DNC Merchandise Now Available Near Posh Rittenhouse Square In Philadelphia

The DNC has opened its official merchandise store in Philadelphia near the exclusive Rittenhouse Square area at 17th and Chestnut Street.

A First-Timer's Guide To Philadelphia, Iconic Sites & Bites Give Visitors An Experience That’s Distinctly Philly

Credit: Photo by C. Smyth for VISIT PHILADELPHIA^®

Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit the photo gallery of visitphilly.com/pressroom.

While Philadelphia offers a variety of authentic and top-notch attractions, exploring this vibrant city takes some planning—especially for first-time visitors. With so much to see, do and taste, it’s challenging for a novice to know where to begin in the country’s first World Heritage City. From the historic Liberty Bell to the deliciously indulgent cheesesteak, here’s a look at Philly 101:

Historical Hotspots:

• Independence Hall – While historical attractions abound in Philly, Independence Hall has particular significance to the development of the nation. In this building in 1776, the Founding Fathers came together to sign the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, representatives from a dozen states met here to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, and guided tours are available to visitors year-round. Free, timed tickets are required and can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center at 6^th and Market Streets. Tours usually fill up before noon, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly. Visitors must enter a security checkpoint at 5^th and Chestnut streets prior to tour. 520 Chestnut Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov/inde  
• Liberty Bell – Moved to its current location across from Independence Hall in 2003, the Bell was cast in 1753 in Philadelphia to adorn the State House. Originally used to call the Pennsylvania Assembly to meetings, it was later adopted by abolitionists, suffragists and Civil Rights advocates, and many use it as their symbol today. After almost a century of constant use, the Bell cracked while tolling for George Washington’s birthday in 1846. Visitors can tour the Liberty Bell Center year-round. 526 Market Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov/inde  
• Valley Forge – In the winter of 1777-1778, Valley Forge was the encampment headquarters of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Today, a national park on this site honors the sacrifice and strength of those who helped secure freedom for the United States. Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a variety of programming throughout the year, including ranger programs, guided tours and living history demonstrations. 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1099, nps.gov/vafo

Arts Appreciation:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art and the “Rocky Steps” – The Philadelphia Museum of Art was forever immortalized in the classic Rocky film franchise. While the “Rocky Steps” draw a slew of visitors who want to reenact Stallone’s on-screen training regimen, the museum is even more impressive inside. The astounding art collection, spanning more than 2,000 years, comprises various media, including sculpture, paintings, textiles, arms and armor, photography, prints and drawings. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
• Barnes Foundation – While its Philadelphia home opened in May 2012, the Barnes Foundation dates back to 1922 when Albert Barnes established it to promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture. The Barnes boasts the world’s most important collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, as well as Old Master works, Native American jewelry, antiquities and African sculpture. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 278-7200, barnesfoundation.org 
• Mural Arts Program – In Philadelphia, every wall is a potential blank canvas, and stunning murals adorn building exteriors all over the city. Begun in 1984 as an anti-graffiti initiative, the renowned City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program uses art to ignite change in communities to transform public spaces and individual lives. To date, the program has produced nearly 4,000 murals. Interested visitors can view several of these works on a variety of walking, trolley, subway and Segway tours. Private tours and interactive options are available for groups. Most tours leave from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Hamilton Building. 128 N. Broad Street, (215) 925-3633, muralarts.org  
• The Philadelphia Orchestra – As one of the preeminent orchestras in the world, The Philadelphia Orchestra maintains a rich tradition of the highest level of artistic quality. Today, Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the group, whose main season runs from September through May. The Orchestra performs in venues around the world, but its main home is the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. 1 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, philorch.org
• Curtis Institute of Music – Founded in 1924, the Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains gifted performers to attain careers in the arts. Musicians of all ages and backgrounds travel from around the world to attend this prestigious school. Students perform solo and chamber works most Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings during the school year as part of the free recital series. 1726 Locust Street, (215) 893-5261, curtis.edu/studentrecitals

Signature Sites:

