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A Second Gay Historical Marker Adds To Philly's LGBT Appeal
Two Gay Markers & Nearly 70 Rainbow Streets Signs Welcome LGBT Travelers
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission recently dedicated a state historical marker to LGBT bookstore Giovanni’s Room, giving Philadelphia two markers that commemorate significant milestones in the LGBT community.
Giovanni’s Room is the longest continuously running LGBT bookstore in the United States, and its historical marker sits right outside the shop at 12th and Pine Streets in the heart of the Gayborhood. The trailblazing bookstore opened in 1973 and served as a refuge and cultural center at the onset of the modern LGBT civil rights movement. Today, Giovanni’s offers an extensive collection of gay literature in a welcoming setting.
Pennsylvania erected Philadelphia’s first LGBT marker to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first Annual Reminder, a demonstration led by pioneering gay activists on July 4 from 1965 to 1969. Standing directly across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center at 6th and Chestnut Streets, the marker serves as a reminder of the city’s open and progressive history.
Also adding to Philadelphia’s LGBT appeal are nearly 70 rainbow street signs that adorn the lively and popular Gayborhood. The street signs, along with the blue-and-yellow markers provide great backdrops for LGBT travelers in search of interesting photo opportunities.
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.
For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.
Contact(s):
- Bruce Yelk, (215) 599-7431
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Philly's Countryside Offers Rainbow Of GLBT-friendly Day Trips
Spend Time Visiting Historic Sites, Strolling Charming Small Towns Or Shopping
Philadelphia’s countryside boasts a welcoming array of fun and easy side trips, all within an hour’s drive or train ride from the city’s Gayborhood. Spend the day enjoying lunch and a stroll along the Delaware River in New Hope, perusing the iconic landscapes of Andrew Wyeth at the Brandywine River Museum, hiking the miles of trails at Valley Forge National Historical Park or shopping for high-end goods at the King of Prussia Mall. (Don’t forget: There’s no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Pennsylvania.)
Here’s a look at eight close-by excursions to consider:
Destination: New Hope
Directions: One-hour drive
Backgrounder: Gay-friendly Philly
Philadelphia, which recently marked the 40th anniversary of its vibrant Gayborhood, continues to come out as one of the nation’s top travel destinations for gay and lesbian visitors. As reflected in its award-winning Philadelphia – Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay® campaign, the region has become the place to learn about America’s past by day and to experience a little of the party life by night. Philadelphia is now tied for the #9 spot on the list of most-visited gay and lesbian destinations on Community Marketing, Inc.’s annual LGBT Tourism Study, and it’s tied for #2 among
...Plenty To Do In Philly Before And After The Galileo Exhibition
After Star-gazing With Galileo, Museum-goers Can Find More Fun In Philly
After exploring the Galileo, the Medici and the Age of Astronomy exhibition, appearing only in Philadelphia, only in 2009 (April 4 through September 7, 2009 at The Franklin Institute Science Museum), visitors are encouraged to spend a night or two and enjoy other exhibitions and events in the region. Here’s a look at what’s going on while Galileo’s in town:
Fun Art And Culture:
- The popular three-day West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival—now in its sixth year—features all types of jazz alongside visual artists, craft vendors and more. This year’s lineup features WAR, Jeffrey Osbourne, Average
Philadelphia's Top News And Events For 2008
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Openings:
- Please Touch Museum and Centennial District – When it opens on October 18, 2008, the children’s museum’s new location in Fairmount Park’s Memorial Hall—a National Historic Landmark built in 1876 for the Centennial Exhibition—will boast three times more space for exhibitions and programs. Just outside the museum, kids and adults will also delight in riding the meticulously restored 1908 Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel. (215) 963-0667, www.pleasetouchmuseum.org
- President’s House – Within close view of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, the President’s House Commemorative Site, to be erected in 2009, will mark the location of the nation’s
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Gayborhood Signage
