NABJ Convention 2011: Visitors’ Guide
DeAr nABJ MeMber, So glAd we’re together AgAin!
Dear NABJ Convention Attendees, Welcome! We’re so happy to host you in Philadelphia. A lot has changed since you last convened here in 1995. Historic Philadelphia has undergone a transformation that includes the new Liberty Bell Center, National Constitution Center, The President’s House: Freedom and slavery in the Making of a New Nation, National Museum of American Jewish History, a new permanent exhibition at The African American Museum in Philadelphia and much, much more. The restaurant scene is booming as star chefs and rising culinary stars dish out fresh, innovative and oh-so-delicious dishes in diverse and buzzing neighborhoods. And modern museums, new sports stadiums and a bigger, better Pennsylvania Convention Center add to the city’s ever-expanding appeal. Of course, classic favorites such as independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art always wow residents and visitors alike. Use this guide to take full advantage of your time here. Then plan a return trip with your family or friends to delve deeper into our history, arts, music, dining or nightlife scenes for a travel story. No matter the reason for your next visit to Philadelphia, we’ll welcome you “With Love.”
MediA eveNts Just For You GPTMC has arranged some fun and informative ways for NABJ members to see, taste and experience Philadelphia.
essential PhillY eXPeRienCes: n
Cheesesteak Tasting Wednesday, August 3, 10:00 p.m. Limited to first 60 people; meet in Marriott lobby. Sample Philly’s most famous delicacy during this late-night cheesesteak excursion to Tony Luke’s in South Philadelphia. Includes free transportation and Philly cheesesteak.
RSVP to Andi Coyle at andi@gptmc.com n
Liberty Bell Viewing Friday, August 5, 8:00-9:00 a.m. Meet in Marriott lobby at 7:40 a.m. to walk over to the Liberty Bell Center. Explore the Liberty Bell Center and its famous cracked Bell before it opens to the public at 9:00 a.m. Then tour the newly opened President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation.
RSVP to Cara Schneider at cara@gptmc.com.
Media BRieFings: n
Reception for Travel and Lifestyle Journalists Thursday, August 4, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 119A Get the scoop on the Philadelphia region’s big stories for 2012.
Sincerely,
RSVP to Rachel Ferguson at rachel@gptmc.com. n
Reception for LGBT Journalists Thursday, August 4, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 119B Learn how to get your history straight and your nightlife gay in Philadelphia.
Meryl Levitz President and CEO Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation P.S. Want more suggestions about how to spend your time in Philadelphia? Go to visitphilly.com, philly360.com and uwishunu.com for plenty of ideas.
RSVP to Bruce Yelk at bruce@gptmc.com. Get story ideas, tourism news, high-res photos, videos, contact information and
Get story ideas, tourism news, high-res photos, videos, contact information and more at visitphilly.com/pressroom
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tHe PHiLLY BAsiCs if you’ve never been to Philadelphia before or never explored the city beyond the Convention Center, a boardroom or a hotel bar, it’s time for Philly 101. Here’s a list of must-sees, must-dos, must-tastes for first-time visitors: n
Philadelphia is the birthplace of freedom. Pick up free timed tickets for Independence Hall—and many other Philly attractions—at the Independence Visitor Center. Then, head a block south to tour the building where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the U.S. Constitution was debated, drafted and signed. Next, cross the street for a stop at the Liberty Bell Center, and take a look at the mighty cracked bell that served as a symbol of freedom for abolitionists who actually gave the Liberty Bell its name. Also not to be missed: the new President’s House, a site that deals with the paradox of slavery and freedom (see page 8 for more info). Between 5th & 6th Streets and between Market & Chestnut Streets,
(215) 965-2305, nps.gov/inde
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Best known for their appearance in several Rocky movies, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are a favorite stop for Balboa fans eager to recreate the boxer’s famous run up the enormous staircase. After you complete your triumphant journey to the top of the steps, head inside to ogle the stunning collection of Renaissance, American and Impressionist art.
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Trying Philly’s signature foods is a must while in town. It’s fun to sample cheesesteaks from Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, competing vendors in South Philly at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue. Tony Luke’s in South Philly and Jim’s Steaks on South Street are other popular spots. The salty, doughy delight known as the soft pretzel is available at street vendors found on corners all over town, or you can get it fresh out of the oven at Sansom Street Soft Pretzel Factory at 1532 Sansom Street. If you want to taste all of Philly’s iconic foods, a few Amish specialties and Delilah’s famous mac and cheese (an Oprah fave), head to the always-buzzing Reading Terminal Market at 12th and Arch Streets. While there, you’ll also want to check out Amazulu’s handcrafted jewelry and Dé Village’s African art, jewelry and accessories.
