Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

The Calendar of Events is organized as follows:

November 2009
December 2009
January 2010
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
July 2010
August 2010
September 2010
October 2010
Ongoing Activities

NOVEMBER 2009

Through November 1, 2009
HAUNTED POE. This theatrical work unites literature, history and theater with the haunted attraction genre during the 200^th anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe’s birth. A 10,000-square-foot warehouse is transformed into an eerie maze of chambers featuring short vignettes of 11 of Poe’s pieces, including “The Tell-tale Heart,” “The Raven” and “The Cask of Amontillado.” (215) 627-2577, hauntedpoe.com

Through November

Art lovers, garden enthusiasts, film connoisseurs and sports fans keep coming back year after year for festivals, sporting events, art shows, parades and cultural events in Philadelphia. Here’s what’s going on in the region in 2010*:

January:

• Thousands of decorative strutters kick off the New Year by marching up Broad Street in the festive day-long Mummers Parade that ends with the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. January 1, 2010. phillymummers.com

February:

• The Pennsylvania Convention Center is the site of the Philadelphia International Flower Show, the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind. The annual

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

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

Thanks in part to the popularity of TV shows like The Amazing Race and movies like National Treasure (filmed partially in Philadelphia) that send people around the world on the search for clues, prizes and hidden treasures, Philadelphia attractions are mapping out creative ways to help visitors get to know the region. City-wide scavenger hunts, card games that rely on knowledge of historic buildings and participatory re-enactments of Colonial playtime allow both kids and adults to learn more about the city while jumping right into the action. Here’s a look at some of the fun and games taking place in

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.

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

Two weekends of patriotic summer fun add up to one big party when Philadelphia welcomes residents and visitors for the 17^th annual Sunoco Welcome America! festival, celebrating the nation’s birthday in its birthplace. For two weekends, June 26-28 and July 2-4, participants will be treated to fantastic fireworks displays; concerts by big-name performers; lots of free, all-ages activities and parades; and patriotic ceremonies centered around Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. And with dozens of affordable hotel packages available on gophila.com, the whole family can enjoy every

Summer 2009 in Philadelphia is gearing up to be festive, affordable and full of family-friendly fun. New exhibitions and attractions indoors and out let visitors explore the stars, walk along the treetops, frolic in cooling waters and come face-to-face with historic figures. Free activities, including mural tours, historic storytelling and a multi-day celebration of America’s birthday are delightful ways to stretch a budget. And with dozens of packages available at hotels throughout the region and on gophila.com, including the affordable two-night Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, visitors can enjoy maximum fun with minimum funds.

Here’s a look at what’s happening in

Art lovers, garden enthusiasts, film connoisseurs and sports fans keep coming back year after year for festivals, sporting events, art shows, parades and cultural events in Philadelphia. Here’s what’s going on in the region in 2009:

January 2009:

• Thousands of decorative strutters kick off the New Year by marching up Broad Street in the festive day-long Mummers Parade that ends with the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. January 1, 2009. phillymummers.com
• Making its world debut in Philadelphia, America I AM: The African American Imprint celebrates African-American contributions across 400 years of American history at the National

This year, Philadelphia will be more amusing than ever, with the addition of a couple familiar names to the popular Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel at Franklin Square, the debut of a Muppet-go-round at Sesame Place and the restoration of an 100-year-old carousel at the new Please Touch Museum. Here’s what’s going round:

New In Philly Carousels:

• This spring, two of Philadelphia’s beloved horse heroes—Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex—will permanently join the other animals on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel at Franklin Square, the refurbished original square in the heart of Historic Philadelphia. 6^th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026,

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,

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

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