· · · · · · ·

4 fabulous reasons to visit Philadelphia this Spring

Philadelphia – the city of Brotherly Love – has plenty of highlights, events and attractions in 2013 and below is a summary of some of the top reasons to visit Philly this Spring, including the world’s largest indoor flower show, stunning arts festivals, 2013 film location highlights and plenty of family fun. 1. Films: Philadelphia sets the scene for Oscar buzz Silver Linings Playbook, filmed and set in Philadelphia, has totted up its Oscar nominations for next month’s ceremony. Bradley Cooper (born in Philadelphia) waits to see if he’ll finally get his Best Actor gong after co-star Jennifer Lawrence won Best Actress at the Golden Globes. With much of the film showcasing the city’s American Football team, visit Lincoln Financial Field to catch the Philadelphia Eagles in play, or for other major sporting teams visit Citizens Bank Park and watch baseball pros – The Philadelphia Phillies or The Philadelphia 76ers (or Sixers) at Wells Fargo Center. Later this summer comes World War Z, whose Philadelphia scenes were actually shot in Scotland as well as the forthcoming Paranoia with Liam Hemsworth, Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman. However blockbusters which were filmed in Philadelphia includes Bradley Cooper and Robert De Nero’s first pairing in Limitless, as well as The Sixth Sense, Philadelphia, Trading Places and of course the knockout classic, Rocky! 2. Flowers: Philadelphia International Flower Show Last year was a proud year for Great Britain and to continue celebrating its greatness, the Philadelphia International Flower Show prepares for a British Invasion in 2013. Titled “Brilliant” this year’s British-themed show – from 3rd to 10th March 2013 – will glow with the majestic and creative genius of Great Britain’s gardens and landscapes. The world’s biggest indoor flower show will take a journey through the urban design of 21st century London, celebrated Royal settings, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, rolling hillsides and sunny cottages to the dark alleys of Jack the Ripper history. 3. Festivals: Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) Enjoy Philadelphia’s month-long city-wide arts festival, from 29th March to 27th April 2013, produced by the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts that celebrates innovation, collaboration and creativity with more than 50 local arts and cultural organizations presenting multi-disciplinary artistic interpretations of new works, classical performances and exhibits. The 2013 thematic focus, “If You Had a Time Machine….?”, takes audiences on a journey through time to experience the convergence of art, culture and history in artistic interpretations of great, defining moments that continue to influence society today. 4. Family: Discover family fun in Philadelphia From adventure rides around the city to interactive museums, parklands, colourful festivals and events, and the nation’s first ever zoo, Philadelphia provides all the elements for a fun-filled family holiday. Why not discover the city and its distinct and charming neighbourhoods, all designed on an easy-to-explore grid system making it walkable to everything that’s housed in center city. Enjoy a Segway tour of the highlights or for the more adventurous, a fun-filled Ride The Ducks tour touring the streets of the historic Old City and trendy South Street before splashing into the Delaware City. For more ideas on family fun visit www.discoverPHL.com

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.

Did you enjoy this article?

Receive similar content direct to your inbox.