PHILLY LOVES (LOTS OF VALUE EVERYWHERE) A DEAL

Affordable Attractions And A Great Hotel Package—What’s Not To Love?

PHILADELPHIA, February 24, 2009 – A full wallet is one of the countless reasons to Love Philadelphia. Some of the best things to see and do here are free—or close to it—which is great news for families and budget travelers eager to explore the region. Check out the city’s many low-cost or no-cost attractions, including historic Independence Hall; free student recitals at the Curtis Institute of Music; the hi-tech production line of Herr’s Potato Chip Factory; and the always-colorful Mummers Museum.

The budget-conscious visiting the region this winter can take advantage of the popular Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, which comes with an extra incentive this season thanks to the new Love campaign. As always, the two-night offer, available at more than 30 hotels throughout the region, includes free hotel parking (valued at up to $75), a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book and a Philly’s More Fun® teddy bear. What’s more, 100 lucky hotel package buyers who book and redeem their stay before March 16 will be randomly named “Philly Guest of the Day.” Upon check-in, they’ll receive any number of prizes, including tickets to attractions and museums, hotel upgrades and gift certificates for restaurants, nightlife venues and shops. The package is bookable online at gophila.com/love.

Historical Sites:

• The Betsy Ross House was the pint-sized Colonial home of Betsy Ross, who is credited with sewing the first American flag at the request of General George Washington. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children, but purchase of a $4 headset includes admission. 239 Arch Street, (215) 686-1252, betsyrosshouse.org

• For a bird’s-eye view of Philadelphia, visitors head to City Hall’s observation deck, which sits just below the William Penn statue. Tower tours take place every 15 minutes, 9:30 a.m.-
  4:15 p.m., and cost $5 for adults, $4 for youth and $3 for seniors. A two-hour building tour, which provides a glimpse at the history of the city government while exploring the grand municipal building, is conducted once a day at 12:30 p.m. and costs $10 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. Reservations recommended. Broad & Market Streets, E. Market Street Portal, Room 121, (215) 686-2840

• Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the U.S., is a quaint cobblestone alley located in Historic Philadelphia. Admission to the Museum House is $5 for adults and $1 for ages 6 to 18. Between Front & 2^nd Streets and between Arch & Race Streets, (215) 574-0560, elfrethsalley.org

• Known as the birthplace of our nation, Independence National Historical Park includes free attractions like the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Independence Visitor Center issues free, day-of tickets for Independence Hall. Visitors can also purchase advance tickets for $1.50 online or by phone. Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Chestnut Street between 5^th & 6^th Streets,
  (215) 965-2305, nps.gov/inde; Visitor Center, 6^th & Market Streets, (800) 537-7676, independencevisitorcenter.com; advance tickets, (877) 444-6777, nps.gov/inde
• The Johnson House Historic Site, a Quaker home in Germantown owned by four generations of the abolitionist Johnson family, was once a vital stop on the Underground Railroad. Today, the house displays various slavery artifacts and hosts lectures, art shows and other special programs. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children. Reservations required. 6306 Germantown Avenue,
  (215) 438-1768, johnsonhouse.org

• History buffs of all ages can enjoy Once Upon A Nation’s free storytelling benches at 13 locations around Historic Philadelphia, including Christ Church, Franklin Square and Signers’ Garden. Children can obtain a Story Flag at any bench, collect a star from each storyteller and exchange the flag complete with 13 stars for a certificate and coupon book at the Independence Living History Center or the Franklin Square Shop. Benches are open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
• Just a half hour’s drive from Center City, Valley Forge National Historical Park, the wintertime encampment of the Continental Army, offers a glimpse into the Revolutionary War with Washington’s headquarters, memorial chapel, log huts, monuments and statues and four Once Upon A Nation storytelling benches. Visitors can explore the park by car, by bike or on foot guided by the park’s free cell phone tours. Admission to the park and to Washington’s Headquarters is free. Route 23 & N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1099, nps.gov/vafo

Cultural Attractions:

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