Muralpalooza and Marathon : Season of Attractions
Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival - Courtesy www.gophila.com
Historic Philadelphia offers immense sightseeing possibilities. The birthplace of American independence remains steeped in carefully preserved traditions. Its many attractions continually draw people from near and far. Besides the city parks and fine architecture of its museums, churches, monuments, university and even the fortress like prison, it offers such intangibles as precious memories through the celebration of a festive season. In keeping with the spirits it keeps reinventing the good times that pull people to this lovely city.
Philadelphia is glorious in the Fall season. The nippy air gets crisper by the day and its a regular riot the way the foliage changes color. The upcoming harvest season is to herald the festive times ahead. The city is all set to celebrate the line up of autumnal activities that are to rev up the spirits of residents and tourists, who return again and again to experience its unique spell. Yes its the season to satiate your senses while here. Philadelphia attracts you every time.
Start out at Longwood Gardens to celebrate the season of autumn colors. The park showcases fall colors that get accentuated with giant pumpkins, unusual gourds and live concerts from September onwards until November 23. Landscapes are aglow with shades of yellow, orange, purple, and red trees. Enjoy the famous chrysanthemums that bloom at the palatial Conservatory. Nothing welcomes the season as the cascades of colorful flowery waterfalls that drape the Conservatory walls. You must find the time to take in as much of Longwoods 300 acres as possible. Enjoy the walks as much as the redolent air and the bursts of colors all around.
Stroll up Kelly Drive along the Schuylkill River for an unusually colorful and dramatic regatta, the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival, Philadelphia’s annual celebration of an ancient Chinese tradition. All day long on October 4, 2008 festooned boats in brilliantly colored dragon heads and tails with teams of 20 paddlers are to compete in several heats. Many corporate, civic and community groups send teams to this regional event, and each team sets up a tented picnic area along the riverfront. Come and be part of this fun and festive environment that will spark you off for more galas.
Celebrations begin on October 10 and 11, 2008, with two big events. The Mural Arts Program’s 25th anniversary that kicks-off its anniversary year with a Birthday Bash celebration at City Hall. Followed by Muralpalooza the next day that is a family-friendly celebration with painting activities, crafts, fun games and of course lots of murals. To be held in front of Ben Franklin High School at Broad and Spring Garden Streets it will feature several mural dedications throughout the city.
Not to be missed is Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Parade starting from Market Street to amble down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The enchanting atmosphere will have you reveling as the procession goes on to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Joining you would be an entourage of popular characters from Sesame Street and Disney in floats and giant balloons. Santa himself arrives in grand fashion to usher Philadelphia into the holiday season. You will enjoy joining in with the Grand Procession thats a great visual delight. Just grab your kids and head out for an early holiday treat.
Halloween gets taken very seriously in Philadelphia. This year has Elvira, famed Mistress of the Dark spending the evening of Halloween in the City of Brotherly Love. All set to tour the city her schedule includes a recital of The Raven at Poe House. The Haunted Halloween Bash will have you partying the night away. Well actually Perfect for Halloween would be the Eastern State Penitentiary. The Gothic, castle-like prison makes a fitting backdrop to the nation’s largest and most ambitious haunted attractions, Terror Behind the Walls. You may also be interested in other attractions like Intake, Night Watch, Lock Down, 13 Rooms and The Experiment on this 11 acre complex.
If you are still in the spooky mood try out Philadelphia’s candlelit 90 minute haunted walking tour. Tour guides lead you through the haunted spots to share chilling tales of Founding Fathers that may have you looking over your shoulder as you cruise through. Benjamin Franklin, who recently turned 300, is said to still roam the streets of Old City! The Ghost Tour takes you through several old haunts, as well as St. Peter’s Cemetery, known to be the most haunted site in the city. Also throughout October, Laurel Hill cemetery hosts a variety of guided tours perfect for the Halloween season.
The Philadelphia Marathon would hopefully get you on track after the spooks. You can register online for this event to take place on November 23, 2008. Crossing through the heart of Philadelphia it would pass along some of its most iconic landmarks - Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House and Liberty Bell. To go through the charming streets of Old City on Penn’s Landing by the Delaware River to end near lush Fairmount Water Works on Schuylkill River. It would rejuvenate you like nothing else and instill a sense of new found confidence.
If not keen on the run you can be a spectator and enjoy fine entertainment at the many “Express Zones†featuring food and music on various points along the course. In any case its the fun of the outdoors thats to reign supreme. But if your kids are all agog then get them to join racing in the city for the Verizon Kids Fun Run. A series of non-competitive races will be held for children ages 4 to 12 on November 22. With plenty of prizes they are bound to make new friends and get to learn a new sport. Warm up together as you get ready with your gear and fitness trips.
Philadelphia Longwood Gardens in Fall - Courtesy www.gophila.com
With the race behind you relax for some harvest time activities at Peddlers village. Go on to enjoy the Annual Scarecrow Competition and Display on until October 26. Or partake of the Annual Apple Festival for two days on November 1 and 2.2008. Enjoy scrumptious apple treats like country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters and, of course, candied apples! Or you can take home a bushel of apples fresh from the orchard. This truly is one of the most perennial attractions around Philadelphia.
End the Fall festivities with Pumpkinland Harvest Festival at Linvilla Orchards, a 300-acre, working family farm, celebrating the region’s harvest season. Located just 20 minutes outside Philadelphia, Pumpkinland is tailor-made for kids who will love everything. From the pumpkin patch to the huge scarecrows. Enjoy hopping on hayrides, go apple-picking, or just stay on the ride and tour the farm. Farm animals, corn mazes, and straw bales end with the smell of hot apple pie. Enjoy live music, pony rides, a jack-o-lantern display, face-painting, food and more. Pumpkinland lasts throughout the picking season, from early fall until just after Halloween. Philadelphia’s the way to go this Fall. Simply check out philadelphia hotels site on the net for a delightful spell this coming season.