Destination Philadelphia
Rich history and contemporary culture combine to make Philadelphia a top destination for sports and travelers.
Philadelphia is known for its big-city excitement and neighborhood charm. The second-largest city on the East Coast, it is at the center of the Northeast Corridor and within a day’s-drive of 40 percent of the U.S. population. Made famous as the birthplace of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Philadelphia’s strength lies in its unlikely convergence of historic and cultural attractions, hip neighborhoods, substantial outdoor spaces, and world-class sporting events, all merging to create a truly dynamic urban destination.Relive History
Visitors relive history in “America’s most historic square mile,” Independence National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, and the President’s House. The President’s House, set to open in the winter of 2010, commemorates George Washington’s presidential residence, where Washington and his enslaved Africans worked and lived that served as the nation’s first White House. A visit to the park offers a fun and informative glimpse back to an exciting time when our nation was being molded by the world’s most progressive thinkers. A must on everyone’s list is one of the world’s most famous symbols of freedom – the Liberty Bell. Park rangers explain the fascinating story of how an ordinary bell (named by abolitionists of slavery) was transformed into our nation’s hallowed symbol of liberty. Just across the street is Independence Hall, the birthplace of our nation. Originally built as the Pennsylvania State House, this is the site where the Declaration of Independence was first adopted and the U.S. Constitution was written. Also located within a short march is Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the U.S.; the Betsy Ross House; Christ Church & Burial Ground; the African American Museum in Philadelphia, (the first institution built by a major United States city to house and interpret the life and work of African Americans), and much more.
Pulse of the City
The pulse of Philadelphia can be found by touring its culturally rich neighborhoods. Experience Old World heritage in South Philadelphia’s Italian Market, where the aromas and language of the old country are alive today in shops and restaurants run by generations of the original families. The Italian Market is the oldest and largest working outdoor market in the United States. A neighborhood popular with night-owls is South Street. Known as “the hippest street in Philadelphia,” South Street is famous for its eclectic shops, diverse restaurants, energetic nightlife, and possibly the best people watching in the city. With more than 80 colleges and universities in and around the region – including the University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious Ivy League institution – Philadelphia is brimming with intellectual and cultural vibrance. In fact, more than 100,000 young people come to the city each year to study at its various institutions of higher learning. The high student population gives virtually every Philadelphia neighborhood an air of youthful excitement. The best parts of Philadelphia’s various neighborhoods seem to blend together in the Old City area. An exciting mixture of art galleries, elegant eateries, and trendy bars set against the backdrop of historic buildings and cobblestone streets, Old City offers an experience that is decidedly unique to Philadelphia. The City’s new Mayor Michael Nutter, a Philadelphia native and University of Pennsylvania graduate, is creating a palpable buzz with his progressive agenda that is breathing new life into all of Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Whether the pursuit is horticultural, fitness-related, or just plain fun, Philadelphia is a city that boasts a wealth of activities for those who love the fresh air and sunshine. The premier feature of Philadelphia’s outdoor scene is Fairmount Park, the largest landscaped city park in the United States. Occupying nearly 9,200 acres, Fairmount Park is a haven for those loving activities in the great outdoors. Also, one of the park’s main attractions is its Horticulture Center, which contains an arboretum, greenhouse, and demonstration gardens, and provides a visually stunning backdrop for shutterbugs year round. The Horticulture Center contains a Japanese Tea House and Garden, where authentic Japanese tea ceremonies are staged daily. The Fairmount Water Works wows visitors with its Interpretive Center and restaurant. In fact, the restaurant, with its beautiful outdoor veranda, was recently voted “Most Romantic Spot in the City” by AOL. Along with alfresco dining, The Water Works restaurant has breathtaking views of the city’s famous Boathouse Row and Schuylkill River that are sure to inspire some exquisite photographs.
For Sports Fans
It comes as no surprise that Philadelphia was recently named the number two sports city in the nation by the Sporting News. The city is not only home to venerated professional teams like the 76ers, the Phillies, the Flyers, and the Eagles, but hosts amateur and elite sporting events like the Penn Relays, Army-Navy football game, Big-Five basketball, and the Aberdeen Dad Vail Rowing Regatta. With such a rich and hallowed tradition, it’s no wonder that Philadelphia has become a sporting destination. From attending an exciting match-up with one of the city’s 10 professional sports teams, to taking in the high-speed athleticism of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics, Philadelphia is always offering up a diverse array of sporting events. In fact, thanks to Philadelphia’s sports tradition, it’s possible to take in some type of professional sporting event year round.
In addition to the pros, the city hosts international and college sporting events, and time-honored favorites, like the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championships, and the annual Philadelphia Marathon.
