Releases: Expanded View
Philly's Scene For Gay And Lesbian Travelers Heats Up This Fall
City Welcomes The Newest Kimpton Hotel And Nightclubs Q Lounge And Voyeur
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 And Your Nightlife Gay®.
Make It A Weekend—Or More:
One of the nation’s leading gay-friendly hotel chains, Kimpton makes its Philadelphia debut on October 15 with the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, a 24-story property housed in the 80-year-old American Institute of Architects building. Themed “Art in Motion,” the Art Deco building’s interior design pays homage to fashion, dance, literature, architecture and the visual arts—as evidenced by the original artwork on display by local Philadelphia and national artists. What’s more, Hotel Palomar delivers a stylish and modern design while preserving many of the building’s historic details.
In New Hope, Pennsylvania, an artsy enclave filled with owner-operated boutiques, galleries galore and intimate dining spots, is the newly re-opened Raven Resort, a top gay spot for dining, dancing, singing, swimming and sleeping in newly styled contemporary rooms.
Visitors can book their gay-friendly hotel accomodations at gophila.com/gay.
Eat, Drink & Shop:
Philadelphia’s 15-square-block Gayborhood, home to the nation’s oldest GLBT bookstore (Giovanni’s Room), is ushering in the cool weather season with new restaurants, bars and shops. Paying homage to the pin-up girls of days past, Evan Turney’s third Gayborhood spot, Varga Bar, serves up stylish gastropub fare and an impressive roster of craft beers. Turney’s sister Marcie recently teamed up with life partner Valerie Safran to open Verde, a speciality flower, gift and artisinal chocolate boutique—a welcome addition to the 13th Street corridor dominated by the couple’s Gayborhood businesses, including Lolita (Mexican cuisine), Bindi (Indian fare), Open House (home goods) and Grocery (gourmet market). In other dining news, Eric Paraskevas has taken over the reigns as head chef at Tavern on Camac’s newly renamed restaurant, terra, adding inventive twists to create a completely new menu, taste and attitude while continuing the tradition of great food at this neighborhood gem.
On the nightlife scene, PURE Nightclub switches to Voyeur on September 25, but remains an after-hours dance spot. A week later, on October 1, Bump makes the jump to q lounge, featuring locally grown meats and produce from nearby Lancaster County, fruit-inspired cocktails and the area’s hottest DJs and talent.
An Event-filled Fall:
A full calendar of events make Philly the place to be this fall. On September 26, just one day after its grand opening, Voyeur hosts the first-ever Gayborhood Games, including competitions in dancing, singing, hairstyling, bartending, cooking, and more. Next up, it’s OutFest National Coming Out Day, a fun-filled block party and the largest coming out day in the world, on October 11. Across town in Historic Philadelphia, where the nation’s first historical marker to acknowledge GLBT history stands, the National Constitution Center hosts Diana: A Celebration, October 2-December 31, 2009, an exhibition that chronicles the life and times of Princess Diana from her childhood to her lavish royal wedding. The month winds down on a creepy note when Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a special GLBT community night during Terror Behind the Walls, the nation’s #1 haunted Halloween attraction in 2008 according to AOL City Guide, on October 21. And, on Halloween night, it’s the grand Henri David Ball, a Philadelphia tradition since 1968.
Philadelphia is also making a statement this fall with top-notch style and design events the aesthetically inclined won’t want to miss. There’s the fifth annual—and biggest yet—DesignPhiladelphia celebration, October 7-13; the first-ever Philadelphia Fashion Week, October 8-10; and the arrival of the Arts of Fashion Symposium, Design Competition and Fashion Show, another first for the city, October 24-28.
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 Hear Philly, 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.
Contact(s):
- Jeff Guaracino, (215) 599-2290
- Bruce Yelk, (215) 599-7431
Attached Media
Giovanni’s Room
In the heart of the “Gayborhood” for more than three decades, Giovanni’s Room is one of the nation’s most successful gay, lesbian and feminist bookstores....
Credit: Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
Tags: Gay-friendly, Shopping
Lolita
Lolita is a wildly popular bring-your-own-tequila restaurant serving up spicy Mexican cuisine in the emerging B3 neighborhood....
Credit: Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
Tags: Alfresco Dining, BYOBs, Dining & Restaurants
Camac Street
A variety of early 19th-century row houses occupy a stretch of Philadelphia’s Camac Street, America’s only wooden block street. Camac is also home to two of the country’s oldest artist organizations, The Sketch Club and The Plastic Club....
