Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

Journalists are taking notice of Philadelphia as a hot urban destination, as evidenced by the many accolades bestowed on the city in September and October 2008. Here’s a look at what some national magazines and a Web site had to say:

• Business Facilities chose Philadelphia as one of seven destinations

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 2011*:

January:

• Thousands of decorative strutters kick off the New Year by marching up

Fall is a cool time to come out and celebrate being gay and lesbian in Philadelphia. For the first time ever this year, the city welcomes hunks from around the country for the U.S. National Mr. Gay competition. Gay and lesbian travelers can also look forward to outdoor festivals, fabulous

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

An Elvira-hosted Halloween party, Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary and a reading of The Raven at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site are just a few of the reasons why fans of the ghoulish holiday—conveniently taking place on a Friday this year—should spend the weekend in

The cornerstone of Philadelphia’s haunted season, Terror Behind the Walls at the historic Eastern State Penitentiary amps up the scary factor this year with a VIP offer that pairs the acclaimed haunted house with a chilling nighttime tour of the prison’s cellblocks. Thrill-seeking families, couples and friends continue their Halloween

Come fall, Philadelphia and The Countryside® abound with opportunities to experience local festivals celebrating the region’s rich tradition of farming and seasonal harvests. From a fest that hails garlic in the Pocono Mountains to an urban harvest from Lancaster County farms in downtown Philly and a parade dedicated to all

Consider yourself warned: Dracula is taking over Philadelphia this Halloween season, along with Edgar Allan Poe, a Sphinx and other thrill-ebrities who will wreak delightfully scary havoc with ghoulish events and ghostly attractions throughout the region. Dracula events range from kid-friendly treats at Sesame Place during The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular

It’s the time of year when visitors wander the cobblestone streets of Historic Philadelphia and ask the question, are they or aren’t they…haunted. Halloween offers lots of “Poe-tential” for literary encounters with spooky characters, as well as family-friendly ghosts and goblins who some think still inhabit the centuries-old neighborhood.

Halloween

As summer’s high temperatures subside and leaves turn red, orange and yellow, Philadelphia and The Countryside® welcomes autumn with special exhibitions, Halloween haunts and all-ages annual events. Princess Diana, Jim Henson, Henri Matisse, George Washington Carver and Barkley L. Hendricks lead the lineup, which also includes Body Worlds 2 at

Philadelphia is the place for families and adults to be in October, thanks to Halloween happenings taking place throughout the region that culminate with an appearance by American icon Elvira “Mistress of the Dark” on October 31, 2008. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is helping the region reap

The Calendar of Events is organized as follows:

September 2010
October 2010
November 2010
December 2010
January 2011
February 2011
March 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June 2011
July 2011
August 2011
September 2011
Ongoing Activities

SEPTEMBER 2010

Through September 2010, Wednesdays
PM @ PENN MUSEUM. The University of Pennsylvania

Ghosts and goblins are nothing new to Philadelphia and The Countryside®, an area known for historic sites, Colonial-era graveyards and centuries-old buildings, some dating back to pre-Revolutionary War times. What many people don’t know is that many of the original residents of Historic Philadelphia never left town. The area is

Professional actors, state-of-the art computer technology and Hollywood-quality special effects combine to convert Philadelphia and The Countryside® into one of the world’s scariest Halloween destinations for families, couples and singles. But what adds a deeper and more authentic layer to the just-for-fun sites that thrill hundreds of thousands of visitors

New On The Scene
More than 140 years after it closed for business, Fairmount Park’s famed Water Works—onetime home to the engine room for Philadelphia’s cutting-edge water department—reopened this summer as a chic destination lounge and restaurant. Sitting right below the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Water Works Restaurant

One new museum, four scenic drives and seven annual events give visitors a dozen reasons to visit Philadelphia this fall.The opening of the Please Touch Museum in its new Fairmount Park location is a great reason for families to make a trip. For couples who need a push to start

