PHILADELPHIA
May 13th, 2008 Posted in Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by Englishman William Penn as a “greene countrie towne” based on the principles of equality and freedom of expression. More than 300 years later, this magnificent metropolis continues to welcome residents and visitors from around the globe and prides itself as one of the premier destinations for gay and lesbian travelers. Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia offers much more than cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. The city has emerged as a vibrant center of culture, cuisine, creativity and community. From shopping and dining along Rittenhouse Row, to theater and music on the Avenue of the Arts, to the revered history of Old City, there is something for everyone here, and too much to do it all in one day. The heart of activity, gay and otherwise, is Center City‹the local term for downtown, which stretches between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, north to Fairmount Avenue and south to Washington Avenue. But to fully enjoy the local charm and flavor of this residential city, explore neighborhoods such as Northern Liberties, Queen Village, University City and other areas where architectural surprises, delicious BYOBs (Bring Your Own Bottle) and one-of-a-kind boutiques pop up around every corner. And the city is just part of the experience. Build time into your itinerary to enjoy the wineries, historical sites, main streets, retail complexes and natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
A short train ride from Center City can transport you to endless memorable destinations. Whether your stay in Philadelphia is for leisure, a convention, business or a family visit, one thing is for sure‹you will be amazed at how much there is to do in the Philadelphia region, and you will wish you had a couple of extra days here as well. For these reasons, and so many more, Philadelphia continues to enjoy popularity as a travel destination, especially for lesbians and gay men who find Mr. Penn’s “city of brotherly love” well named.