Author: Lisa Tossey

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – August 2000


Events for August

The Republicans Are Coming!!! – The Republican National Convention
July 31 – August 3
At the First Union Center (S. Broad Street)
This will be the fifth Republican Convention held in Philadelphia, which was the host city for the party’s first convention in 1856.

City Hall
PoliticalFest
July 26 – August 3

At the Pennsylvania Convention Center (Arch Street, between 11th & 13th Streets)
A political festival, offering “a special look at American Politics.” Features include tours of a life-size replica of Air Force One, a pseudo Oval Office, interactive multimedia kiosks, and the nation’s largest political memorabilia exhibit – including a swap meet for collectors.
For info call: (215) 686-0350

The PECO Energy Multicultural Series
Held on Penn’s Landing – Delaware River Waterfront
A series of festivals held throughout the month that celebrate the food, music, dance and crafts of different cultures. All events run from Noon – 8 pm.

  • August 4-6, German Festival
  • August 12-13, Polish Festival
  • August 19, Festival of India
  • August 20, Caribbean Festival
  • August 26-27, African American Cultural Extravaganza

    Pennsylvania Dutch Festival
    August 10-12, 8 am – 5 pm
    Reading Terminal Market (12th and Arch Streets)
    A yearly festival that celebrates the traditions, foods and crafts of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Saturday (Aug.12th) will feature live farm animals and Amish buggy rides on Arch Street.
    For info call: (215) 922-2317

    Philadelphia Folk Festival
    August 25 – 27

    Old Pool Farm, Schwenksville
    A three-day festival featuring both traditional and contemporary folk music, dancing, storytelling and camping.
    Call for tickets and schedule: (800) 556-FOLK

    Take A Tour!
    Here are some tours that provide a unique look at Philadelphia. I have selected a few of the more interesting ones, however, there are literally hundreds of tours out there – for a complete listing call the Philadelphia Visitors Center at (215) 636-1666 or (800) 90PHILA.

    Centipede Tours

    (1315 Walnut St., 215-735-3123)
    Take a candlelight tour through the hidden gardens and courtyards of one of America’s oldest neighborhoods with a guide in Colonial costume. Every Friday and Saturday (May 19-Oct. 14) at 6:30 pm from Welcome Park (2nd St. near Walnut St.)

    Chef’s Tour of the Italian Market

    (215-772-0739)
    Visit one of the country’s oldest ethnic markets with the author of Italian Food and Folklore. Receive authentic recipes and samples, as well as discounts at local merchants. Tours run morning and afternoon Tuesday – Saturday, reservations are required.

    Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
    (215-413-1997)
    A 1½ hour candlelight tour of Old City and Society Hill, with chilling stories about America’s most historical and haunted city. Tours start at 7:30 pm daily at 7th and Chestnut Streets. Reservations required. Adults $10, Children (3-12 yrs) $5.

    Philadelphia Trolley Works
    (215-925-TOUR)
    These fully narrated tours run 90 minutes, but allow on-and-off privileges at over 20 stops with an all-day pass. Tours of Fairmont Park are also included. Courtesy Shuttle pick-up is available from 9am-4pm daily at any Center City location.

    Tippler’s Tour

    (244 S. 3rd Street, 800-76-HISTORY)
    The original 18th century pub-crawl hosted by Historic Philadelphia, Inc. This 90-minute guided walking tour features a snack and a strong beverage at each stop. Must be at least 21 years old to participate. Fridays at 5:30pm – through December.

    Trophy Bikes
    (311 Market Street, 215-625-7999)
    This company offers both bicycle rentals and cycle tours of Philadelphia. Prices start at $30 per day, which includes a bike, helmet and guide.

    More Weird Facts

  • Broad Street is the second-longest straight street in the country. It is 12 miles long, second to Chicago’s Western Ave.
  • Edgar Allen Poe lived at six different addresses in Philadelphia, including a property at 530 N 7th street, which has been preserved. Rumor has it that he wrote parts of The Raven, The Bells, and Annabel Lee while living there.


    Geography
    Philly is located on the Eastern Coast of the US, a short distance from Washington D.C., New York City and Atlantic City, NJ.

    Accommodations
    A wide variety of hotels at all price ranges may be found in Center City.  I am myself a B&B lover, especially in such a historical city, so here are a few to choose from:

    Bed & Breakfasts

  • Gaskill House
    Old City, a private residence since 1828 w/a private city garden.  (215)413-0669

  • Rittenhouse B&B
    A beautiful European-style B&B centrally located. (215)545-1755

  • Ten Eleven Clinton B&B
    The highest rated B&B in Philly (AAA 3-diamond).  An all suite B&B, with many amenities in a townhouse dated to 1836. (215)923-8144

  • Spring Garden Manor
    In the Art Museum district, featuring artwork by local artists.  Rooms have private baths. (215)567-2484

    Transport
    Airport
    The cheapest method of transportation between Philadelphia International Airport and Center City is the SEPTA Train.  The train picks up from all terminals, and runs to 3 Center City stations :
    30th Street Station (N 30th St. between Market and Arch Sts.)
    Suburban Station (JFK Blvd. between N 16th and 17th Sts.), and

    Market East Station (N 11th and Market St.).

    A one way ticket costs $5, and trains run every 30 minutes from 6:10am to 12:10am.  The ride takes 20-30 minutes. Most areas of the city are accessible from these stations by bus, subway or cab.

    Cab fare from the airport to most Center City locations runs about $20, and the ride can take 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

    Train
    30th Street Station is the main Amtrak station, with service to and from most major Eastern U.S. cities.

    Money
    US currency is standard.
    Per diem costs can range from $50 and up, depending on your tastes!

    Weird Facts
    The term "United States of America" was used for the first time on July 6, 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was published in Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Evening Post.

    Philadelphia’s first corrupt politician was William Penn’s cousin, Col. William Markham. Markham served as Penn’s deputy governor from 1693 to 1699.  During this time he offered a safe haven to pirates (including Captain Kidd) for the sum of 100 British pounds per crew member.

    The Author
    I am not a native Philadelphian by any means…however I have lived here now for over a year, and have come to appreciate all it has to offer!

    Other Philly Links
    Citysearch Philadelphia