From weeknight to weekend, visitors find there’s always something—lots of things, actually—going on in Philadelphia. Packed with performing arts, eclectic music, ethnic restaurants and see-and-be-seen nightclubs, the City of Brotherly Love loves the nightlife, and its diverse and vibrant neighborhoods provide the perfect backdrop for nighttime fun. From cozy international

As the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) takes its popular With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® initiative from campaign to consumer experience, the destination marketing organization is proud to announce the launch of the Victory Brewing Company’s Summer Love Ale. Brewed locally in Chester County, PA with pale malts, German hops

The following girls’ weekend itinerary is available at visitphilly.com/cleopatra:

LOCATIONS: Northern Liberties, Old City, Washington Square, Rittenhouse Square, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, University City and Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia; Kennett Square and Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

TRANSPORTATION: Foot, taxi, bus, Phlash, subway or car

DURATION: Three days and two nights

TRIP

As daylight turns to twilight, Historic Philadelphia turns hip and happening with after-hours fun for the under-21 and over-21 sets. From early evening until the wee, small hours, the area situated between Front and 7^th Streets and Race and Spruce Streets buzzes with family-friendly evening fun and sizzles with

Philadelphia is going all out for the New Year’s four-day weekend, making it the perfect destination for families who want a kid-friendly celebration and for adults ready to party into the wee hours of 2010. After New Year’s Eve kicks off with Countdown to Noon at Please Touch Museum®, “Happy

Eat And Drink Your Way Through Philadelphia:

1. It’s hard to say whether kids or adults have more fun at the fudge-and-candy parties at Betty’s Speakeasy. Large or intimate groups can schedule time to cut fudge, make candy, decorate cookies and gobble them up at the end of the party.

Gay and lesbian travelers eager to get their “history straight” and “nightlife gay” will find an eclectic mix of fun and fabulous happenings in Philadelphia and The Countryside® throughout the year. Dance parties, drag shows, pride parades and cultural events are among the offerings for gay travelers in 2009. Here’s

Philly Beer Week is one of the countless reasons to Love Philadelphia. From March 6-15, 2009, beer lovers from all over can sip their way through more than 100 events at the second annual Philly Beer Week, which attracted more than 15,000 participants during its first year.

This year’s Philly

Thanks to its “City of Brotherly Love” and “Place That Loves You Back” monikers and the iconic Love sculpture that anchors Center City’s Love Park, Philadelphia has long been identified with that most euphoric of emotions. It should come as no surprise that hundreds of singles-friendly attractions across the region

AMBLER
Residents describe Ambler as a town where even visitors feel a sense of place. It’s a “real town” where locals and out-of-towners join together to enjoy professional theater and independent film, to admire art displayed in the storefront of a refurbished Art Deco building and to partake in a

MEDIA
Self-designated as the first fair trade town in the country, Media is also the last suburban town in the nation to run a trolley through its downtown. Residents call Media “Everybody’s Hometown” because the town’s friendliness welcomes all visitors. Brick sidewalks and tree-shaded streets encourage walking to the centrally

WEST CHESTER
Chester County’s seat of government is a tree-lined and welcoming city where a stately historic courthouse dominates the skyline; West Chester University students populate the shops, bars and noodle houses; and the popularity of the skateboarding culture (plus the presence of hometown celebrity prankster Bam Margera) draws enthusiasts

NEW HOPE
New Hope, Pennsylvania, the popular riverside artist colony recently named as one of the “Top 25 Art Destinations in the Country” by American Style Magazine, offers eclectic charm comfortably offset by casual sophistication. Peppered with bed & breakfasts, galleries, historical attractions, restaurants and nightlife along Main Street and

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

Philadelphia is well known as a top-notch casual destination—think Eagles games, cheesesteaks and the vibrant art and music scene—but those looking for an upscale night on the town will find plenty of possibilities for fun. The city is filled with glamorous nightlife options that offer locals and visitors alike the

On any night of the week, there are countless things to do after dark in Philadelphia. From an upscale happy hour at a renowned museum to movies with a side of beer to cabarets with a little of everything, nights in Philly fit any mood. Here is a sample of

