Category Archives: Philadelphia

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

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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.

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.

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

Anna Watt
PR Director, Greg Evans Consultancy
anna@gregevansconsultancy.com
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.

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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.

 

 

Philadelphia is the 2023 Best City for Street Art

The city of Philadelphia has enjoyed yet another accolade having been named the 2023 Best City for Street Art by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

This designation recognizes that Philadelphia is home to thousands of vibrant outdoor murals, sculptures, statues, and public art pieces that are easily accessible for visitors and residents alike.

Philadelphia is widely recognised as the  ”Mural Capital of the World”  due to its vibrant and awe-inspiring public art scene. From towering masterpieces that adorn entire buildings to hidden gems tucked away in neighbourhood streets, Philadelphia’s mural art has become an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric, captivating residents and visitors alike.

USA Today cited the work of Mural Arts Philadelphia for helping to cement Philadelphia’s global reputation for street art. Since its inception in 1984, Mural Arts Philadelphia has overseen the creation of 4,400 works of public art, working tirelessly to bring together artists, communities and organisations to create stunning murals that transform public spaces and inspire dialogue.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the city’s street art on foot, by train, by trolley, bicycle or Segway, either guided by volunteers from Mural Arts Philadelphia or with the aid of a free smartphone app.

Philadelphia’s street art also won international praise in Michelin’s new Philadelphia destination guide, released earlier in 2023. “Few North American cities have shown such consideration to art and urban planning,” the Michelin Green Guide states. “Philly is practically an open-air museum. Everywhere you look are statues, porticos, Greek Revival or neoclassical pediments, museums.”

For more information on Philadelphia’s street art visit Discover Philadelphia.

ENDS-

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.

Philadelphia Names Most Walkable City by USA Today

Philadelphia was named the 2023 Most Walkable City in the U.S by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards.  The city was selected by a panel of travel experts and won based on reader votes.

“Philadelphia is consistently ranked amongst the nation’s most walkable cities and we are happy to see the city again receiving national recognition for its ease of access” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This award confirms what we already knew about Philadelphia – it is an accessible destination that is easy to navigate on foot, from river to river.”

The list of 20 competing cities was determined by a panel of travel experts, looking for walkable cities that offer many hotels, restaurants and attractions, all accessible to visitors by pedestrian-friendly streets.  Philadelphia was voted number one by USA Today readers and members of the public after a 28-day voting period.

 

Above images courtesy of Visit Philadelphia, L to R: Independence Hall, Barnes Foundation and Old City

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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.

 

 

Michelin Launches First Ever Philadelphia Guide

America’s founding city is the latest of just eight destinations in the United States to be selected by Michelin for inclusion in their distinguished collection of global guidebooks.

In June Michelin will be publishing its very first Philadelphia destination guide, highlighting the city’s top leisure travel experiences. The Michelin Green Guide includes unmissable attractions, restaurants, hotels and experiences in Philadelphia and The Countryside of Philadelphia.

Since 1900, the Michelin Guide has featured destinations around the globe and has long been recognized internationally as the most prestigious standard for restaurant and hotel recommendations.

The Philadelphia destination guide says the city “offers the perfect compromise between American excess and European spirit, not to mention all the appeal of a city packed with art, history, and a cultural effervescence few people expect.”

The editors name their standout recommendations, including biking the Schuylkill River Trail, exploring the city’s more than 4,000 public murals and marveling at the Philadelphia Orchestra. Of Philadelphia’s performing arts offerings, the guide boasts, “there’s no point in going to New York when the shows here are Broadway quality and offer all the zest and virtuosity of the typical American production.”

Notable Philadelphia residents offer their personal insight on what makes the city special, featuring Mural Arts founder and executive director Jane Golden and Philadelphia Orchestra music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

The guide editors also list their “top picks” for dining, including classic cheesesteak spots like Campo’s and Ishkabibble’s and new favourites like South Philly Barbacoa and Her Place. Of Philadelphia’s food scene, the guide says, “the city offers many mouth-watering reasons for foodies to make a beeline for Philly.”

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), the official tourism promotion agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, was approached by Michelin to partner on the creation of a destination guide. The PHLCVB collaborated with Chester County Tourism and Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board to extend the guide’s coverage to feature The Countryside of Philadelphia, including Nemours, Winterthur, Longwood Gardens and more. The guide will be available in both French and English language editions.

“Philadelphia truly is a global city and recognition of our excellent hotels, restaurants and attractions from Michelin with a dedicated destination guide is the result of our collective work elevating the region on the international stage,” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the PHLCVB. “We are confident the Michelin Green Guide will help inspire even more travellers to experience our city.”

Philippe Orain, editor-in-chief of the Michelin Green Guide said, “Philadelphia is a condensed version of today’s America: a historic city turned towards the future. It will entice you thanks to its old neighbourhoods rich with incredible restaurants, its museums of unbelievable culture and its glittering skyscrapers. It is worth the travel and becomes an essential gateway for a trip to the East Coast. ”

Orain will be in Philadelphia to launch the English-language version of the Green Guide on Thursday, May 18, when he will announce the star reward recipients. The French language version launches this month, with the English book available for UK and North American travellers from June.

