Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

While Philadelphia’s best-known visitor attractions are linked to the past, the region is a destination with an exciting present—one that offers an incredible number of reasons for travelers to return soon and often. Research shows that many visitors first come to Philadelphia for its history, then once here, discover many more reasons to come back. In fact, a survey conducted by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) reveals that more than half of first-time visitors to Philadelphia visit the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, while only one in five visitors who made three or more trips to the city visited those same attractions. Here are some fun ideas for a second visit to the city—or a third, fourth or fifth:
 

More Restaurants:
After visiting gastronomists have fully mastered the nuances involved in ordering a Philadelphia cheesesteak, they may wish to indulge in the more refined dining experience offered at one of the hundreds of restaurants scattered across the region.

• Maverick chef Marc Vetri is bringing hoards of haute diners to North Broad Street via Osteria, an industrial chic outpost serving deliciously out-there wood-fired pizzas topped with egg, octopus or robiola cheese and daily specials such as lobster spaghetti. 640 N. Broad Street, (215) 763-0920, www.osteriaphilly.com
• Nationally lauded for its charming décor and creative cuisine, bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot Django continues to innovate with local, seasonal ingredients to concoct its contemporary European and American meals. 526 S. 4^th Street, (215) 922-7151
• The 300-year-old Chadds Ford Inn is now the setting for the Brandywine Prime Seafood and Chops, featuring locally raised, dry-aged beef, a vast raw bar and inventive dishes such as the “Best of Philly” Brandywine Prime Burger and the dry-aged ribeye by acclaimed chef Dan Butler. 1617 Baltimore Pike (at Routes 1 & 100), Chadds Ford, (610) 388-8088, www.brandywineprime.com
• Along the Main Line, Sola’s sophisticated cooking with an eclectic, modern flair is supported by excellent service in this warmly lit contemporary American BYOB restaurant. 614 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, (610) 526-0123

More Shops:
Shopping fanatics from around the world flock to the retail cornucopia that is the King of Prussia Mall, but those in search of that unique, locally crafted item need not fret.

• Once known as “Antique Row,” the stretch of Pine Street between 9^th and Broad Streets has remained a premier destination for one-of-a-kind home furnishings and accessories, but now it’s mostly full of modern and eclectic items from around the world. Pine Street (between 9^th & Broad Streets), www.antique-row.org
• Chestnut Hill beckons shoppers to stroll along tree-lined cobblestone streets while browsing luxurious spas, romantic B&Bs and a large assortment of national and local boutiques. 7600-8700 Germantown Avenue, (215) 247-6696, www.chestnuthillpa.com
• Not only is Peddler’s Village quaint, easy to navigate and stocked with more than 70 shops of all kinds, it also boasts Giggleberry Fair, an educational family fun center with miniature play lands, an obstacle course, carousel and much more. Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, (215) 794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com
• It would be hard to find a downtown district where high-end art galleries and gift shops coexist so nicely with clothing and accessories boutiques that cater to hippies and the motorcycle crowd. With so many stores, B&Bs, restaurants, cabarets and outdoor recreational possibilities, it’s easy to spend more than one day in New Hope. Main Street (near Bridge Street), (215) 862-5030, www.newhopevisitorscenter.org

More Historical Attractions:
A visit to the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall has long topped the must-do lists for teachers organizing field trips and parents planning meaningful family vacations. But lots of noteworthy Colonial history was made elsewhere too at locations that are still preserved in their original or close-to-original form.

• Edgar Allan Poe, the master of macabre, once resided at this Spring Garden home with his family. It was here that he wrote one of his most popular short stories, “The Black Cat.” Visitors to the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site can tour the stark rooms and cellar of the three-story home where Poe’s imagination ran wild. 530 N. 7^th Street, (215) 597-8780, www.nps.gov/edal
• The First Continental Congress met at Carpenters’ Hall, where delegates voted to support a trade embargo against England, one of the first unified acts of defiance against the King. The delegates’ chairs and the original banner carried during the 1788 Constitutional parade are still on display. 320 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-0167, www.carpentershall.org
• Washington Crossing Historic Park marks the spot where Washington’s troops began their Christmas 1776 advance toward battles in Trenton and Princeton—victories that reversed their fortunes and helped them to win the war. Visitors can explore the preserved grounds and Revolutionary War gravesites, as well as a ferry crossing and a makeshift hospital used by soldiers. 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, (215) 493-4076, www.phmc.state.pa.us

More Arts And Culture:
It could take years to fully study the world-renowned collections housed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but for those looking to delve deeper into surrounding artistic offerings, there is a museum to please every art lover’s visual palate.

• The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts permanently displays one of the best collections of American paintings in the world. Thomas Eakins’ “The Gross Clinic” is on view until June 2008. Works by artists like Daniel Garber, Maxfield Parrish and Mary Cassatt also grace the walls. 118-128 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, www.pafa.org
• Ever since Andy Warhol and his entourage caused a near-riot here in 1965, the Institute of Contemporary Art has been shaking up the city with the hottest trends in contemporary art. Located at the University of Pennsylvania, it was the first museum to host shows of Andy Warhol, Laurie Anderson, Agnes Martin, Robert Indiana and other influential artists. 118 S. 36^th Street, (215) 898-5911, www.icaphila.org
• While the James A. Michener Art Museum arranges some of the most gripping photographic exhibitions imaginable, the museum also mounts important shows featuring paintings and outdoor sculptures created by some of history’s artistic masters. 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, (215) 340-9800; 500 Union Square Drive, New Hope, (215) 862-7633, www.michenerartmuseum.org
• The Brandywine River Museum is internationally known for its unparalleled collection of art by three generations of Wyeths and an outstanding collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting. From spring through fall, visitors can also tour the N.C. Wyeth house and studio and the Kuerner Farm. Route 1, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org

More Performing Arts:
For those who’ve already been wowed by shows at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts or the Academy of Music, Philadelphia raises the curtain on hundreds of professional and amateur theaters that warrant a shout of “huzzah!”