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,

Music loversand gardening fans will find lots to groove to when "Jazz it Up," this year’s edition of the Philadelphia Flower Show, rolls into the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 2-9, 2008. And after strolling through floral displays that re-create familiar New Orleans scenes and enjoying live jazz performances taking

As summer winds down, Philly gears up with end-of-season deals at two great Center City hotels and some fun must-dos, including weekly fireworks over the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing. The end of summer also marks visitors’ last chance to take in some big exhibitions and fun happenings, including Late

This summer, Philadelphia celebrates its vibrant “Gayborhood” with two weeks of happenings, taking place from Saturday, July 10 through Saturday, July 24. Dubbed There’s No Place Like Home, the two-week event features a ribbon-cutting ceremony, block party, photo exhibit and special offers available at restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses

Viva la bendy straw! It’s milkshake season, and in Philadelphia and The Countryside®, the options for sweet frozen beverages are limitless. There are classic black-and-whites in hamburger joints and booze-spiked whips in restau-bars. There are shakes with kid sensibilities and shakes made with a connoisseur’s cocoa content; shakes from far-flung

As the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) takes its popular With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® initiative from campaign to consumer experience, the destination marketing organization is proud to announce a wider release of Victory Brewing Company’s Summer Love Ale on July 6. Brewed locally in Chester County, Pennsylvania with pale

Even though “Grilled Charlie Sandwiches” are not on the menu, fans of the hit TV show It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia are sure to flock to Mac’s Tavern, the real-life bar that Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson, also known as Mac and Sweet Dee of Always Sunny, opened this month

Those interested in indulging in a few days of luxury and pampering should consider Philadelphia, where living the high life—even if it’s just an escape from today’s penny-pinching practices—is easier to obtain and more affordable than ever. A host of bargains, from prix-fixe dinners at elegant restaurants to overnight stays

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt makes its world premiere in Philadelphia from June 5, 2010 through January 2, 2011 with more than 150 artifacts and multimedia components, and its host The Franklin Institute science museum is ensuring that visitors make the most of their visit with

When foodies hit the road, they take their passion for farmers markets, culinary tours and tasting experiences with them. Whether it’s called culinary tourism or just plain fun, the chance to see, smell and taste the best of local gastronomy is a big attraction, and it’s getting bigger. The 2009

One hundred years ago, Philadelphia was known as the greatest brewing city in the Western Hemisphere, or the “Cradle of American Libation,” according to Craig LaBan of The Philadelphia Inquirer. In fact, it was in Philadelphia taverns that the American Revolution took hold. Today, area craft breweries have reclaimed the

Restaurants And Bars:

• Amada – The restaurant that many consider responsible for starting the tapas trend in the city—and Jose Garces’ first Philly venture—also has big plates including a roasted suckling pig. 217 Chestnut Street, (215) 625-2450, amadarestaurant.com
• Beneluxx – This dark, cozy wine and beer spot also offers

Tickets go on sale today for Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, making its world debut at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, June 5, 2010 to January 2, 2011. During the show’s run, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the National Constitution Center

Philadelphia has been recognized as the country’s best beer city by publications from Maxim to Gourmet, and every month brings news of the opening of a bar/restaurant that specializes in craft beer. In fact, the region is home to a dozen craft breweries and hundreds of bars that raise the

Restaurants, Bars And Entertainment:

• 10 Arts by Eric Ripert – In this intimate space located inside the glitzy Ritz-Carlton, Chef Eric Ripert presents American cuisine with an emphasis on organic, locally grown ingredients. 10 S. Broad Street, (215) 523-8273, 10arts.com
• 10 Arts Lounge – Inside the lavish Ritz-Carlton, this

Restaurants, Bars And Entertainment:

• 500° – The latest venture of Rouge owners Rob and Maggie Wasserman, this burger joint features a simple yet oh-so-tempting menu of five types of 5.5-ounce handcrafted burgers, Bassetts ice cream milkshakes and regular, spicy and truffle french fries. Prices range from $6 to $12.50.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry:

• Adobe Cafe – This Southwest-style, vegetarian-friendly abode features house-made sangria, generous happy hour specials and Thursday night quizzo. 1919 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 551-2243
• Cantina Los Caballitos – Much like its younger sibling, Cantina Dos Segundos in Northern Liberties, the original Cantina offers modern

Philadelphia, aptly dubbed the City of Brotherly Love, caters to lovers looking to re-energize their relationships at cultural sites, romantic eateries, outdoor attractions and other swoon-worthy spots. And thanks to the With Love, Philadelphia XOXO™ campaign, couples who book one of 70 hotel packages—including some romantically themed offers—featured on visitphilly.com/withlove

This is a Philadelphia QFest press release.

