Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

^{This summer marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, and Philadelphia—a major arsenal, shipbuilding and hospital center during the Civil War and home to Gettysburg general George G. Meade—is marking the anniversary with special events and exhibitions at historical sites and attractions throughout the region:}

Events:

• Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library – The Gettysburg Trial of the Philadelphia Brigade presentation brings historian David Trout to remember the Philadelphia Brigade, which suffered a casualty rate of 64% over the course of the war, and recount its tribulations during the Battle of Gettysburg. July 20, 2014.

While Philadelphia offers a variety of authentic and top-notch attractions, exploring this vibrant city takes some planning—especially for first-time visitors. With so much to see, do and taste, it’s challenging for a novice to know where to begin. From the historic Liberty Bell to the deliciously indulgent cheesesteak, here’s a look at Philly 101:

Historical Hotspots:

• Independence Hall – While historical attractions abound in Philly, Independence Hall has particular significance to the development of the nation. In this building in 1776, the Founding Fathers came together to sign the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, representatives from a dozen

When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, nobody rocks it like Philadelphia, America’s birthplace, and 2013—the country’s 237^th birthday—will be no exception thanks to festive happenings before, during and after the Fourth of July. From July 1-7, Wawa Welcome America! hosts a week-long celebration filled with festive events, including the largest free concert in America starring Philly hometown heroes and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon house band The Roots. Add to that two major fireworks shows, more concerts, movie screenings and food-focused events—all of which are free—for a Fourth of July weekend that’s sure to go down in history.

Southeastern Pennsylvania is continuing to emerge as a major force in the nation’s wine industry. As wineries usher in changes that promise to significantly enhance their visitors’ experiences, Pennsylvania wines as a whole are making steady gains in quality, quantity and recognition. The Commonwealth is the seventh-largest producer of wine in the country, and more than 160 wineries operate within its borders, marking more than a 500% increase over 30 years ago. In 2012 alone, Pennsylvania vintners won awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, The Jefferson Cup Invitational, International Eastern Wine Competition, Dallas Morning News Wine Competition and

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) announced today that it has received a Social Media in Travel & Tourism Award (SMITTY) from Travel + Leisure for its Visit Philly Twitter account, which currently has 45,000 followers. To win in the “Best Use Of A Social Media Platform” category, Philadelphia competed against hundreds of national and international destination marketing organizations and travel companies.

The SMITTYs—now in its second year—spotlight the travel industry’s most innovative and effective uses of social media that provide value to consumers in this new landscape. To celebrate the 28 winners, Travel + Leisure is hosting an

The Calendar of Events is organized as follows:

June 2013
July 2013
August 2013
September 2013
October 2013
November 2013
December 2013
January 2014
February 2014
March 2014
April 2014
May 2014

JUNE 2013

Through June 2, 2013
ANNUAL STUDENT EXHIBITION. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the country’s oldest and largest art museum and school, previews the works of third- and fourth-year art students during this 112^th annual exhibition. (215) 972-7600, pafa.org

Through June 2, 2013
DEVON HORSE SHOW AND COUNTRY FAIR. The country’s oldest and largest event of its kind features hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, four-in-hand coaching,

Say it five times fast: Philly’s fallen for food trucks. From Temple University’s campus to South Philly, the beyond-fun dining craze has truly boomed. If a diner craves something, chances are he or she can find it on wheels: brick-oven soppressata pizza, green-tea macaroons, gourmet mac and cheese, Spam musubi, sweet cream ice cream, pour-over coffee, along with staples such as soul food, cheesesteaks, crepes and falafels. Lunch seekers can find trucks all over the city, especially near universities, but they know to check Twitter and Facebook before they make a trip. These trucks have wheels and often use them

Fore! For the first time in 32 years, Philadelphia will host one of golf’s four major tournaments when the U.S. Open takes over Ardmore’s Merion Golf Club for the fifth time from June 10-16, 2013. This monumental event will draw approximately 25,000 spectators each day, who will gather to witness golf superstars like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and defending U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson compete for their shares of the $8,000,000 purse. Those without tickets to the week-long competition can still experience the excitement of the event at The U.S. Open Experience, taking place on June 10-16 on Independence Mall.

• Note: Most attractions were listed in the Philadelphia Business Journal Book of Lists 2013. Those that were not are marked with an asterisk.

Historical Sites & Attractions:

1. While exploring the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, visitors can enjoy exhibitions that display artifacts from the ship’s past and play an interactive role as they follow the tour route. America’s most decorated battleship also hosts special events and overnight encampments. 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ, (866) 877-6262, battleshipnewjersey.org
2. While historians debate Betsy Ross’ role in making the first American flag, the Betsy Ross House offers an excellent portrayal of a