Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

It’s the time of year when visitors wander the cobblestone streets of Historic Philadelphia and ask the question, are they or aren’t they…haunted. Halloween offers lots of “Poe-tential” for literary encounters with spooky characters, as well as family-friendly ghosts and goblins who some think still inhabit the centuries-old neighborhood.

Halloween enthusiasts who book one of the 80 featured hotel packages on gophila.com/withlove will receive a special treat at check-in. The giveaway includes a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book, a five-pack of With Love postcards, a With Love pin and Philly Fill-Ins word games, along with other brochures, coupons and maps. After

Calling all military personnel. Philadelphia, the city where the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines were all founded, invites the military and their families to have some fun in America’s birthplace while taking advantage of tours and special offers available to them, now through Veterans Day. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation’s (GPTMC) Web site, gophila.com/history is loaded with special offers and themed itineraries dedicated to military visiting Historic Philadelphia. The site highlights places of historic interest to the armed forces and features information about hundreds of dollars in savings available to them. Best of all, Philadelphia is within a five-hour

Families heading to the nation’s birthplace this summer will have plenty of time to explore the city thanks to the new Historic Philadelphia Hotel Package, offering a great hotel rate, free parking and tickets to various attractions, at five area hotels. Here are the details:

PACKAGE AVAILABILITY DATES: Available any day of the week through September 7, 2009

HOTEL PACKAGE ELEMENTS:

• Two-night accommodations
• Free hotel parking for both nights
• Two tickets to the Betsy Ross House
• Two tickets to the Lights of Liberty Show
• Two tickets for Philly-themed miniature golf in Franklin Square
• 50% discount on two tickets to 1776:

The following itinerary is available on gophila.com.

LOCATION: Historic Philadelphia, Centennial District, Bucks County, Kennett Square and Camden, New Jersey

TRANSPORTATION: Foot, taxi, bus or car

DURATION: Four days and four nights

This summer, forgo the same old family vacation in favor of a fun and—dare we say—educational trip to Historic Philadelphia. Everyone knows the birthplace of America is chock full of historic attractions, but it’s also home to a one-of-a kind amusement park, a spectacular aquarium, the country’s oldest zoo, breathtaking gardens, only-in-Philly shops, delicious eats and so much more. Best of all, many of the city’s attractions

Shopping is fun. Shopping in indie and owner-operated boutiques that feature unusual wares and personalized service is even more fun, which means that shopping in Historic Philadelphia is a blast. With dozens of independently owned clothing, jewelry and home furnishings shops, the area between Front and 7^th Streets and Race and Spruce Streets is a shopper’s nirvana. Best of all, in Pennsylvania there is no sales tax on clothing and shoes, leaving room in the budget for that extra bauble. Here are just a few of the places where discerning shoppers can indulge in their favorite pastime:

Trendy Threads

As daylight turns to twilight, Historic Philadelphia turns hip and happening with after-hours fun for the under-21 and over-21 sets. From early evening until the wee, small hours, the area situated between Front and 7^th Streets and Race and Spruce Streets buzzes with family-friendly evening fun and sizzles with decidedly grown-up theaters, nightclubs and dance spots. Find more on the latest happenings, musical performances and theatrical offerings at gophila.com. And, for half-price tickets to arts and cultural events, visit phillyfunguide.com.

Family-friendly Activities:

• 1776: Interactive Movie Musical – The whole family can star in this hysterical, historical classic

Visitors to Historic Philadelphia will find countless options for exploring Historic Philadelphia and its connections to the nation’s early history—whether it’s by land, by sea, by bus or by foot. Early risers can spend the day exploring every inch of America’s most historic square mile, and night owls can do the same by joining tours that feature high-tech storytelling, behind-the-scenes action and even spirits from beyond.

Best of all, thanks to an intensive three-week training course for storytellers and Colonial interpreters, visitors can be assured that the history they are hearing is accurate. Each guide and re-enactor employed by Historic

NOTE: Click here for the Sunoco Welcome America! media credential form.

This is a Sunoco Welcome America! press release.

Spirited summer family fun in Philadelphia keeps marching on with the annual Sunoco Welcome America! festival. Visitors to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection will be treated to two consecutive weekends of free, family-friendly activities to ring in our nation’s birthday in grand style, including the culinary delights of the Taste of Philadelphia June 26 - 28 and the grand finale July 4 concert and fireworks on Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

On Saturday, July 4, platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning artist Sheryl

This summer, Historic Philadelphia is home to brand-new attractions, activities and events, including the provocative new exhibition at The African American Museum in Philadelphia, Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia, 1776-1876. After undergoing an extensive renovation, the city’s premier African-American museum will unveil its stunning permanent display on Juneteenth (June 19).

To discover Audacious Freedom and all of the other affordable—or free—attractions in Historic Philadelphia this summer, visitors will have to spend at least two nights. gophila.com lists dozens of affordable hotel packages, including the popular Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, a two-night offer that comes with free hotel parking.

TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest online travel community, recently named Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park one of the top three patriotic attractions in the United States. The Web site’s travelers and editors also placed the Statue of Liberty in New York (#1) and the Freedom Trail in Boston (#2) at the head of the list.

In the summer of 2007, Independence National Historical Park welcomed more than
3.7 million visitors, an increase of 19% from the previous summer, according to the National Park Service. The Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the New Hall Military Museum, Franklin Court, the

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) today announced that WTXF-FOX 29 will be the official media sponsor of its Historic Philadelphia campaign, an effort that promotes the lively area between Front to 7^th Streets and Race to Spruce Streets. The partnership gives the attractions, restaurants, galleries and shops in the city’s most historic area—nearing the end of a $300 million transformation—television exposure during the busy summer tourism season and provides FOX 29 with a chance to tout the neighborhood in which its station is located.

Here’s a look at what the partnership includes:

• One half-hour special produced by

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) announced a $2 million summer marketing campaign to promote Philadelphia and The Countryside® to travelers seeking history, fun and affordability. On June 1, the tourism organization will debut new Philly’s More Fun™ and Historic Philadelphia advertising campaigns, emphasizing a variety of summer experiences and value-driven hotel packages.

“With gas prices taking a bite out of visitors’ discretionary income, we want to send the message that Philadelphia is an exciting, accessible destination that’s also affordable,” said Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, GPTMC. “And once in town, visitors can easily get around on foot or

If you’re in town covering the presidential primaries and you’re looking for a diversion, Philly has plenty of them to help pass the time. Consider this your condensed guide to some of the city’s best restaurants, shopping districts, attractions, nightspots, events and more. For more suggestions, visit gophila.com. And when you’re back to work and ready to tell your Philadelphia story, visit gophila.com/pressroom.

History 101:
If you’re working at the National Constitution Center (which you must tour) and you’ve never seen the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, here’s your chance. Consider these spots your Historic Philadelphia must-sees:

Presidential Power:

• Although it was Thomas Jefferson’s words on the Declaration of Independence, the script is Timothy Matlack’s, a failed businessman who bet on horses and was an ardent supporter of the colonists’ cause. His excellent penmanship earned him the honor.

• During the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793, George Washington found refuge at the Deshler-Morris House in Germantown, his temporary White House, where he conducted four cabinet meetings as well as the work of the executive branch.

• When John Adams took the oath of office in Congress Hall in 1797, the peaceful transfer of power from one president to

Historic Philadelphia is home to many of the most significant historic sites in the country. From the original Independence Hall to the modern National Constitution Center, each place plays a pivotal role in telling the city’s—and the nation’s—story. Here is just a sampling of the don’t-miss attractions found here:

American Originals:

• While historians debate Betsy Ross’ role in making the first American flag, the Betsy Ross House offers an excellent portrayal of a working-class woman’s life in Colonial America. Visitors can tour the home of the nation’s best known seamstress and enjoy interactive programs and activities. 239 Arch Street,

Long regarded as the birthplace of American democracy, Historic Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park (INHP) has been the site of many of the seminal events that carried the nation through its founding as a global leader of democratic ideals. But the Park hasn’t remained static in the nearly two-and-a-half centuries since the Declaration of Independence was signed there on July 4, 1776. Instead, it has grown and progressed with the times, emerging in the early 21st century as a living model on history for the generations who come to experience it.

The Early Days:

The four blocks between Walnut and

For centuries, the historic land we now call Independence Mall has been known around the world as "America’s birthplace"—a proud designation it has earned for its role in the development of the guiding principles of the nation. But like the U.S. Constitution, Independence Mall has continuously evolved with time. Here’s a look at what has changed on "America’s most historic square mile" since before the Founding Fathers first set their quills to paper.

1700s:

1732 - Construction begins on Independence Hall, built as the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania. Construction is completed in 1756.

1775 - The

The area between Front to 7th Streets and Race to Spruce Streets encompasses distinctive and dynamic neighborhoods that together make up Historic Philadelphia. Here’s a look at what distinguishes these vibrant communities:

Independence National Historical Park:

Regarded as the nation’s most historic square mile, Independence National Historical Park tells the story of how American democracy came to be through historic landmarks and attractions. New additions like the Liberty Bell Center and the National Constitution Center join classic favorites such as Independence Hall and the Carpenters’ Hall to take visitors back to the time of the nation’s Founding Fathers.

Old

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 deal even better. Here is a sampling of some don’t-miss things to do in Historic Philadelphia this summer that won’t break the budget:

Affordable History Lessons:

• The Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the New Hall Military Museum, Franklin Court, Bishop White House and the Graff House are

This summer and beyond, Philadelphia will reveal untold chapters in the nation’s history and bring new emphasis to the undertold stories of African-Americans, allowing visitors to hear a far more accurate rendition of the United States’ early years than ever before. Not only will storytellers throughout Historic Philadelphia add new tales to their repertoire, but a self-guided Underground Railroad tour of Philadelphia will take participants from Society Hill to Germantown. Other projects in the works, including the President’s House Commemorative Site and the Octavius V. Catto memorial, will ensure that visitors have many reasons to come back to Philadelphia in