• Boathouse Row – This National Historic Landmark consists of 10 charming boathouses that sit on the banks of the Schuylkill River. These structures have been associated with rowing since the 19^th century, and the boat clubs that occupy them have produced many Olympic champions. At night, the glittering lights that frame the buildings on Boathouse Row make for idyllic scenery as they reflect off of the river’s surface. 1 Boathouse Row, boathouserow.org  
• City Hall – Located at the intersection of Market and Broad Streets, City Hall has been Philadelphia’s government headquarters for more than 100 years, and it’s the largest municipal building in the country. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, visitors head tothe observation deck, which sits just below the 37’ bronze statue of William Penn that tops the building’s clock tower. The building is open to the public from Monday to Friday, and visitors can take either a four-person tower tour that leaves every 15 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. or a 12:30 p.m. two-hour public tour that highlights the art, architecture, the tower and history of the building. Tickets are sold first come first served. Reservations can be made on the day of the tour. Broad & Market Streets, (215) 686-2840, phila.gov/virtualch

Green Scene:

• Fairmount Park – Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, a  2,050-acre gem scattered throughout the city, offers more than 50 miles of designated trails, 43 sculptures, two outdoor performing arts centers, the Philadelphia Zoo, Shofuso Japanese House and Gardens, historic mansions, the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, renowned museums and many extraordinary landscapes. myphillypark.org/explore/map
• Longwood Gardens – This mega gardenattracts visitors from around the globe to its 1,077 acres filled with 20 outdoor gardens, 20 indoor gardens, 11,000 different types of plants, spectacular fountains and picturesque meadows and woodlands. The horticultural haven also hosts 400 events each year, including flower shows, gardening demonstrations, educational programs, children’s activities, concerts and musical theater. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000,longwoodgardens.org

Delicious Dishes:

• Philly Cheesesteaks – The Philly cheesesteak is inarguably the city’s most famous food. These savory sandwiches consist of chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and a choice of cheeses and/or fried onions on a hoagie roll. Those in the know know to order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions. The debate about which local spot cooks up the best sandwich may never end, but for an iconic Philly experience, locals visit the corner of South 9^th Street and Passyunk Avenue, where rivals Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks feed the masses. Geno’s, 1219 S. 9^th Street, (215) 389-0659, genosteaks.com;Pat’s, 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 468-1546, patskingofsteaks.com
• Soft Pretzels – Always delicious, the Philly soft pretzel is a staple of any local’s diet. These chewy, salty treats buck the traditional pretzel shape and instead take the form of a figure eight. Often enjoyed with yellow mustard, Philly soft pretzels are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime in between and are commonly purchased from street vendors.
• BYOBs – Short for “bring your own bottle,” BYOB restaurants pack the city’s culinary landscape. Customers are invited to provide their own alcohol to accompany their meals at these eateries, which range from high-end establishments to local neighborhood haunts.
• Reading Terminal Market – This indoor foodie paradise is a one-stop shop for everything from local produce and meats to artisanal cheeses and desserts. The public space also provides open seating where customers can enjoy meals from more than 30 restaurants. While the market is open seven days a week, the Amish vendors, a huge draw for visitors and locals, sell their goods Tuesday through Saturday. 12^th & Arch Streets, (215) 922-2317, readingterminalmarket.org
• South 9^th StreetItalian Market – Dating back to the 1880s, the South 9^th Street Italian Market is the nation’s oldest, continuous outdoor market. The iconic curb stands line South 9^th Street, showcasing fresh fruit and vegetables from fourth- and fifth-generation merchants. While Italian immigrants originally dominated this shopping district, many of today’s vendors hail from all parts of the world. S. 9^th Street between Wharton & Fitzwater Streets, italianmarketphilly.org

Exciting Events:

• Mummers Parade – A beloved Philadelphia New Year’s Day tradition, the Mummers Parade is best described as the city’s version of Mardi Gras. The oldest folk parade in the country, some say that the festivities can be traced back to 400 B.C. The first city-sanctioned Mummers Parade took place on January 1, 1901. Clubs throughout the city work on their costumes and routines all year long and compete for prizes in categories, including the String Band Division, Fancy Brigades, Comics and Wenches. mummers.com
• PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – Every March, the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show transforms the Pennsylvania Convention Center into an awe-inspiring landscape of plants and floral design. The largest flower show in the United States, the PHS production dates back more than 186 years. Over the course of nine days, gardening enthusiasts enjoy flower-arranging competitions, demonstrations, special events and a massive indoor marketplace. theflowershow.com
• Philly Sports – The Philly Phanatic is far from the only diehard sports fan in this city. Whether they’re rooting for the Phillies (baseball), Eagles (football), Flyers (hockey), 76ers (basketball) or the Union (soccer), residents here take immense pride in their local teams. Most home games are played just a few miles from Center City in a sports complex that includes the Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Union play home matches at PPL Park in nearby Chester County. When a local team wins a championship, a massive parade takes place on Broad Street.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

Philadelphia Welcomes The Democratic National Convention With Special Exhibits, Events & Even A Burger #DNCdeals

The DNC Host City Casts A Vote For Fun With Political-Themed Activities & Exhibitions

The National Constitution Center’s (above) timely Headed to the White House exhibit gives people the scoop on the electoral process, from the moment a candidate announces his/her campaign to the presidential swearing-in ceremony. 

