Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

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Items Tagged: Summer AND Historic Philadelphia

Jun 22 2009

Four Days Of Summer Fun In Philly For The Whole Family

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

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May 14 2009

Sheryl Crow Headlines July 4 Concert In Philadelphia

Mayor Nutter Launches Sunoco Welcome America! Festival With Concert Headliner Announcements, Parade Routes Updates

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

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En Español

Apr 16 2009

Btn_espanol$1.5 Million African-American Histroy Exhibition Kicks Off Summer In Historic Philadelphia

New July Fourth Parade, Lincoln Celebration And Behind-The-Scenes Boat Tours Headline A Summer Of Discovery

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.

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May 15 2008

The Philadelphia Region's $2 Million Tourism Campaign Woos Summer Travelers With History, Fun And Affordable Getaways

GPTMC Summer Advertising

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

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En Español

Apr 3 2008

Btn_espanolIn Historic Philadelphia, History Gets A Fun And Interactive Twist

Dozens of Historic Sites Make Learning Fun

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,

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Apr 3 2008

Historic Philadelphia: An Affordable Summer Getaway

Find Plenty Of Fun In Philly For Free—Or For Close To $10 Per Person

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

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Archived Releases

Jun 18 2008

Quest For Freedom Features New Summer Tours, Exhibitions Throughout Historic Philadelphia

Programs Highlight Underground Railroad And The Free Black Community in Philadelphia

This summer’s Philadelphia Quest for Freedom will feature new programs, tours and exhibitions, including Black Hands, Blue Seas at the Independence Seaport Museum and Black Founders at the Library Company of Philadelphia, exploring the story of the region’s Underground Railroad and early African American history. Now in its second year, the program allows visitors to hear a more exciting and multi-layered rendition of the United States’ early years than ever before.

“Philadelphia was a major passageway to freedom and led the world in anti-slavery activities. Quest for Freedom allows us to provide ways for the public to access this compelling

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Jun 9 2008

Ben Franklin And Betsy Ross To Marry In Philly On July 3

Philadelphia’s Premier Historic Re-enactors Will Tie The Knot During Sunoco Welcome America!’s POPS on Independence Concert

Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross are getting married, and it’s happening in Philadelphia. In reality, Ralph Archbold, the city’s nationally recognized Ben Franklin re-enactor, fell in love with Linda Wilde, who often portrays Betsy Ross, and they decided to get married. The couple will exchange vows in a public ceremony on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in front of Independence Hall before the POPS on Independence concert, one of the Sunoco Welcome America! Fourth of July festival’s most popular traditions. Mayor Michael A. Nutter will officiate the ceremony, and the Grammy Award-winning Peter Nero and the Philly Pops

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Jun 9 2008

Philadelphia, America's Birthplace, Hosts Patriotic Ceremonies On July 4, 2008

Commemorative Activities End With Ceremonial Tapping Of The Liberty Bell

The best place to celebrate America’s birthday is the place where it all started 232 years ago—at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. On Friday, July 4, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., Mayor Michael A. Nutter will lead the city’s Independence Day Ceremony, a commemorative event that pays tribute to the 18th-century leaders who founded the United States, as well as up-and-coming 21st-century leaders. The ceremony is one of many events that make up Sunoco Welcome America!’s nine-day Fourth of July festival, June 28 through July 6, 2008.

Set on an attractive new stage in front of Independence Hall, the

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Jun 9 2008

Celebrate America's Birthday With Patriotic Events, Activities, And Festivities Throughout The Philadelphia Region

The Independence Day Party Lasts For Days In And Around Philadelphia

Whoever said less is more sure wasn’t thinking about Fourth of July in Philadelphia and The Countryside®. When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, America’s birthplace knows that more is better. In addition to the many free events that are part of the Sunoco Welcome America! celebration, the region is jamming with dozens of events and festivals that celebrate our nation’s heritage. Here are a few more activities taking place during the nation’s birthday party:

In Historic Philadelphia:

  • Once Upon A Nation hosts three evening adventures that bring visitors face-to-face with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Participants
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Jun 9 2008

Fourth Of July In Philly: Ben Franklin & Betsy Ross's Wedding, Two Fireworks Shows, John Legend, Boyz II Men, Fiesta And More

From July 3-6, All The Action Is In Philly During The Sunoco Welcome America! Celebration

When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, Philly does July 4 like nowhere else. A highlight this year will be the real-life wedding of two re-enactors who portray Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross. The couple will be married in front of Independence Hall with Mayor Michael A. Nutter officiating and Peter Nero and the Philly POPS providing the music. Add in back-to-back fireworks shows, free concerts starring John Legend and Boyz II Men, a Latin fiesta that will take over Benjamin Franklin Parkway and budget-friendly hotel packages for a Fourth of July weekend revelers won’t soon forget. All of the

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May 15 2008

Affordable Historic Philadelphia Trolley Loop Makes It Easy To See Philly's Most Historic Neighborhoods

On- And Off-Service For Only $2 Per Person, Per Day

Visitors looking for an easy and affordable way to see history this summer need look no further than the FOX 29-sponsored Historic Philadelphia Trolley Loop, which began its second year of service on Saturday, May 3. Passengers can ride for just $2 per day and get on and off at 10 different stops near popular attractions, shops and restaurants throughout Historic Philadelphia.

The trolley travels through the historic neighborhoods of Independence Mall, Society Hill and Old City, from 2nd to 7th Streets between Race and Walnut Streets, making stops at Franklin Square, the Liberty Bell Center, Penn’s Landing

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Apr 29 2008

Headliners Announced For Two Concerts During Philadelphia’s Sunoco Welcome America! Fourth Of July Festival

John Legend To Appear On July 4, Boyz II Men Slated For July 5

Revelers in town for Sunoco Welcome America!, Philadelphia’s annual Independence Day celebration, can enjoy two evenings of free concerts during the festival, which runs from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6. Five-time Grammy winner John Legend will take the outdoor stage at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Friday, July 4. And the next evening, Saturday, July 5, four-time Grammy winners Boyz II Men will perform at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing along the Delaware River waterfront. Both concerts will be followed by spectacular fireworks displays.

"Landing John Legend and Boyz II Men for Sunoco

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Apr 18 2008

Fireworks, History And Fun In Historic Philadelphia For July 4

Concerts, Fireworks And Authentic U.S. History Take Center Stage For Sunoco Welcome America!, June 28-July 6

Throughout the year, Historic Philadelphia is a lively destination where visitors shop, dine and delve into America’s past. But from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6, the neighborhood where our nation was founded is transformed into celebration central for Sunoco Welcome America!, the city’s annual nine-day marathon celebrating America’s birthday in America’s birthplace. This year’s Independence Day festivities include patriotic ceremonies, exhibitions, concerts and fireworks—most of which are free.

Here are some of the ways visitors can fete freedom in Historic Philadelphia during Sunoco Welcome America!:

June 30-July 6:

  • Now’s the time to board a U.S. naval destroyer

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En Español

Apr 14 2008

Btn_espanolExperience Democracy Firsthand During Philadelphia's Presidential Summer

Vote For A Summer Vacation In Philly

Presidential politics have been simmering in Philadelphia since George Washington’s Executive Mansion was here in the 1790s. And, in 2008, as the race among Senators John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama heats up, the city offers a unique mix of presidential happenings that are affordable, educational and fun. After all, it’s only in Philadelphia that visitors can stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the idea of the presidency was born (Independence Hall), take the Presidential Oath of Office (National Constitution Center) and see the site where the Executive Mansion once stood. Plenty of

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