Category Archives: News

Festive Philadelphia

As the holiday season approaches, Philadelphia transforms into a winter wonderland filled with joy and celebration. From twinkling light displays to cozy winter markets, the city is brimming with holiday cheer. Discover the festive fun awaiting in Philadelphia with these holiday activities.

Above: Delaware River Waterfront Winterfest photo by M Stanley

Holiday Markets in Philadelphia

During the holiday season, downtown public spaces are converted into festive markets. Philadelphia Christmas Village, the city’s authentic German Christmas market in the iconic LOVE Park, features over 100 local artisans selling hand-crafted goods from wooden stalls, along with a beer garden and family-friendly activities like a carousel, Ferris wheel, and children’s train. In Dilworth Park, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is perfect for holiday shopping, featuring dozens of local vendors selling handmade holiday-inspired crafts and gifts. Enjoy food, confections, and local beer from stands set up on the west side of historic City Hall.

Above: Philadelphia Christmas Village

Festive Experiences at Philadelphia Attractions

Some of Philadelphia’s favourite attractions get into the holiday spirit with special activations. America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, lights up during LumiNature, where over a million lights create illuminating, animal-themed displays across various themed zones. Historic Franklin Square transforms into a winter wonderland with the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, seasonal comfort food at Franklin’s Winter View, and a festive Chilly Philly Mini Golf course adorned with Philadelphia landmarks. At Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, unwind in cozy cabins beside fires, enjoy hot cocoa, and ice skate along the Delaware River.

Above: Luminature

In the countryside of Philadelphia, A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens offers strolls through over 1,000 acres of beautifully decorated trees and holiday light displays, cozy fire pits, and the evening glow of half-a-million holiday lights. For sea-sonal fun, Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Underwater features daily dives by Scuba Santa, views of the world’s largest underwater Christmas tree, and much more.

Above: A Longwood Christmas

The Holidays at Macy’s

Since 1956, Macy’s Christmas Light Show in the historic Wanamaker Building has been a beloved Philadelphia tradition. Over 100,000 LED lights create whimsical holiday scenes, including a stunning tree, all synchronized to the tunes of the Wanamaker Organ—the world’s largest fully-functional pipe organ.

Also at Macy’s is Dickens Village, where visitors can step into the story of Charles Dickens’s classic “A Christmas Carol.” This 6,000-square-foot walk-through experience brings to life over two dozen scenes from the classic holiday tale.

Above: Macy’s Christmas Light Show. Photo by J.Ryan for the PHLCVB

Hanukkah Celebrations

Philadelphia celebrates Hanukkah with special events and menorah lightings all through the city. The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History celebrates Hanukkah with menorah lightings, special events, and a showcase of their expansive gift shop. During the first night of Hanukkah, celebrate at the Betsy Ross House with a traditional menorah lighting ceremony alongside treats including latkes and jelly donuts. Philadelphia’s Chanukah Parade, a free evening event, features live music, decorated vehicles, a giant menorah, and a festival at Independence National Historical Park with crafts, treats, a gelt drop, a fire juggler, and more.

Above: Hanukkah Giant Menorah. photo by J Ryan for the PHLCVB

Kwanzaa in Philadelphia

Join the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) to celebrate Kwanzaa, a holiday rooted in African harvest traditions that promote family, community, and culture. Enjoy family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts, interactive workshops, and community discussions that highlight and honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa. In partnership with AAMP, Franklin Square hosts a family-friendly Kwanzaa bazaar with Black-owned vendors from across the region.

Above: Kwanzaa at African American Museum in Philadelphia photo by J Fusco

Ring in the New Year

New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia is marked by spectacular fireworks displays over the Delaware River, centered at Penn’s Landing and visible along the waterfront. The next day, see the spectacular Mummers Parade — the nation’s oldest continuously operating folk parade. Watch this annual Philadelphia tradition as the charismatic Mummers strut along Broad Street to ring in the New Year. The colorful and extravagant costumes and performances are judged at the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Start planning your next American adventure to Philadelphia now.

BONUS: SHOPPING IN PHILADELPHIA

In addition to the wonderful pop-up holiday markets, visitors can shop for gifts at these options around the city — with no tax on clothing and shoes! Start at the expansive Fashion District Philadelphia, a downtown shopping mall with global brands and local names that spans one million square feet (92,903 square meters). Or venture to the charming, cobblestone streets of Old City, where local boutiques showcase unique handmade items and innovative products from local artisans. Rittenhouse Row in Rittenhouse Square features trendy storefronts and national retailers, with fashion-forward stores like Joan Shepp and Boyds alongside high-end brands like Tiffany & Co. and Free People.

For more information on Philadelphia go to www.discoverphl.com

For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: [email protected]

About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.

 

 

 

PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU UNVEILS A NEW EDITION OF ITS INTERNATIONAL VISITORS GUIDE IN NINE LANGUAGES

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), the organization responsible for increasing Philadelphia’s position as a leading destination for international visitors, announces the release of its updated International Visitors Guide. This comprehensive guide, designed to enhance the experience of international travellers, reflects Philadelphia’s commitment to welcoming visitors from around the globe.

