MORE fun in Philly….

With all of the sessions and tours happening at the APGA Conference this year in Philly, we can see how you might be feeling dizzy. The Social Committee is here for you! We are currently organizing casual outings on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to introduce you to Philly nightlife at its finest.

What’s MORE? You can pick and choose! Join in on one of three groups strolling to Old City, Rittenhouse Square, or the Gayborhood. Mingle with other horticulturally inclined attendees hailng from near and far as you learn about classic Philly icons and monuments on your way to dinner and drinks. These three tours are open Tuesday and Thursday nights. Further details to come…

Option 1: Old City Life

It’s not every day you get to stroll past the Liberty Bell on your way to dinner! This walk will take you down the Independence Historic Mall, past the Liberty Bell Pavilion and the iconic Independence Hall building. We’ll continue on through the parks that surround the beautiful historic buildings of Carpenters Hall and the 2^nd Bank of the United States.

Walk past the Betsy Ross House and along Elfreth’s Alley, referred to as America’s first residential street. Wander the alley before strolling into City Tavern, known as the informal meeting place of the first continental congress. In the late 1700’s you would have been rubbing elbows with the likes of John Adams and George Washington, so it’s okay to pretend you're Ben Franklin while you are enjoying your drink.

A view of Independence Hall

Option 2: Puttin’ on the Ritts…

Tour the good life in Rittenhouse Square. We’ll stroll past City Hall, then onto LOVE Park for a chance to take a photo beside the famous sculpture. We’ll walk along the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway pointing out some of Philadelphia’s most famous sites such as the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Swann Memorial Fountain, the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Our final destination: Rittenhouse Square, one of the five original open-space parks planned for William Penn’s “Greene Countrie Town”. Here restaurants abound; we’ll dine at one of the Square’s delightful bistros and enjoy a drink at Parc, a restaurant with a French flair.

You too could be enjoying Rittenhouse Square this June...

Option 3: Out in the Gayborhood

You don’t have to go far to get OUT and about in Philadelphia. On our short stroll we’ll first visit the Wannamaker Building, the US’s first Department Store. We’ll wander through the building’s grand central court to see the Wannamaker organ, one of the largest organs in the world. It still graces the store with music and if we are lucky we may be treated to a special concert. We’ll head down 13^th street, through the heart of the Gayborhood, also called Midtown Village.

We’ll stop at Verde a specialty shop that sells fresh flowers, gifts and is home to a wonderful chocolatier. Dinner will be at one of the many great gay-owned restaurants in the area. Then on to Woody’s the oldest and most established gay-bay in the city for a drink.

Philly’s 13^th Street

Photos from awesomestories.com, iirraa @ Flikr.com, and GayPASG.org