves Three-Day Weekends This Winter

A Three-day Weekend And An Affordable Hotel —What’s Not To Love?

Long weekends are the perfect time to discover all the things to Love about Philadelphia. Those looking for a three-day escape this winter can take advantage of the popular Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, which comes with an extra incentive this season thanks to the new Love campaign. As always, the two-night offer, available at more than 30 hotels throughout the region, includes free hotel parking (valued at up to $75), a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book and a Philly’s More Fun® teddy bear. What’s more, 100 lucky hotel package buyers who book and redeem their stay before March 16 will be randomly named “Philly Guest of the Day.” Upon check-in, they’ll receive any number of prizes, including tickets to attractions and museums, a hotel upgrade or free cocktails at a local hotspot. The package is bookable online at gophila.com/love.

Here are just a few ways to spend the long weekends in Philadelphia:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Weekend, January 16-19, 2009:
Landing just one day before the inauguration of the country’s first African-American president, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will hold even more significance in 2009. All Americans can honor the momentous event as well as the civil rights leader by visiting a groundbreaking exhibition and historic sites important to the nation’s past and present in Philadelphia.

  • Visitors can discover the contributions of many notable Africans and African-Americans over nearly 500 years during America I AM: The African American Imprint, making its world debut at the National Constitution Center. From the “Doors of No Return” that led captive Africans on a journey to the Americas to the bench where Martin Luther King, Jr. penned his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” this four-year traveling show, conceived by radio and television personality Tavis Smiley, shows how Africans in America have impacted history. January 15-May 3, 2009. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org
  • Historic Philadelphia’s attractions are open and free to visitors year round, but the lines are shorter during the cooler months. That means winter is the optimum time to explore legendary sites like the Liberty Bell Center, where the connection between the Liberty Bell and African-American history is revealed. Exhibitions, videos and interactive displays explain how the Abolitionist Movement adopted the icon based on the inscribed quote from Leviticus, reading “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” as a symbol of its anti-slavery activities. Another national symbol of freedom, Independence Hall played a major role in the birth of the United States and its Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Tour tickets are available for free at the Independence Visitor Center. Liberty Bell, 6th & Market Streets, (215) 965-2305; Independence Hall, Chestnut Street between 5th & 6th Streets, (215) 597-8974, nps.gov/inde; Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, (800) 537-7676, independencevisitorcenter.com
  • Visitors to The Franklin Institute Science Museum can feel the power of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which will be played on four giant screens in Franklin Hall throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Monday, special presentations, an African drumming performance, live gospel music, a scavenger hunt and other interactive happenings for children and adults round out the inspirational weekend. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu
  • The first institution built by a major United States city to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage and culture of African-Americans, The African American Museum in Philadelphia will feature special programming in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the weekend. The event calendar includes musical and dance performances, an author discussion, a scavenger hunt and a showing of Martin Luther King Boulevard, a film in which Philadelphia native Marco Williams travels to streets named after the reverend and explores their significance. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org
  • The self-guided Quest for Freedom tour takes visitors through Philadelphia’s Underground Railroad sites. They can follow in the footsteps of enslaved freedom seekers and discover the story of Philadelphia’s early African-American community. The tour includes stops at the future site of the President’s House Commemorative Site, as well as Underground Railroad stops like the Belmont Mansion and Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded by Reverend Richard Allen as the mother church of the nation’s first black denomination. Belmont Mansion, 2000 Belmont Mansion Drive, (215) 878-8844, belmontmansion.org; Mother Bethel, 419 S. 6th Street, (215) 925-0616, motherbethel.org; gophila.com/questforfreedom
  • Philly Noir, part of the SoundAboutPhilly® podcast series, concentrates on African-American culture and its role in the city’s past, present and future. The tour is a fusion of Philly’s historic events, spiritual reflections, visual arts, soulful rhythms, legendary athletics and southern and Caribbean cuisine. Each of the 11 segments talks about a local venue that plays a pivotal part in the combined experience that makes up Philadelphia’s authentic flavor. Philly Noir features distinctive and varied voices of business owners, pastors, musicians and everyday, in-the-know residents. soundaboutphilly.com

Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 13-16, 2009:
In 2009, Valentine’s Day falls on the long Presidents’ Day weekend, making it the perfect time for a romantic getaway. And Philadelphia has tons of options for new flames and longtime loves:
The picturesque Philadelphia countryside is a special spot for lovebirds. With more than 100 area B&Bs from which to choose, all conveniently located close to top attractions and delicious restaurants, couples can pick just the right spot for a cozy retreat.

