Press Release

15 REASONS TO MAKE PHILADELPHIA YOUR SUMMER VACATION DESTINATION
Summer’s The Season For History, Arts, Sports, Music And More In Philly

PHILADELPHIA, February 21, 2008 - Summer in Philadelphia has long been the ideal time to celebrate our nation’s independence. This year, visitors can also learn about the tales of real pirates, gaze at contemporary American artwork, watch potential Olympic gymnasts in action, take the Presidential Oath of Office and experience other annual events that make this accessible city a destination not to be missed. Plenty of affordable hotel package options make it easy for visitors to spend a few days here. To book the Philly’s More Summer Fun Hotel Package, which pairs a two-night hotel stay with a $50 gift card from American Express, visit www.gophila.com/summerfun.

Betsy Ross House

Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC

 

• Franklin Square – This spring, two of Philadelphia’s beloved horse heroes—Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex—will permanently join the other animals on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel in the refurbished original square in the heart of Historic Philadelphia. Also, new and delicious food options will tempt any park-goer’s tastes. The carousel, mini-golf and concessions reopen on April 1, 2008. 6^th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.onceuponanation.org
• Nature’s Castles – Longwood Gardens’ spectacular treehouse exhibition will inspire the nature lover, craftsperson and kid in everyone. Guests can climb and explore large-scale treehouses made by the country’s best designers. April 25-September 1, 2008. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org
• Sesame Place – The only theme park in the nation where the stars of Sesame Street come alive everyday, Sesame Place debuts its Sunny Day Carousel on May 3, 2008, in the center of the park. The Sesame Street-themed carousel features 36 custom-created colorful, Muppet-like horses. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, (215) 752-7070, www.sesameplace.com
• Once Upon A Nation – Once Upon A Nation’s 13 one-of-a-kind storytelling benches throughout Historic Philadelphia and four benches at Valley Forge National Historical Park come to life once again starting Memorial Day weekend. Specially trained storytellers delight and entertain with stories about the nation’s history in the places where they actually happened. New for 2008, Once Upon A Nation introduces storytelling at the Free Quaker Meeting House and Signer’s Garden in Historic Philadelphia and Varnum’s Quarters at Valley Forge, along with 30 brand new stories. Through Labor Day weekend. Free. (215) 629-4026, www.onceuponanation.org
• Flag Festival – The Betsy Ross House will host Philadelphia’s first citywide Flag Festival. Featuring an exhibition of historic flags, demonstrations by local artisans, book signings and family fun, the event coincides with Flag Week and culminates with a weekend-long Flag Day celebration, including a street fair on Arch Street. June 8-15, 2008. Free. 239 Arch Street, (215) 629-4026, www.onceuponanation.org
• Sunoco Welcome America! – This annual party throughout the city celebrates the America’s birthday in America’s birthplace. Outdoor movie screenings, salsa dancing, concerts, fireworks and a festival of Philly food are the hallmarks of this all-American festival. June 28-July 6, 2008. Free. (215) 683-2200, www.americasbirthday.com
• Quest for Freedom – Visitors can immerse themselves in the story of the Underground Railroad by participating in a self-guided tour of Philadelphia’s Quest for Freedom sites. Just steps away from the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, these sites and their heroic tales illustrate Philadelphia’s pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement. Free. www.gophila.com/questforfreedom
• National Constitution Center – There’s no better place to delve into the 2008 presidential elections than at the National Constitution Center, where visitors can weigh in on current issues on the newly added Town Hall Walls, addressing the Electoral College and other hot topics. Come end of summer, visitors can check out Headed to the White House, a new exhibit on view September 17, 2008 to January 20, 2009, that explores the path to the presidency. Of course, wanna-be leaders can experience what it’s like to take the Presidential Oath of Office any time of year at the Constitution Center’s popular interactive display. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6600, www.constitutioncenter.org

• Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah – This exhibition at The Franklin Institute tells the compelling true tale of a real pirate ship that started out as a slave ship in 1715. Real Pirates features more than 150 artifacts recovered from the ocean floor wreckage, including its bell and massive anchor, gold and silver coins, cannons, jewelry, swords, pistols and personal belongings, which helped shed light on a tumultuous period in history. May 31-November 2, 2008. 222 N. 20^th Street, (215) 448-1200, www.fi.edu
• American Contemporary Masters – This exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will include 50-75 works from both their own collection and the Bank of America collection. The corporation’s works chronicle the fast-paced art world over three decades and create a visual dialogue with the Academy’s expanding contemporary collection. Some of the influential artists featured include Bartlett, Close, Francis, Golub, Johns, Kruger, Mangold, Pearlstein and Warhol. June 28-September 21, 2008. 128 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, www.pafa.org
• The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present – The African American Museum in Philadelphia presents a culmination of three exhibitions that represents the most comprehensive project ever organized about African contributions to Mexican culture. Exploring a period of nearly 500 years, the show aims to highlight a missing chapter in Mexican history and stimulate a better understanding of Mexican culture. June 13-October 25, 2008. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org

• Cirque du Soleil® KOOZA© – Cirque du Soleil returns to Philadelphia under the trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) on the Avenue of the Arts with the Philadelphia debut of KOOZA. The story focuses on The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world, by combining the circus traditions of acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. May 8-June 1, 2008. Broad Street & Washington Avenue, (800) 678-5440, www.cirquedusoleil.com
• The Color Purple – Also making its Philadelphia premiere, this stirring musical at the Academy of Music is based on Alice Walker’s award-winning novel, which tells the story of a woman named Celie as she attempts to find her voice in the world. June 17-July 13, 2008. Broad & Locust Streets, (215) 893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org
• POPPED! Festival – This three-day outdoor festival, held at Drexel University, features globally recognized acts and breakthrough local artists from different genres, resulting in original lineups and performances. In addition to providing great entertainment, this second annual event also promotes sustainability by going green. June 20-22, 2008. www.poppedphiladelphia.org

• U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics – The country’s top gymnasts showcase their talents at the Wachovia Center as they vie for berths on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team. While the roster has not been finalized, fans can expect to see 2007 World All-Around Champion Shawn Johnson and 2004 Olympic All-Around Champion Paul Hamm. June 19-22, 2008. Broad Street & Pattison Avenue, (800) 298-4200, www.comcasttix.com

Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery.

CONTACT:

Cara Schneider, GPTMC
(215) 599-0789, cara@gptmc.com

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