Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

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 malts, German hops and water from the Brandywine River, the golden brew began flowing freely at bars and restaurants throughout the Philadelphia region during the annual Philly Beer Week. After its sell-out debut, Victory is brewing a double batch of Summer Love Ale to keep up with demand.

In the

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 lands and shakes blended harmoniously with locally made Tastykakes. The following is a look at a few of Philly’s coolest sips in town:

Spiked Shakes:

• Leave it to a celebrity chef to reinvent the classics: Bobby Flay’s Burger Palace has three signature spiked shakes (Vanilla Caramel Bourbon, Pineapple Coconut

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 in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood. With 17 beers on tap, gastropub fare, a jukebox and occasional acoustic musical talent, it’s sure to be a draw for foodies and Always Sunny fans alike.

The opening of Mac’s gives fans of the hit show a great reason to explore the city where

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 region’s reputation by brewing some of the world’s best beer and earning the recognition as Maxim’s “favorite beer burg,” among other notable designations assigned by the national press. Visitors can tour the facilities, sample the beer and pair the beers with food at most of these spots, and with more

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 eateries and fine dining to luxe lounges and energy-packed clubs and bars to trendy takeouts spots and, of course, the world-famous cheesesteak, Philly keeps the over-21 set up long after the sun sets—maybe until sunrise.

Special Spinners/Don’t-Miss DJ Nights:

• Fluid’s weekly TastyTreats party has been going strong for years,

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 and Brandywine Creek water, the golden brew will begin flowing freely at bars and restaurants throughout the region on June 4, 2010—just in time for Philly Beer Week, a 10-day festival featuring hundreds of events and thousands of beers in what organizers dub as “America’s best beer-drinking city.” Throughout the

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 SYNOPSIS: Strong, shrewd, beautiful and beguiling, Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh to rule Egypt before the completion of the Roman conquest, has been portrayed reverently by historians and Hollywood alike, making her an enduring icon and role model to women. As such, the world debut of Cleopatra: The Search for the

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 & Bar – Voted the number one ethnic restaurant in the city, Abyssinia cooks up savory and authentic Ethiopian cuisine in a neighborhood packed with African dining destinations. 229 S. 45^th Street, (215) 387-2424
• Ajia Japanese Fusion – With an all-you-can-eat menu, Japanese restaurant Ajia places a strong emphasis

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 an extensive cheese and chocolate menu. Patrons use the glass cleaner in the center of the tables so they can taste multiple vintages without mixing flavors. 33 S. 3^rd Street, Lower Level, (267) 318-7269, beneluxx.com
• Buddakan – Stephen Starr’s original temple of modern Asian cuisine offers creative takes on

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 level of beer sophistication by predominantly serving locals, crafts and imports, with a strong focus on Belgians. The third annual Philly Beer Week, to be held June 4-13, 2010, highlights this revolution by bringing hundreds of events to beer-centric establishments all over the region.

Visitors in town to experience Philadelphia’s

This year, the completely re-imagined Lights of Liberty experience kicks off a summer of top-notch touring throughout Historic Philadelphia, America’s most historic square mile. Now, early risers and night owls can get their 3-D fill with the evening ambulatory tour, which projects images onto some of our nation’s most significant sites, and the year-round indoor show, which stars Benjamin Franklin and some cutting-edge 360°, 3-D imaging. Lights of Liberty joins dozens of other day and night tours that let visitors tour their way—by land, by sea, by bus or by foot.

Best of all, thanks to an intensive three-week training

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 decidedly grown-up theaters, nightclubs and dance spots. Find more on the latest happenings, musical performances and theatrical offerings at visitphilly.com. And, for half-price tickets to arts and cultural events, visit phillyfunguide.com.

Family-friendly Activities:

• Liberty 360 – The newest addition to Historic Philadelphia, Liberty 360 surrounds visitors as

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 retro lounge serves up cocktails and fine wines in a swanky, upscale atmosphere. 10 S. Broad Street, (215) 523-8273, 10arts.com
• Apothecary Bar and Lounge – Cozy couches and an innovative cocktail menu with ingredients like cayenne pepper, fresh ginger and aloe help a laid-back crowd unwind. In warm weather, guests

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. 1504 Sansom Street, (215) 568-5000, 500degrees.com
• Alfa Bar & Restaurant – A daily happy hour, a decade-themed menu and expertly mixed cocktails named for 1980s icons bring in a crowd that’s ready to party. 1709 Walnut Street, (215) 751-0210, alfa-bar.com
• Alma de Cuba – Diners here enjoy savory dishes with

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 twists on Mexican dishes like vegan fajitas and mahi mahi tacos—fare that washes down perfectly with a tequila flight or specialty margarita. 1651 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 755-3550, cantinaloscaballitos.com
• The Dive – Cheap beer, DJ nights, dance parties and pool tables define this aptly named bar. 947 E. Passyunk Avenue,

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 New Year!” will echo throughout the city twice when two colorful fireworks shows dazzle onlookers on both sides of the Delaware River. On New Year’s Day, the Mummers strut their stuff for cheering crowds along Broad Street, while the Fancy Brigade entertains inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center. And with tons

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 beyond, New Hope is as enchanting now to the diverse crowds that peruse its streets—from bikers to the GLBT crowd—as it was to so many eminent figures of yesterday. Here are some of the many ways to spend a day or a weekend in town:

Things To Do:

• New

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 from all over the country. Here are a few suggestions for spending time in West Chester:

Things To Do:

• Chester County Historical Society – An award-winning History Center, workshops and walking tours tell the American story from a local perspective, and the Cultural Center houses a performing arts venue

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 located shopping district. Here are some suggestions for a trip to the town:

Things To Do:

• The Media Theatre – Housed in an old vaudeville theater, The Media Theatre stages a full season of mainstream Broadway musicals, children’s programming and more. 104 E. State Street, (610) 891-0100, mediatheatre.org
• Pennsylvania

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 movie and progressive dinner through three restaurants the first Thursday of each month. A look at how to spend a day or a weekend in Ambler:

Things To Do:

• Act II Playhouse – For more than a decade, the Act II Playhouse has put on award-winning shows in its