Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

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 beyond, New Hope is as enchanting now to the diverse crowds that peruse its streets—from bikers to the GLBT crowd—as it was to so many eminent figures of yesterday. Here are some of the many ways to spend a day or a weekend in town:

Things To Do:

• New

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 from all over the country. Here are a few suggestions for spending time in West Chester:

Things To Do:

• Chester County Historical Society – An award-winning History Center, workshops and walking tours tell the American story from a local perspective, and the Cultural Center houses a performing arts venue

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 located shopping district. Here are some suggestions for a trip to the town:

Things To Do:

• The Media Theatre – Housed in an old vaudeville theater, The Media Theatre stages a full season of mainstream Broadway musicals, children’s programming and more. 104 E. State Street, (610) 891-0100, mediatheatre.org
• Pennsylvania

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 movie and progressive dinner through three restaurants the first Thursday of each month. A look at how to spend a day or a weekend in Ambler:

Things To Do:

• Act II Playhouse – For more than a decade, the Act II Playhouse has put on award-winning shows in its

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

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 for its “Editors’ Location Picks 2008” list featured in the September issue of the publication. Editors were particularly impressed that the region “has a ‘CEO Council for Growth’ that was so determined to create a high-powered entity to market the region it raised $16 million four years ago to establish

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 chance to put on their finest duds and hit the town in style.

The newest addition to Philly’s nightlife scene is G, a 10,000-square-foot showplace crafted from wood, porcelain, glass and stone and designed with the discerning clubgoer in mind. With two bars that offer cocktails created exclusively for G

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 of hotel packages to choose from on www.gophila.com and beyond that are perfect for late nights and more fun. Here’s a sampling of 10 great options:

Seasonal Fun:
Philly’s More Summer Fun Hotel Package – Visitors who book this two-night package receive a $50 American Express gift card that