philadelphia & the countryside
17
Retail therapy: Philadelphia is one of the best ‘shopping cities’ in the US – and
there is no sales tax on clothes and shoes. Options include Macy’s high-end boutique shops and, a short drive from the city, Philadelphia Premium Outlets. At Valley Forge, the King of Prussia Mall is being redeveloped with a view to making it the largest in the country.
Making an Impression: The privately-owned Barnes Foundation is
home to one of the fi nest – and priceless – collections of post-Impressionist and early Modern art, including works by Renoir, Matisse and Picasso. No bars hold: For something completely different visit the now-empty
Eastern State penitentiary. This haunting site of crumbling cell blocks and empty guard towers was the world’s fi rst true ‘penitentiary’ – a prison designed to inspire penitence (or true regret) in the hearts of convicts. It will host the fi nale of this month’s Brand USA Mega Fam. Timeless street: Visit
The Countryside For an alternative look at Pennsylvania, visitors should take the time to explore the surrounding ‘Countryside’. This was a region that 230 years ago was the colonial home of the British, but today’s visitors come to occupy award-winning gardens, historic trails, wineries and great shopping. Combining Philadelphia with attractions
“Is Philadelphia still a
hidden gem? Absolutely, but that is changing. We are the
place for high culture with over 200 galleries, 2000 exhibits at
the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the amazing Barnes Foundation, the Pennsylvania Academy of fine Arts and lots of private museums”
the tiny Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied street in America, dating from 1702. Early tenants on the street were craftsmen and sea captains. Tour the nearby home of Betsy Ross, the seamstress who stitched the fi rst American fl ag in 1776.
JENNIFER FRANCIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
in Valley Forge and Brandywine is proving so popular that operator America As You Like It has produced a dedicated brochure on this ‘twin centre’ option. Owner Maggie Smit says: “A visit to Philadelphia and the countryside of the Brandywine Valley makes a great combination – you get the culture and history of the city and the chance to relax among some magnifi cent gardens, including the award- winning Longwood Gardens. Then there are wineries with tempting names like Paradox Vineyard and Black Walnut Winery, fabulous cuisine, some charming small towns and
the King of Prussia Mall.” Andrew Bird of Purely America concurs:
“Whilst Philly is an amazing city, right on its doorstep is stunning scenic countryside that shouldn’t be missed. Regardless of your clients’ interests or age, the Brandywine and Valley Forge area is blessed with a remarkable spectrum of attractions, from scenic natural beauty and amazing outdoor activities to vibrant history, fairs, and festivals. “Follow in George Washington’s footsteps – the soon-to-be president kept his army here during the winter of 1777-78 – discover beautiful gardens and world-class art museums, pick up a bargain at the outlet shops, enjoy an afternoon of golf or go rafting down a pristine river.”
What’s new Attractions: The Philadelphia Museum of Art will open a major exhibition on June
sellingtravel.co.uk
24. The Paul Durand-Ruel Impressionists exhibition, which has shown in London and Paris, will chronicle an important fi gure in the rise of the Impressionists from 1865 to 1905. Durand-Ruel both inspired and sustained artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, and Edgar Degas. World-famous masterpieces by these artists and others will be on show. Events: Fans of Harry Potter might want to time a visit to Philadelphia to coincide with the Harry Potter Festival (chestnuthillpa. com/showcase/harry-potter-festival) which will take place in the city’s charming Chestnut Hill neighbourhood October 16 and 17. The all- things-Hogwarts-related event will start with a free Harry Potter conference and a pub crawl before fi nishing the next day with a Quidditch
competition and Potter-themed activities. Excursions/Activities: The Tall Ships Challenge 2015 arrives in Philadelphia/ Camden this month (June 24-28). On show will be a dozen or so historic ships on the Delaware River Waterfront.
THE LEAD-IN FARE FOR A DELTA RETURN FLIGHT FROM HEATHROW TO
PHILADELPHIA, IN THE MAIN CABIN IS £446.66PP, INCLUSIVE OF TAXES AND SURCHARGES. THE LEAD-IN FARE FOR DELTA ONE CABIN IS £2582.66PP.
DELTA.COM
FOR INFORMATION ON PHILADELPHIA, SEE
DISCOVERPHL.COM
FOR INFORMATION ON VALLEY FORGE AND BRANDY WINE SEE
VALLEYFORGE.ORG AND
BRANDYWINEVALLEY.COM
FACT BOX
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