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

• 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 best ways to get around Center City are by foot, taxi or public transportation. The city’s lush and historic countryside is home to many areas of interest, including Valley Forge National Historical Park, Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine River Museum, the King of Prussia Mall, Chaddsford Winery and more. The farthest

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 venture, which features a ceviche bar, lounge and gold-resin communal table. 707 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-5555, chifarestaurant.com
• Chloe – This tiny bring-your-own bottle (BYOB) spot offers New American cuisine with innovative flair in a comfortable, neighborhood setting. 232 Arch Street, (215) 629-2337, chloebyob.com
• City Tavern – Revolutionary renditions of 18

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 drive of a quarter of the U.S. population. Need to know more? Here are 10 reasons why Philly is worth a visit now:

1. Affordability: When it comes to visiting Philadelphia, some of the best things to do and see are free—or close to it. The city’s many low-cost or

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 this genre. Among them: South Philly’s Mamma Maria, offering no written menu, multiple courses, live accordion music and complimentary limoncello; and waistband-expanding Franco’s High-Note Cafe, famous for its pasta and family-style eats. In Rittenhouse Square, the boot is represented by first-come, first-served spots Mercato (Washington West) and Melograno

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 can log onto gophila.com.
 

LOCATION: Center City Philadelphia and its surrounding neighborhoods

TRANSPORTATION: Feet, public transportation, Phlash, taxi

TIME: A long weekend

SUMMARY: A jam-packed tour of Philadelphia’s attractions, restaurants, shops, spas, nightspots and African American heritage sites

HIGHLIGHTS: Old City shopping, art at the African American Museum