International tourism has a significant economic impact in Philadelphia. In 2023, 1.1 million international visitors spent $579 million in the Philadelphia region, generating an economic impact of $956 million. An international travel hub, Philadelphia International Airport offers nonstop flights to and from 31 international cities and serves as a key East Coast gateway for international travellers.

The updated International Visitors Guide highlights Philadelphia’s diversity and inclusivity, offering visitors a variety of customized itineraries. Alongside a classic “by-the-book” Philadelphia itinerary that includes iconic sites like Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market, and Love Park, the guide features specialized itineraries tailored to families, foodies, art lovers, and LGBTQ+ community, among others.

“The new edition of the Philadelphia International Visitors Guide is designed to inspire international visitors to explore Philadelphia beyond the classic iconic sites, and discover Philadelphia’s vibrant street art, abundant green spaces, inventive food scene, historic piers turned into community art spaces and beer gardens, and so much more,” said Svetlana Yazovskikh, vice president of global tourism for the PHLCVB. “The guide also reinforces that Philadelphia is a multi-night stay destination, assisting visitors to plan their extended stays in advance with plenty of ideas to have a tailored experience, be it sustainable travel practices, luxury experiences, or following along the famous film locations.”

In addition to diverse itineraries, the guide also positions Philadelphia as a welcoming destination for international visitors by highlighting 28+ attractions, museums, and tours that offer experiences in foreign languages, ranging from translated content, to audio-guides, to in-language guided tours.

The newest edition of the Philadelphia International Visitors Guide is available in nine languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese.

The PHLCVB works in partnership with 10 in-market destination representation teams. These teams, located in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany/Austria/Switzerland, India, Italy/Spain, Netherlands/Belgium, Scandinavia, and the UK/Ireland, play a crucial role in promoting the city for international tourism and use the International Visitors Guide as a sales tool.

For more information or to download the International Visitor Guide, visit the Discover PHL website.

To learn more, visit DiscoverPHL.com

ENDS

For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: [email protected]

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of international leisure visitors who come to the region each year.

Norwegian Cruise Line will offer voyages out of Philadelphia in 2026

PhilaPort has this week announced that it will commence cruise operations in 2026, welcoming Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Norwegian Jewel®, which has the capacity to accommodate 2,330 guests, will homeport from Philadelphia from April 16 through Oct. 17, 2026, featuring 24 calls to the city.

During the summer 2026 season, Norwegian Jewel will offer seven-to-nine-day voyages to the island paradise of Bermuda. When the weather turns cooler, embarking from September 5 through Oct. 7, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will sail 10 and 11-day open-jaw voyages to Canada and New England. The ship will alternate homeports between Philadelphia and Quebec City featuring calls in quainter ports in the region like Saguenay, Charlottetown and Halifax, Canada in addition to well-known ports, such as Bar Harbor, Maine and Boston.
The economic impact from cruise vessels is significant. In launching cruise operations PhilaPort anticipates that if growth continues among this segment by 2028, this industry could generate over 2,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, and over $40 million in annual county and state tax revenue.

“The Port of Philadelphia plays a significant role in making our Commonwealth an economic leader on the global stage supporting thousands of local jobs and connecting millions of people with the best of what Philadelphia and the Commonwealth has to offer. Now, with the addition of Norwegian Cruise Line coming to the Port in 2026, millions of Pennsylvanians and passengers from across the region will have another reason to visit Philadelphia’s waterfront,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.

“With all eyes on Philadelphia as we prepare to host our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Port will continue to help support and grow Philadelphia tourism to create economic opportunity for our region, workers, and businesses.”

As the birthplace of America, where the country was founded, Philadelphia has a large number of world-class attractions or sights to be seen. In addition, Philadelphia has a variety of ethnic neighbourhoods and famous cultural institutions.

In terms of economic impact, the industries that will gain the most from the new service include hotels and restaurants. Museums, historical sites, zoos and parks will also benefit, as will provisioning companies and transportation services.

“Twenty Twenty-Six is going to be a big year for the City of Philadelphia,” said Michael Pearson, Chairman of the PhilaPort Board of Directors. “We are celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday, hosting major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, the PGA’s 108th Championship, as well as NCAA March Madness games. NCL’s weekly cruises will add to the festivities and offer its guests a lot of fun things to see pre- and post-cruise!”
“Further expanding access to Philadelphia by welcoming cruise ships is a huge win for the city.” Said Gregg Caren, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor Bureau.

“Cruise service can offer many benefits to Philadelphia’s tourism economy, from basics like overnight stays in local hotels for cruise departure days, to adding options for international travellers while visiting Philadelphia. We are hopeful this opportunity will unlock further potential for the city’s tourism industry.”
The Port of Philadelphia is located in the heart of the richest consumer market in the world. Thirty million people live within 100 miles, or a two-hour drive, of the Port. Now people looking to take a cruise will not have to fly or travel long distances to embark on a voyage. Norwegian Jewel features a variety of accommodations options and amenities for guests to enjoy onboard including 16 dining options, 13 bars and lounges, world-class entertainment, and more. Cruisers will now be able to set sail directly from PhilaPort’s SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex.

