PHOTO BY B. KRIST FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
PHOTO BY N. SANTOS FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
T R AV E L T I P S
PHOTO BY N. SANTOS FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
PHILADELPHIA HOME TO PASSIONATE SPORTS FANS, THE SIGNATURE CHEESESTEAK, AND AN ACCENT YOU CAN PICK OUT OF A CROWD, PHILLY IS MAKING NEWS NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE. BETWEEN THE POPE’S APPROACHING SEPTEMBER VISIT AND THE 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION, TOURISM WILL BE BOOMING IN THE STREETS OF THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE.
Grab some elevated, south-of-the-border snacks at EL VEZ (elvezrestaurant.com), a classic from chef Stephen Starr—it’s decked out Mexican inspired flair and flavor will make for a memorable dining experience. In true Starr style, every corner of the restaurant is decorated, highlighted by a life-size motorcycle in the center of the bar. Thirsty? Try the Pink Cadillac, it’s delicious!
Feeling a little more Mediterranean? Check out BARBUZZO (barbuzzo.com), a tiny restaurant and bar with an optional kitchen-counter-style seating that makes you feel part of the action. Their menu is compiled of small plates intended for sharing—and eating more than you planned to. Using a wood-burning oven for pizzas and roasting, they feature rustic, handcrafted, regional fare. The meatballs are a must, but be sure to save room for the Budino. When you’re ready for a night of boozing and cruising, start the evening at WOODY’S (woodysbar.com), Philly’s classic gay bar. Happy Hour is always packed and it’s been named one of the “50 Greatest Gay Bars in the World” by Out magazine. The city’s last call (officially) is a disheartening 1:30 a.m. Keep the party going with a trip to VOYEUR (voyeurnightclub.com), a popular
after-hours dance club that keeps things popping until the wee hours. Round out your Gay Philly experience with a trip to the city’s annual PRIDEDAY (phillygaypride.org). This year is the 50th anniversary of the Annual Reminders picketing, a protest movement that began in 1965 and helped pave the way for the Stonewall Riots of 1969. The picketing historically occurred on July 4, and three weeks after this year’s PrideDay the picketing will be reenacted at Independence Hall.
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PHOTO BY M. FISCHETTI FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Gayborhood is located in the heart of Washington Square West. You won’t be able to miss it since the city acknowledged the neighborhood’s cultural flare and placed over 60 rainbow-decorated street signs throughout. Enjoy the views in Washington Square Park or take a stroll through history at a national landmark; WALNUT STREET THEATRE (walnutstreettheatre.org) is America’s oldest theatre.