Credit: Photo by G. Widman for VISIT PHILADELPHIA^®

 Philadelphia, the country’s first World Heritage City, is all in for the Democratic National Convention. Museums and attractions around the city are getting in the red, white and blue spirit with political-themed events, exhibitions and specials. As convention delegates head to the Wells Fargo Center to cast their votes for a nominee, here are nine ways locals and visitors can cast their votes for fun:

Exciting Exhibitions:

1.  The National Constitution Center’s timely Headed to the White House gives people the scoop on the electoral process, from the moment a candidate announces his/her campaign to the presidential swearing-in ceremony. Throughout the interactive exhibition, “candidates” discover how elections have evolved over time, create and star in their own ad campaigns, work with an interactive speech coach and take a seat behind the Oval Office desk. Through November 13. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org

2.  Sweep the Country: Political Conventions in Philadelphia, presented at The Heritage Center of The Union League of Philadelphia in partnership with the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent, covers the 11 political conventions held in Philadelphia between 1848 and 2000. After this year’s DNC, items and stories from Philadelphia’s 12^th political convention will be added to the display. Videos featuring historians and historic objects, including badges, ribbons and pins, transport visitors to past conventions, complete with celebrations and strife. Open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays and second Saturdays. Through early 2017. 140 S. Broad Street, (215) 587-6455,ulheritagecenter.org

3.  As the nation faces hot-button issues related to incarceration, historic Eastern State Penitentiary unveils a daring new exhibition, Prisons Today: Questions in the Age of Mass Incarceration. Focusing on changes in laws, policing and sentencing, the three-year interactive exhibition challenges people to explore ways to shape the future of the American criminal justice system. Opens May 6. 2027 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 236-3300, easternstate.org

4.  A special exhibition drawn from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ (PAFA) permanent collection explores themes of humor, protest and portraiture in the cross-section of American art and politics. Called Happiness, Liberty, Life? American Art and Politics, the show addresses American artists’ often-explosive engagement with the political process. Part of the exhibit, The Wall of Washington presents more than 20 representations of George and Martha Washington, and pop artist Red Grooms’ circa 1982 Philadelphia Cornucopia, a“sculpto-pictorama” of Washington, Jefferson and Franklin, last exhibited in 1987. A companion installation in PAFA’s next-door Historic Landmark Building traces the history of presidential portraiture from the 19^th century to the present. June 29-September 18. 118-128 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, pafa.org

5.  Just before the Fourth of July, 57 decorated Donkeys Around Town will pop up in interesting spots throughout and just beyond Center City. Each fiberglass animal, fabricated in nearby Chester, Pennsylvania and decorated by Philadelphia artists affiliated with the Mural Arts Program and artjawn.com, will represent one of 50 U.S. states, one of five territories, Washington, D.C. and Democrats abroad. The donkeys furnish great opportunities for home-state selfies. July 1-September 5.phldnc.com

6.  The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University dug deep into its 200-plus-year-old collection to create a mini-exhibition for the DNC.Presidential Archives: Letters, Hair, and Fossilsshowcases the museum’s connections to presidents of all political parties—including fossils that belonged to Jefferson (mammoth, mastodon, sloth); hair samples from Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson; and Ulysses S. Grant’s and Thomas Jefferson’s membership cards to The Academy of Natural Sciences. July 1-29. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1000, ansp.org

7. PoliticalFest brings political entertainment to the people, via family-friendly exhibits on politics, government and history at seven city attractions over six days. One ticket gives participants access to all seven locations ($15 adult, $5 ages 17 and under, students and seniors).July 22-27. phldnc.com/politicalfest

