The ever-popular Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours program returns this spring with an extended season, giving locals and visitors more frequent opportunities to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods. The jam-packed schedule kicks off on May 6, 2006 and runs each Saturday through October 28, 2006. This year, there are 10 different themed tours in all, spotlighting the history, art, restaurants and shops that give each community its own unique flavor. In addition to four regularly occurring tours, which will rotate monthly throughout the season, the Neighborhood Tourism Network will run six one-time only tours. Here’s a look at the schedule:
- Northern Liberties, Fishtown & Kensington (May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, 2006): The renewed vitality of these neighborhoods shines at the new Coral Street Art House, Yards Brewing Company and Greensgrow Farms’ hydroponic garden and farmers market.
- University City (May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, 2006): This neighborhood’s "Left of Center" vibe is on display at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Sansom Row and Clark Park Farmers’ Market. Tour goers will also get a taste of University City’s diverse dining scene during visits with local restaurateurs.
- Taking a Stand for Freedom: Philadelphia Underground Railroad Story (May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, 2006): During visits to Mother Bethel AME Church, the Civil War & Underground Railroad Museum and The Johnson House Historic Site, visitors experience first-person accounts that evoke the moral and spiritual battles of conscience waged by black and white Philadelphians who risked their lives and personal liberty as station masters on the Underground Railroad.
- Chinatown (May 27, June 24, July 22, August 26, September 23, 2006): This walking tour showcases this vibrant bustling community through stops at the diverse retail and dining venues along Race Street. Also included are lesser-known treasures such as the "underground" Chinatown Mall and a beautiful Buddhist Temple.
Special Tours
- Germantown & Mt. Airy (May 6, 2006): Mt. Airy Day festivities and special programming at Cliveden of the National Trust are featured on this tour, along with a stroll past the historic houses of Germantown Avenue.
- Buy Fresh Buy Local (July 15, 2006): This tour kicks off Buy Fresh Buy Local Week by highlighting Philadelphia’s urban farms and the local dining scene they supply. Highlights include a stop at Somerton Tanks Farm in the Northeast and lunch at one of Philadelphia’s hottest restaurants.
- Schuylkill Banks (July 29, 2006): The Schuylkill Banks, Philadelphia’s newest destination on the Schuylkill River Trail, takes center stage during this tour, which includes stops at the newly restored Fairmount Water Works and Boathouse Row. The journey ends with a narrated kayak tour.
- Philadelphia’s Civil Rights Struggle (September 9, 2006): This tour tells the story of North Philadelphia’s contribution to the national Civil Rights Movement. Tour goers learn about the protests that paved the way for the integration of Girard College and see the murals that celebrate the leadership of local civil rights icons at Church of the Advocate.
- El Centro de Oro - Philadelphia’s Latino Neighborhood (October 7, 2006): This tour ties in with Taller Puertorriqueno’sBook & Craft Fair and includes a stop at Centro Musical, Pennsylvania’s largest Latin music store. Participants also take part in a salsa-dancing workshop at Isla Verde, the neighborhood’s hottest new restaurant.
- Creepy Crypts & Criminals (October 28, 2006): Just in time for Halloween, this tour includes visits to two National Historic Landmarks: Eastern State Penitentiary, an abandoned prison where some of America’s most notorious criminals were once held; and Laurel Hill Cemetery, resting place for a who’s who of deceased Philadelphians.
Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours depart from the Philadelphia Trolley Works ticket trolley, located at 5th and Market Streets, each Saturday from May 6 through October 28, 2006. Most tours depart at 9:30 a.m. Times for special tours vary; ticket prices range from $20-$27. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit
gophila.com/neighborhoodtours, call (215) 389-TOUR or visit the ticket trolley at 5th & Market Streets.
