usa: east coast trio
FEATURE 15
and Visitors Bureau. “Philadelphia’s creative and revolutionary spirit is very much alive today, pulsing through the vibrant streets of the city and sparking a movement of makers producing world- class fashion, music, food, art, experiences and more,” he added. Most of Philly’s key tourism sites are located
in a few central neighbourhoods laid out in a grid system that makes the city easy to explore on foot. Visitors should look out for the Walk! Philadelphia oversized signs that point the way to neighbourhood names, historical sites and cultural destinations. Says Claire Campbell, Marketing Executive at Funway Holidays: “One of the most historic and beautiful cities in America, Philadelphia is a great holiday destination. Enjoy delicious world-class cuisine or tempt your taste buds with the legendary Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. “With so much to see and do, make time to
experience the artistic treasures and historical landmarks in addition to the fantastic tax-free shopping, entertainment and dining.” Alternatively, explore the city via a ‘hop-on, hop-off’ historic trolley, recommends Andrea Noble, Product Development Manager for the USA & Canada at Virgin Holidays. “It’s a great-value way to move between the main attractions… and visitors should consider a Philadelphia CityPASS. This can save holidaymakers up to 45% off entry to a choice
Opposite page, clockwise: Philadelphia’s skyline; Gulls on a beach near Atlantic City; Valley Forge National Historic Park; This page: Longwood Gardens, Brandywine; A Philly street mural; Atlantic City
“Agents should suggest twinning Philadelphia with New York, Boston or Washington D.C. A great alternative to flying is
travelling on Amtrak trains” ANDREA NOBLE, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, USA & CANADA, VIRGIN HOLIDAYS
of fi ve of the city’s top attractions such as the Adventure Aquarium, Please Touch Museum and Philadelphia Zoo,” she added. Philadelpia excels at themed tours, such as
historical walking tours, ghost tours, Mural Arts tours – the city has over 3,000 over-sized examples of graffi ti art on public buildings – and a Philadelphia in the Movies tour. The Barnes Foundation, on Benjamin Franklin
Parkway, which houses one of the fi nest collections of Post-Impressionist and early modern paintings featuring works from Picasso, Renoir and Matisse, should be near the top of the list of must-see attractions, says Philippa Westwood, Marketing Manager at America As You Like It. “The Barnes Foundation is fabulous, the
collection is absolutely priceless. Philadelphia is packed with culture and history.” Also on the Parkway is the Philadelphia Museum
of Art, with those famous ‘Rocky Steps’. When it comes to shopping Philadelphia competes with any US city. Top choices include a large Macy’s, the Gallery at Market East and the Philadelphia Premium Outlets, with more than 150 stores. Best of all, there’s no sales tax on clothes and shoes!
www.sellinglonghaul.com
WHAT’S NEW Tourism: The city has a new marketing slogan.
The ‘PHL: Here for the Making’ tag has seen The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) join forces with other key players, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Hotel Association, to strengthen the city’s position as a world-class destination for international tourism, business gatherings and talent attraction. (
discoverPHL.com/makeitPHL) Hotels: Philadelphia’s hotel scene is
fl ourishing. The city expects to welcome several new city centre hotels by 2017. These include the 200-room Four Seasons, in the recently announced Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, a combined Westin Hotels facility, and an SLS International with 149 hotel rooms at Broad and Spruce streets. A Kimpton property is earmarked for 18th and Vine Streets, while a possible casino-hotel is planned for Center City or South Philadelphia. Attractions: Philadelphia is getting its own bike share programme. Beginning in the autumn, 150-200 bike share stations will be installed throughout Philly’s most popular neighbourhoods. From April 9-October 14, the National
Constitution Center promises a ‘powerfully engaging’ exhibition using Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s plantation in central Virginia, as a focal point for examining the history of slavery in the US. As of October last year, one of the premier ballet
companies in the USA, Pennsylvania Ballet (paballet. org) has been celebrating its 50th birthday and will continue to do so until June 2014. Pennsylvania Ballet has been at the forefront of American dance since 1963 and is
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