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Healthy Philadelphia

If you are looking for a healthy and active city break, look no further than Philadelphia, a very outdoorsy city boasting a huge urban park system and extensive walking, running, and cycling trails.
Many of Philadelphia’s attractions and much of the city’s magnificent collection of outdoor public art can be reached by foot so you can keep to your daily step target whilst enjoying all there is to see and do throughout the city.
If the weather isn’t playing ball, head inside to break into a sweat at one of the many hotel and public gyms. When hunger strikes, your health regime is not at risk, with many choices of healthy food options to be found.

Outdoors exploration
Philadelphia boasts one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the world. Taking up over 2,000 acres, Fairmount Park incorporates more than 60 individual parks, as well as more than 200 historic buildings, an impressive collection of public art and the country’s first zoo and more, all within its borders.

Above: Fairmount Park Boxer’s Trail. Photo courtesy of Fairmount Park Conservancy

An extensive system of trails winds throughout the city, making it easy to get around without the need for transportation.

For more information on Philadelphia’s outdoor spaces click here.

Running

Philadelphia is built for runners, with a huge number of running trails throughout the city which you can explore alone at your own speed. Alternatively, you can join a group run, these are organised by one of Philadelphia’s many running clubs and take place most weekdays and weekends. Most are free to join and no advance reservation is required.

Philadelphia Marathon is one of the top 10 marathons in the U.S. and includes a full marathon, half marathon, 8K and kids fun run. This year’s events take place between 17th and 19th November.

Above: Philadelphia Marathon

For more information in running in Philadelphia click here.

Running tours
Visitors can enjoy an informative tour of the city whilst at the same time doing cardiovascular exercise.

SeePhillyRun’s tours pair fitness with history, as tour groups follow the guide on all-levels running trails throughout the city, stopping along the way to learn more about historical sites, cultural institutions, and public art. No running tour would be complete without an obligatory run up the “Rocky Steps” – the 72 steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous by fictional character Rocky Balboa during his training in the movie “Rocky.”

Above: Running Tour. Photo courtesy of SeePhillyRun

Cycling

Indego is Philadelphia’s affordable and convenient bike share program. Offering more than 130 stations throughout the city with both classic and electric bikes available.

Above: Philadelphia bike share. Photo courtesy of Indego

At Fairmount Park you can cycle on or off-road for miles. Don’t miss Belmont Plateau in West Fairmount Park where you can take in amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline.

The Schuylkill River Trail is a paved scenic trail ideal for cycling. It stretches along the river for 25 miles from South Philadelphia to Manayunk and winds past Boathouse Row along Kelly Drive into the Countryside of Philadelphia.

Click here for some suggested Philadelphia bike itineraries.

Skating
Lace up your skates, stretch out your legs, and enjoy some fresh air at one of Philadelphia’s popular outdoor skating rinks. Skate beside Philadelphia City Hall at the Rothman Orthopaedics Rink in Dilworth Park, at the heart of the city. Starting in the spring, usually in April and continuing into the summer through July, the rink offers daily roller-skating sessions. Then, during the winter months – typically from November through February – the rink transforms into an ice-skating rink where visitors are encouraged to embrace the cooler temperatures and warm up with a skating session.

Above: Roller skating at City Hall

For another rink option, head to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink along the Delaware River Waterfront, a 12,000-square-foot riverside rink which offers ice skating during its annual months-long Winterfest and roller skating during its annual months-long Summerfest.

Hotels with gyms

Many hotels in Philadelphia have gyms so guests can start or end their day with a workout:

• The Bellevue Hotel

A stay at this historic city centre hotel gives you access to the massive 93,000-square-foot Sporting Club at the Bellevue fitness facility which even includes an NBA-sized basketball court.

• The Rittenhouse

The Rittenhouse Spa & Club, where you’ll find a heated indoor pool, fitness facility which features top scale equipment including RealRyder and Peloton indoor cycling bikes, an outdoor fitness deck, indoor pool plus sauna and steam rooms.

• Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

Hotel guests can enjoy panoramic sky-high views of Philadelphia whilst swimming in the city’s premier Infinity Edge Pool.

Above: Pool at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons

• Kimpton Hotel Palomar

The hotel encourages guests to be active as much as possible, with a 24/7 fitness centre equipped with state-of-the-art cardio equipment and yoga mats provided in each room. Guests also have free use of the hotel’s custom-designed bikes and for kids there are Micro Kickboard scooters available.

Healthy food
A Philadelphia cheesesteak makes for a great treat on your cheat day, but lighter, healthier options are available at plenty of restaurants.

• Vegan and Vegetarian

Vedge, which has been ranked as one of Thrillist’s 33 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in America, offers elegant dining with an internationally-inspired, vegan, seasonal menu which features dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced vegetables,

Primary Plant Based, a casual vegan restaurant in the Fishtown neighborhood offers very reasonably priced, seasonal dishes made with local ingredients from a globally-inspired menu.

Charlie Was A Sinner is a cocktail bar that specializes in drinks made with fresh fruit juice and organic alcohol. Healthy vegetarian small plates are available, including charred shishito peppers or avocado toast topped with radishes and red onions.

• Sushi

Hiroki is a fine dining restaurant offering unique sushi options focusing on tradition and technique.

At Morimoto you can enjoy creative and delightful twists on Japanese staples, like tofu created fresh at your table, and seafood tobanyaki cooked and served in its own hot plate and red miso broth.

For a luxurious sushi dining experience, consider Omakase by Yanaga. This relatively newer restaurant in Philadelphia offers an exclusive, luxurious 25-course dining and sake pairing experience.

Above: Omakase by Yanaga, photo by J.Ryan for PHLCVB

Farm to Table

The pioneer of farm to table cuisine in Philadelphia, Fork serves seasonally focused contemporary American cuisine.

Talula’s Garden offers a healthy and delicious inventive spin on farm-to-table classics.

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For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: anna@gregevansconsultancy.com

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.

Unexpected Philadelphia

You may know Philadelphia for its iconic sites such as the Rocky Steps, Liberty Bell, LOVE sculpture, and Reading Terminal Market, but did you know you can also see a piece of Einstein’s brain, marvel at 19th century robotics Maillardet’s Automaton and take a stroll down the oldest residential street in America? These and many more curiosities and unexpected gems are ready to be explored in the City of Brotherly Love.