ENDS

For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: [email protected]

About the PHLCVB:
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of international leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit DiscoverPHL.com.

About PhilaPort
PhilaPort, The Port of Philadelphia, is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania charged with the management, maintenance, marketing and promotion of publicly-owned port facilities along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, as well as strategic planning throughout the port district. PhilaPort works with its terminal operators to modernize, expand and improve its facilities, and to market those facilities to prospective port users. Port cargoes and the activities they generate are responsible for thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the Philadelphia area and throughout Pennsylvania.
PhilaPort Media Contact: Sean Mahoney, Senior Director of Marketing, PhilaPort
[email protected]

About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 57 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 19 contemporary ships sail to 450 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
NCL Media Contact: [email protected]

One of a kind Fossil Park and Museum to open in New Jersey

From high above an active research site and fossil quarry, The Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University, the newest museum in America – and the only one of its kind anywhere – will examine the planet’s past as well as looking into its precarious present and future.

The $75 million structure in Mantua Township, New Jersey, will be a place of research and exploration and is expected to become an international magnet to explorers of all ages when it opens in autumn of 2024.

Above: The Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum, Image courtesy of Rowan University

In addition to a visitor museum, the park will be a place where academic research will continue into the world’s fifth mass extinction, when an asteroid struck Earth 65 million years ago, killing off the dinosaurs and most other life, as well as exploration into what scientists call the sixth mass extinction, the human-caused climate and biodiversity crises that are now underway.

Founded by palaeontologist Dr. Kenneth Lacovara and supported by Rowan University alumni Jean and Ric Edelman, the 44,000 square-foot museum and grounds will feature:

• A groundbreaking free-roaming VR experience
• Hall of Extinction & Hope, delving into the dinosaurs’ demise and its relevance to today’s climate and biodiversity crises
• Interactive exhibits
• Opportunities to dig for fossils in the fossil quarry
• Paleo sculptures by world-renowned prehistoric artist Gary Staab
• A 120-seat, stadium style theatre
• A Cretaceous Garden providing visitors a sense of what the landscape of the period would have been like
• Critter Cove featuring live animals, including a saltwater touch tank
• Playground featuring a pterosaur with 45-foot wingspan
• Natural trails, and more.

The park and museum will be sustainable and eco-friendly. Featuring geothermal, water-source heat pump heating and cooling systems, as well as a photovoltaic solar field, the museum will be New Jersey’s largest public net zero facility. 100% of the energy used by the museum will come from a combination of green energy available in New Jersey’s power grid and renewable energy produced on-site. No fossil fuels will be combusted for museum operations and no greenhouse gasses will be released into the atmosphere. In addition, the surrounding grounds will restore plant and animal habitat and other key landscape features.

For more information:
https://www.edelmanfossilparkmuseum.org/
https://www.rowan.edu/fossils/

To start planning a New Jersey holiday, visit www.visitnj.org

ENDS

Visit New Jersey Media contact:
Anna Watt
PR Director
GEC TR
T: +44 77815 898995
W: www.gectr.co.uk

Reasons to Visit New Jersey in 2024

For adventure seekers and wanderers who intend to expand their travel portfolio in 2024, the Garden State offers a host of exciting new experiences from the shore to the mountains to bustling city centres. With milestone event anniversaries, and new and renovated accommodations, restaurants and attractions, travellers have every reason to visit the Garden State throughout the seasons.

2024 Milestones

The Stone Pony Turns 50
Asbury Park is the Jersey Shore’s heart of culture and music, and The Stone Pony is at the centre of it all. This iconic live-music venue opened its doors in 1974 and has played a key role in launching the careers of some of New Jersey’s greatest and most famous musicians, from Bruce Springsteen to Jon Bon Jovi. With 50 years of memories displayed on the walls, The Stone Pony has an exciting events calendar for their big anniversary year, including The Stone Pony Summer Stage.

The Sopranos Series Commemorates 25 Years on TV

Considered one of the most essential television dramas of all time, The Sopranos is a New-Jersey based TV show that aired from 1999 – 2007. With most of the scenes taking place in North Jersey, On Location Tours is offering a Sopranos sites tour leaving from New York City and traveling through New Jersey. The tour visits major sites that were used in filming the show, such as Cozzarelli’s, Car Wash, Searchlight Diner and St. Cecilia’s Church, all of which were locations for major scenes as seen in the series. Get off the bus for a fun stop at Holsten’s (where the final scene of the last episode was shot) and feel free to order some onion rings! Guests can even sit in Tony’s booth for a nostalgic photo.

New Accommodations

Pendry Natirar

Natirar, the former home of the late King of Morocco located in Somerset County, New Jersey, will be expanded to feature a luxury boutique hotel called Pendry Natirar. The grand, Tudor-style,33,000-square-foot estate hotel is set among scenic trails and pathways on 400 acres of protected land along the north branch of the Raritan River in Somerset County, New Jersey. The hotel will feature 66 guest rooms and suites; 24 contemporary countryside Pendry Residences, 13,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, Ninety Acres, a distinguished farm-to-table restaurant and cooking school; a full-service Spa Pendry including an extensive health and wellness curriculum, fitness centre, swimming pool and tennis courts; a private membership club, and a variety of classic and unique outdoor activities to be discovered throughout the property.