Philadelphia QFest, formerly the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, will mark its 16^th year of bringing the best in new queer cinema from around the world to Philadelphia, July 8-19, 2010. The 12-day summer festival with be produced by the

Historical Sites & Attractions:

• Wannabe sailors can spend the night in the nation’s most decorated battleship, the Battleship New Jersey, and take tours of the officers’ and crew’s mess halls, communications center and high-tech command center. 62 Battleship Place, Camden, (856) 877-6262, battleshipnewjersey.org
• Meet America’s most famous flag maker

Philadelphia is a foodie’s kind of town, and gay-friendly guests can be sure that they’ll eat well and eat comfortably while in town thanks to dozens of restaurants offering a world of choices at a variety of price points. What’s more, in Midtown Village, the “Gayborhood,” Rittenhouse Square and beyond,

When the warm weather finds its way to Philadelphia, so do 10 gay-friendly events celebrating pride, beauty, sports, theater and more. Long-running festivals such as Equality Forum and Pride Day mingle on the calendar with newer additions like Mr. Gay Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival to

The heart of Philadelphia’s “Gayborhood” may be found at 13^th and Locust Streets, but plenty of gay-friendly nightclubs, restaurants, bars and special events throughout the region cater to gay and lesbian crowds looking for fun and entertainment. From weekly parties to annual gay pride events, visitors are sure to

This spring, Philadelphia and The Countryside® continues its event-filled year with Pablo Picasso, Body Worlds 2, a Roman Empire exhibition and so much more, giving visitors plenty of reasons to spend a weekend or more in town. The Philadelphia Museum of Art examines an art master’s most dramatic years with

During the three-day weekend in February, travelers to the Philadelphia region can enjoy a romantic getaway or a presidential adventure—or a bit of both. Where better to celebrate the Presidents’ Day/Valentine’s Day weekend than in the birthplace of the nation and the City of Brotherly Love? After long walks in

New Year’s Day is an all-day party in Philadelphia, and it’s all centered around the Mummers Parade, a 110-year-old tradition that is part of what many locals consider the best “gay” day of the year.

Parade Basics:
The heart of the New Year’s Day celebration in Philadelphia rests on

As the second decade of the new millennium gets underway, some of Philadelphia’s most venerated cultural and historical institutions are gearing up to spend the current decade newly energized and outfitted for a tech-savvy, sophisticated new generation of visitors. Throughout Historic Philadelphia, Center City and Philadelphia’s countryside, tourist attractions are

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing (GPTMC) today announced the launch of the With Love, Philadelphia XOXO™ Dining Guide, the newest component of the popular tourism campaign that gives hotel guests a pass to exclusive prix-fixe menus around the city. Now through December 30, 2009, visitors who book their stays on

The following itinerary is available on gophila.com/barkleyhendricks.

LOCATION: Historic Philadelphia, Center City and North Philadelphia

TRANSPORTATION: On foot, by taxi or car

DURATION: Two nights and two days

Note: Locations picked by Barkley and friends are indicated as such. Other places are suggestions of the tourism office.

Philly’s flavors,

• The second largest city on the East Coast, Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States, with a population of 1.4 million in Philadelphia and 3.9 million people residing in the five-county region.
• Thanks to founder William Penn, Philadelphia’s Center City follows an easy-to-navigate grid street design. The

The following itinerary is available on visitphilly.com/sunny.