Fact check:
Journalists, did you know the word “Pensylvania” is misspelled on the Liberty Bell? It’s missing the letter “n.”
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
(215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
Liberty Bell Center
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Download hundreds of high-resolution images of Philadelphia for free at visitphilly.com/pressroom
Brush up on Philly 101 at visitphilly.com Get the insider scoop on African-American culture from history to hip-hop at philly360.com
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BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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Midtown Village
Midtown Village is essentially your hotel’s front yard. The dining and shopping hotspot’s main thoroughfare is on 13th Street beginning at Chestnut Street. Have 20 minutes or more? n Satisfy your sweet tooth with a taste of Capogiro Gelato Artisans’ divine housemade gelato in flavors like persimmon, honeysuckle and black walnut. 119 S. 13th Street, (215) 351-0900, capogirogelato.com
1300 Market Street, (215) 241-9000,
macys.com
Have all day? Pick your favorite options from above and below for a city experience sure to please: n Shop for official reproductions of pro uniforms and fawn over historical sports imagery and memorabilia at indie shop-turnedinternational sensation Mitchell & Ness.
Peruse the shelves at Robin’s Books, a scruffy and lovable throwback to what bookshops used to be.
mitchellandness.com n
110A S. 13th Street, (215) 735-9600,
robinsbookstore.com
Have at least an hour or more? Add one or both of these options to your itinerary: n Walk through the neighborhood to view larger-than-life works by the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, including Philadelphia Muses at 13th and Locust Streets and Pride & Progress at Juniper and Spruce Streets. For a more in-depth look, take a themed tour, such as the African American Iconic Images Collection. (215) 685-0750, muralarts.org
or
Choose from a United Nations of flavors along 13th Street: Barbuzzo (Mediterranean); Bindi (Indian BYOB); Zavino (pizza); El Vez (Mexican); and Sampan (Asian). 13th Street between Chestnut & Walnut Streets
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Catch a show at one of the many performance venues that line the Avenue of the Arts: the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, The Wilma Theater or Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Broad Street between Locust & Lombard Streets
Fact Check:
At the Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) Experience gift shop, autographed walls and a vast memorabilia collection tell the story of Gamble and Huff ’s Philadelphia International Records. tsopsoulradio.com
Learn more about Midtown Village at visitphilly.com
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Rittenhouse Square
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West of Broad Street—about a 10-minute walk from your hotel—you’ll find that grand brownstones, high-end shops and see-andbe-seen restaurants inhabit the city’s ritziest zip code. Have 20 minutes or more? n Grab a bench in bustling Rittenhouse Square, and watch families, free spirits, nannies, neighbors, college kids and corporate types do their thing. If you prefer a glass of pinot grigio with your people watching, snag an outdoor table at Rouge, Devon or Parc.
1201 Chestnut Street (entrance on 12th Street), (267) 273-7622,
or n
Drop into Macy’s—formerly Wanamaker’s, the first department store in the country—to catch a musical treat: a Wanamaker Organ concert, taking place Monday through Saturday at noon and in the evening.
Walnut Street from Broad to 19th Streets
Have all day? Pick your favorite options from above and below for a city experience sure to please: n Get a bird’s-eye view of Philadelphia from City Hall’s observation deck, which sits just below the William Penn statue. Broad & Market Streets, E. Market Street Portal, Room 121, (215) 686-2840,
18th Street between Walnut & Locust Streets
phila.gov/virtualch
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Head into the lobby of the Comcast Center, the tallest “green” building in the country, for a look at the largest four-millimeter LED screen in the world, and watch in wide-eyed delight as realistic nature imagery, urban landscapes and other scenes pop onto the screen.
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(215) 557-1562, aboutphace201.com
visitphilly.com/comcast
222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu
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Pamper yourself with a makeup application or facial at Ursula’s About PHace, where cosmetics connoisseur Ursula Augustine prides herself on her real-life makeup and skincare knowledge. 1700 Sansom Street, Suite 201,
1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard,
Have at least an hour or more? Add one or both of these options to your itinerary: n Celebrate science at The Franklin Institute, where interactive exhibitions, the Fels Planetarium and the Tuttleman IMAX Theater explore everything from sports to space. Right now, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is on view.
Wander Walnut Street and its environs for high-end goods from luxury chains and independent retailers, including Apple, Nicole Miller, Lagos, MAC, Ubiq, Kimberly Boutique, SA VA, Joan Shepp, Coach and others. And remember, there’s no sales tax on clothing here.