Madison Resort Wildwood Crest to Open as the Largest Resort Hotel in Cape May County

Available for bookings in July, the 196-room Madison Resort Wildwood Crest combines the 54-year-old Royal Hawaiian Motel, acquired by Madison Resorts in December 2023, and Oceanview Motel, acquired in 2022, to become the largest resort hotel in Cape May County. The Jersey Shore property now includes a myriad of amenities, including three restaurants, two pools, two hot tubs, two fitness centres, five conference rooms and two rooftop event spaces. Madison Resort Wildwood Crest’s renovations have preserved the history and appeal of the mid-century Doo Wop heritage in the Doo wop Motel District, officially recognized as the “Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District.”

Graduate Princeton to Open in Mercer County

Graduate Princeton is set to open in Princeton in June 2024. Created for travellers who seek memory-making journeys. Graduate Princeton allows guests to be immersed in local history, legends and Tiger traditions, as creative interiors and college nostalgia come together for a stay that’s undeniably Princeton. Located in the city’s historic district, steps from the Princeton University campus, the hotel is a perfect base for exploring this Ivy League destination.

Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa Opening at Six Flags Great Adventure

Now accepting reservations for bookings beginning on June 14, Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa is an African glamping experience that sits within Six Flag’s Wild Safari, providing panoramic views of open land and over 1,200 animals originally from six continents. A stay at Savannah Sunset grants access to all three Six Flags Great Adventure theme parks with VIP packages available at additional costs. Each luxury glamping suite has a private bathroom and access to outdoor entertainment, fire pits, restaurant & bar service, spa services, event space and more.

Nobu Hotel Caesars Atlantic City Now Open

After much anticipation, Nobu Hotel Caesars Atlantic City opened in January and further positioned the city as a leading travel destination on the East Coast. Nobu Hotel Atlantic City is part of Caesars’ $400 million investment into the destination, including the Nobu restaurant which opened in Atlantic City in 2022. The 82 rooms and suites within Caesars Atlantic City sit on the Centurion Tower’s top three floors and are designed in neutral tones complimented by subtle Japanese nuances and sleek, modern touches. New & Renovated Attractions

New attractions

Edelman Fossil Park Museum to Open this Summer
Rising from a former marl quarry in Mantua Township, Rowan University’s Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park Museum will be a world-class destination inspired by the deep-time perspective that the fossil record offers. With an expected summer opening, the museum will attract an estimated 200,000+ guests per year. Set into a 65-acre landscape, the museum will perch above the quarry where a 66-million-year-old marine and terrestrial fossils record the last moments of the dinosaur world. The museum will feature immersive exhibits galleries, full-scale reconstructions of extinct creatures, hands-on learning experiences, live animal attractions, virtual reality and more. Featuring geothermal, water-source heat pump heating and cooling systems, as well as a photovoltaic solar field, the museum will be New Jersey’s largest public net-zero facility.

American Dream Welcomes New Entertainment Facilities

American Dream, the second-largest mall in North America, spans 3 million-square-feet in East Rutherford. Known for its indoor theme park, waterpark, ski slope, surf attraction, high-end luxury stores and dining, this year American Dream is welcoming several new entertainment facilities to the mix: New Jersey Hall of Fame, Skip Barker Karting Academy, Sesame Street Learn & Play Educational Play Centre and The Gameroom Powered by Hasbro.

New rides at Six Flags Great Adventure
Celebrating its 50th year, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, launches new rides this year THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity coaster is the first super boomerang coaster to open in North America. This ride will rush you forward and backward at nearly 60 miles per hour through a 180-degree twisted drop and zero-G roll, then it will change direction and you will speed off backward. Saw Mill Log Flume is a family friendly flume ride which cruises down a winding water course through the trees before plunging 4 stories down into refreshing, free-flowing water.

New Arts & Culture Experiences

Walk Through History at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton

A National Historic Landmark, Morven Museum & Garden is honouring their twentieth anniversary by showcasing rarely exhibited objects and newly discovered photographs with “Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home.” On view from April 28, 2024 – March 2, 2025, the exhibition will take a thematic look at what was once a home to George Washington and five New Jersey governors, explaining the role Morven has played in the history of New Jersey and the nation for more than 250 years.

Montclair Art Museum Opened “100 Years of Black Art” Exhibit

Running until July 7, the Montclair Museum of Art is showcasing Century: 100 Years of Black Art at MAM. The largest of its kind in the Museum’s history, this exhibition celebrates the dramatic growth of MAM’s collection of works by Black artists. Ranging from James Van Der Zee’s historic photograph Black Red Cross March, Harlem (1924), to Nanette Carter’s Destabilizing #2 (2022), the show features the depth, breadth and variety of art by African Americans during the past century.

