Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

Visitors find countless options for exploring Historic Philadelphia and its connections to the nation’s early history—whether it’s by land, sea, bus, bike or foot. Early risers can spend the day exploring every inch of America’s most historic square mile, and night owls can do the same by joining tours that feature behind-the-scenes action and even spirits from beyond.

Best of all, thanks to an intensive three-week training course for storytellers and Colonial interpreters, visitors can be assured that the history they are hearing is accurate. Each guide and re-enactor employed by Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the group responsible for staffing the

Visitors to Philadelphia can choose from an assortment of options to explore the region, including those of the air, automotive, audio, culinary, self-guided and water-based varieties. And the sightseeing fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Those who come out at night can join tours that feature behind-the-scenes action and even spirits from beyond. Here’s a selection of tours available throughout the region:

History Lessons By Day & Night:

• The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia – Visitors get an up-close look at history during this 75-minute walking tour to more than 20 sites. The tour runs daily from

May is going to be a monumental month on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, particularly during the time span that stretches from May 10 through May 19. What will the week bring? The opening of the Barnes Foundation and Sister Cities Park, the debut of one of the most comprehensive Dead Sea Scrolls exhibitions ever organized at The Franklin Institute and the running of two of Philadelphia’s most historic events: the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Annual Student Exhibition. Here’s a look at what’s about to bloom on the city’s most culturally rich mile:

As the world prepares to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking on April 15, Philadelphia museums and attractions are doing their part to honor the storied ship all year long. Visitors can explore the overall story with a tour of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, returning to The Franklin Institute this fall by popular demand, or they can delve into the Philadelphia story specifically thanks to special displays on view at The Rosenbach Museum & Library and the Independence Seaport Museum. Visitors can even view some of the Titanic survivors’ graves at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Here’s a look at

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) 966-1652, battleshipnewjersey.org
• America’s most famous flag maker greets guests in her interactive 18^th-century upholstery shop at the Betsy Ross House. Visitors learn about Betsy’s life and legend from the lady herself. Summer brings a free Once Upon A Nation storytelling bench in the courtyard and the annual Flag Festival. Also, every morning at 10:00 a.m. in

New Museums Add Even More Cultural Cred
This summer, the Barnes Foundation’s Philadelphia campus marks its first full season on the culturally rich Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, the Barnes Foundation’s new building combines the vision of original owner Dr. Albert Barnes with a contemporary and green execution. In view of the Barnes, the Rodin Museum will reopen this summer after a major renovation and welcome visitors to stand in awe of The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell, plus wander around the beautiful outdoor

In 2012, two big exhibits bring even more religious insight to Greater Philadelphia—a leader in providing spiritual freedom back when it was a novel idea. The largest and most comprehensive display of the biblical Dead Sea Scrolls ever displayed in the United States comes to The Franklin Institute, May 12-October 14. The 20-scroll Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Biblical Times contains the books of Genesis, Leviticus, Exodus and other books and non-biblical writings. Just 45 minutes away, the James A. Michener Art Museum welcomes Offering of the Angels: Treasures from the Uffizi Gallery, April 21-August 10. Incomparable works

When it comes to visiting Philadelphia, some of the best things to see and do are free—or close to it. For families and budget travelers eager to explore the region, that’s great news. Check out the city’s many low-cost or no-cost attractions, including historic Independence Hall, free student recitals at the Curtis Institute of Music, the hi-tech production line of Herr’s Potato Chip Factory and the always-colorful Mummers Museum.

Historical Sites:

• Snuggled behind the east wing of Independence Hall is Philosophical Hall, a brick building erected in the late 1780s that was the nation’s first museum, national library and

Surrounding the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Fairmount/Art Museum neighborhood holds a personality distinct from nearby Center City. A mile of monumental art institutions, a massive abandoned prison, beer- and food-centric hangouts, invested residents and an independent spirit make this part of a city a destination all its own.

Restaurants And Bars:

• Angelino’s Restaurant & Pizzeria – Those with a craving for pasta with homemade sauce, oven-baked pizzas, fresh sandwiches and a neighborhood atmosphere go to this bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) shop. 849-51 N. 25^th Street, (215) 787-9945, angelinosrap.com
• The Belgian Café – From the same people responsible for

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 12^th 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.