Credit: Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
Tags: Neighborhoods & Towns
National Constitution Center
The world’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, the National Constitution Center puts into historical context the most famous four pages ever written through multimedia exhibitions, sculpture, film, artifacts and interactive displays. In Signers’ Hall, visitors walk among the life-sized statues of the 39 signers of the Constitution—and they...
Credit: Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC
Tags: Family-friendly, Historic Philadelphia, History, Museums & Attractions
Eastern State Penitentiary
Now open year round, a tour of the 1829 Eastern State Penitentiary explores the Gothic-like architecture and its role as a leader in penal reform. The annual Terror Behind the Walls event in October is one of the region’s premier Halloween events....
Credit: Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC
Tags: Architecture, History, Museums & Attractions
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New Openings, Major Chefs, Serious Sips, Indian Dining And Cold Comforts
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
Philly Like a Local: How to Snag a Deal
Philadelphia’s Best Spots For Saving the Bucks Without Sacrificing the Good Times
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
Philly Goes Red, White, Blue and Green for 2007 Flower Show
Many Ways For Visitors To Catch The Erin Go Bragh Spirit In Philly
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,
...Sleep Like a King in Philadelphia
Hotel Package Offers Two Tickets To Tut Any Time
Last chance, last chance! That thought will run through a million minds as people from all 50 states make travel plans to Philadelphia to see Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, presented by Mellon Financial Corporation. And, ticketing for out-of-towners couldn’t be easier. Two un-timed, VIP tickets come
...Travel Like a Prince and a Duchess in Philadelphia
Weekend Inspired By Prince Charles And Camilla’s Philly Visit
LOCATION: Center City, Philadelphia
TRANSPORTATION: By chauffeured limousine for royalty; by trolley, taxi or foot for others
TIME: Two days and two nights
SUMMARY: A luxurious weekend at Philadelphia’s upscale hotels, restaurants and attractions, as inspired by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of
...Fall in Love in Philadelphia: The Place That Loves You Back
There’s Lots To Love, Including Hotel Packages, Spa Treatments and Restaurants
Spring signals rebirth, and the Philadelphia region caters to lovers looking to reenergize their relationships at cultural sites, outdoor attractions and other swoon-worthy spots. Here are a few suggestions for embracing the region’s romantic side:
Cozy Cuisine:
- In the shadow of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Water Works Restaurant
Philly's More Fun When You Listen to Jazz
Jam Sessions and Special Concerts Make Summer a Jazzy Time to Visit Philadelphia
An incubator for jazz since the genre was first created, Philadelphia has drawn many of the world’s greats: John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Sun Ra are just a few of the artists who came from or came to Philadelphia, nurturing roots in the city that contributed greatly to this classic
...Philadelphia: Even Better The Second Time Around
Some Fun Ideas For A Second Visit To The City—Or A Third, Fourth Or Fifth
While Philadelphia’s best-known visitor attractions are linked to the past, the region is a destination with an exciting present—one that offers an incredible number of reasons for travelers to return soon and often. Research shows that many visitors first come to Philadelphia for its history, then once here, discover many
...Philly's "Gayborhood" Simmers With Delicious Dining
Gay-owned And Gay-friendly Eateries Offer Everything From Fresh Mex To Inspired Italian
Good taste rules in Philadelphia’s diverse “Gayborhood,” a colorful nine-block swathe that includes dozens of gay-owned and gay-friendly cafes, restaurants and lounges. Whether the craving is for a designer martini at Bump or an Italian meal at Vetri, named “one of America’s top 50 restaurants” by Gourmet Magazine, the
...Experience Philly As Its Residents Know It
Itinerary Showcases Hipster Hangouts, Stylish Shops, Offbeat Galleries And More
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
...Philly Like A Local: What To Do After Dark
Movies, Munchies, Goth And Gore Make For Nighttime Naughtiness In Philly
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
It's Easy Being "Green" In Philly With Eats, Drinks, Shops, Spas, Hotels And More
City Offers All Sorts Of Eco-friendly Options For Visitors And Locals
The nation’s tallest “green” building—located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City business district—is now welcoming its first commercial tenants and unofficially ushering in the next active phase of sustainable living, working and playing in Philadelphia. The 57-story Comcast Center, also the tallest building between New York and Chicago, is
...Philadelphia's Dining Scene: What's New And Trendy?
