There’s no better place to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring than Philadelphia,
where first-time festivals, beautiful blooms, irresistible eats and designer duds come together for a
super spring getaway. Here are 10 reasons to visit now:
Francophiles can get a taste of Paris
right here in Philly thanks to two major
events inspired by the City of Light.
The annual Philadelphia International
Flower Show draws on the glamour,
romance, art and culinary culture of the
iconic city for its Springtime in Paris-
themed event (March 6-13). And the
first-ever Philadelphia International
Festival of the Arts (PIFA) uses
Paris: 1910-20— one of the world’s
most artistically creative places and
time periods—as inspiration for its 135
performances (April 7-May 1).
FLOWER SHOW/ R. KENNEDY FOR GPTMC; LIBER TY 360/COURTESY OF HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA; NMAJH/COURTESY OF NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
2
3
Spring means blooms galore in
the city and beyond. The Subaru
Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater
Philadelphia welcomes the arrival
of the warmer-weather season and
honors Japanese culture with special
performances, traditional ceremonies
and beautification initiatives (March 4-
April 10). Spring Blooms at the
breathtaking Longwood Gardens
means tulips, azaleas, bluebells,
marigolds and much more (April 2-
May 27).
A fashionista’s dream, Roberto
Capucci: Art into Fashion at
the Philadelphia Museum of Art
commemorates the Italian designer
who shook up the fashion scene with
groundbreaking silhouettes and an
unparalleled use of color (March 16-
June 5). After ogling the inspired looks,
head right to Rittenhouse Row for a
tax-free-clothing shopping spree.
Philadelphia International Flower Show
7
8
“America’s most historic square mile”
is more historic than ever, with new
attractions revealing even more of
America’s story: National Museum
of American Jewish History, The
President’s House: Freedom and
Slavery in the Making of a New
Nation and Liberty 360.
5
And don’t forget about America
101. The Liberty Bell and
Independence Hall are free, and
many of the neighboring sites offer
wallet-friendly prices.
6
National Museum of
American Jewish History
Philly’s a foodie kind of town.
Iron Chef Jose Garces, Top Chef
contestant Jennifer Carroll and
James Beard Foundation Award-winner Marc Vetri dish out food
that’s innovative, locally sourced—
and oh-so-delicious.
Liberty 360
The region’s rich beer culture
pours from its lauded breweries
(Philadelphia Brewing Co.,
Victory Brewing Co. and Yards
Brewing Co., to name a few) and
its neighborhood taverns that keep
local suds on tap. Brew lovers are
already gearing up for Philly Beer
Week (June 3-12).
It’s so close. Traveling to
Philadelphia is easy, with New
York City just 90 minutes away
and Washington, D.C. a short two
hours away on Amtrak.
9
A Philly first, the two-week
Philadelphia Science Festival
celebrates all things science with
hundreds of mostly free events,
exhibits, hands-on fun, debates and
more, including a Science Carnival on
the Ben Franklin Parkway (April 15-28).
4
Always a value, the Philly
Overnight® Hotel Package seals
the deal. Guests receive two
nights at one of 30 great hotels
throughout the region, free hotel
parking and a gift at check-in.
10