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Unwind with the help of local and national stand-up comedians at Helium Comedy Club, serving food and drinks alongside top entertainment. 2031 Sansom Street, (215) 496-9001,
heliumcomedy.com
Fact Check:
City founder William Penn developed an easy-to-follow grid street design that features five main squares: Rittenhouse, Logan, Washington, Franklin and Penn (City Hall).
Learn more about Rittenhouse Square at visitphilly.com
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histoRiC PhiladelPhia
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Make a left out of your hotel for a short sixblock walk on Market Street to “America’s most historic square mile.” Steeped in history, the neighborhood is also home to trendy restaurants, owner-operated boutiques and contemporary art galleries and design showrooms. Have 20 minutes or more? n Explore the newly opened President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation, a site that deals powerfully with the paradox of slavery and freedom and commemorates the lives of the enslaved Africans who lived and worked in the first executive mansion while George Washington was president. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 965-2305,
525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700,
constitutioncenter.org
Have all day? Pick your favorite options from above and below for a city experience sure to please: n Gallery hop on 2nd Street, making stops at ArtJaz Gallery, The Clay Studio, Vivant Art Collection and any other galleries that catch your eye along the way. 2nd Street from Market to Race Streets n
nps.gov/inde
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• Grab a map at the Historic Philadelphia Center and head off to find one or more of the 13 Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches, where storytellers share funny, sad and inspirational tales about the people of Philly’s past. 6th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
Have at least an hour or more? Add one or both of these options to your itinerary: n Take a fresh look at the stories of 18th-century African-Americans through photos, videos and artifacts on display at The African American Museum in Philadelphia’s Audacious Freedom exhibit. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org
or
Renew your appreciation of the U.S. Constitution at the National Constitution Center, filled with high-tech exhibitions, artifacts and displays and a moving multimedia show.
Relax and take in the spectacular views at the Race Street Pier, the newest addition to the Delaware River Waterfront—complete with a sky promenade, woodland gardens and an expansive lawn.
Photos by M. Edlow, D. King and L. Whitaker for GPTMC
Columbus Boulevard at Race Street,
(215) 922-2FUN, racestreetpier.com n
Discover what you have in common with the Jewish experience in America during a trip to the new National Museum of American Jewish History, marking the trials and triumphs of American Jews.
is your guide to Philly’s diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food and more. For the most up-to-date info on Philly, including events, exclusive interviews and insider tips, check out
101 S. Independence Mall East,
(215) 923-3811, nmajh.org
Fact check:
The President’s House: Their Untold Stories in Quilts honors the courage of the nine enslaved persons held by George Washington, with displays at the Constitution Center, the Independence Visitor Center and The African American Museum through September 5.
philly360.com.
Learn more about Historic Philadelphia at visitphilly.com/history
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PoWer LuNCH, driNKs ANd diNNer
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It’s not all business at these restaurants and bars, which impress crowds with amazing food, creative drinks and great entertainment. n
The stylish Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar recreates a 1940s Cuban street scene with an open-air setting, tropical ambiance and sultry Latin music. Diners are treated to dinner and a late-night show on weekends, when Latin dancers perform high-energy floorshows in the dining room.
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cubalibrerestaurant.com
Under the watchful eye of the giant Buddha, guests at Buddakan enjoy top-notch Asianfusion fare in a casually elegant setting. Adventurous diners sit at the large community table, perfect for socializing. 325 Chestnut Street, (215) 574-9440,
buddakan.com
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chifarestaurant.com
10 S. 2nd Street, (215) 627-0666,
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1312 South Street, (215) 731-9045, mstootsiesrbl.com
At Chifa, Iron Chef Jose Garces blends Latin and Asian cuisine and cooking techniques for a menu that’s both flavorful and memorable. 707 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-5555,
Named one of Downbeat magazine’s “100 Best Places in the World to Hear Jazz,” Chris’ Jazz Café serves up inexpensive lunches and dinners to accompany their equally inexpensive tickets to see great jazz acts.
r2lrestaurant.com
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chrisjazzcafe.com
A below-ground temple to liquid luxury, Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. serves up expertly crafted throwback cocktails made with hand-chipped ice and hard-to-find ingredients. 112 S. 18th Street, (267) 467-3277,
thefranklinbar.com
Savor the stunning city views and the inspired American cuisine of Chef Daniel Stern at R2L, an Art Deco-style restaurant, lounge and private event space set atop Two Liberty Place. 50 S. 16th Street, 37th floor, (215) 564-5337,
1421 Sansom Street, (215) 568-3131,
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At the upscale soul-foodery Ms. Tootsie’s Restaurant Bar Lounge on South Street, the food is down-home in the best possible sense: chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, smothered chops and red velvet cake.