LOCATION: Center City and South Philadelphia

TRANSPORTATION: On foot, by taxi or car

DURATION: Two nights and two days

When the ego-driven characters of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia aren’t arguing and scheming in Paddy’s Pub, they’re creating scenes all over the

Pet lovers are crazy about their animal companions and spend more than $40 billion a year in the U.S. on pet services and accoutrements to prove it. For those who love to spoil their pet but hate to leave him behind while traveling, the Philadelphia region proves to be the

Philadelphia’s gay culture is shimmering with a vibrant day and nightlife scene thanks to new restaurants and must-see shops, boutiques and galleries throughout the city. And while visitors are encouraged to get their history straight and their nightlife gay while visiting town, they’re also free to eat, drink and shop,

There’s always a ton of fun and fabulous things to do on any given night in Philadelphia—hip bars, luxurious lounges, indie rock haunts and electric clubs. But visitors looking for more variety in the nightlife scene have plenty of choices as well, such as dance lessons, drag shows, movie showings,

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.

Visitors in search of nighttime fun will fall in el amor with Philadelphia’s Hispanic dining and dancing scene. Well known for its bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spots, steakhouses and hometown flavors, Philadelphia’s Center City and surrounding neighborhoods boast authentic flavors that add spice to any night. And those looking to don their

Restaurants, Bars And Entertainment:

• Abner’s of University City – Abner’s has been a part of the Philly college experience for more than 20 years, serving up cheesesteaks, gyros, pizza and more to hungry students until the wee hours of the morning. 3813 Chestnut Street, (215) 662-0100, abnerscheesesteaks.com
• Abyssinia Restaurant

Culinary Delights From Around The World:

• A Full Plate Café – Co-owner Shannon Dougherty’s vegetarian influence is noticeable in the health-conscious menu, including the mac-and-cheese, utilizing multigrain pasta. Vegans, vegetarians and carnivores can all find something here. Plus, the drinks are served in mason jars. 1009 N. Bodine Street,

Philadelphia is heating up this spring with some of the East Coast’s hottest gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) events. Festivities swing into high gear with the first-ever Philadelphia GLBT Artists Festival, the 10^th anniversary of Philadelphia Black Gay Pride and the second annual Liberty Stampede Rodeo. Throughout the

Philadelphia is committed to the environment, as evidenced by Mayor Michael Nutter’s appointment of a director of sustainability in 2008. The position develops, implements and oversees the city’s environmental policies and initiatives to deliver the mayor’s promise to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America. The new position is just

New Year’s Eve is a night for revelry and romance, and Philadelphia offers plenty of great hotel packages at great rates for those looking to extend their night into the early hours. Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation has compiled a list of hotels that are ringing in 2009 with value-added

Those interested in seeing President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20, 2009 will be hard pressed to find a hotel room in the nation’s capital, but hotel availability is currently plentiful in Philadelphia—just two hours from DC by train and three hours by car or bus—and the

Name: Don Russell, also known as “Joe Sixpack”
Affiliation: Philadelphia Daily News
His Story: In the 12 years that reporter Don Russell has written a weekly beer column for the Philadelphia Daily News, he has fashioned himself into an internationally sought-after figure in the beer world and has raised the

New On The Scene
After a few seasons of high-profile liquor-licensed restaurant openings, the Philly bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurant is back and as affordable as ever. Mémé, the new tenant of the 22^nd Street Melograno space (more on Melograno later) serves earthy American goods like foie gras and onion tart

The following itinerary is available on gophila.com/holidays.

LOCATION: Center City, Penn’s Landing and the Brandywine Valley

TRANSPORTATION: Foot, taxi and car

DURATION: Two days and two nights

Crisp starry skies…cozy firelight dinners…colorful twinkling lights. The holidays are here, and all around Philadelphia, romance is in the air. Time for

There are many reasons to visit Philadelphia any time of the year. Let’s see: It’s here where the nation was founded. It’s here where colorful neighborhoods bred distinct shops, bars and restaurants. It’s here where there’s always something worth discovering. And it’s close by. In fact, Philly’s within a 350-mile

Population:
There are 4.0 million people residing in the five-county region (7.8 million in the Philadelphia Designated Market Area), making Philadelphia the second-largest city on the East Coast and the sixth-largest in the U.S.