For more information on New Jersey’s upcoming events, please visit www.visitnj.org.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pennsylvania Gems

Frank Lloyd Wright is considered the greatest American architect of all time. A pioneer of organic architecture, which was inspired by the landscape of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Four of his homes can be found in the area, each capturing the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding its architecture.

Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater is considered one of the most renowned residences in the world. Now a World UNESCO Heritage Site it is operated by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. This year marks the 60th anniversary since the property opened up to public and the house will has just opened after it’s winter preservation work finished on 15th March. For information on visiting Fallingwater click here.

Above: Fallingwater, photo courtesy of fallingwater.org

Just seven miles southwest of Fallingwater and high atop a bluff overlooking the Youghiogheny River Gorge stands another Wright masterpiece in Kentuck Knob, which is an extraordinary interpretation of Wright’s Usonian ideals, with its organic floor plan, cantilevered overhangs, and great expanses of glass. The 2024 visitor season started this week, with the house open for visitors daily, until November 2nd. For more information and tour tickets click here.

Above: Kentuck Knob, photo courtesy of kentuckknob.com

Located less than 30 miles from Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, Polymath Park features two houses designed by Wright, the Duncan house and Mäntylä that were constructed in the Midwest and relocated to the Laurel Highlands, as well the Balter and Blum houses that were built on the Westmoreland County property and designed by Wright apprentice Peter Berndston.

Duncan, Photo courtesy of franklloydwrightovernight.net

Mäntylä. Photo courtesy of franklloydwrightovernight.net

Balter, Photo courtesy of franklloydwrightovernight.net 

Blum, Photo courtesy of franklloydwrightovernight.net

Unique visitor experiences include “destination dining” in TreeHouse dining pods or at TreeTops Restaurant at Polymath Park, or you can even stay overnight at a Wright house as
All four of the homes are available for daily rentals, prices start from: Duncan $675 per night, Mäntylä $825 per night, Balter $475 per night, Blum $475 per night.

To further explore the working life of Frank Lloyd Wright, you can walk through his office, which is now a museum located within a specially designed building in Erie. The office is featured in the list of the public Wright sites around the world. Click here to read more.

For more reasons to visit Pennsylvania, check out visitPA.com.

ENDS

For further press information, imagery and to discuss media visits please contact:
Anna Watt
PR Director, GEC TR
anna@gectr,co.uk
07815 898995

About Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Visit Pennsylvania is the official tourism office for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Their mission is to promote Pennsylvania as a premier travel destination, highlighting the state’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. The office works with industry partners and stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences, drive economic growth, and showcase the vibrant offerings of the state to a global audience.

 

 

Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest horticultural event in the United States

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) has held the Philadelphia Flower Show since 1829. The event attracts 250,000 attendees from across the globe. It raises $1 million for PHS programs that promote sustainability, health, and well-being.

Above: PHS Flower Show 2023. Photo by Pel Productions for the PHLCVB

With a new theme each year, the Philadelphia Flower Show invites premier floral and landscape designers from around the world to bring dazzling displays to life in Philadelphia. The event draws both floral artists and aficionados, bringing them together to marvel at the show’s breath taking arrangements.

Above: PHS Flower Show 2023. Photo by Pel Productions for the PHLCVB.

2024 Flower Show

The 2024 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show will mark the event’s 195th year. It will be held March 2-10, 2024 with “United by Flowers” as its theme. Organizers say the theme is a celebration of “the colourful community that comes together to share in their love of gardening, flowers, and plants, and the impact they make on our lives all year round.”

In addition to its usual impressive floral displays, the 2024 show will also feature the world’s largest houseplant and indoor plant competition. Both expert and amateur horticulturalists are encouraged to enter their displays which will be judged by experts from around the world.

Above: PHS Flower Show 2023. Photo by Pel Productions for the PHLCVB.

As well as enjoying the flower exhibits, guests can take part in a number of events and activities to enjoy at the show. New this year is a specialty Behind the Blooms Tour which goes deeper into the realm of horticulture at the Flower Show. Led by expert-level horticulturists, and designed for master gardeners, participants learn about the Show’s diverse and sustainable plant varieties as well as garden design concepts.

Flowers After Hours is an after-hours dance party which takes place on 9th March. The evening features music and entertainment among the Flower Show floral, garden, and landscape designs. Immerse yourself in an iridescent celebration with this year’s theme, Shimmer & Shine. The event is for guests 21 years of age and older and takes place from 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm.

At Butterflies Live you can experience native and exotic butterflies surrounded by flowering plants in a serene setting that allows hundreds of butterflies to spread their wings. Younger Flower Show guests can have fun in the free Kids Cocoon activities area where they can have a go at planting a seedling, read a story, and enjoy hourly program of activities from many local horticulturally-focused partners.

Tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show are now on sale here.

For information on things to see and do in Philadelphia go to www.discoverPHL.com

-ENDS-

For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: [email protected]

About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.

