November 16, 2015
History Reinvented: Discovering Philadelphia
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 5 MIN.
This is the third in a series of features sponsored by Hilton Hotels & Resorts. To ignite your own memorable moments, discover top gay destinations and experience the most exciting LGBT-centric events of the season, visit GoOut.Hilton.com.
Before there was New York and Los Angeles, there was Philly. It was our country's hotspot circa 1800 and held the distinction as the largest city in the U.S. until 1830. Painter Gilbert Stewart even referred to it as "The Athens of America." From historical watering holes to that famous bell we call Liberty, Philadelphia offers plenty of reflection, but is also on trend with spectacular cultural attractions, restaurants, and hotels. Take a peek at what not to miss... EDGE style, of course.
Independence National Historical Park
No inaugural visit to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to Independence Hall. Particularly potent as our nation braces for the 2016 presidential election, the Hall offers a glimpse into the birthplace of our nation. Be sure to also visit the Liberty Bell Center, which houses the infamous Liberty Bell that first rang atop the Pennsylvania State House in 1753.
What's Old Is New Again
A 15-minute walk from Independence National Historical Park, McGillin's Olde Ale House is the city's oldest continually operating bar, dating back to 1860. Irish immigrant William McGillin founded the pub and raised his 13 children upstairs. It stayed in the family until 1958 when brothers Henry Spaniak and Joe Shepaniak (yes, different spelling!) purchased it, and it's been their family's legacy ever since. Over the years, plenty of celebrities (including iconic gay playwright Tennessee Williams) have frequented the bar and its convivial atmosphere.
Philadelphia's self-proclaimed Gayborhood is located from Chestnut to Pine streets between 11th and Broad. You'll find plenty of bars, restaurants, and a few nightclubs that keep things lively until the wee hours. Woody's is an LGBT institution and offers two floors for locals and tourist to mingle. Pack your cowboy boots for Sunday night two-stepping lessons.
If you'd rather pack a harness, head to The Bike Stop, Philly's leather community mainstay that's been packing them in for nearly 30 years. The four-floor delivers a welcoming vibe, and if you venture to the Pit Stop (a cruising area that welcomes fetish gear) you may be in store for more than an oil change.
There are plenty more options, including the latest venture from the original owners of Woody's, brothers Bill and Steve Wood. Knock offers an accessible menu, fun cocktails, and enticing specials including daily happy hour (5 p.m. - 7 p.m.), Wednesday night karaoke, and weekend piano bar.
Leave the Drama for the Stage
The Walnut Street Theatre is the country's oldest theatre as well as a historical landmark. On a global scale, its 55,000 season ticket holders make it the most subscribed theater company in the world. One of its most famous owners was Edwin Booth, brother to assassin John Wilkes Booth. Over the years it's been home to many pre-Broadway tryouts, including "A Raisin in the Sun" starring Sydney Poitier and "A Streetcar Named Desire" featuring Marlon Brando.
The Walnut has been a self-producing, nonprofit regional theatre since Bernard Havard stepped in as Artistic Director in 1982. This season offers (among others) the exuberant "Peter and the Starcatcher" (March 15 - May 1, 2016) and the Tony award-winning "Red" (February 23 - March 20, 2016) by gay playwright John Logan.
Rock Out at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rocky fans will recognize them immediately. The 72 steps are now a famous photo opp from the Academy Award-winning film, but it's what inside the U.S.'s third-largest art museum that's the real attraction. Upcoming exhibitions include "Audubon to Warhol: The Art of American Still Life" (October 27 - January 10, 2016) and "International Pop" (February 24 - May 15, 2016), which takes a global look at Pop art's movement from 1956 to 1972. Visit the museum after 5 p.m. and enjoy live jazz, or opt for a budget-friendly visit and pay what you wish on the first Sunday of each month or Wednesdays after 5 p.m.
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
As Philadelphia's only waterfront hotel, Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing puts you at the epicenter of iconic attractions and Old City. The magnificent views of the Delaware River and downtown Philadelphia offer a picture-perfect end to the day's adventure, where you can relax at Keating's River Grill and enjoy American fare including regionally sourced cheeses, seafood and beef.
Consider staying in a VIP Suite to spread out and enjoy the view, along with a deluxe King-size bed and two bathrooms. Also, be sure to pack a swimsuit to take advantage of the indoor pool. If you plan to take advantage of the late nights in the Gayborhood, book the Stay Hilton. Go Out package which offers LGBT guests:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Culture enthusiasts should set their sights on DoubleTree by Hilton's Center City location, which is directly across from the Academy of Music, Merriam Theatre, and Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and adjacent to the Wilma Theatre.
Head north from the DoubleTree for a leisurely walk and within 10 minutes you'll hit Reading Terminal Market, a historic market packed with local vendors including dueling Carmen's famous Italian hoagies and cheesesteaks and Spataro's, which has been serving up the slathered sandwiches since 1947.
At the end of the day, the DoubleTree's four-story glass atrium is the perfect backdrop for a nightcap at Standing O, where you can take in the sights below and plan your next getaway to the City of Brotherly Love.
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
