Philadelphia's history is deeply entwined with America's revolutionary period, it having been home to the luminary Benjamin Franklin and the site of significant civic development for the then-fledgeling nation. The land changed hands repeatedly, first inhabited by the Lenape tribe before being seized by Dutch, Swedish and Finnish settlers. After several periods of conflict between these north European states, the territory was conquered by England. Philadelphia was instrumental to the early days of America's independence, an epoch-making past manifested in historic landmarks like the Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Notable resident Benjamin Franklin also made his mark on the civic landscape of America, founding the town's fire department and the colonies' first hospital. While Philadelphia's historic beginnings are undeniably significant, the city, which lies at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, is also celebrated for its innate charm. One may find it in the urbane magic of Rittenhouse Square, in the gastronomical high that comes from biting into an authentic Philly Cheese Steak, or on the quiet cobbled streets of its leafy Old City. A historic city with a modern heart, Philadelphia is for those who want to connect with the landscape of America's revolution.
A dozen of international and domestic Tall Ships sail at the waterfront of Delaware River. This venue can be visited using a pass that provides access to the festival grounds, on board ship tours and unlimited activities in both Philadelphia and Camden. During the festival time, this waterfront is packed with loads of entertainment including dance, music, demonstrations, sail training and display of wide variety of crafty items.
This 1976 Claes Oldenburg sculpture carries the same bit of quirk found in many of his other works about the city. If you take a stroll through Philadelphia, you'll find it is not that odd to find a 20-foot tall, red clothespin in the middle of high activity areas. The Clothespin also provided the background for a scene with Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Ankroyd in the film "Trading Places." There are other Claes Oldenburg sculptures around town, including the giant broken button on the Penn campus at 36th and Locust Walk.
This finger-snapping hip café is nestled just around the corner from the Bellevue Hotel and just a few blocks walk from the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau in Center City. It is a perfect stop for relaxing and enjoying live jazz six nights a week. Winner of two 'Best of Philly' awards, this is a serious jazz club featuring serious talent—the place jazz musicians go to hear jazz. It also serves an outstanding dinner menu which includes crab cakes and grilled ahi tuna.
The Union League of Philadelphia originated back in 1862 in order to promote Abraham Lincoln's policies. Today, the exquisitely architecrured historical building stands tall in the heart of Philadelphia's busiest commercial district. The league has been involved with a number of philanthropic activities through the Youth Work Foundation and other such organizations. In the one-quarter million square feet of space that the building has, it encompasses 14 banquet and event rooms with excellent audio visual facilities and catering services. The space is used for everything from award ceremonies and fashion shows to corporate meetings and trade fairs.
Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts offers something for just about everyone in a wide variety of performing arts venues. This cultural area attracts audiences year round with venues like the Academy of Music, the Merriam Theater, Wilma Theater, and Regional Performing Arts Center. It encompasses both North and South Broad Street.