• At the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Politics and You! invites guests to climb aboard the fuselage of Air Force One, have a seat behind the desk at a replica of the Oval Office and explore the Future Leaders Zone, filled with political fun and games for kids. 1101 Arch Street, Hall F, (215) 418-4700, paconvention.com
• The National Constitution Center presents Headed to the White House (see above),along with interactive Political Theater, featuring trivia, interviews and panel discussions. Parked outside, C-SPAN’s “Campaign 2016” bus offers a climb-aboard view of the TV journalist life. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6600, constitutioncenter.org
• First Families at the National Liberty Museum displays sets of White House china dating back to George Washington’s tenure, First Ladies’ fashions and First Family portraits, and offers special programs provided by the Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement. 321 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-2800, libertymuseum.org
• The Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent traces the major role the city has played in making of commanders-in-chief through Philadelphia & the Presidency,starring a must-do “whistle-stop” photo op. 15 S. 7^th Street, (215) 685-4830,philadelphiahistory.org
• Founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, the Library Company of Philadelphia, the country’s oldest lending library, will showcase a life mask of George Washington, death mask of Abraham Lincoln, various presidential locks of hair and rare books, graphics and manuscripts about women in American politics and 19^th-century African-American political conventions. 1314 Locust Street, (215) 546-3181, librarycompany.org
• Historical Society of Pennsylvania exhibit Founding Documents includes the earliest surviving version of the U.S. Constitution, aDeclaration of Independence with a misprint and John Dickinson’s draft of the Articles of Confederation. 1300 Locust Street, (215) 732-6200, hsp.org
• Last but not least, the Heritage Center at the Union League’s Sweep the Country: Political Conventions in Philadelphia (see above) rounds out the PoliticalFest ticket. 140 S. Broad Street, (215) 587-6455, ulheritagecenter.org
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Festivals & Tours:

8.   Pre-empting convention excitement, Political Moviefest shows free alfresco films in Dilworth Park. Philadelphia’s Center City District had movie buffs vote on which political flicks would be shown on City Hall’s west side. Voters selected classics Selma, The Manchurian Candidate, The American President and All the President’s Men—screening in that order. Before and during the four-night festival, audience members can avail themselves of refreshments from Brûlée Catering’s Dilworth Park Café and Air Grille, along with treats from Capogiro and Philly Pop Kettle Corn. July 20-23. 15^th & Market Streets, (215) 440-5500, ccdparks.org/dilworth-park

9.  Philadelphia’s popular Night Market moves to the daytime—and into Historic Philadelphia—just for the DNC. Philly Feast, United We Eatbrings a diverse lineup of food trucks, live music, local vendors and American history for a foodie block party. July 25. 3^rd & Arch Streets,phldnc.com

10.  For the DNC, Christ Church, where many Founding Fathers worshipped, displays a segment of a coat of arms belonging to King George III, a recreated U.N. Chapel and two presidential letters: one from George Washington to Reverend William White in 1799 to thank him for sending a copy of his sermon and one from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Reverend Felix Kloman to thank him for the creation of a U.N. Chapel in the church. Grave markers at Christ Church Burial Ground identify the burial sites of Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Benjamin Rush and three other signers of the Declaration of Independence. For the convention, historians offer hourly 20-minute tours that highlight the revolutionary contributions of the country’s Founding Mothers, including Deborah Franklin, Julia Rush, Abigail Adams and Martha Washington. July 25-28.Church, 2^nd Street between Market & Arch Streets; Burial Ground, Arch Street between 4^th & 5^th Streets, (215) 922-1695,christchurchphila.org

11.  South Philly’s vibrant East Passyunk Avenue expands its weekly summer-evening stroll into a DNC Passyunk Passeggiata Street Festival, closing down the byway to cars so pedestrians can roam amid alfresco dining, live music, five DJs, a farmers’ market from early evening until post-convention time. July 27.  E. Passyunk Avenue from Tasker Street to Broad Street, visiteastpassyunk.com

Food & Drinks Specials:

12.  Looking to break a record during the DNC, Philly’s hit Center City Sips happy hour starts in Comcast Plaza, Centre Square and Dilworth Park and then continues in dozens of restaurants and bars in a valiant attempt to become the biggest such event. July 27. Centre Square & Dilworth Park, 15^th & Market Streets, Comcast Plaza, 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, centercityphila.org/sips

13.  Political affiliations don’t mean much at McGillin’s Olde Ale House. Established in 1860, the city’s oldest continuously operating pub welcomes everyone to enjoy a Red, White & Bleu Burger, a char-grilled burger topped with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions and crumbled bleu cheese, and wash it down with a patriotic drink—the Dublin Donkey, a concoction of ginger beer and a shot of Jameson, or the Red, White & Blue cocktail, a mix of strawberry daiquiri, piña colada, Blue Curacao and rum. 1310 Drury Lane, (215) 735-5562, mcgillins.com

14.  Citywide, restaurants, bars, merchants and more hashtag convention-centric specials in order to announce them in real time on Twitter and Instagram by using #DNCdeals.