Mutter Museum

Philadelphia’s Mutter Museum is one of the most unique and interesting museums in the country, featuring collections of fascinating scientific discoveries about the human body , along with antique medical equipment, anatomical and pathological specimens and much more. Visitors to the Mutter Museum are able to view the conjoined liver of Siamese twins Chang and Eng Bunker, slides of Albert Einstein’s brain, and the mystery surrounding the famous “Soap Lady.”

The Museum’s Historical Medical Library is now open to the public for the first time in its 200-plus year history. Weekend visitors to the museum can now head upstairs to view rare artwork and books in a historic library which was previously only accessible to researchers with appointments.

www.muttermuseum.org/

Above: Mutter Museum, Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB

Wagner Free Institute of Science

This natural history museum is a rare example of a Victorian era scientific society, with a museum, research centre, library, and educational facilities. The Wagner Free Institute of Science boasts more than 100,000 specimens including fossils, shells, minerals, mounted animal skeletons and skins displayed in original wood and glass cabinets.

www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org

Above: Wagner Free Institute of Science. Photo by Rob Cardillo

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute’s innovative exhibits, films, and hands-on experiences demonstrate how fun and interesting science can be. One of the most famous and popular museums in Philadelphia, it houses some fascinating gems including a theremin, a prototype synthesizer which is controlled by movements of the player’s hands without any actual physical contact with the machine. Another fascinating museum curiosity is Maillardet’s Automaton, an early mechanic ‘robot’, that mimicked human behaviour. Built by 18th-century Swiss clockmaker Henri Maillardet, Maillardet’s Automaton was programmed to write out three poems and draw four sketches via mechanical means.

www.fi.edu

Above: Maillardet’s Automaton at The Franklin Institute, photo courtesy of The Franklin Institute

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

Racing fans will be in seventh heaven at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum which houses the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars. The museum’s collection consists of approximately 75 racing sports cars and has been assembled over more than 50 years by Frederick A. Simeone, a retired neurosurgeon and native of Philadelphia.

www.simeonemuseum.org

Above: Simeone Foundation Museum. Photo courtesy of Simeone Museum

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

A mesmerizing mosaic labyrinth created by artist Isaiah Zagar covers an indoor and outdoor space equivalent to half a city block. Zagar has devoted himself to beautifying the South Street neighbourhood since the late 1960s. In 1991 he started decorating the walls of vacant lots near his studios with mosaic. When the owner of the lots wanted to remove his work and sell the land, the local community rushed to support Zagar. The artist’s creation quickly became incorporated as a non-profit organization, was saved and opened in 2008 to the general public.

www.phillymagicgardens.org

Above: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Photo by M.Zugale for PHLCVB

Laurel Hill Cemetery

A 78-acre National Historic Landmark and America’s second oldest cemetery, Laurel Hill was the first architecturally designed cemetery in the country and is laid out on a series of winding paths above the Schuylkill River.

There are some wonderfully aesthetic tombstones and mausoleums to explore, including the William Warner tomb which shows the soul coming out of the tomb in a puff of smoke.

Above: Lauren Hill Cemetery. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park is one of the country’s largest park system in the U.S, with more than 2,000 acres of parkland featuring miles of trails, biking and hiking paths, an orchard, greenhouses, multiple playgrounds, the country’s oldest zoo, and the city’s iconic Boathouse Row.

www.myphillypark.org

Above: Fairmount Park. Photo courtesy of Fairmount Park Conservancy.

Elfreth’s Alley

This 32-house alley is America’s oldest residential street, going back over 300 years. The quaint cobblestone alley is lined with traditional red brick homes with old-fashioned flower boxes and shutters, beautifully preserved by the Elfreth’s Alley Association which was founded in 1934.

Visitors can tour 126 Elfreth’s Alley, which is now the Elfreth’s Alley Museum, here you can learn about dressmakers, shoemakers, and other artisans who lived in the house, as well as about the larger history of the Alley.

www.elfrethsalley.org

Above: Elfreth’s Alley. Photo by K Huff for PHLCVB

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau has come up with a suggested itinerary taking in the very best of Unexpected Philadelphia. Click here to read more.

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For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: anna@gregevansconsultancy.com

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.

CHRISTMAS IN NEW JERSEY 2022

New Jersey comes alive with the Christmas spirit during the holiday season, with events, tours and displays taking place across the state from early November until the New Year.

With multiple daily direct flights from London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Dublin into Newark, a great choice of accommodation to suit all budgets and some great bargains to be found if you want to do a little tax-free Christmas shopping, now is a great time to take a trip to the Garden State.

Light Displays

Dasher’s Newark Drive-Through Christmas Light Show

This spectacular Christmas drive-through celebration features the syncing of over one million lights choreographed to holiday music played through your car radio on 97.5 FM. Running at Newark Moonlight Cinema from 25th November 25th until 31st December. Read more here.

Orchard of Lights – Drive-Through

From 23rd November until 1st January 2023 Demarest Farms in Hillsdale will be running their annual festival drive-through, with 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays. In addition, there is a fire pit to sit around and enjoy hot cocoa and treats from the farm market, make your own S’mores, take pictures with Santa and listen to the singing Reindeer. Read more here.

Newark Winter Village

From 01st December until 15th January 2023 the Newark Winter Village offers curbside food, ice skating a marketplace. Enjoy food and hot beverages from local businesses inside a cozy heated pod or igloo. Read more click here.

Skylands Stadium’s Light Show and Christmas Village

Sussex County’s Skyland Stadium transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland from 23rd November to 31st December, showcasing a mile-long drive-through Christmas light display and a Christmas Village full of fun-filled activities, delicious treats and memory-making photo opportunities. Read more here.

Above: Skylands Stadium’s Light Show and Christmas Village (photo courtesy of Sussex County Chamber of Commerce)

Christmas Markets

The German Christmas Market of New Jersey

Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a German Christmas Market at Sussex County Fairground. The largest Christmas market in New Jersey, where you can visit over 100 vendors located in the authentic wooden huts, enjoy Christmas entertainment, food, Christmas lights and displays, Santa visits, wagon rides and a fairground. Taking place on 2nd to 4th of December. Read more here.