New Restaurants, Marketplace Lunch, Green Eats, Reopenings, Fresh Fast Food
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
A Taste Of Philadelphia Brings Gastronomical Goodies To The Great Plaza At Penn's Landing
Philly Restaurants Featured At Sunoco Welcome America!’s Fourth Of July Celebration
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
...There's Lots of Nightlife For Lesbian Travelers In Philly
A Four-Floor Club, Multi-Weekend Circuit Events And Local Dive Bars Bring A Diverse Crowd To A City Great For Lesbians
Gay nightlife in Philadelphia isn’t all about the men. Lesbian travelers have a vibrant scene all their own with Sisters Nightclub, a seven-days-a-week women’s bar, and themed parties at an array of venues each week. There’s a place in Philadelphia for all kinds of lesbians, from the artist to the
...Lesbians Love Philadelphia: The City Where Girls Wanna Have Fun
Dinner, Dancing And More In The City of Sisterly Affection
Gay nightlife in Philadelphia isn’t all about the men. Lesbian travelers have a vibrant scene all their own with Sisters Nightclub, a seven-days-a-week women’s bar, and themed parties at an array of venues each week. There’s a place in Philadelphia for all kinds of lesbians, from the artist to
...Explore Philadelphia's Countryside At Night
From Movies And Music To Dinner And Drinks, Philadelphia’s Suburbs Offer All Sorts Of Options For Nighttime Fun
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
...Lovin' The Nightlife In The Philadelphia Countryside
Philly's Suburbs Swing Into High Gear After Dark
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
...uwishunu® Launches New Web Series Featuring Local Artists, Chefs And Nightlife
Fans Of The Blog Get What They Want: More Original Content
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
...Frida, Food And Fun: A Recipe Only Found In Philly
Philly’s Mexican Eateries Come In All Sorts Of Shapes, Sizes And Styles
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
...Lovin' The Nightlife In...Philly
Let Your Mood Decide The Neighborhood For Your Night Out
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
...Recap And Refuel: Philly's Dining Scene Caters To Discerning (And Famished) Night Owls
Plenty Of Options For Late-Night Eats In Philly
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
...23 Spots For A Laid-Back Night In Philly
Philly’s Frill-Free Nightspots Are Great Places To Meet The Locals
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
...Live And Loud: Philly Music Never Sounded So Good
In Venues Large And Small, Musicians Of All Genres Entertain Audiences As Diverse As The Music
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
...Philly's Even More Fun At Night
Another Side To The Historic City Shines After Dark
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
...Philly's Dining Scene: What's New And Trendy For Winter 2008?
Just-Opened Restaurants, Hot Chocolate, Beer Week, Sweet Spots, Landmark Eats
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
Backgrounder: Wine And Beer
Wine, Beer And Select Spirits: Made In Philadelphia And The Countryside®
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
...One Of America's Best Beer Drinking Cities Untaps Philly Beer Week, March 7-16, 2008
City Showcases Its Beer Roots Throughout The Month With Festivals, Podcasts, Book Launches, Tours And More
This year, Philadelphia, a city that’s been brewing beer for more than 300 years, is showing that it’s one of America’s best beer drinking cities with the debut of several new brew-inspired tours, guides, classes and festivals, including Philly Beer Week, taking place March 7-16, 2008. The suds fest will
...Philadelphia Region Hosts A Stampede Of Gay-Friendly Events, May-July 2008
LGBT Sports, Theater, Film And Pride Events Planned For Gay And Lesbian Tourists
Visitors from the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community are in for a treat this spring and summer as Philadelphia makes way for a series of new and annual LGBT events. In May, the city hosts two major sporting events—the Liberty Stampede Rodeo and the Liberty Bell Classic—for
...Philadelphia To Host National And International Sporting Events For The First Time
Softball And Soccer And A Rodeo, Oh My!
In spring 2008, Philadelphia is hosting a series of first-time events for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) sports fans. From May 9-11, the Liberty Gay Rodeo Association (LGRA) will stage Philadelphia’s inaugural gay rodeo, the Liberty Stampede, at the 100-year-old Devon Horse Show Fairgrounds in the Philadelphia suburbs. Then,
...Tacconelli's In Philadelphia Named One Of America's Best Pizzerias
ForbesTraveler.com Ranks Port Richmond Pizza Place Among America’s 10 Best
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
...Historic Philadelphia: An Affordable Summer Getaway
Find Plenty Of Fun In Philly For Free—Or For Close To $10 Per Person
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
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