  • Skating hand-in-hand outdoors at the Blue Cross RiverRink can put the stars back in anyone’s eyes. When skaters need a break from the cold, they can huddle together with a cup of cocoa in the warming pavilion. During Sweetheart Skate on February 14, ladies receive a red flower before skating to popular love songs with their honeys. Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, (215) 925-RINK, riverrink.com
  • Visitors can start the weekend off with style and sophistication at Art After 5 on Friday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This weekly evening series showcases an eclectic mix of world and jazz music, plus extra hours to explore the 200 galleries. On the way to the museum, partners can stop for a photo at the famous Love statue for some inspiration. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
  • Sweethearts can make sweet art together at The Clay Studio’s Valentine’s Day Date Night. Three hours of light fare, chocolates, champagne, music and four-handed throwing make for a romantic evening. 139 N. 2nd Street, (215) 925-3453, ext. 11, theclaystudio.org
  • No one knows love like Ol’ Blue Eyes. Pennsylvania Ballet’s Love & Longing program at the Merriam Theater includes Nine Sinatra Songs, featuring graceful ballroom dancing and classic music; Fearful Symmetries, a dramatic ballet set against crimson reds and icy blues; and a world premiere by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. February 11-15, 2009. 250 S. Broad Street, (215) 336-2000, paballet.org
  • Dynamic duos can get some writing tips from the experts when they visit the Rosenbach Museum & Library for Love Letters, a rare look at the museum’s collection of love letters, which includes the aching yearnings of poet John Keats for his beloved Fanny Brawne. February 1, 11, 13, March 25, 2009. 2008 Delancey Place, (215) 732-1600, rosenbach.org
  • Twosomes can compare their romance to that of other species during Lovin’ on the Wild Side, an up-close-and-personal tour of the Philadelphia Zoo that probes the mating behaviors of everything from tigers to tortoises. Brunch and champagne are served between some of the voyeuristic peeks. February 14-15, 2009. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 243-5254, phillyzoo.org
  • Food lovers should sign up for City Food Tours’ Valentine’s Aphrodisiac Tasting Event. At spots around the city, participants will tantalize their taste buds with delicious treats, including avocados, shrimp and chocolate, while discovering the myths and science behind them. February 14, 2009. (215) 360-1996, cityfoodtours.com
  • Nighttime in Philadelphia lends the perfect backdrop for a couple’s night out. New on the scene, Parc Brasserie takes guests to Paris through its authentic décor and delicious fare. Along with the breathtaking views and inventive cocktails, Nineteen (XIX), located on the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, makes for a perfect date spot. And everyone knows that people who bowl together stay together. Lovers can don some fetching shoes and bowl the night away at North Bowl, a 17-lane retro bowling alley. Parc Brasserie, 227 S. 18th Street, (215) 545-2262, parc-restaurant.com; Nineteen (XIX), Broad & Walnut Streets, (215) 790-1919, parkphiladelphia.hyatt.com; North Bowl, 909 N. 2nd Street, (215) 238-2695, northbowlphilly.com
  • Philly’s the place to BYOB. With more than 200 bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurants throughout the region, there’s a place for every palate. And when the customers are in charge of their own beverages, they can decide on a pricey French wine or a bottle boasting a single-digit cost. gophila.com/byob

Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 13-16, 2009:
This year, with the country welcoming a new Commander in Chief, Presidents’ Day holds even more meaning. And in Philadelphia, history buffs can walk the same streets as George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and enjoy some presidential happenings.

  • Those who dream of filling the highest position in the country can head to the National Constitution Center, the country’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, to take the Oath of Office. Museum-goers also learn about our nation’s past leaders and how they shaped the country. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org
  • February 22, 2009 marks the 227th birthday of George Washington. Valley Forge National Historical Park will celebrate the Revolutionary War hero and first United States president with free programming that includes historical re-enactors, soldier training led by General Washington, a birthday cake made from Martha’s own recipe and more. February 15-16, 2009. Route 23 & N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1099, nps.gov/vafo
  • For visitors who want to delve even deeper into the lives of U.S. presidents, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia’s “disturbingly informative” Mütter Museum, a museum of medical history, is the only place to see the secret tumor of Grover Cleveland and a piece of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth. 19 S. 22nd Street, (215) 563-3737, muttermuseum.org

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit gophila.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

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Attached Media

Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Aglow at night, thanks to a special lighting project completed in July 2005, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787....

Credit: Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC

Tags: Historic Philadelphia, History, Icons, Museums & Attractions

Belmont Mansion

Belmont Mansion

An exhibition of objects and artifacts recounts historic Belmont Mansion’s dramatic role as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Belmont is also renowned for its outstanding 18th-century Palladian architecture....

Credit: Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC

Tags: African-American, Architecture, History, Multicultural, Museums & Attractions

Blue Cross RiverRink

Blue Cross RiverRink

Skaters glide on ice against a picturesque backdrop at the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing. Visitors can beat the chill with activities and snacks in the warming pavilion....

Credit: Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

Tags: Family-friendly, Outdoors, Winter

Merriam Theater

Merriam Theater

With musicals, concerts, ballets, events and more, there’s something for everyone at the Merriam Theater located on the iconic Avenue of the Arts. After the show, the audience can take advantage of Center City’s late-night restaurants, clubs and bars....

Credit: Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

Tags: Music, Performing Arts, Theaters

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park

The National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge was constructed in 1914 to honor George Washington and his troops, who endured bitter winter months here during the American Revolution....

Credit: Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC

Tags: History, Museums & Attractions, Parks & Gardens

Mütter Museum

Mütter Museum

This collection of 139 skulls is found in one of the most unusual museums anywhere—the Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The museum features specimens of anatomy and pathology and historic medical instruments. ...

Credit: Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

Tags: Museums & Attractions