Christmas Train & Trolley Rides

Cape May’s Trolley Rides

The charming Victorian town of Cape May is the perfect destination for immersing yourself in the Christmas Spirit. A number of festival trolley tours are put on over the festive season, these include Santa’s Trolley Ride where Mrs. Claus takes to the wheel as she shares Christmas stories and songs and The Holiday Lights Trolley Ride which tours the historic streets of Cape May teaching guests about the history of many of the Christmas traditions of today.

Phillipsburg’s Polar Express Christmas Train

This one hour, 45-minute vintage train excursion along the Delaware River is inspired by the hit movie and the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg. A hugely popular family Christmas event that includes storytelling, Christmas sing-alongs, performances and a meeting with Santa himself. For more information click here.

Parades

Christmas Parade, Ocean City

Ocean City’s 2022 Christmas Parade will take place on Friday, 2nds December 2nd, going down Asbury Avenue beginning at 6th street and ending at 12th street. This wonderful family friendly parade includes floats, musical acts, dance and cheers teams. Click here for more information.

Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade

The popular Jaycee Christmas Parade takes place on 2nd December, starting at 6pm, the parade is followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade Awards. Click here to read more.

Walking Tours

Cape May Candlelit House Tours

This tour has been a beloved annual tradition in America’s only National Historic Landmark City since 1974. Celebrating the best of Cape May at Christmas, the tour travels through Cape May’s gaslit streets, giving guests the chance to hear musicians and carollers, and visit more than a dozen homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels and see both Victorian and more modern interiors beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. Click here to read more.

Christmas Shows

Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Atlantic City

A specially themed holiday show, Holidaze sees various Christmas ornaments magicked to life as the seasoned troupe of acrobats and singers perform a Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus. The show takes place at the Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort on 11th December. More information here.

Above: Atlantic City’s Cirque Dreams Holidaze (image courtesy of Visit AC)

Christmas Shopping

A shopper’s paradise, New Jersey is home to more malls per square mile than any other U.S. state. With the exchange rate not being in our favour at the moment, bargain shopping is all the more important so it is great to know that there are a number of discount outlets throughout New Jersey so you can make your pound stretch a little further.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens is New Jersey’s largest outlet mall with more than 200 stores located just five minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport is makes a great stop off on your way home. Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tinton Falls has 120 outlet stores and Tanger Outlets in Atlantic City has more than 90 brand name outlets offering 20 to 40 percent below retail prices. For more information on Christmas shopping in New Jersey click here.

Above: Jersey Shore Premium Outlets (Photo courtesy of Monmouth County Tourism)

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

Follow the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for more events and news throughout the state.

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About New Jersey
New Jersey provides a wide variety of experiences to visitors all year long. Travellers can enjoy outdoor adventures, renowned culinary offerings, educational opportunities, and a strong arts and cultural scene. With numerous state and national parks, beaches, skiing, tax-free shopping, historic sites, museums and more, New Jersey blends together its rich history and exciting present. Home to the nation’s first beach resorts and the birthplace of major inventions, New Jersey offers picturesque escape opportunities for all ages. For more information, explore VisitNJ.org.

UK PR Contact:
Greg Evans Consultancy
Anna Watt, PR Director, anna@gregevansconsultancy.com, 07815 898995

NEW JERSEY’S MUSICAL HERITAGE

New Jersey’s musical heritage reaches back 145 years and encompasses many elements including technology, live music venues as well as artists themselves who have made the Garden State their home.

In 1877 Thomas Edison’s phonograph was invented making New Jersey the first place in the world that musicians could come together to record music. Housed in his laboratory in West Orange, this early invention put the state firmly on the musical history map. You can visit and take a self-guided tour of Thomas A. Edison’s Laboratory Complex at the Thomas A. Edison National Historical Park and visit the Thomas Edison Centre at Menlo Park.

Above: Thomas Edison’s Laboratory (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

Fast forward 64 years and in 1941 musician and inventor Les Paul, who spent much of his life in New Jersey, created the solid body guitar – the Gibson Les Paul. He also introduced many recording industry innovations and effects including multitrack recording and the reverb and is considered to be one of the foremost influences on the sound of contemporary music.

The list of influential musicians from New Jersey is long and includes Frank Sinatra, Dion Warwick, Gloria Gaynor, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, The Four Seasons and The Fugees plus many more.

Venues that have hosted these great artists and many others are dotted around the state. The Stone Pony in Asbury Park is one of the most iconic New Jersey music venues, it was the launch pad for Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi and has hosted many rock legends since it opened in the 1970s.

Above: The Stone Pony (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

The Wellmont Theater opened in Montclair in 1922 and has a wonderful historic charm. The venue brings a variety of acts through its doors, from rock legends to indie bands, tribute acts and classical presentations.

Ocean City Music Pier in Cape May was originally constructed in 1928 and is a much-loved historical building overlooking the beach, boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean. This 900-person capacity venue still hosts a wider range of artists to this day and boasts fantastic acoustics as well as a striking location.

The Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, is the largest venue in the state and has a capacity of about 82,000. Home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, the venue also hosts big scale music concerts.

Newark’s Prudential Centre is an 18,000-seat arena and entertainment complex that is home to the NHL New Jersey Devils but also hosts large scale music events. Upcoming concerts include Barry Manilow, Seventeen, Post Malone, Iron Maiden and Mary J Blige.

New Jersey Performing Arts Centre, NJPAC, opened in 1997 and has a capacity of almost 3,500. A prominent cultural institution for the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey, as well as hosting world-Class Performances, the venue also holds a number of free events and festivals.

Above: NJPAC (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

Atlantic City is known as the entertainment capital of New Jersey and big acts have been performing there in casinos, clubs and bars since the 1930’s, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra were regularly belting out their hits in the early days of Atlantic City’s music venues. Back to modern day and Alicia Keys, ZZ Top, Mary J Blige, Diona, Chris Issak, Phish, Alice Cooper and Billy Ocean are just some of the artists set to play gigs there over the next few months. Venues here include Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort, the Event Centre at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Sound Waves at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Hard Rock Live Etess Arena.

Above: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall (Credit: Meet AC)

Live music events and festivals take place throughout the state. Click here to see a comprehensive list of concerts taking place in New Jersey. Music festivals taking place in New Jersey this summer include:

The TidalWave Music Festival comes to Atlantic City from August 12-14, featuring country stars from around the United States.

Sea.Hear.Now celebrates its third year at Asbury Park and take place from Sept. 17-18, performers include Pearl Jam, The Avett Brothers and Billy Idol, among others.

