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Jul 6 2007

Philly's More Fun...When You Watch The Sunset

As Evening Falls, Share A Waterside Meal With A View, Settle In For Twilight Music Or Soar High Above It All

Summer’s long stretches of daylight mean extended time outdoors in Philadelphia. At the end of the day, those in search of a spectacular sunset needn’t look far in their quest for a unique vantage point. Here are a few ideas for where to end a day spent exploring the region:
 

A Meal With A View:

  • XIX Nineteen – With its luxurious neutral décor, stunning rotundas and floor-to-ceiling arched picture windows, this 19th floor restaurant offers truly unparalleled views—it’s the highest restaurant in the city. Feast on sumptuous seafood from a window-side table and take in the sunset. Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, Broad & Walnut Streets, 19th floor, (215) 790-1919, www.nineteenrestaurant.com
  • Bistro St. Tropez – French-inspired cuisine comes paired with sunset views of the Schuylkill River, Cira Centre and 30th Street Station at this Center City bistro. Marketplace Design Center, 2400 Market Street, 4th floor, (215) 569-9269, www.bistrosttropez.com
  • Black Bass Hotel – Get romantic at this 18th-century restaurant and inn, with breathtaking dining room views of the Delaware River in Bucks County. Dine on New American cuisine while admiring British art and antiques, and don’t miss the hotel’s hillside gardens, a popular spot for a casual sunset stroll. Then, venture onto the nearby Lumberville footbridge for an even better view. 3774 River Road, Lumberville, (215) 297-5770, www.blackbasshotel.com
  • Lacroix – The culinary delights served here are rivaled only by the picturesque view of Rittenhouse Square outside the glass windows at this fine dining destination. The Rittenhouse Hotel’s signature restaurant serves French-influenced fusion cuisine with a generous portion of sunset gazing as visual accompaniment. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, (215) 546-9000, www.lacroixrestaurant.com
  • Moshulu – The fully restored four-masted sailing ship, berthed on Penn’s Landing, offers the perfect summer happy hour spot, combining sunset views with cool Delaware River breezes from the Bongo Bar & Deck. Grab a few friends for twilight cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. 401 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 923-2500, www.moshulu.com
  • Rouge – The first place in Philadelphia to open outdoor café seating is also the best place in Rittenhouse Square to see and be seen and do a little people watching as day folds into night. Longtime regulars order fancy martinis and watch the world go by. 205 S. 18th Street, (215) 732-6622
  • The Victor’s Pub – This new restaurant located in the former Victor/RCA factory on the Camden, New Jersey waterfront offers a front-row seat to the sun setting over the Philadelphia skyline, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River. A just-opened patio and a menu that ranges from mozzarella sticks to filet are proving to be crowd pleasers. 1 Market Street, Camden, NJ, (856) 635-0600, www.victorspub.com
  • Water Works Restaurant and Lounge – Named AOL CityGuide’s “Best Romantic Restaurant” and “Best Restaurant with a View” for 2007, Water Works is an ideal place to pop the question while the setting sun kisses the sky over the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row. Even just popping a bottle of champagne on the expansive waterfront terrace will create an evening to remember. 640 Water Works Drive, (215) 236-9000, www.thewaterworksrestaurant.com

More Sun-sensational Places To Watch The Sun Set:

  • Belmont Plateau – This well-traveled destination in Fairmount Park attracts runners, bikers, Frisbee and softball players. To cap off a summer picnic, take in Belmont Plateau’s dramatic view of the Center City skyline and watch the sun set. Montgomery Drive & Belmont Avenue, www.fairmountpark.org
  • Campbell’s Field – Get first base-side seats for the next Camden Riversharks game. Admission includes a bird’s-eye view of the sunset over the Philadelphia skyline. All remaining Friday night games feature a post-game fireworks display. 401 N. Delaware Avenue, Camden, NJ, (866) SHARKS-9, www.riversharks.com
  • Folly Hill Vineyards – What’s better than toasting the sunset in a serene vineyard with a glass of wine produced from grapes grown right in that very orchard? Relaxing and reflecting on the cycles of nature is encouraged at Folly Hill Vineyards, a family-owned operation located on a 200-year-old homestead. For maximum contemplation time, guests can stay overnight in a restored 19th-century cottage and wake up to toast the sunrise. 700 Folly Hill Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-5895, www.follyhillvineyards.com
  • French Creek State Park – With two lakes straddling parts of northern Chester County, French Creek is a popular destination for boating, sailing and fishing. Explore the park on horseback or on foot on nearly 40 miles of trails. Overnight campers will want to set up camp then stroll down to the lake to watch the sunset. 843 Park Road, Elverson, (610) 582-9680, www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/frenchcreek.aspx
  • The Mann Center for the Performing Arts – Concert-goers at The Mann in Fairmount Park can pack an elegant picnic to eat on the lawn, head to the concessions at the top of the hill or dine alfresco-style at the Vista Grill, where they can order a la carte or feast from an ornate three-course buffet before showtime. 5201 Parkside Avenue, (215) 546-7900, www.manncenter.org
  • Rose Tree Park – In addition to nature trails and picnic areas, this scenic 120-acre Delaware County destination also hosts a popular free summer concert series on the amphitheater stage—from jazz to doo-wop, tribute bands to children’s musicians. Bring along beach chairs and blankets for a musical sunset, Wednesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m. through mid-August. 1671 N. Providence Road, Media, (610) 891-4663, www.co.delaware.pa.us/depts/rosetree.html
  • U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team – Why not float over the Brandywine Valley and Chester County countryside at sunset? Book a 6:00 p.m. twilight hot-air balloon ride that includes snacks and champagne at landing. Rides depart from St. Peter’s Launch Site, Hopewell Road, St. Peter’s, (800) 763-5987, www.ushotairballoon.com
  • Valley Forge Road – Those who enjoy scenic drives can put the top down along Valley Forge Road (Route 363), between Germantown Pike and Morris Road. This particular stretch of Montgomery County straddles a ridge that looks out westward over Evansburg State Park, Skippack and Towamencin Township—the sun-dappled Indian Valley. www.valleyforge.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 www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.
 

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