Destination Philadelphia
Surround yourself with the icons of America’s history and find out why Philadelphia is named the City of Brotherly Love. Known for its epicure cuisines, don’t shy away from getting a proper Philly Cheesesteak. This city is the home to world-championship sports teams, an internationally acclaimed symphony orchestra, historic headstones, and some great restaurants, to name a few!
Here is a list of special events taking place in Philadelphia around the Summer Conference dates:
Ghost Tours of Philadelphia 
Try one of Philadelphia’s candlelit walking tours of America’s most histori and haunted cities, where enchanting tour guides will lead you through Independence Hall and Washington Square, showing you the haunted spots of the city.
Mural Arts Tour
All aboard! Venture out on the trolley tour through Philadelphia with an expert tour guide and learn more about the city’s murals.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
This jewel, in the heart of Philadelphia, hosts a vast collection of American art, boasting treasures by local and national luminaries.
Philadelphia Phillies (July 6 – 8, July 20 – 25)
Grab some Cracker Jacks and take a seat at Citizen’s Bank Park, to watch the Phillies play ball against the Atlanta Braves, the San Francisco Giants or the Milwaukee Brewers.
Riot Fest (July 19 & 21)
At Festival Pier, see an array of bands at the 8th Annual Riot Fest. Refused, The Promise Ring and August Burns Red are a just a few in the line up!
Screening Under the Stars (July 14 & 21)
Watch The King’s Speech or The Social Network while sitting under the stars In Philadelphia’s largest outdoor bigscreen!
The Philadelphia Orchestra (July 13 – 14 & July 19 – 21)
Celebrate the elegant works of Beethoveen with weeks of concerts featuring the composer’s Violin Concerto, Piano Concert No. 3, Symphony No. 5 and more!
Walnut Street Theater (July 10 – 15)
This National Historic Landmark was recently declared the official State Theatre of Pennsylvania. With its centuries-old bricks attractively exposed in places, you can truly enjoy the setting while watching Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story!
Local Attractions:
City Hall
Tour the nation’s largest municipal building, with over 700 rooms and more than 250 architectural sculptures. Larger than the U.S. Capitol Building, the City Hall construction began in 1871, although the building plan can be retraced to William Penn’s 1682 sketches.
Fairmont Waterworks Interpretive Center
Philadelphia was the first large American city to view the delivery of safe water as a municipal responsibility. With that, the Fairmont Waterworks was built; a historical landmark dating back to 1812, borders the Schuylkill River and provides a great forum to learn more about the water in our world.
Longwood Garden
It’s easy to imagine that you’re a giant when you are in the Longwood Garden. Walk along the many paths through acres of exquisitely maintained grounds.
Independence Hall
Visit Independence Hall, the birthplace of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution! The Constitution was debated, drafted and signed in this Pennsylvania State House. At dawn, you can wear headsets and follow a costumed guide through cobblestoned streets where hand-painted images are projected on Independence Hall.
The Liberty Bell Center
Nearby Independence Hall, be sure to visit the brand new Liberty Bell Center, filled with exhibits of the history of the Liberty Bell, including the Bell itself! Throughout the expansive, light-filled Center, larger-than-life historic documents and graphic images explore the facts and the myths surrounding the Bell.
The Franklin Institute
Don't miss the Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times exhibit, which features 20 scrolls nicluding the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible and 4 never-before-seen scrolls from more than 2,000 years ago. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Franklin Institute during the Excellence in Management & Peak Performance Awards Ceremony & Reception.
Independence Seaport Museum
With historic vessels to board, a ship’s hull to rivet and cargo to unload with miniature cranes, this maritime museum is right along the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.
Independence Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is located in Independence Mall at 6th and Market Streets. It is the perfect place to begin your tour of the city and is just a stone’s throw away from many popular attractions.
National Constitution Center
This modern building, designd by Ralph Appelbaum, features impressive exhibits on the U.S. Constitution, including an interactive production called Freedom Rising.
National Liberty Museum
This museum reminds visitors of those who labored for liberty and the hardships they went through. This museum is also home to a beautiful glass piece made by the world reknown Dale Chihuly.
Riverlink Ferry
This 12 minute scenic river tour gives you the opportunity to see great views of waterfront highlights and the Philadelphia skyline while floating down the Delaware River.
SugarHouse Casino
This is the first casino to be located in Philadelphia, opening its doors in September 2010. So if you would like to try your luck at a hand in Black Jack, this is the place to go!
The Betsy Ross House
Come to the house of Betsy Griscom Ross Ashburn Claypool, a widow of three husbands, who was left without anything except her sewing skills. Historians have debated Betsy Ross’s role in making the first American Flag, the home of the nation’s best known seamstress is among the region’s most popular attractions.
The Great Plaza
This plaza at Penn’s Landing is one of the city’s premier locations for outdoor concerts and festivals. You can also see panoramic views of the Philadelphia Skyline, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River.