Warmdaddy’s features such Southern classics as shrimp and grits and gumbo, plus a broad rotation of rhythm and blues acts and the popular Sunday morning Gospel Brunch. 1400 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 462-2000,
R2L restaurant
warmdaddys.com
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On the 19th floor of the Hyatt at The Bellevue Philadelphia, XIX offers sweeping skyline views and a central raw bar of clams, shrimp, crabs and oysters. They also serve up inventive dishes like tuna sashimi with cumin and salsa verde. Broad & Walnut Streets, (215) 790-1919,
nineteenrestaurant.com
Fact check:
Need a late-night bite? Head to Chinatown, the fourth largest in the United States. Many of the restaurants there serve food until 11:00 p.m. and beyond. In fact, Jade Harbor is open until 2:00 a.m. daily.
XIX Buddakan
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Learn more about Philadelphia’s restaurants and nightlife scene at visitphilly.com/dining
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reAsoNs to CoMe BACK iN 2012
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Need more reasons to come back to Philly in 2012? We have plenty of them. Oh, and be sure to bring your spouse, significant other, children, siblings or friends next time you visit. n
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts hosts Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit, a first-time exhibition that uses more than 100 paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, watercolors and drawings to showcase the pioneering African-American artist’s upbringing in Philadelphia in the years after the Civil War to his success as an American expatriate artist at the turn of the 20th century. January 27-April 15.
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(215) 972-7600, pafa.org n
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is the site of the Philadelphia International Flower Show, the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind. The annual gardening celebration—themed “Islands of Aloha” next year—features top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 150 vendors. March 4-11. (215) 988-8899, theflowershow.com
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The Barnes Foundation—home to the greatest private Post-Impressionist and Modernist art collection in the world—is relocating from suburban Philadelphia to Center City, where it will show off its 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes, 59 Matisses and 46 Picassos to visitors from around the world. The Barnes will also display its significant African art and sculpture. Dr. Barnes was among the first Americans to collect and display African art in the same galleries as modern art and to show the direct influence of African art in the modernist work of such artists as Picasso and Modigliani. May.
barnesfoundation.org n
West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival mixes musical performances by renowned and local acts with exhibits by talented artisans and tasty treats from local restaurants. June. (877) 965-5299, westoaklanefestival.com
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Celebrating the nation’s birthday, Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day party with free events for all ages throughout the city. June-July 4.
welcomeamerica.com n
Cultures from around the world come together with the Global Fusion Festival & Week, featuring international entertainment throughout the city and culminating in a free, day-long waterfront party with music, dance, kids’ activities and mouth-watering cuisine. July.
globalfusionfestival.com
West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival
The fifth annual Philly Beer Week celebrates the city’s vibrant beer culture with events ranging from tastings to lectures to beerpairing dinners. June.
phillybeerweek.org
With hands-on events for kids, sophisticated activities for adults and a carnival, the second Philadelphia Science Festival takes science out of the lab and demonstrates the role it plays in everyday life. April 20-29. (215) 448-2366, philasciencefestival.org
Photos by R. Kennedy, B. Krist and G. Widman for GPTMC; rendering courtesy of The Barnes Foundation.
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Philadelphia International Flower Show
The Barnes Foundation
To find out more about what’s happening in Philadelphia in 2012, go to visitphilly.com/events
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Philadelphia: old City to university City
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STAY IN TOUCH Here are just some of the ways to stay in touch with Philadelphia while you’re here and after you go home. visitphilly.com
Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website
visitphilly.com/pressroom
Your 24/7 source for story ideas, tourism news, high-resolution photos, high-definition videos and more
philly360.com, facebook.com/philly360 and twitter.com/philly360 Insider scoop on African-American culture, from history to hip-hop
uwishunu.com and twitter.com/uwishunu
Tourism news, openings, discounts and hints from in-the-know Philadelphians
facebook.com/visitphilly and twitter.com/visitphilly
Upcoming events, fun facts, photos, travel tips and more
foursquare.com/visitphilly
Tips at check-in spots all over the Philadelphia region
foodspotting.com/visitphilly
Guides to delicious eats at area restaurants and bars
m.philadelphiamac.org App created by the Multicultural Affairs Congress showcasing Philadelphia’s multicultural attractions Produced by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
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