XPoNential Festival will take place at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden from September 16-18 and features a line-up of promising up-and-coming artists.

Although this year’s event has already taken place, dates are already set for 2023’s Barefoot Country Music Festival, this is a hugely popular event on the US Northeast coast and will take place from June 15-18 on the beach in Wildwood.

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

Follow the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for more events and news throughout the state.

ENDS

PR Contact:
Greg Evans Consultancy
Anna Watt, PR Director, anna@gregevansconsultancy.com 07815 898995

NEW JERSEY SURPRISES WITH ITS NUMEROUS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

New Jersey may be one of the most densely populated states in the United States, but it also boasts plenty of wide-open spaces to explore and outdoor adventures to be had.

Known as the “Garden State”, New Jersey is famous for rolling farmland, green pastures, blooming orchards and of course an incredible sandy coastline. However, it also boasts lakes, forests, waterfalls and mountains, all just waiting to be enjoyed.

On And In The Water

Along the state’s 130 miles of Atlantic coastline there are over 60 designated beaches, all with a wide diversity of offerings and experiences.

Water-based activities include surfing, sailing, diving and fishing. Above the water wildlife spotting opportunities are in abundance or for a more sedate experience just grab a towel, claim your spot for the day and relax.

Although beach passes need to be purchased for some of the beaches here, many are free to use, these include the beaches of The Wildwoods, Atlantic City, Highlands and Bay Front to name just a few.

There are also an incredible 4,100 fresh waterways throughout New Jersey, The Delaware River Region for example is a boater’s dream, here you can canoe or kayak or even take a Tubing trip down the river.

Above: Long Branch Beach (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

Gardens

Not surprisingly the “Garden State” is a feast for any anthophile and is filled with gorgeous botanical retreats. The New Jersey Botanical Gardens for example includes 96 acres of gardens surrounded by 1000 acres of woodlands and Deep Cut Gardens spans 54 acres with gardens and greenhouses displaying cultivated and native plants. Click here to read more.

Above: Deep Cut Gardens (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

National Parks

Explore nature, history and outdoor adventure within New Jersey’s four National Parks. Morristown National Historical Park was the site of General George Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment during the Revolutionary War. As well as discovering the history, visitors can use the 27 miles of hiking trails or enjoy the bird watching opportunities.

Above: The Wick Hose at Morristown National Historical Park (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, is a large diverse urban park with 27,000 acres offering green spaces, beaches, wildlife and outdoor recreation alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes.

Above: Liberty State Park, Gateway Region. (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area encompasses breath-taking scenery along the Delaware River, which winds through the Appalachian Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn here for canoeing, hiking, camping, swimming, biking and much more.

Above: Appalachian Trail (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park consists of The Great Falls of the Passaic River (one of the largest waterfalls in the United States) plus the surrounding area. Visitors can hike around the park whilst learning about its importance within the history of the American industrial revolution.

Above: Great Falls (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

Pinelands

New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve consists of 1.1 million acres covering 22% of the state’s total land area. The reserve contains forests, rivers, streams, lakes, historic sites, campgrounds and wildlife making it an adventurists playground.

Above: Wells Mills Park, Pinelands (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

Farms

Some of the best produce in the United States come from New Jersey including cranberries, blueberries, lavender and hot peppers. It’s possible to visit many of the farms, orchards and vineyards around the state and you can even stay over at some of them. Click here to read more.

Above: Montague Farm. (Credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

Camping

Choose to camp or glamp in New Jersey to get an all-round outdoors experience. There are many different camping opportunities throughout the state. At Turkey Swamp Park campers get access to boating and fishing on a 17-acre lake, eight miles of wooded trails, athletic field rentals plus a choice of four playgrounds for the kids. Ponderosa Campground in Cape May is great for families, it’s close to Avalon Beach and has amenities including free laundry facilities, two playgrounds, bike rentals, free Wi-Fi, a large saltwater pool and two basketball courts. At Great Divide Campground in Newton they offer yurts and cabin trailers for those who prefer more of a glamping experience. For more information on New Jersey’s campgrounds click here.

Above: camping at Delaware Water Cap. (credit: The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)

To find out more about exploring the great outdoors in New Jersey click here.

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

Follow the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for more events and news throughout the state.

ENDS

PR Contact:
Greg Evans Consultancy
Anna Watt, PR Director anna@gregevansconsultancy.com 07815 898995

PHILADELPHIA: AN ART LOVER’S PARADISE

Philadelphia is a well-known arts hub, boasting more public art than any other American city, and home to a vast number of art museums and galleries. It is a city which is sure to satisfy any aesthete and with a number of high-profile exhibitions coming to Philadelphia over the next few months, now is the time to plan your next visit.

Art in Museums

The majestic Benjamin Franklin Parkway which was modelled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris, is dubbed Philadelphia’s “Museum Mile”. Here you will find most of the city’s premier cultural institutions including the Philadelphia Museum of Art which last year unveiled 90,000 square feet of new and reimagined public and exhibition space as part of the Frank Gehry-led Core Project. Included in the project are a reimagined West Entrance and Lenfest Hall, a new multilevel Forum space and 20,000 square feet of new gallery space, including new early American art and modern and contemporary galleries — marking the largest installation of new exhibition space since the building opened in 1928.

Above: Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB

Matisse in the 1930s will be showing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from October20, 2022 to January 29, 2023. A visit to Philadelphia in 1930 inspired Matisse to develop a new creative approach and outlook. This will be the first exhibit to ever be dedicated to that pivotal decade in his art, showing more than 100 of Matisse’s works, including renowned and rarely seen paintings and sculptures, drawings, prints, and illustrated books.

Henri Matisse “Large Reclining Nude” 1935. 26 1/8 × 36 3/4 inches (66.4 × 93.3 cm). Oil on canvas, Baltimore Museum of Art: The Cone Collection, formed by Dr. Claribel Cone and Miss Etta Cone of Baltimore, Maryland, 1950.258. © 2022 Succession H. Matisse/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

The Barnes Foundation houses the world’s largest private collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces, featuring pieces by world renown artists including Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Monet, Manet and Degas. These well-known artists’ works are complemented by Native American pottery, Pennsylvania German decorative furniture and various ceramics and metalwork, as well as sculpture and art from Mexico, China, Africa, early Greece and Rome.

