Philadelphia … City of Brotherly Love … & Romantic Love Too!

PHILADELPHIA-(Business Wire)-February 13, 2009 - Philadelphia means “City of Brotherly Love.” But for couples who desire something more romantic, the city can be quite engaging. For couples in the mood for love, Philadelphia has a lusty list of attractions, hotels, restaurants, strolls and even outdoor art.

Outdoor Art

Couples who like “public displays of affection” may enjoy visiting the romantic public art in Philadelphia. These are great places to take photos or “pop” the question.

Public Art — Robert Indiana’s Love Statue, located in JFK Park at 16^th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is a Philadelphia icon. Nicknamed “Love Park,” couples enjoy lingering by the fountain and taking photos in front of the statue and Parkway, which is designed to be reminiscent of Paris’ Champs Elysees. Burst of Joy — This large abstract sculpture can be found in front of the Gallery at MarketEast, on the west side of 9^th street, just north of Market. Embrace your joy with a souvenir from the Gallery with its 130 shops selling jewelry, lingerie and music as well as bath and body products. www.galleryatmarketeast.com
Fairmount Waltz — As just one of 2,800 murals in Philadelphia, this scene of a couple dancing is popular with romantics. The 35 x 60 foot mural is found in Philadelphia’s Art Museum area. 851 N. 29th Street in Fairmount. www.muralarts.org
Magic Garden — This enchanting space, at 10^th & South streets, was created by Folk Artist Isaiah Zagar. South Street is known as Philadelphia’s hippest street. After strolling through the mosaic-filled garden, continue down the street to visit the many eclectic shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org
Dream Garden — The 15 by 49 foot glass mosaic, designed by Maxfield Parrish and executed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Tiffany Studios, is a quiet spot for couples to share their own dreams. It is located in the lobby of the Curtis Publishing Building, at 601-45 Walnut Street (Independence Square West).

Attractions

Stay in the mood at these area attractions.

The Giant Heart at The Franklin — Visit the two-story, walk-through beating heart at Philadelphia’s science museum. The exhibit, which has been a crowd favorite since 1954, recently underwent a major renovation and upgrade. The new exhibit, which is twice as big, surrounds the pulsing heart with interactive devices focusing on the cardiovascular system. 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. www.fi.edu
The Kiss at the Rodin Museum — This gem is home to the largest Auguste Rodin collection outside of Paris, including The Kiss. Considered one of Rodin’s masterpieces, the statue depicts a couple in passionate embrace, which is sure to be inspirational. Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 22nd Street. www.rodinmuseum.org
Adventure Aquarium — Nearly 200,000 square feet of sharks, hippopotamuses, free-flying birds and sea life from around the world as well as a breath-taking view of the Philadelphia skyline and many dark nooks for stealing kisses. E1 Aquarium Dr. www.adventureaquarium.com
Blue Cross River Rink — Like something out of a romantic movie, this outdoor ice skating rink sits on the Delaware River bank. It has lovely views of the River and the Ben Franklin Bridge and is the perfect place to share a mug of hot cocoa. Columbus Blvd. at Market Street. www.riverrink.com
Horse-drawn carriage — Rides in flower-and-ribbon adorned carriages are a romantic way to tour Philadelphia. The tours are available year-round and starlit evening carriage tours can be arranged by reservation at Philadelphia Trolley Works/76 Carriage Company www.phillytour.com
Ghost Tour — Taking a ghost tour is like the classic scary movie date come to life. You’ll cling to one another as you walk the cobblestone streets of historic Philadelphia and catch the Spirit of ’76. The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia www.theconstitutional.com
Evening Wine, Chocolate & Tea Experience — This food and drink adventure will tantalize your taste buds with aphrodisiacs like wine and chocolate. Couples will indulge in tastings at specialty food shops and meet the chefs and purveyors. City Food Tours www.cityfoodtours.com
Wine Tasting — With its private wine tastings, classes and wine accessories, Pinot is the ultimate toy store for wine lovers. They sell everything but the grape, making it a great place to buy a wine souvenir that will last a lifetime. Pinot, 227 Market Street. www.pinotboutique.com

Strolls

You’re likely to be as enamored with these areas as you are with one another.