Travelore News: Democrats Choose Philadelphia As Site Of 2016 Convention

FILE - In this June 2, 2011 file photo, the skyline of downtown Philadelphia is seen from Camden, N.J. Democrats have picked Philadelphia as the site of their 2016 national convention. It's a patriotic backdrop for the nomination of the party's next presidential candidate. The Democratic National Committee says the convention will be held the week of July 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek, File)

Democrats have selected Philadelphia as the site of the party's 2016 national convention, choosing a patriotic backdrop for the nomination of its next presidential candidate.

The Democratic National Committee said Thursday the convention will be held the week of July 25, 2016. The two other finalists were Brooklyn, New York, and Columbus, Ohio.

"Philadelphia's deep-rooted place in American history provides a perfect setting for this special gathering. I cannot wait to join Democrats across the country to celebrate our shared values, lay out a Democratic vision for the future, and support our nominee," Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the DNC chief, said in a statement.

The site could serve as a passing of the baton from President Barack Obama to Hillary Rodham Clinton, the leading contender for the party's nomination should she run for president, as is widely expected.

The event will come the week after Republicans hold their national convention in Cleveland.

Organizers plan to hold the convention at the Wells Fargo Center, the home of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and NHL's Philadelphia Flyers, with events also at the city's convention center.

The Wells Fargo Center is part of a sports complex that includes Citizen's Bank Park, home of baseball's Philadelphia Phillies, and Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, giving Democrats the option of staging its final night in an open air venue. Obama delivered his acceptance speech in 2008 at Denver's Invesco Field at Mile High.

For Democrats, the choice came down to whether to set the stage for the next nominee in a big city or in another closely contested state. Obama's campaign used the convention cities of Denver in 2008 and Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2012 to aggressively register new voters and recruit volunteers in states crucial to his political map.

Democrats bypassed New York, which is expected to be the headquarters of Clinton's campaign, and Columbus, the capital of one of the most contested states in recent presidential elections.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had promoted his home borough of Brooklyn as an ideal location for the convention and stressed the city's large network of financial donors who would help underwrite the event.

Columbus said it would have offered a fitting location to respond to the Republican gathering in Cleveland, ahead of the fall campaign. The last Democrat to win the White House without carrying Ohio was John F. Kennedy in 1960, and no Republican ever has.

Philadelphia's organizers pointed to the city's heritage as the home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were adopted, along with its convenient East Coast location and compact, easy-to-navigate community.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said the city has a "proven track record of hosting big events safely and efficiently" and offered "tremendous amenities, its accessible location and historical significance." The city held Democratic conventions in 1948 during Harry S. Truman's presidency and in 1936, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated for the second time.

Philadelphia has been the home to a variety of large events and played host to the Republican convention in 2000. The Vatican chose Philadelphia as the site for the World Meeting of Families, which Pope Francis will attend in September.

Clinton also has ties to Pennsylvania. Her father was born in Scranton and she has allies in the state such as former Gov. Ed Rendell, an ex-chairman of the DNC. Democrats have carried Pennsylvania in every presidential election since 1992.

Hosting a nominating convention, however, is not a guarantee for carrying the state. For the 29 nominating conventions held since 1900, each party has carried the hosting state 15 times and lost it 14 times.

In more recent years, it is equally as mixed. In the 14 conventions since 1960, Democrats have split their host states, winning seven and losing seven. Republicans are roughly equal, winning six host states and losing eight.

Luck has been a bit better for Democrats since the 1992 convention in New York that nominated Bill Clinton for the first time. Democrats have carried host states five of the six times, while Republicans have lost five of the six host states. The last time Republicans carried their host state was 1992, when George H.W. Bush was nominated for his second term in Houston.

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Associated Press writers Ken Thomas and Philip Elliott contributed to this report.

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