Above- Barnes Foundation, Photo courtesy of the Barnes Foundation

Coming to the Barnes Foundation later this year is Modigliani Up Close, showing from October 16, 2022 to January 29, 2023, the exhibition takes a close look at how Modigliani created his works, which are portraits and nudes often characterised by a surreal elongation of faces and necks.

Towards the eastern end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts which was founded in 1805 by Charles Wilson Peale. It is the first and oldest art museum and art school in the United States. The museum houses a renowned collection of American paintings from the 1760s to the present although it is best known internationally for its collections of 19th- and 20th century paintings, sculptures and works on paper.

Above: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB

Moore College of Art and Design was founded in 1848 as the first and only women’s visual arts college in the United States. The Galleries at Moore introduce the work of significant regional, national and international artists through exhibitions and educational programs.

Public Art

There are thousands of pieces of incredible public art to admire throughout the city, which is considered the largest outdoor art gallery in the world. Read more about key pieces of Philadelphia’s public art here. You can discover these and more on a group of self-guided tour, by foot, bike, Segway or bus.

Above: Mural Segway Tour. Photo courtesy of WeVenture

Above: LOVE Park. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB

The huge amount of public art is thanks to a number of organisations. The Association for Public Art was founded in Philadelphia in 1872 and is the country’s first private entity dedicated to public art. Its mission is to commission, preserve, interpret and promote public art in the city. The Association has created six self-guided tours which are free to download here.

Above: Electric Streets Mural. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB

The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority’s Percent for Art Program, which was established in 1959, resulted in the city becoming the first in the nation to require most property developers to dedicate a percentage (about one percent) of the project’s construction budget to commission a new piece of art. The program has resulted in more than 650 works that can be found throughout the city and include sculptures on public streets, paintings that brighten underground subway stations and unusual light displays.

Over 4,000 murals can be found throughout the City of Philadelphia, making it the “Mural Capital of the World.” Mural Arts Philadelphia started as an anti-graffiti program in 1984 and has grown to be an international leader having activated some of Philadelphia’s most unassuming locations repurposing public spaces. They run a number of different public tours, read more here.

As well as sculpture and murals, more unusual public art found in Philadelphia includes mosaic, the most prominent local artist in this medium being Isaiah Zagar who has been creating public mosaics since the 1960’s, his largest work being Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens which spans three city lots, the equivalent to half a block.

Above: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Photo by M. Zugale for PHLCVB

Other public art forms to look out for include Toynbee Tiles which are sidewalk plaques with oft-cryptic messages, first noticed in Philadelphia in the 1980s and yarn or textile art, also known as Yarn bombing or graffiti knitting (amongst other things).

Read more about Philadelphia’s street art here.

For current travel resources to Philadelphia, including details about the city’s COVID-19 vaccine rate and guidelines, plus tips on travelling to and exploring the city click here.

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For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: anna@gregevansconsultancy.com

SUSTAINABLE PHILADELPHIA SHINES

There are a number of ways visitors to Philadelphia can enjoy a more sustainable experience, whilst still enjoying the very best that the City of Brotherly Love has to offer. As the post-pandemic world moves to an ever more eco-conscious one, many still want to travel but look to reducing their impact on the environment as much as they can once they are at their chosen destination.

Philadelphia has a number of direct services from the UK and Ireland. American Airlines has two daily flights from London Heathrow and one daily flight from Dublin, British Airways offers one daily flight from London Heathrow and Air Lingus presently has a flight that runs from Dublin six times a week.

Explore on two feet

Philadelphia boasts one of the most walkable downtowns in the United States so there really is no need to rely on either taxis or public transport to explore.

WeVenture offers walking tours guided by local residents that focus on different themes, including history, art, and food sustainability. Other tours invite you to explore reimagined spaces, Philadelphia’s Countryside, or Rocky movie locations to see where the iconic film was made.

Local tour company SeePhillyRun offers sightseeing tours for those looking to keep active. Tours include Philadelphia Highlights where you can run all of Philadelphia’s main attractions whilst tapping into themes like liberty, inclusion, reinvention, pop culture and many American Firsts. On the Rocky Run you run through Old City, the Italian Market, South Philly, and up the Art Museum Steps while hearing unique Philly stories about Rocky and what it means to be an underdog.

SeePhillyRun Art Museum Run. Photo Courtesy of SeePhillyRun

Explore on two wheels

Philadelphia’s affordable and convenient bike share program, Indego, offers more than 170 stations throughout the city with both classic and electric bikes available allowing you to pedal through neighbourhoods or along the Schuylkill River Trail.

Photo courtesy of Indego

Click here for an interactive online map which highlights various bike lanes and trails throughout the city. There are also some custom Philadelphia bike itineraries as well as a guide to biking in the city.

The great outdoors

There are countless opportunities to enjoy the fresh air in Philadelphia, home to seemingly endless trails, riverfronts, parks and outdoor opportunities that are waiting to be explored, in fact the city boasts 10,000 acres of parks, squares, and recreation sites, making its urban park system one of the world’s largest.

Fairmount Park, at over 2,000 acres, is one of the country’s largest parks, consisting of 63 individual parks as well as more than 200 historic buildings, an impressive collection of public art, the country’s first zoo and more, all within its borders.

Shofuso Fairmount Park. Photo by Kyle Huff PHLCVB

The Delaware River Waterfront is a vibrant area to explore year-round. Opening on 6th May, Spruce Street Harbor Park has colourful hammocks, floating gardens, beautiful trees adorned in technicoloured lights, local craft beers, and delicious food from some of Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants. Cherry Street Pier is a mixed-use public space converted from a historic pier, which hosts pop-up markets, art installations and a garden complete with tasty food and drink.

Cherry Street Pier. Photo courtesy of Kate Kelly

To read more about ways to explore Philadelphia’s outdoor spaces click here.

Eco friendly accommodation

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is the city’s only hotel certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. Hotel Sofitel Philadelphia is working with Planet 21 in order to form a commitment to the planet, in order to help with environmental efforts, the hotel has implemented actions in regard to health, nature, carbon, innovation, and local purchases. Other options are the Radisson Plaza-Warwick and Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel which have both been awarded from the Green Key Eco-Rating Program.

