Philadelphia Neighborhood Tour to Showcase University City
Philadelphia, PA 23 June, 2003 --Due to overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s tour, the Exotic Cuisine & Esoteric Culture tour is back for a second year. The three-hour tour, which is part of the Greater Philadelphia Marketing Tourism Corporation’s (GPTMC) Philadelphia Neighborhood Tour series, highlights the cultural diversity and enticing cuisine of University City. GPTMC, in partnership with University City District are planning, executing and promoting the tour.
While University City may be best known as a mecca of higher education, it is also a cultural melting pot and home to several well-known cultural institutions. One of these institutions is the Spiral Q Puppet Theater, which is the first stop on the tour. Spiral Q is a community-based organization that creates colorful, larger-than-life puppets for performances and parades. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the remarkable puppets up-close and learn about the process of crafting the works of art.
The tour continues on to the Clark Park Farmers’ Market. Now in its 6th year, the Clark Park Farmers’ Market features locally-grown organic produce and homemade baked goods. Visitors will be able to wander through the vibrant stalls and talk to the local farmers.
The tour concludes with lunch at Vientiane Cafe. Visitors will sample the cuisine of Laos and hear the incredible personal story of the owners, who emigrated from Laos to open a thriving business in University City.
"This tour offers people a wonderful taste of the diverse offerings of University City, says Eric Goldstein, University City District’s Executive Director. "Whether you are a resident or have visiting friends and family in town, this tour should not be missed," said Goldstein.
GPTMC’s Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours highlight various neighborhoods of historic and cultural significance throughout the city. The tours take visitors beyond the historic district of Center City and introduce them to the dynamic neighborhoods of Philadelphia.
"The Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours let visitors become part of the community for a day," says Patricia Washington, vice president of GPTMC. "You’re not just an observer during the tour, you are a participant."
The Exotic Culture & Esoteric Cuisine Tour will depart from the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets, Saturday, July 12 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $32 for adults, $27 for seniors and students, and $22 for children 8-12 years old. Tickets are $27 for individuals purchasing two or more tours and $22 for groups of 10 or more. Ticket prices include lunch. Contact GPTMC at (215) 599-2295 for reservations.
University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan and advocate for University City’s diverse, urban community. For more information about University City District, visit www.ucityphila.org.
Release Date: Monday, June 23rd 2003