Art in the Garden: The Best Places in PA to See Outdoor Sculpture

Let’s take a minute to celebrate the gardens that don’t rely solely on leaves and petals to engage the spirit. Pennsylvania is full of interesting, inspiring sculpture parks, showcasing outdoor works of art large and small. An added bonus for garden lovers: These creative havens typically cultivates striking landscaping to frame the works, embracing the synthesis of art and nature. That said, sculpture parks are exciting to visit even during colder months when nothing is in bloom.

Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden, Allegheny County
The Pennsylvania sculpture scene has a new feather in its cap: The Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden at the 629-acre Hartwood Acres Park, which spans Hampton and Indiana Townships outside of Pittsburgh, showcases 14 stunning pieces of sculpture. Thirteen older pieces, including “Ring Series #5” by kinetic sculpture artist Fletcher Benton and the massive, industrial “Stretch” by Charles Ginnever, have been painstakingly restored to their former glory, and one new work, “Margie and Pete” by Pittsburgh sculptor Dee Briggs, was constructed from weathering steel. The park also features include ADA-compliant walkways, modern lighting, native landscaping, and nearly 300 new trees.

Above: Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden

Allegheny Landing Park. North Shore, Pittsburgh
Located on the riverfront adjacent to PNC park, the Allegheny Landing Park sculpture garden features George Sugarman’s free-standing sculptures; Isaac Witkin’s abstract sculpture that pays tribute to Pittsburgh’s industrial past and the confluence of the three rivers; and works by Ned Smyth whose sculptural installations reflect “mankind’s origins, the role of labor and human culture, and the balance between civilization in nature.” The beautiful setting features colorful pieces of metalwork along with intricate stone mosaics. Bring a picnic and enjoy stunning views of the city’s iconic bridges and the downtown skyline.

Above: Allegheny Landing Park

Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden, Centre Hall
Situated on a high ridge between the Nittany and Tussey Mountains, this gorgeous 150-acre garden and outdoor gallery was an active farm for more than 200 years before being purchased and enshrined as open space. The Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden collection showcases rustic, textural pieces in wood, bronze, iron, and marble. The organization puts a particular emphasis on the fruitful connection between art and nature and welcomes plein air painters to capture the grounds.

Above: Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden

James A. Michener Art Museum, Doylestown
This small, revered art museum in Bucks County puts just as much thought and energy into its exterior spaces as it does its indoor galleries. On the grounds of the James A. Michener Art Museum, experience several large sculptures along with an installation based on a cell from the old Bucks County Jail, the building’s earlier iteration. The Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden, a beautiful tucked-away space inside the institution, boasts more exciting works.

Above: James A. Michener Art Museum

The Bower, Shermans Dale
Completed in 2021, the 36-acre preserve known as The Bower in Perry County, just 30 minutes from Harrisburg, showcases 13 stunning sculptures formed from dry stacked stone, and polished marble, each set within a beautiful landscape featuring native plants. Artists include Rebecca Rutstein whose “Ridge and Valley” is a massive, abstract steel installation inspired by the ecoregions of the Commonwealth; Robert Koch’s “Pollen,” a series of bronze spheres, underlines naturally occurring geometries; and Swiss sculptor Evelyne Brader-Frank whose “Thaia” was inspired by Greek mythology. Reservations are required to visit.

Above: The Bower

Schaefer’s Auto Art, Erie
Here’s something a little bit different: In 1988, outsider artist Dick Schaefer began building large-scale sculptures out of old cars. These fun, whimsical, quirky works of art are displayed on a piece of land outside of Erie, and are free to visit at Schaefer’s Auto Art — we recommend coming during Halloween when many of the pieces are in costume!

Above: Schaefer’s Auto Art

Kentuck Knob, Chalk Hill
This Frank Lloyd Wright home — one of the last buildings he ever designed — might not have the name recognition of nearby Fallingwater, but is fascinating in its own right. A national historic landmark, Kentuck Knob is a modernist masterpiece that boasts more than 30 sculptures installed by Lord Peter Palumbo who with his wife, Lady Hayat Palumbo, acquired the property in the mid-1980s. Sir Anthony Caro, George Rickey, and Andy Goldsworthy are among the artists whose sculptures can be found on the property.

Above: Kentuck Knob

Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden, Center City, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Museum of Art turned a problem into an opportunity, covering a large underground parking garage with a green roof/sculpture garden. Visitors to the Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden can see large-scale works by major contemporary artists such as Claes Oldenburg and Toshiko Takaezu, and enjoy views of the iconic building, the Schuylkill River, and Boathouse Row.

Above: Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens at the University of Pennsylvania, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia

Located on the very edge of northwest Philadelphia, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens at the University of Pennsylvania offers far more than beautiful gardens and towering trees, featuring several outdoor sculptures, including works by artists George Rickey, Madeleine Butcher, George Sugarman, and Linda Cunningham.

Above: The Morris Arboretum

Lehigh Millennium Folk Arch and Art Enclave, Bethlehem
If you’re looking for something a little wilder, look no further than this quirky brainchild of a Lehigh University professor. Officially dubbed the Stolfo Sculpture Garden — though most locals know it as the Millennium Folk Arch and Art Enclave — this collection of outsider-art-inspired sculpture showcases an assortment of off-beat works by students.