Plant-based eating

There is an abundance of plant-based eateries throughout the city. HipCityVeg offers fast food inspired vegan menu items made with organic non-GMO soy ingredients sourced locally, Bar Bombon serves vegan Puerto Rican flavours, at The Tasty you find vegan versions of breakfast staples and you can try a vegan version of Philadelphia’s iconic cheesesteak at Blackbird Pizzeria or Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks. For a more elevated dining experience Vedge has been ranked as one of Thrillist’s 33 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in America.

*Kimpton Palomar. Photo by E.Cunnicelli for PHLCVB*

Eco Eats

Farm-to-table menus where restaurants source responsibly from local farms and producers to create unique regional meals are not hard to come by in Philadelphia. One of the first restaurants in the city to adopt this methodology is White Dog Café, which uses environmentally sustainable, organic and local foods sourced from farms within 50 miles. Talula’s Garden, Fork and High Street Philly also prioritise local ingredients whilst Elwood also uses classic cooking techniques to showcase the culinary history of the Philadelphia region. At Urban Farmer Steakhouse they build personal relationships with local farmers, ranchers, fisheries, and foragers, considering everything from the diets and treatment of animals to land use, in addition they have a zero-waste mission, where they use the whole animal – from steak cuts and sausages to bone broth and stocks.

*Duck 2 Ways at Fork. Photo courtesy of Neal Santos*

Sustainable sips

Many of Philadelphia’s craft breweries offer work with eco production methods. Triple Bottom Brewing Company is Pennsylvania’s first Certified B Corporation brewery, meaning it meets the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Philadelphia’s original craft brewery, Yards Brewing Company, has been in operation since 1994 and is also the first brewery in Pennsylvania to be 100% wind-powered, it now also features solar panels placed on the roof of their 70,000-square-foot brewery and taproom.

*Photo courtesy of Triple Bottom Brewing*

To read more about Philadelphia’s top sustainable experiences click here.

For current travel resources to Philadelphia, including details about the city’s COVID-19 vaccine rate and guidelines, plus tips on travelling to and exploring the city click here.

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For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: anna@gregevansconsultancy.com

NEW JERSEY WELCOMES NEW FLIGHTS AS WELL AS NEW AND RETURNING VISITORS

British Airways have recently announced the addition of a new flight to and from Newark Liberty International Airport which will launch in June and making it three daily routes from London Heathrow, as well as United Airlines’ two daily flights from Dublin to Newark and Aer Lingus’ daily flight from Dublin to Newark.

Located in northern eastern United States New Jersey is bounded by New York to the north and northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, and Delaware and Pennsylvania to the west. The state boasts countless things to entice and entertain visitors, here are just some of the reasons you should visit New Jersey in 2022.

1) The Great Outdoors

There are over 130 miles of New Jersey beaches to enjoy, and over 50 seaside resort towns including Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Cape May. The spectacularly soft shoreline stretches from the top of Sandy Hook to the tip of Cape May Point, and there is a beach for everyone- families enjoy Long Beach Island and Point Pleasant, surfers and boogie boarders ride the surf at Manasquan. For a more low-key beach outing, Avalon, Ocean Grove, Spring Lake or Cape May are where to head. A more hipster vibe can be enjoyed at Asbury Park which features one of the best beaches in the state.

Above- Manasquan, photo courtesy of The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism

There are many natural wonders in New Jersey. Pinelands (or Pine Barrens) cover over one million acres of farms, forests and wetlands near Hammonton, occupying 22% of New Jersey’s land area and it is the largest body of open space on the Mid-Atlantic seaboard between Richmond and Boston. It is home to blueberries, renowned cranberry bogs and dozens of rare plant and animal species including the ubiquitous Jersey Devil.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is where you can find Great Falls of the Passaic River, one of the highest waterfalls in the country. This 77ft high 260ft wide waterfall was at the forefront of the American Industrial Revolution and was the venue for harnessing its hydro power to drive machinery.

Above- Patterson Great Falls. Photo courtesy of The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism

A host of outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round in the state of New Jersey, top tips include hiking along the New Jersey portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which stretches more than 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine. Book a rafting tour and float downriver at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Paddle your way through Great Egg Harbour River, a 129-mile river system that flows through Pinelands National Reserve or canoe or kayak the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River, the largest free-flowing river on the eastern side of the country.

2) Food

New Jersey is a delight for foodies. Famous for iconic foods such as hoagies, Italian Hot Dogs, Rippers, Port Roll, Tomato Pie and Salt Water Taffie, however it also has a burgeoning food scene which you can explore through trendsetting eateries, artisanal coffee shops or gourmet food stores. Read more about current local food trends here.

You can now take in the culinary roots of late celebrity chef, bestselling author and TV personality Anthony Bourdain, who spent most of his childhood growing up in the state. An itinerary launched by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism spotlights 10 New Jersey restaurants featured on Bourdain’s Emmy Award-winning TV series ‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’, including Fort Lee institution Hiram’s Roadstand- Bourdain’s “happy place”, Tony’s Baltimore Grill in Atlantic City and Donkey’s Place in Camden which serves cheesesteak he claimed “should be a national landmark”.

Above- Tony’s Baltimore Grill in Atlantic City. Photo Credit: Meet AC

3) Attractions

With world-class attractions located throughout the state no visitor can claim to have nothing to do in New Jersey. Just a few of these include:

Liberty State Park is one of the state’s most dramatic parks, with the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop. Here visitors can walk, run or ride Liberty Walk, a two-mile promenade, visit the Liberty Landing Marina, the NJ Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial and state-of-the-art Liberty Science Centre. You can also take a ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

*Above- Liberty State Park. Photo courtesy* *of The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism*

Theme Park fans should head to American Dream, located in East Rutherford, which is the Western Hemisphere’s largest theme park, home to thrilling rides and experiences, including DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and the new Observation Wheel, with unveiled views of New York City’s skyline from 235 feet in the air. In Jackson Township Six Flags Great Adventure’s newest addition is Jersey Devil which is the world’s tallest single-rail coaster.

Grounds for Sculpture was created to make contemporary sculpture more accessible. This sprawling garden provides a casual setting for visitors to stroll through its 42 manicured acres to enjoy over 400 contemporary works of art.

