If you can judge a town by its sports teams, there’s a lot to say about Phillie. After all, it is home to 5 pro teams (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA and MLS) which makes it a huge draw for sports fans.
And where better to learn more about PHL than in a skybox at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, as the home town Blue Jays played the Philadelphia Phillies on 03SEP?
Toronto trade hosts were the congenial team from the PHL Convention and Visitors Bureau who were more than happy to chat about their city and its many attractions for Canadians. (But not so congenial that they let the Jays beat the Phillies: the final score was 10 to 9 for the visitors.)
“Canadians are our number 1 international visitors,” Gregg Caren, President & CEO of the PHL CVB told Open Jaw. “We hosted over a half-million just last year.”
The draw is often the city’s history, as it is considered the Seat of Western Democracy and is home to the Liberty Bell. History buffs love the architecture, some of which dates back to the 1600s, and the walkability: PHL has been named twice by USA Today as the “most walkable city in America.” As well as the venerable historic neighbourhood, clients can stroll through one of the most significant Chinatowns in the US or do a “gayborhood” tour.
There’s lots for families, including the Franklin Institute science museum, the Please Touch Museum and, for kids big and small who love being creeped out, the crumbling Eastern State Penitentiary museum, once home to Al Capone.
“And our gastronomic scene is excellent,” said Caren. “We now have our own Michelin Green Guide, and the restaurant at our Four Season Hotel has been named one of the top 10 in the world.”
The arts scene is not only vibrant, but features a few Canadian connections, with the PHL Orchestra and the PHL Art Museum both having Canucks at the helm.
But let’s not give the impression that Philadelphians are stuffy. As Caren puts it, “We like to say come for Philadelphia – and stay for Philly. We are who we are – yes we can be rambunctious sports fans but we are also really helpful. After all ‘Philadelphia’ means the City of Brotherly Love’.”
Certainly getting to PHL is super-convenient, just an hour’s flight from YYZ, YUL or (new and seasonal) YQB. Flights are a combination of AC and AA. Norwegian Cruise Lines will even feature a stop next year on one of its 10 day itineraries. The city is also available on a variety of escorted tours including those offered by Globus and Elite Sports Tours.
Find out more at discoverphl.com.