• The Philadelphia Theatre Company is slated to debut its Suzanne Roberts Theatre in the fall of 2007 on the Avenue of the Arts. The company will continue its mission to present Philadelphia and world premieres of major works by contemporary American playwrights. 480 S. Broad Street (at Broad and Lombard Streets), (215) 985-0420, www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
• Historic Philadelphia’s award-winning Arden Theatre Company brings to life the greatest stories by the greatest storytellers of all time. 40 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 922-1122, www.ardentheatre.org
• People’s Light & Theatre, a community-based professional theater, produces award-winning plays out of two intimate black-box theaters situated on a scenic, seven-acre site. 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, (610) 644-3500, www.peopleslight.org

More Nightlife:
Old City and South Street are the two Philadelphia nightlife hotspots most visitors hit the first time around. On subsequent visits, travelers may want to step outside the normal boundaries and party in different neighborhoods.

• Manayunk’s bar-lined Main Street keeps the party going from night into the early morning. The first level of Tonic on Main is perfect for mixing and mingling as jukebox tunes play, while the upstairs dance floor is packed with people working off their cocktails. 4421 Main Street, (215) 509-6005, www.toniconmain.com. Bourbon Blue brings a touch of New Orleans to Philadelphia. Bands and DJs entertain downstairs in the Canal Lounge, while the French Quarter dining area offers a more relaxed atmosphere. 2 Rector Street, (215) 508-3360, www.bourbonblue.com. No trip to Manayunk is complete without a stop at the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant. The large deck overlooking the Schuylkill River is the perfect place for a cold beer on a warm day. 4120 Main Street, (215) 482-8220, www.manayunkbrewery.com
• Hipsters flock to the up-and-coming neighborhood of Northern Liberties for their nighttime outings. Standard Tap, serving the best in local beers, and Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, a recently spruced-up jazz joint, are staples here. 901 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 238-0630, www.standardtap.com; 847 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 922-1035, www.ortliebsjazzhaus.com. Bar Ferdinand, a Spanish-style bar that’s easy on the wallet, is a newer addition to the area that has been embraced by the edgy crowd. 1030 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 923-1313, www.barferdinand.com
• West Chester’s Gay Street does not abide by the quiet-suburban-town rule. Residents, visitors and college students flock to popular watering holes like Spence Cafe, Ryan’s Pub and Barnaby’s of America. Spence Cafe is the place to go for live entertainment and delicious cocktails. 29-31 E. Gay Street, (610) 738-8844, www.spencecaferestaurant.com. Ryan’s Pub caters to the Irish in everyone, making it a West Chester favorite. 124 W. Gay Street, (610) 344-3934, www.ryans-pub.com. And although it’s new on the scene, Barnaby’s outdoor bar and deck and upstairs dance floor have made the place an instant hit. 15 S. High Street, (610) 696-1400, www.barnabysofamerica.com

More Events:
The Philadelphia Flower Show and the Sunoco Welcome America! Fourth of July celebration attract visitors from around the country, but other fun annual events keep the region’s party going all year long.

• A Longwood Christmas delights and amazes visitors to Longwood Gardens during the holiday season. Every year, the trees, lights, flowers and fountains at the horticultural haven inspire those who flock here to be awed. Thanksgiving-mid-January. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org
• Equality Forum, a week-long celebration of the cultural and political legacy of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, includes more than 60 events by regional, national and international organizations. April-May. (215) 732-3378, www.equalityforum.com
• Strawberries of all sorts, live entertainment and pie-eating contests add to the festivities at the annual Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village. May (first weekend). Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, (215) 794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com
• For one of the creepiest haunted house experiences in the country, brave souls head to Eastern State Penitentiary for Terror Behind the Walls, a spooky journey through an abandoned prison that once housed Al Capone. September-November. 22^nd Street & Fairmount Avenue, (215) 236-3300, www.easternstate.org

More Hotel Packages:
The long running Philly Overnight® Hotel Package remains the city’s most popular packages because of its broad appeal, but visitors can choose more customized options to fit their trip type and make the most of their visit to Philadelphia.

• The Boundless Philadelphia™ Hotel Package caters to outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the city’s green side. Along with a one-night stay, the package includes a Boundless Philadelphia™ map pack featuring pocket-sized maps of popular walking, running and cycling routes; a Philadelphia Privileges Coupon Book, including discounts at 60 area attractions, shops and restaurants; and free hotel parking. The package is available through November 19, 2007.
• Those who prefer to act more like a resident than a tourist can try the Philly Like A Local hotel experience. Upon check-in, guests receive a uwishunu™ (a marketing initiative highlighting insider Philadelphia) welcome kit stuffed with shopping, dining and drinking incentives; an Eat. Shop. Philadelphia book; a Tale of the City CD featuring local musicians; uwishunu™ temporary tattoos; and a notebook with insider tips taken right from uwishunu.com. After all their local experiences, guests can sleep late since they also get a late check-out of 3:00 p.m.

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 www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

Contact(s):

• Donna Schorr, (215) 599-0782