Location:
Philadelphia is a two-hour drive from New York City, two-and-a-half hours from Washington,

A major art exhibition, a Puerto Rican parade and grassroots community events are all in the works for Philadelphia’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, taking place from September 15 to October 15, 2008. Those wishing to experience the culture and charisma of the city’s lively Latino community will find plenty of

More than 3,000 years after his death, ancient Egyptian boy pharaoh King Tutankhamun is about to rule once again: this time his empire consists of Philadelphia and The Countryside™, and his reign will last not a decade, but seven months, from February 3 through September 30, 2007. The landmark exhibition,

New On The Scene
The region’s love affair with Mexican cuisine rages on with newcomer Azul, a 50-seat exposed brick cantina and tequila bar that serves inspired fare like achiote-braised pork enchiladas, chocolate tamales and chili-spiked brunches. Building on the phenomenal success of their Passyunk Cantina Los Caballitos, Dave Frank

BYOBs Rock!
Philly eaters’ favorite four-letter word? BYOB. The letters stand for bring-your-own-bottle, and that translates into big savings when you do the liquor shopping before heading out to the restaurant. BYOBs are usually smaller, friendlier neighborhood spots—and the city’s best-kept dining secrets. Italian bistros are the most common of

With its "Legends of Ireland"; theme, the Philadelphia Flower Show will be even greener than usual in 2007. Taking place March 4-11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the show will weave bits of Irish lore, legends, entertainment and arts and crafts throughout the many displays.

After passing through the ferns,

Last chance, last chance! That thought will run through a million minds as people from all 50 states make travel plans to Philadelphia to see Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, presented by Mellon Financial Corporation. And, ticketing for out-of-towners couldn’t be easier. Two un-timed, VIP tickets come

LOCATION: Center City, Philadelphia

TRANSPORTATION: By chauffeured limousine for royalty; by trolley, taxi or foot for others

TIME: Two days and two nights

SUMMARY: A luxurious weekend at Philadelphia’s upscale hotels, restaurants and attractions, as inspired by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of

An incubator for jazz since the genre was first created, Philadelphia has drawn many of the world’s greats: John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Sun Ra are just a few of the artists who came from or came to Philadelphia, nurturing roots in the city that contributed greatly to this classic

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

Good taste rules in Philadelphia’s diverse “Gayborhood,” a colorful nine-block swathe that includes dozens of gay-owned and gay-friendly cafes, restaurants and lounges. Whether the craving is for a designer martini at Bump or an Italian meal at Vetri, named “one of America’s top 50 restaurants” by Gourmet Magazine, the

Every city has its hidden gems, but without a local guide, it can be tough to find them. Philly is no exception — in fact, this city is full of surprises you won’t find in the official guidebooks, like the vintage stores in Northern Liberties or the authentic Polish eateries

Pass the Popcorn
Got a movie jones? You can catch something on the big screen every night in Philadelphia, not just in the local cineplexes, but also in dark corners of restaurants and bars, grand old auditoriums and luxury theaters. Scores of hipsters stream in for a dose of beer

The nation’s tallest “green” building—located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City business district—is now welcoming its first commercial tenants and unofficially ushering in the next active phase of sustainable living, working and playing in Philadelphia. The 57-story Comcast Center, also the tallest building between New York and Chicago, is

More Than A Dozen New Restaurants On The Scene
Mediterranean cuisine takes center stage in Philly this summer with three new but very different restaurants. At Society Hill’s Zahav, one of the most anticipated local openings of the season, co-owners Steve Cook and Michael Solomonov (of Marigold Kitchen and Xochitl

Some of the city’s best chefs are bringing their culinary talents to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, for A Taste of Philadelphia, an opportunity to feast on fine cuisine at fast food prices. The event, a joint production of Sunoco Welcome America! and the

Gay nightlife in Philadelphia isn’t all about the men. Lesbian travelers have a vibrant scene all their own with Sisters Nightclub, a seven-days-a-week women’s bar, and themed parties at an array of venues each week. There’s a place in Philadelphia for all kinds of lesbians, from the artist to the