Determined by Michelin criteria, the Green Guide awards stars to aspects of the tourism experience such as the destination itself, the neighbourhoods, and museums/attractions. Restaurants are given hearts which identify the editor’s favourites. The star grades, one, two or three, reflect a specific review, either worth a visit, worth a detour or worth a special journey, respectively.

Philadelphia is easily accessible with daily direct flights from London Heathrow with British Airways and American Airlines and daily direct flights from Dublin with Aer Lingus and American Airlines.

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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.

About Michelin

Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to sustainably enhancing its clients’ mobility; designing and distributing the most suitable tires, services, and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps, and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries, has 132,200 employees and operates 67 tire production facilities which together produced around 167 million tires in 2022. (https://www.michelin.com/)

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.

World Premier of Disney100: The Exhibition comes to Philadelphia, Immersing Guests in the Magic of Disney

The world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition, which celebrates Disney 100 Years of Wonder, launches a World Tour at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute on February 18, 2023.

Created for the 100-year celebration of The Walt Disney Company, the exhibition will immerse guests in the beloved stories that have been dazzling guests since 1923, when Walt Disney set his company on a path that would revolutionize the entertainment industry.

President and CEO of The Franklin Institute Larry Dubinski commented, “The Franklin Institute is thrilled to host Disney100: The Exhibition, the first major event to mark the global celebration of Disney’s 100 years, allowing fans throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond the very first opportunity to see these crown jewels come to life in beautifully crafted galleries reflecting the creative empire synonymous with imaginative storytelling, innovation, discovery, and wonder.”

Over the past 100 years, Disney has brought its iconic stories and characters to life in new and innovative ways, becoming part of the global culture and creating generations of memories for billions. Disney100: The Exhibition invites guests to step into their favourite stories using innovation and immersive technology throughout ten galleries in the 15,000-square-foot exhibit.

The Walt Disney Archives opens its vault of treasures, showcasing hundreds of extraordinary objects, including many of Disney’s “Crown Jewels” – more than 250 rarely seen original artworks and artifacts, costumes and props, and other memorabilia. Disney has curated special behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the most popular characters, films, shows, and attractions – from Disneyland to Walt Disney World® Resort and beyond.

The ten magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries, with moving stories, unique interactive installations, and exciting background information, will take visitors on a journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, celebrating the classics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Strange World, as well as the latest members of the Disney family – Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic.

This exhibit joins a long list of fantastic family friendly things to see and do in Philadelphia, as well as exciting new openings and world premieres around the city.

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For Further Press Information 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.

About The Franklin Institute
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in science and technology learning and a dynamic centre of activity. As Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

About the Walt Disney Archives
For more than 50 years, the Walt Disney Archives has carefully safeguarded the most treasured items from The Walt Disney Company’s history, including original scripts, movie props and costumes, Walt Disney’s correspondence and script notes, theme park artifacts, merchandise, millions of archival photographs, and many of Walt’s personal effects. Founded by Disney Legend Dave Smith in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives is a vital resource for every part of Disney, as well as an important research centre for Disney scholars, researchers, and writers. The Archives also shares its countless pieces with Disney fans everywhere through its exhibitions and close association with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

 

Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary’s Annual Halloween Festival Returns with Three New Attractions and Many Returning Favourites

The setting for Halloween Nights is unparalleled. Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a lost world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. This gothic structure, with soaring 30-foot-high fortress walls, is intimidating enough during the day. At night, the cellblocks fall into darkness and the penitentiary takes on a different energy.

Photo courtesy of Eastern State Penitentiary

Halloween Nights brings visitors into the penitentiary’s cellblocks, exercise yards, workshops, outdoor courtyards, and hidden nooks. Nearly every inch of the penitentiary complex is activated for the event, which features five haunted houses, live entertainment, and themed bars, as well as night-time historic tours and museum experiences.

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary returns for its 2022 season on Friday, 23rd September. The annual event, which runs select nights until 12th November, will feature three new attractions- two haunted houses and an immersive, themed bar. ‘Nightmares’, will bring visitors face-to-face with the creatures that lurk in the shadowy corners of their most unsettling dreams . ‘Big Top Terror’ winds through the grounds of a twisted carnival with menacing characters at every turn. Continuing their carnival-themed adventure, visitors can stop for a drink and light fare at the ‘Bizarre Bar’ where fire dancers, knife throwers, and other acts will be on hand to entertain.

Photo courtesy of Eastern State Penitentiary

Halloween Nights will also bring back the popular option to “opt in” for a more intense experience for the first time since 2019. If they choose, visitors can pick up a glow necklace at the entrance to any haunted house. Anyone wearing a glow necklace may be grabbed, sent into hidden passageways, and even temporarily separated from their group.

Night-time History and Museum Experiences

Within the festival is an area for the historic site’s flagship history and museum experiences. Visitors can take a break from the scares in the Fair Chance Beer Garden, operated in partnership with Triple Bottom Brewing Company. This area includes Eastern State’s award-winning Prisons Today exhibit which covers the the root causes of mass incarceration, and a history highlights audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi that illustrates patterns of incarceration with a dramatic 16-foot-tall bar graph on the prison’s baseball diamond. A guided flashlight tour takes visitors into Eastern State Penitentiary’s historic Cellblock 3, the Hospital Block.

Ticket prices start from $34 and are on sale now at www.HalloweenNights.org

For more information on spooky fun in Philadelphia 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

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.