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About the City of Philadelphia
Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia offers much more than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound in this city and its surrounding countryside.
Those who think cheesesteak when thinking Philly food: Think again. Philadelphia — long known for American history, passionate sports fans and, yes, cheesesteaks — continues to emerge as one of the country’s finest culinary destinations. More than a decade of development has transformed the region’s dining scene from merely memorable to absolutely abundant. Bring-Your-Own-Bottle (BYOB) establishments are very popular. Areas such as South Street and Old City have a vibrant night life.
Philadelphia – the city of brotherly love - is the sixth most populous city in the USA and plays home to an astounding collection of museums, artistic venues and historical attractions. There’s the Liberty Bell, of course — plus amazing art installations, jazz venues, architectural landmarks and much more. The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s vast collection, ranging from Asian through Renaissance and modern art, makes it a world-class institution, and a must-see on any visit. It is one of the largest art museums in the United States and features the steps made popular by the film Rocky. A few of the many other notable museums include: The Franklin Institute Science Museum with a giant model walk-through Heart; The Rodin Museum, with the largest collection of Auguste Rodin sculptures outside of France; and the nation’s first art school and art museum - The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Philadelphia has more public art than any other American city.
In addition to many fine theaters, Philadelphia has two fantastic performing arts venues: The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Academy of Music, the nation's oldest continually operating venue, home to the Opera Company of Philadelphia.
Philadelphians love sports!! The city is home to the Eagles (football), Phillies (baseball), Flyers (hockey) and the 76ers (Basketball.)
Philadelphia is a city of firsts, among these: Almanac, Public Grammar School, Botanical Gardens, Fire Company, Public Library, Hospital (Pennsylvania Hospital), Bank, Theatre (Walnut St Theatre), Steamboat, US flag, nation’s first capital with first US Congress, Law school, Zoo, and Ice Cream (Bassett)!!
In Philadelphia, textbook lessons about the American Revolution come to life. Visit Independence National Historical Park where you can see the Liberty Bell and stand in Independence Hall where the founding fathers debated the Declaration of Independence and crafted the Constitution. At the National Constitution Center, discover more about this governing document and founders such as Philly's favorite elder statesman, Benjamin Franklin.
There is excellent shopping throughout the city. Center City is home to The Gallery at Market East, The Shops at Liberty Place and the Shops at the Bellevue, and a variety of standalone retail stores. Rittenhouse Row, a section of Walnut Street, has higher-end stores and boutiques. Old City and Society Hill, as well, feature upscale boutiques and retailers from local and international merchandisers. Also noteworthy is South Street with blocks of inexpensive boutiques.
The Italian Market in South Philadelphia offers groceries, meats, cheeses and housewares from Italy and other countries. Geno’s and Pat’s, two famed cheesesteak outlets, are located here. The Reading Terminal Market in Center City includes dozens of restaurants, farm stalls, and shops, many run by Amish farmers from Lancaster County.
Temperatures in November are moderate ranging from an average high of 55 degrees to an average low of 38 degrees.
Traveling into Center City is easy and affordable!! Taxi fare from Philadelphia International Airport to Center City is a flat rate of $28.50 plus tip. The regional rail runs twice each hour from the airport to Suburban Station (center city within 5 blocks of the conference hotel) and costs $6.00 ($1.00 age 65+). The Amtrak Train Station at 30th and Market Streets is a short cab ride (2 miles) from the hotel and will cost about $8.00.
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