4) Fascinating history

New Jersey has a long and distinguished history that dates back far before the American Revolution, in which the state played a pivotal role. You can discover New Jersey’s rich history and heritage through many of its historical attractions. Study artifacts in museums such as New Jersey’s State Museum and Newark Museum or see ‘live history’ in recreated villages such as Historic Cold Springs Village, Allaire Village and Batsto Village where historically clothed interpreters give demonstrations and answer questions. Alternatively follow the trail that American and French soldiers took from 1781-1782 during the Revolutionary War whilst exploring the 680-mile Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail.

*Above- Battle of Monmouth re-enactment. Photo courtesy of The New Jersey Division* of *Travel and Tourism*

https://visitnj.org/American-RevolutionNew Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism have created three- and four-day American Revolution Trip Itineraries, which show you how you can experience for yourself the historic sites, memorials and monuments that find their home in charming towns, cosy villages and vibrant cities throughout the state.

5) Music

New Jersey has a rich music history, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Frank Sinatra all hail from here.

Visit the Bruce Springsteen Live! Exhibit at the Grammy Museum Experience at the Prudential Centre, the exhibit explores the evolution of Springsteen through the decades and grants exclusive backstage access to Springsteen legendary performances.

Catch a gig in Asbury Park, the music mecca of New Jersey. The Stone Pony is a club that has been central to the town’s music scene since 1974 and launched the careers of Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi.

SOPAC, in South Orange, is unlike most venues in the US. A non-profit multidisciplinary arts centre which hosts a variety of performances in an intimate live performance space, from dance and theatre, to family and music concerts. Its superb acoustics and small size create a unique and intimate connection between artists and audiences.

As well as at indoor venues, you can catch live performances at the many music festivals that take places throughout the year. Exit Zero Jazz Festival has become known as one of the most respected and creative jazz festivals in the country. It takes place in Cape May twice a year, every Spring and Fall, the next one takes place from May 13th to 15th. From June 16th -19th in Wildwood, country music lovers can see Eric Church, Cole Swindell and Jason Aldean at the second annual Barefoot Country Music Fest, the state’s largest country music festival. Sea.Hear.Now is a music, art and ocean sustainability festival featuring a professional surfing competition. The line-up for this year’s event, which takes place on September 17th and 18th is yet to be announced but last year Pearl Jam, The Avett Brothers and Billy Idol performed among others, so expect more big names this year.

Above- See.Hear.Now. Image by Kevin Doherty for See.Hear.Now

6) Shopping

The shopping options in New Jersey are plentiful, from upscale boutiques to bargain-friendly outlets, flea markets and discount malls, the variety of shopping in New Jersey is plentiful and with no retail tax on clothing or shoes, there’s extra need to pack light and come home heavy.

Designer items at a fraction of the original cost can be found at the many outlet malls dotted throughout the state, popular ones include The Mills at Jersey Gardens, The Mall at Short Hills and Jackson Premium Outlets which shoppers often visit by bus tours from New York in order to bag a bargain. American Dream is a 3-million-square-foot mall and one of the largest in North America.

A more “Main Street” vibe can be found in retail districts such as Historic Smithville and Village Green offering one-of-a-kind shops and attractions or for more exclusive retail therapy Princeton University town’s Palmer Square offers a stunning collection of brand-name shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques in a refined outdoor setting.

For more reasons to visit New Jersey click here.

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

Follow the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for more events and news throughout the state.
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About New Jersey

New Jersey provides a wide variety of experiences to visitors all year long. Travellers can enjoy outdoor adventures, renowned culinary offerings, educational opportunities, and a strong arts and cultural scene. With numerous state and national parks, beaches, skiing, tax-free shopping, historic sites, museums and more, New Jersey blends together its rich history and exciting present. Home to the nation’s first beach resorts and the birthplace of major inventions, New Jersey offers picturesque escape opportunities for all ages.

For more information, explore VisitNJ.org.
PR Contact:
Greg Evans Consultancy
Anna Watt, PR Director anna@gregevansconsultancy.com 07815 898995

TOP EXPERIENCES IN PHILADELPHIA FOR 2022

Philadelphia offers visitors an almost endless choice of things to see and do, and with a host of exciting new openings in the pipeline for this year as well as some fantastic events, there is now even more reason to come and explore the City of Brotherly Love.

EXHIBITIONS

Harry Potter: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute

Celebrate the iconic moments and characters of Harry Potter and the Wizarding World in this ground-breaking exhibition at The Franklin Institute. The exhibition will bring magic to life using best-in-class immersive design and technology, as visitors engage with innovative and magical environments. Guests will also get an up-close look at props and costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. The world premiere for Harry Potter: The Exhibition is on 18th February, with the magical exhibition on view through to September 2022.

Don’t Miss– Harry Potter would feel right at home at The Couldron Magical Pub, the fantasy-themed bar set to open on 20th May at 1305 Locust St. Here you can experience a potion making immersive class where you step into the imagined worlds of your childhood through molecular mixology, science and technology.

Above- Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Photo courtesy of The Franklin Institute

Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Those interested in American history will be fascinated with this exhibition which immerses visitors in the dramatic and research-based works of Don Troiani, a nationally renowned historical artist who brings the compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events of the American Revolution to life. The works, which will be on public display together for the first time, will be paired with artifacts that either inspired or are featured in Troiani’s paintings, including weapons, textiles, and more, presenting viewers with a one-of-a-kind snapshot of key moments from the war. Open now, until 5th September 2022.

Don’t Miss – Philadelphia, known for where American democracy was founded, is a playground for history buffs, boasting 67 National Historical Landmarks in what’s called the nation’s “most historic square mile.” Click here for Philadelphia’s Historic District Itinerary.

Above: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB

Deconstructing Bowie: Freedom in Eccentricity at the National Liberty Museum

Another British export is celebrated in Philadelphia, with a special exhibition acknowledging the legacy of the influential, genre-defying musician, David Bowie. Various artworks created by multiple generations of artists who were inspired by the cultural icon are on display and are available for purchase. Open now until 15th April 2022.

Don’t Miss – All music fans will love live music in Philadelphia. The city is famous for homegrown talent like Hall & Oates, Teddy Pendergrass, The Roots, Will Smith, Schoolly D, and many others. In 1985, Philadelphia and London hosted the dual-venue benefit concert, Live Aid, to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic. Since, Philadelphia has fostered innovations in classical music, opera, R&B and hip-hop, jazz, dancehall, and other genres. Though Philadelphia’s musical history and heritage pre-dates the city itself, music is alive and well and very much the heartbeat of the city today. Click here to read more.