Rittenhouse Square — One of William Penn’s five original city parks, it has grown into a lush urban park flanked with interesting statues, a fountain and plenty of cozy benches. Trendy, upscale restaurants, boutiques and galleries encircle Rittenhouse Square. www.rittenhouserow.org
Jewelers’ Row — They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and you’ll be too if you do some shopping in this neighborhood. Jeweler’s Row boasts more than 300 jewelers and designers selling at 30 to 50 percent off retail. www.philadelphiajewelersrow.com
Society Hill — A picturesque residential neighborhood with the largest concentration of original 18th and early 19th century architecture of any place in the United States. Stroll the cobblestone streets of this charming area and admire the Federal and Georgian style, brick rowhouses.
Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park — This gravel road in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia’s city oasis, is closed to traffic. You can stroll along the creek or detour onto 50 miles of rugged trails. www.fairmountpark.org
Boathouse Row — This enchanting section of Fairmount Park, which runs along the Schuylkill River, is home to 12 boathouses. It is extra special at night when the boathouses are illuminated in lights and in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are blooming. www.boathouserow.org
New Hope — This quaint town in Bucks County, 30 miles north of Center City Philadelphia, is home to funky boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Couples can walk along the scenic Delaware River and enjoy the area’s vibrant nightlife. www.newhopepa.com
Antique Row — Antique Row is a charming neighborhood with an eclectic mix of old and new, vintage and modern shopping. It is especially fun on weekends, when there’s a street festival-like atmosphere in the area. www.antique-row.org
Chestnut Hill — This urban village, which is designated a National Historic District, is home to more than 200 boutiques and national chains, art galleries, antiques stores and restaurants. www.chestnuthillpa.com
Manayunk — This National Historic District west of Center City is nestled along the banks of the Schuylkill River and the historic Manayunk Canal. With its 50 trendy boutiques and 30 hip restaurants, strolling Manayunk’s Main Street is like being whisked away to a European city. www.manayunk.com

Restaurants

Philadelphia has a cornucopia of romantic restaurants that combine world-class cuisine with an intimate atmosphere. Many of the restaurants also have lovely views of one of the two rivers that hug Center City Philadelphia.

Water Works Restaurant — With its unparalleled views and fine cuisine, it’s easy to see why AOL named Water Works Restaurant one of the city’s most romantic restaurants. Water Works is housed in an architectural and engineering marvel that pumped fresh water to Philadelphians until 1860 and overlooks the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row. www.thewaterworksrestaurant.com
Le Bec Fin — Chef/owner Georges Perrier’s flagship restaurant is considered one of the best French restaurants in the country. Elegance and intimacy are combined with unmatched cuisine and service. Classical guitar music on Saturdays adds to the ambience. www.lebecfin.com
LaCroix — This elegant, yet relaxed, restaurant serves innovative international cuisine combining Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Japanese, and American flavors. It is located in the Five-Diamond Rittenhouse Hotel and has lovely views of Rittenhouse Square. www.lacroixrestaurant.com
Naked Chocolate Café — This cozy café is the ultimate chocolate experience. Share hand-crafted artisanal chocolates and delicious desserts from oversized cupcakes to truffles to steaming cups of hot cocoa. www.nakedchocolatecafe.com
Tangerine — Hundreds of votive candles welcome diners into this sensual Moroccan-inspired restaurant. Share exotic dishes in a chic, dimly lit atmosphere. www.tangerinerestaurant.com
Moshulu — This four-masted tall ship has been transformed into the classy AAA Approved Four-Diamond riverside dining venue with stunning views of the Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge and Adventure Aquarium. The restaurant specializes in contemporary American cuisine and has a warm, romantic atmosphere. www.moshulu.com
Beau Monde — Enjoy the time-honored art of French crêpe in Philadelphia at this authentic French crêperie. The warm setting, with tin ceilings and deep mahogany woodwork, is perfect for a romantic evening. www.creperie-beaumonde.com
La Famiglia — A long-time Philadelphia favorite, this family-owned restaurant serves old-world Italian inspired cuisine. It has an award-winning wine list and one of the largest wine cellars in the country. www.lafamiglia.com
Caribou Café — This Parisian café and wine bar has an antique Belgian art deco bar with a creative beer list and wines. Couples may enjoy the marble tables and bistro chairs in the outdoor dining area and live jazz on weekends. www.cariboucafe.com
Swanky Bubbles Restaurant & Champagne Bar — Late night dining is available at Philadelphia’s only champagne bar. The menu, which features Pan-Asian cuisine and sushi, is designed to encourage sharing and socializing. www.swankybubbles.com
Rouge — You can get cozy in this tiny jewel-box or at the sidewalk café overlooking Rittenhouse Square. Outside tables under the black and white awning or by the space heaters, depending upon the weather, are THE place to see and be seen, together.
The Melting Pot Restaurant — Couples can count on a fun, interactive dining experience at this fondue restaurant. Tables are set in cozy, darkened nooks to facilitate sharing cheese, meat, seafood and chicken fondues. Chocolate fondues are the icing on the cake. www.themeltingpot.com
D'Angelo's Ristorante Italiano and Lounge — This romantic Italian spot serves classic Italian cuisine and a large selection of Italian wines. After-dinner stay for dancing to disco, salsa, merengue and hip hop in the lounge. www.dangeloristorante.com

Hotels

Top off your day of romance in a luxurious room with a nice view and top-notch amenities.