Above: Lehigh Millennium Folk Arch and Art Enclave

For more reasons to visit Pennsylvania, check out visitPA.com.

ENDS

For further press information, imagery and to discuss media visits please contact:

Anna Watt
PR Director, Greg Evans Consultancy
[email protected]
07815 898995

About Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Visit Pennsylvania is the official tourism office for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Their mission is to promote Pennsylvania as a premier travel destination, highlighting the state’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. The office works with industry partners and stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences, drive economic growth, and showcase the vibrant offerings of the state to a global audience.

Fall Activities, Festivals and Events in Philadelphia

The Autumn months are a wonderful time to visit Philadelphia with the colour changes of nature evident in the tree lined streets and urban parks, many fantastic fall and harvest events, the party atmosphere of the city’s many Octoberfest events and of course Halloween, which Philadelphia goes all out for.

Oktoberfests
Philadelphia has been at the heart of German American culture since the first immigrants settled in Pennsylvania, and the beer is certainly flowing in the many authentic Oktoberfest celebrations that take place throughout the city.

The 15th annual South Street Oktoberfest takes place on September 16th on the 700 block of South Street. With a covered seating for over 1,000 people, live Oompah music all day, German dancers, the litre lift competition, a dozen German beers, signature Bavarian dishes and much more.
23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest which takes place on 13th and 14th October claims to be the most Authentic Oktoberfest experience outside of Munich. Taking place in a 16,000 foot tented venue which can fit up to 1,400 people and features live German Oompah music, cultural German dance performances, original festival food, and of course, plenty of German beer.

Philadelphia has a thriving craft beer scene, and during Oktoberfest, many breweries create special beers inspired by German traditions. This is a chance to explore the local craft beer offerings with an Oktoberfest twist.

Above: Photo courtesy of Brauhaus Schmitz

Fall and Harvest Events

As the air grows crisp the smells of autumn and spectacular foliage of red, yellow, and orange signal a season of incredible events in Philadelphia.

To experience the stunning fall foliage head to city’s parks, such as Fairmount Park, one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the world and Wissahickon Valley Park which has 1800 acres and 50-plus miles of trail

Take a trip to The Countryside of Philadelphia – just a short drive from the Centre City – for more scenes of vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves which make for great photo opportunities.

Philadelphia hosts a variety of seasonal events. At Fall Fest, which takes place at Morgan’s Pier, you can sip cider and carve pumpkins whilst enjoying stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Northern Liberties Night Market allows visitors to sample the vibrant neighbourhood’s best food trucks, shop from local vendors, and enjoy live music and street performances.

Philadelphia has a variety of farmers’ markets that come alive with the colours and flavours of the harvest season. You can find fresh produce and seasonal goodies to enjoy or take home with you.

Above: Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest. Image courtesy of Morgan’s Pier

Halloween
There is a flurry of Spooktacular Halloween events in Philadelphia, from family-friendly activities to more intense haunted experiences, you’ll find something for everyone.

Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights takes place on select nights from 22nd September to 11th November is an immersive experience featuring five thrilling haunted houses, museum exhibits, themed lounges, live performances, and more, all inside

Philadelphia is home to America’s first zoo, which hosts Philadelphia Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo during the three weekends leading up to Halloween. Visitors of all ages can explore the zoo’s grounds for special treats, photo opportunities, and a not-so-scary extinction graveyard.

If you’re more interested in unexpected experiences, tour reportedly haunted sites and attractions during a Ghost Tour of Philadelphia when costumed guides will lead you to some of the city’s most historic sites, including Independence Hall and Washington Square.

To read more about fall activities in Philadelphia click here.

-ENDS-

For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:

Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: [email protected]

About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.

 

 

Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Halloween in Pennsylvania

Whether you’re already a diehard “spooky season” fan or are merely curious as to why Americans are so obsessed with Halloween, Pennsylvania is the place for you to visit in September and October. With typical temperatures ranging from 28 C (82 F) to 16 C (61 F) and a majority of days with sunshine, autumn in Pennsylvania is perfect for afternoons of strolling along gorgeous foliage, enjoying meals from freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, and joining in classic American activities such as baseball and football games. But after the sun sets – which can be as early as 5 p.m. – the spooks come out, churning up plenty of fun with ghost tours, costumed capers, and more. Like so many spirits, you’ll never want to leave.

Above: Field of Screams, Mountville

Zombies!
More than 50 years ago, George Romero filmed the classic flick, “Night of the Living Dead,” in Pennsylvania, breathing life into the undead — zombies! Dive deep into horror film history on Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Living Dead, which will take you the filming location of many of Romero’s iconic horror films, as well as other horror hits such as Silence of the Lambs. Along the way, stop in at the University of Pittsburgh to dig through the George A. Romero Archival Collection and see genuine screenplays, props, dailies, artwork and more.

M. Night Shyamalan
Most films written, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan — arguably the modern master of the supernatural thriller – have been filmed near his home in Philadelphia. Stroll City Center Philadelphia and the surrounding neighbourhoods to immerse yourself in the world of Shyamalan’s masterpieces, including “The Sixth Sense,” “Signs,” “the Village,” the “Unbreakable” trilogy, and the series “Servant.”