Gay nightlife in Philadelphia isn’t all about the men. Lesbian travelers have a vibrant scene all their own with Sisters Nightclub, a seven-days-a-week women’s bar, and themed parties at an array of venues each week. There’s a place in Philadelphia for all kinds of lesbians, from the artist to

The outlying counties of Greater Philadelphia—Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties—bring culture and entertainment to Philly’s ’burbs, offering numerous nightlife options for all tastes and moods. From the most coveted reservation in the country at Talula’s Table in Chester County to the local filmmakers preview parties at the Bryn Mawr

Looking to enjoy a sophisticated evening on the town that’s away from the fast pace of big city life? Searching for refined haute cuisine amidst the serenity of the countryside? In the mood to sample new wines while gazing at the stars? Philadelphia’s nearby suburbs boast a welcome combination of

On the heels of a successful first year, uwishunu®, a two-year marketing initiative promoting Philly primarily through new media and Web 2.0 tools, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is responding to the uwishunu.com audience’s interest in original content with the debut of three new Web video

In addition to her career as a groundbreaking surrealist painter, Frida Kahlo was a dedicated cook and food enthusiast. So with the first major Kahlo exhibition in 15 years making its only East Coast venue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from February 20 to May 18, 2008, it is

Where to go? What to do? When deciding how to spend your night out in Philly, it all depends on your mood. And luckily, the city has a neighborhood for every one of them. Ready for a fancy pants night on the town? Rittenhouse Square is all you. Have a

As Philadelphia’s dining scene continues to grow, the city’s bistros, gastropubs, brasseries, eateries, diners and fast food spots are growing by…hours. By law in Philly, last call at the bar happens at 2:00 a.m. Last call for food, however, is anywhere from 11:00 p.m. to never. Check out this list

Some nights call for bottle service, prix-fixe menus and pulsing house music, and other nights are made for jeans and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Whether it’s enjoying a Guinness at a local Irish-style pub, listening to an emerging band at an indie haunt or nibbling on lamb burgers and hand-cut fries

With dozens of venues cultivating and showcasing live music throughout Philadelphia, it’s no wonder that Rolling Stone magazine’s 2007 Hot List calls the city a "hot scene" for music. It’s a city that has produced such artists as Chubby Checker, Hall & Oates and Patti LaBelle, and more recently, The

Most well known for its historic charm and iconic attractions, Philadelphia is reinventing itself as a late-night city thanks to the increasing numbers of residents, visitors, college students and businesses populating the downtown area in recent years. Now nightlife-seeking tourists can enhance their daytime experiences with full evenings of fun

New On The Scene
Pass the gravy at Pat Bombino’s, the latest offering from restaurateur Al Paris, focusing on Italian classics such as meatballs and macaroni. The Bella Vista bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot is also cooking up a few innovations, such as salmon “osso bucco” with risotto and Nutella tiramisu. Horsham’s

This year, Philadelphia, a city that’s been brewing beer for more than 300 years, is showing that it’s one of America’s best beer drinking cities with the debut of several new brew-inspired tours, guides, classes and festivals, including Philly Beer Week, taking place March 7-16, 2008. The suds fest will

Visitors from the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community are in for a treat this spring and summer as Philadelphia makes way for a series of new and annual LGBT events. In May, the city hosts two major sporting events—the Liberty Stampede Rodeo and the Liberty Bell Classic—for

In spring 2008, Philadelphia is hosting a series of first-time events for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) sports fans. From May 9-11, the Liberty Gay Rodeo Association (LGRA) will stage Philadelphia’s inaugural gay rodeo, the Liberty Stampede, at the 100-year-old Devon Horse Show Fairgrounds in the Philadelphia suburbs. Then,

In September 2007, the Today show named Vesuvio’s Cheesesteak BLT the “Best Sandwich in America,” and now ForbesTraveler.com is calling Philadelphia’s Tacconelli’s Pizza one of America’s 10 best pizzerias. The Port Richmond restaurant joins great American pizza spots from Berkeley to the Bronx, including famed chef Mario Batali’s Mozza in

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