Rittenhouse 1715 — This 23-room boutique hotel, just off Rittenhouse Square, offers plush robes, marble bathrooms, triple sheeting and nightly turndown service as well as a lavish continental breakfast and complimentary evening wine service in the Drawing Room. www.rittenhouse1715.com
Thomas Bond House — The National Park Service in Independence National Historical Park owns this restored guesthouse from circa 1769 and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 12 guest rooms are furnished in period pieces and some have working fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and views of the Delaware River. Breakfast is served daily. www.ThomasBondHouseBandB.com
Penn’s View Hotel — This historic, European-style hotel has 52 guest rooms, some with fireplaces, jacuzzis, balconies and views of the Delaware River. Complimentary breakfast is served. The hotel is home to award-winning Ristorante Panorama, which offers more than 120 wines by the glass. www.pennsviewhotel.com
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia — This luxurious hotel has 364 rooms with contemporary classic furnishings inspired by the handsome Federal period. Rooms have lush sheets and bedding and luxurious marble bathrooms with deluxe amenities. The rooms have romantic views of the inner courtyard, garden, city skyline or Ben Franklin Parkway. For a romantic meal with award-winning cuisine and impeccable service, make reservations for dinner at the Fountain Restaurant or for afternoon tea in the Swann Lounge. www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia
La Reserve Center City Bed & Breakfast — Two beautifully renovated Colonial townhouses make up this cozy bed and breakfast, which boasts a vintage Steinway Baby Grand Piano. Couples enjoy the tranquil seating in the lovely parlor and breakfast in the formal dining room. Every room in the quiet retreat is unique. Some rooms have kitchenettes and decorative fireplaces. www.lareservebandb.com
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing — This Four-Diamond hotel has rooms overlooking the Delaware River or the Philadelphia skyline. The glass-enclosed indoor pool, restaurant and bar also have romantic river views. The bedrooms are inviting with luxurious linens, plush pillows and thick down duvets piled on pillow-top mattresses and the bathrooms sport marble vanities. www.pennslanding.hyatt.com
Radisson Valley Forge Hotel — Twenty fantasy suites on the top floor of the hotel allow couples to travel to Paris, Egypt, a deserted tropical island, Cape May, England or set sail on the Titanic. Seventeen theme rooms take couples from West Palm Beach to Tahiti and from a Cherokee Cabin to Camelot. www.radissonvalleyforge.com
The Gables Bed & Breakfast — The Gables is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion furnished with period antiques. Thick terry robes, plush linens and towels, antique quilts and down comforters make rooms extra cozy. Each room is unique with special touches including a working gas fireplace, canopy bed, Oriental carpet, turret windows and more. www.gablesbb.com
Morris House Hotel & Garden — This 15-room boutique hotel is a registered National Historic Landmark. It is known for its European quaintness and dreamy romanticism, combining an 18^th century setting with modern luxuries. It has a private garden and gourmet restaurant. Guests can enjoy both breakfast and afternoon tea. www.morrishousehotel.com
Philadelphia Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast — The antique furnishings, eclectic design, decorative art and wonderful colors give character to this stately townhouse from the 1860s. Each of the suites and rooms is stylishly appointed with generous amenities and a private entrance and some have living rooms and kitchens. www.philadelphiabellavistabnb.com
Sofitel Philadelphia — This contemporary hotel offers American style capped off with distinctive French touches, such as a fresh rose at turndown, perfumed baths and French bath amenities. The 1920s style restaurant, Chez Collette, offers irresistible French cuisine. www.sofitelphiladelphia.com

It’s easy to be attracted to the romantic hotels, restaurants and sights in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love (and romantic love too)!

Editor’s Note: The PCVB has a digital photo library with photos of many of the locations mentioned in this document. Please contact us for the username and password to access the 400+ high resolution database.

About the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Who we are: The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB), a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The PCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has departments dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.

Our mission: To generate economic impact and job growth by increasing the region's hotel occupancy and revenues, while concurrently affecting other diverse segments of the hospitality industry. To do whatever it takes to attract ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention and tourism customers through creative sales, marketing and communications efforts. To deliver exceptional service and experiences for all, ensuring repeat business across market segments. To increase the quality of life for all our citizens, stakeholders, and visitors by supporting the region's vibrant arts and entertainment, historic, cultural, retail, restaurant, and sports venues.

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