Prison Poltergeists
Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners. Visit in September, October, and early November for Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary.

Travel a short distance north to Jim Thorpe for another haunted prison. In June 1877, one of the leaders of the Molly Maguires, a secret union of coal miners, was sentenced to his death at the Carbon County Jail. It is said that on his way to be executed, he slammed his hand on the wall and pronounced he didn’t commit the crime. He went on to proclaim that his handprint will remain as proof of his innocence. Years later, after cleaning, repainting and even remodelling, the handprint remains. To this day visitors can walk the cold hallways of the jail and view the mysterious handprint in cell 17. On the first three Saturdays in October, the Old Jail hosts ghost tours of the property.

Haunted Battlefields
Satisfy your ghostly cravings with a trip to Gettysburg, the site of the largest, costliest, and deadliest battle of the American Civil War and a well-known hang-out for the ghostly crowd. It is on these hallowed grounds that many of the 7,058 known dead Union and Confederate soldiers and upwards of 11,000 missing are believed to still roam this earth. Several organizations offer a variety of narrated tours, such as the Ghosts of Gettysburg candlelight walking tour.

Fields of Fright
Known as “Pumpkin Alley” by day, farmlands in Mountville, near Lancaster, invoke terror after nightfall as “Field of Screams.” Named the top haunted attraction in America by several publications, Field of Screams boasts four uniquely frighteningly attractions, including a four-story haunted house and a horrifying hayride. Prepare to be chased by monsters wielding chainsaws at this scream-worthy site.

Haunted Hill
Haunted Hill View Manor once housed the county’s mentally ill, severely destitute, and elderly residents who didn’t have any known family. The home is now one of the most haunted houses in western Pennsylvania. Curious visitors have reported activity including voices, footsteps, being touched, doors slamming, things moving on their own, and the sighting of various apparitions. According to folklore, if you lay eyes on a little boy dubbed “Jeffrey,” who appears to be about six or seven years of age, you would die soon after – although no documented deaths have been attributed, so far. For more paranormal contact, go to room 105 if you dare to encounter the home of a former patient named Mary Virginia. Haunted Hill View Manor is open to public investigations, overnight investigations, paranormal conventions, tours, and more.

Asylums, Morgues, and More
Head to the Pennhurst Asylum to send chills down your spine. The hospital-themed, walk-through attraction features items and artifacts that were part of the original government institution for people with physical or learning disabilities. Today, the facility is also an attraction that combines high-tech animatronics, digital sound, and motivated actors, as well as fine detail and realism to create a terrifying experience. While visiting, guests will brave the Legendary Pennhurst Asylum, the Morgue, and the Pennhurst Tunnels.

Costumed Celebrations
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is one of the largest renaissance fairs in the United States. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes anytime, but during the last three weekends of October, the festival descends into a Halloween storyline. Frightful events take place throughout the day as well as trick-or-treating (for all ages!), a costume contest, and more.

Edgar Allan Poe
Celebrated American Gothic horror poet and novelist Edgar Allan Poe resided in Philadelphia during his most productive period, drafting many of his most famous works in his Seventh Street home that is now a National Historic Site. The house is easily identifiable by the statue outside dedicated to “The Raven,” Poe’s famous poem that is recited beneath the shadow if this looming bird.

Spooky Amusement Parks
If roller coasters alone don’t give you enough of a fright, several of Pennsylvania’s amusement parks hold special Halloween-themed events.

Kennywood, near Pittsburgh, hosts Phantom Fall Fest with seven haunted houses and four scare zones that include zombies, voodoo priestesses, vampires, and monsters.

In Central Pennsylvania, visit Knoebels Amusement Resort in October for Hallo-Fun, which offers a range of traditional fall activities and frightful haunts.

In Hershey, visit HersheyPark for Hersheypark Halloween trick-or-treating during the day and Dark Nights after sundown.

At Sesame Place, near Philadelphia, you can join Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and your other favorite Muppets in celebrating The Count’s Halloween Spooktactular, a family-friendly Halloween haven complete with decorations, costumes, and trick-or-treating.

For more reasons why Pennsylvania is the place to visit for Halloween, check out visitPA.com.

ENDS

About Greg Evans Consultancy
Greg Evans Consultancy is a leading marketing and consulting firm specializing in the travel and tourism industry. With a proven track record of success, the consultancy offers innovative strategies, digital solutions, and branding expertise to destinations worldwide. Their mission is to help clients elevate their brand presence, drive visitor engagement, and achieve long-term growth in the highly competitive travel industry.

About Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Visit Pennsylvania is the official tourism office for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Their mission is to promote Pennsylvania as a premier travel destination, highlighting the state’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. The office works with industry partners and stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences, drive economic growth, and showcase the vibrant offerings of the state to a global audience.

-ENDS –

For further press information and imagery please contact:

Anna Watt
PR Director, Greg Evans Consultancy
[email protected]
07815 898995