Above: Deconstructing Bowie: Freedom in Eccentricity. Photo by J. Ryan for PHLCVB.

Light: Installations by Bruce Munro at Longwood Gardens

Artist Bruce Munro returns to Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia’s beautiful countryside to present an entirely new, breath-taking exhibition, Light: Installations by Bruce Munro. Eight installations will span Longwood’s 1,000 acres, including the garden’s picturesque indoor spaces and outdoor vistas. Visitors can explore the Field of Light, featuring 18,000 illuminated bulbs adorning the landscape in the middle of the lakes and throughout the gardens. Light is on display June 30 – October 30, 2022. Tickets will be available from 7th March, 2022.

Don’t Miss – Outdoor art is in abundance in Philadelphia. Three local programs – the Association for Public Art, Percent for Art and Mural Arts Philadelphia – are national leaders in creating, growing, maintaining, and promoting publicly-accessible art. Visitors can stroll through Philadelphia to see sculpture, architecture, mosaics and murals as well as unofficial street art. Click here to read more.

The Stories We Wear at The Penn Museum

The Penn Museum is showcasing 2,500 years of style from civilizations from around the globe via a 3,700-square-foot exhibition. The Stories We Wear is a collection of approximately 250 objects including attire, jewellery, uniforms, regalia, and tattoos. The exhibition is organized into five different themes, highlighting how people dressed for ceremonies, performances, battles, work and play, and to rule, with artifacts including a 19th century opera robe from China, a samurai sword dating back to 1603, and contemporary objects such as a full Philadelphia Eagles uniform. Running until 12th June 2022.

Don’t Miss– Expand your wardrobe at Fashion District Philadelphia, the largest cohesive retail project in downtown Philadelphia spanning three city blocks. Take advantage of tax-free shopping on clothes and shoes – bargains are plentiful. Click here to read more.

Sean Scully: The Shape of Ideas at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

This spring, the work of Sean Scully, deemed one of the leading abstract artists of our time, will be on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The exhibition will highlight the artist’s unique contributions to contemporary art through his signature stripes and bold experimentation with scale and composition. This exhibition has been expanded to include additional paintings throughout several galleries, totalling more than 100 of Scully’s works, dating from the early 1970s to the present. On view from 11th April to 31st July 2022.

Don’t Miss – Philadelphia has more public art than any other city in the U.S. Click here for some suggestions of other iconic art to view whilst here.

EVENTS

Philadelphia Flower Show

For the second year in a row, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show – the nation’s largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event – will transform Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park (FDR Park) in South Philadelphia from 11th- 19th June 2022. The theme for the show is In Full Bloom, showcasing the healing power of nature and plants.

Philadelphia Flower Show, photo by K.Huff for PHLCVB

Philly Beer Week

Celebrate all things beer at Philly Beer Week, the largest celebration of beer in the United States. The week is a perfect opportunity to sip suds with your buds in the City of Brotherly Love, where brewers have been crafting beer for more than 300 years. The 10-day festival includes beer tastings and pairings, competitions, and of course, plenty of happy hours at bars and restaurants throughout the city. Philly Beer Week is set for 3rd to 12th June, 2022.

Above: Philly Beer Week courtesy of Philly Loves Beer

Wawa Welcome America Festival

Celebrate July 4th in the city where it all began. Philadelphia honours America’s independence like no other city in the nation with the Wawa Welcome America festival- 16 days of free multicultural and multigenerational family-friendly special activities and events including free concerts, free museum days, community events, free outdoor movie screenings, block parties and plenty of fireworks (Philadelphia’s Fourth of July fireworks have been ranked most spectacular in America by MSN). This is the biggest free festival in the United States, running from 19th June to 4th July.

For current travel resources to Philadelphia, including details about the city’s COVID-19 vaccine rate and guidelines, plus tips on travelling to and exploring the city click here.

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For Further Press Information, please contact:

Anna Watt
anna@gregevansconsultancy.com
07815 898995

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 organisation has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.

EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS IN ATLANTIC CITY

The resort city of Atlantic City, located on New Jersey’s Atlantic coast, is famous for its boardwalk, wide sandy beaches, world-class entertainment options, concerts, shows and events plus its rich choice in hotels. This year brings a number of exciting developments to the city, giving Brits even more reason to visit this vibrant and exciting city.

Spanning over 20 beachfront acres on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Ocean Casino Resort has announced $75M property reinvestment in 2022, which will bring 12 floors of new hotel rooms and suites, adding 360 guest rooms and nearly 100 suites, plus the growth of several of its non-gaming amenities, including culinary and entertainment experiences. This will build on its existing 1,399 guest rooms and suites; 135,000 square feet of gaming entertainment; 1,720 slot machines; 108 gaming tables; 160,000 square feet of meeting and convention space; 90,000 square feet of unique outdoor space; 4 upscale dining restaurants; 11 casual dining options; a 40,000 square foot spa; 6 signature day and nightlife experiences; and a 4,500-seat concert venue.

Above: Ocean Casino Resort

Caesars Entertainment and Nobu Hospitality have announced the expansion of their partnership with a new project coming to Atlantic City. Nobu Hotel Atlantic City is projected to open in the summer of 2022 within Caesars Atlantic City and will further position the city as a leading travel destination on the East Coast. Nobu Hotel Atlantic City, including a Nobu restaurant, is part of Caesars’ $400 million investment into the destination by 2023. This investment features enhancements to Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort, and Tropicana Atlantic City and includes high-end remodelled room towers and suites; freshly appointed interior design elements; enhancements to the casinos’ gaming floors; and many more exciting additions within the next three years.

Above: Nobu Atlantic City

Resorts Casino Hotel is renovating its rooftop pool, adding a retractable roof to enable it to be used year-round, the pool will be open in May 2022. Resorts also is investing $5 million into new table games and slot machines, remodelling its high-limit slots area, and creating a new VIP Asian-themed room.

Above: Resorts Casino Hotel

Showboat Hotel Atlantic City officially broke ground on their newest concept, Island Waterpark an $100M indoor water park which is set to open in 2023. The 103,000-square-foot park is intended to increase the offerings for families visiting Atlantic City and will feature water slides, pools, a lazy river, food and beverage outlets, retails space, lounge areas, and a party room.

For further information on what Atlantic City has to offer visitors go to www.touratlanticcity.com

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