2012 is a year to look backward and forward in the Philadelphia region. In a nod to the past, several of the region’s cultural institutions will showcase globally revered treasures from the worlds of religion and art that date from antiquity to the 20^th century. But with eyes focused on the future, the region is also embracing some of the most modern interpretive artwork ever commissioned. Plus, a number of the city’s museums are unveiling major renovations that will enable them to thrive for many years to come. Here are just 12 reasons to visit in 2012:

Relocations, Redesigns,

Greater Philadelphia pairs its annual fall events and Halloween haunts with big-name and curiously quirky exhibits—ranging from Rembrandt and Wyeth art showings to events centered around creepy crawlers, mummies and Jim Henson Company™ puppets. Plus a new month-long exhibit takes landlubbers to the sea. Here’s a look at what’s making Philadelphia and The Countryside® an exhibit town this fall:

Autumn Openings:

• To mark the 100^th anniversary of the publication of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, which included illustrations by Chester County artist N.C. Wyeth, the Brandywine River Museum will display all 16 paintings—the first time they will be

Girlfriends visiting Philadelphia can pack a lot into a few days. They can visit classic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell Center and also take in the region’s best restaurants, shops, nightclubs, museums and African-American heritage sites, including the Marian Anderson House. To download the itinerary, gal pals can log onto visitphilly.com.

LOCATION: Center City Philadelphia and its surrounding neighborhoods

TRANSPORTATION: Feet, public transportation, taxi

TIME: A long weekend

SUMMARY: A jam-packed tour of Philadelphia’s attractions, restaurants, shops, spas, nightspots and African-American heritage sites

HIGHLIGHTS: Old City and Rittenhouse Row shopping, The African American Museum in Philadelphia, The President’s

Five Philadelphia neighborhoods have made headlines in several national travel stories, focusing on must-see and must-do attractions, shops and restaurants beyond the city’s iconic Liberty Bell. Here’s a look at what some of the country’s most-read publications—The New York Times, The Washington Post and Forbes—had to say about Philly’s diverse neighborhoods:

• The historic houses of Germantown and local dining spots got the star treatment in The New York Times’ Frugal Traveler blog post, published on May 3. The articles highlighted the Johnson House, Wyck Historic House and Garden, Cliveden, Stenton, Deshler-Morris House and the oft-overlooked Grumblethorpe, along

As daylight turns to twilight, Historic Philadelphia continues to entertain and educate with after-hours fun for residents and visitors with all sorts of tastes and interests. Want to sip cocktails on the National Museum of American Jewish History’s sweeping terrace? Prefer a round of mini-golf and Cake Shakes for the family at Franklin Square? How about an exclusive, leave-the-crowds-behind tour of Independence Hall? It’s all doable on “America’s most historic square mile.” Here’s a look at what to do and where to go after the clock strikes 5:00 p.m. in Historic Philadelphia:

For History Buffs:

1. On Thursday evenings through

With the arrival of the National Constitution Center’s new exhibition Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon, Philadelphia begins its “Summer of Washington,” a region-wide celebration that provides residents and visitors with a glimpse into the life of the nation’s first president.

With so many aspects of George’s life to explore during their trips, visitors will want to stay over. One popular deal is the two-night Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, complete with free hotel parking and available at more than 30 hotels throughout the region. Dozens of packages are bookable online at visitphilly.com or by calling the

Greater Philadelphia is a hot topic among the national press in 2011, with an additional 14 buzz-worthy accolades awarded to the area in the past few months for its top-notch historical attractions, dining options and sports scene. Noted as “best” and “trendsetting,” Philadelphia created applause amongst the likes of Budget Travel, forbes.com, Grub Street and many other reputable media outlets. Travelers should get out their bucket lists and add these must-dos to their Philly itineraries:

Touring Around:

1. In March, Budget Travel said that Independence Hall is one of “15 Places Your Kids Should See Before 15.”
2. The following

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

A generation of 78 million strong, Baby Boomers travel more frequently than older and younger generations, according to global market research firm Mintel. Philadelphia and The Countryside® welcomes them warmly with special discounts for tours, museums and attractions. Here’s a look at some of the many money-saving offers available for mature travelers:

Touring Town:

• The Phlash Downtown Loop, which runs between Penn’s Landing and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, stops at more than 20 popular destinations. Ages 65+ always ride free. (215) 389-8687, visitphilly.com/phlash
• Big Bus Tours depart seven days a week from Historic Philadelphia. Riders can hop on