DEAR FOODIES: CULINARY happenings galore OFFER Plenty of Mouthwatering Reasons To visit Philadelphia

Food-focused Tours, Festivals And Classes Tempt Taste Buds
In Philadelphia And The Countryside^®

PHILADELPHIA, June 17, 2009 – When foodies hit the road, they take their passion for farmers markets, culinary tours and tasting experiences with them. Whether it’s called culinary tourism or just plain fun, the chance to see, smell and taste the best of local gastronomy is a big attraction, and it’s getting bigger. The 2009 Travel & Tourism Market Research Handbook reports that 27 million Americans—or 17% of leisure travelers—made culinary and/or wine activities part of their trips within the last three years. These activities include everything from taking cooking classes and dining out in a unique setting to visiting farmers markets and attending food festivals.

Philadelphia visitors can choose from a full plate of delectable options to spice up their visit, including an all-you-can-eat ice cream festival, a weekend celebrating everyone’s favorite fungus, neighborhood food crawls and all sorts of wine and beer celebrations. Here’s a look at some of the region’s culinary happenings:

Foodie Festivities:

·         Fruit and veggie celebrations abound during growing season at Linvilla Orchards, a 300-acre farm dedicated to agriculture, entertainment and education in Delaware County. From strawberries and raspberries (June 6 and 20, 2009) to blueberries, sweet corn and blackberries (July 11 and 25, 2009) to peaches (August 8 and 9, 2009), to tomatoes and pears (August 22, 2009), the day-long festivals include pick-your-own activities, family games, hayrides, music and plenty of treats to sample. 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, (610) 876-7116, linvilla.com

·         Patriots get their history and eat it too at the annual Sunoco Welcome America! Fourth of July celebration, which kicks off with A Taste of Philadelphia at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. June 26-28, 2009. Residents and visitors alike love sampling treats from some of the city’s best restaurants during this holiday favorite. Also at the Great Plaza, those looking to cool off summer-style can indulge in the 11^th annual Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival, a free event starring everyone’s favorite frozen dairy. July 3-5, 2009. Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 683-2200, welcomeamerica.com

·         Visitors can celebrate all-things mushroom with more than 100,000 fans of the fungus at the Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square, the mushroom-growing capital of the nation. A weekend of tastings, cooking demonstrations, farm tours and crafts all revolve around—what else—mushrooms. September 12-13, 2009. (610) 925-3373, mushroomfestival.org

·         Fruit lovers celebrate all things apple at the Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village, a charming shopping and dining center in Bucks County. The free, two-day event features treats like apple butter, cider, dumplings and fritters and a juried craft show, live entertainment and pie-eating contests. November 7-8, 2009. At the 2010 Strawberry Festival, also with free admission, berry fans can sample everything from pies and tarts to shortcake, jams and preserves. May 1-2, 2010. Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.com

·         At the third annual Bucks County Chocolate Show in New Hope, chocoholics nibble on artisanal chocolates, travel through “The Journey of The Pod” and discover the latest in choco-trends, from deeply dark to organic to pairings with plant-based ingredients.

June 6, 2010. New Hope Eagle Fire Company, 46 N. Sugan Road, New Hope, buckscountychocolateshow.com

·         Philadelphians dine at the best for less during Center City District Restaurant Week, a twice-annual week of savings in September and January. Three courses at more than 100 of the city’s top eateries cost just $35 (tax, alcohol and gratuity not included). Dates to be announced. (215) 440-5500, centercityphila.org

Food (And Drink) For Thought:

·         Going back to school has never been this fun. At Tria Fermentation School, cheese, wine and beer make up the syllabus for one-night classes with names like “The Italian Affair” and “Fortified Wine: Only the Strong Survive.” Brewers, vintners, cheese makers, chefs and authors come from down the street and around the world to share their knowledge and their wares with gastronomy-loving students looking to enhance their expertise in a low-pressure environment. Various dates. 1601 Walnut Street, Suite 620, (215) 972-7076, triacafe.com

·         Oenophiles and rib experts sip local wine and chow on finger-lickin’-good barbecue during the annual Brandywine Valley Big Bang BBQ. The seven wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail host wine tastings, vineyard and cellar tours, live music, art shows, evening concerts, special events and outdoor cooking of pig roasts, barbeque ribs and rotisserie chicken. July 3-5, 2009. (866) 390-4367, bvwinetrail.com

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