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

The following itinerary is available on gophila.com/sunny.

LOCATION: Center City and South Philadelphia

TRANSPORTATION: On foot, by taxi or car

DURATION: Two nights and two days

When the ego-driven characters of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia aren’t arguing and scheming in Paddy’s Pub, they’re creating scenes all over the city of Philadelphia. Fall 2009 brings the fifth season of the Philadelphia-set show: What better time to explore the city where The Gang—Charlie, Sweet Dee, Dennis, Mac and Frank—have done everything from cracking the Liberty Bell to running the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps Rocky Balboa-style.

NIGHT ONE:
Humor is

Philadelphians are cheering the arrival of Relish, one of the city’s newest culinary destinations where live jazz accompanies a light and modern Southern menu. Owners Benjamin and Robert Bynum give classic fried green tomatoes a dusting of parmesan, and braised turkey wings and collard greens meet apple cornbread stuffing in a space reminiscent of a 1950s club, thanks to acclaimed Philly designer Kia Steave-Dickerson of TLC’s “Trading Spaces” and “Renovate My Place.” While West Oak Lane is the city neighborhood lucky enough to claim Relish, there are plenty of options for a fantastic night out in many Philly neighborhoods.

Special

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 in search of nighttime fun will fall in el amor with Philadelphia’s Hispanic dining and dancing scene. Well known for its bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spots, steakhouses and hometown flavors, Philadelphia’s Center City and surrounding neighborhoods boast authentic flavors that add spice to any night. And those looking to don their dancing shoes and groove to authentic Latin sounds can head to many of the fun nightclubs and lounges around the city.

Fitting in all of Philly’s best day and evening activities means spending a couple of nights. That’s easily done thanks to the two-night Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, which includes

Restaurants, Bars And Entertainment:

• Abner’s of University City – Abner’s has been a part of the Philly college experience for more than 20 years, serving up cheesesteaks, gyros, pizza and more to hungry students until the wee hours of the morning. 3813 Chestnut Street, (215) 662-0100, abnerscheesesteaks.com
• Abyssinia Restaurant & Bar – Voted the number one ethnic restaurant in the city, Abyssinia cooks up savory and authentic Ethiopian cuisine in a neighborhood packed with African dining destinations. 229 S. 45^th Street, (215) 387-2424
• Ajia Japanese Fusion – With an all-you-can-eat menu, Japanese restaurant Ajia places a strong emphasis

Restaurants/Cafes:

• 10 Arts by Eric Ripert – In this intimate space located inside the glitzy Ritz-Carlton, Chef Eric Ripert presents American cuisine with an emphasis on organic, locally grown ingredients. 10 S. Broad Street, (215) 523-8000, ritzcarlton.com/hotels/philadelphia
• Bindi – Guests enjoy the spices and full flavors of traditional Indian fare at this dimly lit bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot. Be sure to bring along your own rum or vodka to create Indian-inspired cocktails. 105 S. 13^th Street, (215) 922-6061, bindibyob.com
• Bliss – Chef Fabrizzio Pace puts diners in touch with their inner gourmand thanks to his menu of creative contemporary

Restaurants/Cafes:

• Alma de Cuba – Diners her enjoy dishes with a Cuban flair before topping the meal off with a chocolate Cuban cigar. Attentive service and knock-out décor make Alma de Cuba a highlight on Stephen Starr’s lengthy resume. 1623 Walnut Street, (215) 988-1799, almadecubarestaurant.com
• Barclay Prime – Stained wood finishing and a well-dressed crowd create an upscale atmosphere at this hotspot. And the finest filets and delicious drink concoctions help Barclay live up to the buzz. 237 S. 18^th Street, (215) 732-7560, barclayprime.com
• Butcher and Singer – This new Stephen Starr restaurant creates a niche all its

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

Culinary Delights From Around The World:

• A Full Plate Café – Co-owner Shannon Dougherty’s vegetarian influence is noticeable in the health-conscious menu, including the mac-and-cheese, utilizing multigrain pasta. Vegans, vegetarians and carnivores can all find something here. Plus, the drinks are served in mason jars. 1009 N. Bodine Street, (215) 627-4068, afullplate.com
• Bar Ferdinand – The bull’s in charge all over again at this Spanish-inspired tapas venue situated along Liberties Walk. Diners snack on small plates, sip vino and take in the scenery either indoors or out. 1030 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 923-1313, barferdinand.com
• Café Estelle – Brunch

Eat And Drink Your Way Through Philadelphia:

1. It’s hard to say whether kids or adults have more fun at the fudge-and-candy parties at Betty’s Speakeasy. Large or intimate groups can schedule time to cut fudge, make candy, decorate cookies and gobble them up at the end of the party. Bakery owner Liz Begosh uses only organic, local and fair-trade ingredients in her sweet confections. For a slightly less messy culinary adventure, Liz also schedules private, instructional, prix-fixe dinners that explore the landscape of artisanal eating for $40 per person. 2241 Grays Ferry Avenue, (215) 735-9060, bettysfudge.com
2. Bring Belgium to

Philly Beer Week is one of the countless reasons to Love Philadelphia. From March 6-15, 2009, beer lovers from all over can sip their way through more than 100 events at the second annual Philly Beer Week, which attracted more than 15,000 participants during its first year.

This year’s Philly Beer Week will highlight the Philadelphia area’s thriving beer culture with 10 days of festivities. Brewers from the U.S. and beyond, including Fritz Maytag from Anchor Brewing, Garrett Oliver from Brooklyn Brewery and Fergal Murray from Guinness, will journey to Philadelphia and its suburbs to host tastings, dinners and events.

Thanks to its “City of Brotherly Love” and “Place That Loves You Back” monikers and the iconic Love sculpture that anchors Center City’s Love Park, Philadelphia has long been identified with that most euphoric of emotions. It should come as no surprise that hundreds of singles-friendly attractions across the region attract those on the search for love.

Singles visiting the region this winter can take advantage of the popular Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, which comes with an extra incentive this season thanks to the new Love campaign. As always, the two-night offer, available at more than 30 hotels throughout the

These days, it’s hard to lift a beer bottle in Philadelphia and The Countryside® without hitting a bar or store that prides itself on offering the most vast, eclectic and hard-to-find beer list around. Every month brings news of the opening of a beer bar (often known as “gastropubs” because the majority also boast food menus that shine as brightly as the taps and bottles), many of which individually and collectively raise the level of beer sophistication by predominantly serving locals, crafts and imports, with a strong focus on Belgians. The second annual Philly Beer Week, to be held March

One hundred years ago, Philadelphia was known as the greatest brewing city in the Western Hemisphere or the “Cradle of American Libation,” according to Craig LaBan of The Philadelphia Inquirer. In fact, it was in Philadelphia taverns that the American Revolution took hold. Today, area microbreweries are reclaiming the region’s reputation by brewing some of the world’s best beer. Visitors can tour the facilities and sample the beer at most of these spots, and increasingly, local pubs are specializing in serving locally made brews.

In the mid-19^th through the early-20^th centuries, more than 90 breweries operated in Philadelphia

New On The Scene
After a few seasons of high-profile liquor-licensed restaurant openings, the Philly bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurant is back and as affordable as ever. Mémé, the new tenant of the 22^nd Street Melograno space (more on Melograno later) serves earthy American goods like foie gras and onion tart with maple sherry glaze and sautéed skate wing with slow-cooked tomatoes in a minimalist-rustic setting. A BYO with New-American leanings, Twelves Grill & Café in West Grove splits its offerings between lunch (open-faced portobello and ricotta sandwich and crispy-fried oysters with black pepper aioli) and dinner (grilled lamb chops and