June - Homes and Gardens

Society Hill Gardens
Saturday, June 2, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Behind the pristine, harmonious streetscape of 18th and 19th-century townhouses are delightfully hidden gardens filled with a wonderful variety of horticultural surprises.

These exquisite gardens range from formal to informal, boasting early 19th-century classical motifs, water features, rich herbs, and whimsical designs filled with an abundance of flowers. These lovingly maintained city gardens are a peaceful retreat for their owners and are a reason why Society Hill is one of Philadelphia’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Self-guided Walking Refreshments $25

Fairmount
Sunday, June 3, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This rediscovered neighborhood of architectural and cultural diversity has seen over 100 years of evolution and is a wonderful Center City community of family dwellings. Step inside the Victorian row houses and contemporary homes that have been renovated with daring and creativity that reflects a variety of lifestyles and interiors.

Through the diverse architecture, participants will learn about this historically significant neighborhood. Afterwards, wander along Fairmount’s charming, tree-lined streets where you may dine in one of its many local restaurants.

Self-guided Walking Refreshments $25

Mansions Along the Delaware
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Owned for seven generations by one of Philadelphia’s most respected families, Andalusia contains an extraordinary collection of American and European antiques and is one of America’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture.

Enjoy lunch at and a tour of Glen Foerd, a beautiful turn-of-the-19th-century Georgian Revival mansion containing an art gallery, pipe organ, and ornamental plaster ceilings.

Then, visit Pennsbury Manor, William Penn’s country plantation, which showcases one of the finest collections of 17th-century furniture in America.

Guided Motorcoach Luncheon $80

Hidden Gardens of Independence National Historical Park
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Where in the park is the Moon Tree? Which garden was dedicated to Ladybird Johnson? Find these answers and more on the Hidden Gardens Tour. Join in for a spectacular behind-the-scenes tour of the beautiful gardens of Independence National Historical Park. You will view wonderful flowers as we visit Independence Square, Washington Square, the Rose and Magnolia Gardens, the 18th-Century Garden, and much more.

Guided Walking $25

Northern Liberties
Sunday, June 17, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Discover the newest of Philadelphia’s neighborhood renaissances - Northern Liberties. This charming neighborhood has many architectural gems of the late Victorian period that still retain their beautiful plasterwork, marble fireplaces, and stained glass.

Many homes have been restored to their original splendor, while others have been creatively adapted to meet the owners’ modern lifestyles.

Self-guided Walking Refreshments $25

June Arts and Culture

In the l9th century, thousands of Philadelphians believed that they could communicate with the dead. All it took was a darkened room, a circle of believers, and a sensitive medium. Others mocked the table-rappers and tried to expose their tricks.

Both believers and skeptics are well represented in Philadelphia's historic Laurel Hill Cemetery. In addition, this is the final resting place for countless prominent people, including many of Philadelphia’s leading industrial magnates, Civil War heroes, and six Titanic passengers.

Moreover, Laurel Hill’s natural beauty and peaceful serenity render it a bucolic retreat overlooking the Schuylkill River. The cemetery’s beautiful green space is further complemented by the breathtaking art, sculpture and architecture that can be found here.

Guided Walking $25

Italian Market Tour
Thursday, June 7, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Come hear, see, smell, and taste why Food and Wine Magazine featured the Italian Market Tour. Explore this outdoor market and ever-evolving neighborhood with Celeste Morello, historian and author of The Philadelphia Italian Market Cookbook.

While learning about the Ninth Street Italian Market and other historical and cultural sites in the neighborhood, you will enjoy food-making demonstrations and tasting, as well as learn how the neighborhood historically draws newly arriving immigrant groups.

Guided Walking Food Tasting $35

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