What’s the best way to tell your friends and neighbors you’re having a party? By throwing another party of course!

Midtown Village will be hosting a launch party on September 28th to let everyone know of their upcoming Fall Festival. This fall will mark the fifth year that Midtown Village will be in the spotlight, showing everything they have to offer to natives and first time visitors alike. The festival will feature area restaurants, bars, shops and other activities that will make the 6th largest city in the country feel more like a tight knit community…which it is.

Consider the launch party a preview for what’s in store later this fall. You will be able to sample the fares of local restaurants and bars while listening to live music. There will also be a silent auction sponsored by various Midtown Village businesses. Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased on www.PartyTicketsOnline.com. Some of the proceeds will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Need a place to crash? Look no further than Midtown Village’s very own Independent Hotel. Call or go online to make your reservation today.

When: September 28th from 6pm-8:30pm

Where: Holiday Inn Express Ballroom and Poolside Deck (1305 Walnut St) 

So you say your a foodie, but you’ve never been to Restaurant Week in Philadelphia…shame on you!

Well, here is your chance to try some of Philadelphia’s most talked about restaurants. In recent years the City of Brotherly Love has been making quite a name for itself in the food world, new restaurants and eateries have been springing up in the area and they are inviting food lovers like you to try them out.

Organized by the Center City District, this extrordinary event features over a hundred fine dining establishments that offer special, wallet-friendly menus for restaurant week patrons. This gives you the chance to try more than one fabulous restaurant and stay within your budget. Don’t forget that some of the featured restaurants offer a lunch menu as well.

OK, so your not a foodie (yet), but you want to be a little adventurous and try something a bit different.

No problem! After all, variety is the spice of life. The featured restaurants cover every food category imaginable. They have everything from steak and sushi to squid and escargot. You can go on a food tour of the world without ever leaving the city.

Still unsure about this whole Restaurant Week thing? Then I’ll let the food do the talking. Food samplings will be held on August 31st at TD Bank (18th & Walnut) from 12pm-1pm and on September 8th in The Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut St) at 12:30pm.

• When: September 12th-17th & 19th-24th
• Where: Center City Philadelphia (of course!)
• Cost: 3 course dinner- $35; 3 course lunch- $20
• Be sure to make a Restaurant Week reservation by calling the restaurant directly or booking online
• http://www.centercityphila.org/life/RestaurantWeek.php

The only thing left is to book a room at the Independent Hotel. After a fantastic meal you’ll need a fantastic place to relax and spend the night.

This summer, Philadelphia is celebrating its vibrant “Gayborhood” with two weeks of events, taking place from Saturday, July 10 through Saturday, July 24. Dubbed There’s No Place Like Home, the two-week celebration features a ribbon-cutting ceremony, block party, photo exhibit and over 20 special offers. The celebration will take place concurrently with QFEST – Philadelphia’s LGBT Film Festival.

Since its inception in the 1970s—when the gay community began migrating from west of Broad Street near Rittenhouse Square to its current location on the east side of Broad around 12th Street—Philadelphia’s “Gayborhood” has developed into an impressive cultural, retail and dining destination. Over the last two years, the neighborhood has welcomed many new businesses, renovations and developments, and July’s celebration will recognize the efforts of the business owners, non-profit organizations, public officials, residents and visitors who invested time, passion and resources to make the ‘Gayborhood’ a dynamic, thriving city enclave.

Special Events:

• Southwest Airlines’ “Grand Reopening” Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Saturday, July 10, 4:00 p.m., in front ofThe Independent Hotel (1234 Locust St). Featuring a press conference and an appearance by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, this is the official kick-off of the “Gayborhood” celebration.

• Opening Reception: Celebrate at Q Lounge + Kitchen immediately after the press conference on Saturday, July 10th.

• QFEST Film Screening: Following the press conference on Saturday, July 10 at 6 PM, bars throughout the “Gayborhood” will play the documentary film “Welcome to the Gayborhood” simultaneously.

• Gayborhood Photo Retrospective: Opening Saturday, July 10 and running through July 24 at the William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street. This photo exhibit will display images from phases in the historic evolution of the “Gayborhood.”

• Wells Fargo’s “Gayborhood” Block Party: Sunday, July 11 from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - 13th Street between Locust & Walnut Streets and Camac Street between Locust & Spruce Streets. Local businesses, organizations and vendors will participate in this entertaining and unique, outdoor community-building event.

• Re-Launch T-Dance with Dj Roland Belmares: Sunday, July 11 from 4:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. at Voyeur Nightclub – 1221 St. James Street.

Rainbow Discount Pass Deals:

• Voyeur Nightclub: Save $5.00 on admission to “Re-Launch with Dj Roland Belmares” on Sunday, July 11th – 1221 St. James Street – voyeurnightclub.com

• Absolute Pop: Save 15% on purchases – 137 S. 13th Street – absolutepopart.com

• IHOP: Save 20% on your bill – 1320 Walnut Street at Juniper Street – ihop.com

• Ettore Salon & Spa: Save 25% off any service (not valid with any other discount) – 1201 Market Street at the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel – ettorespa.com

• Q Lounge + Kitchen: Save 15% on dining bill and $2 off all Happy Hour drinks (excluding existing happy hour specials) – qphilly.com

• T Bar: Save 15% on food and drink – 117 S. 12th Street – tbarteas.com

• Woody’s: Free admission to the dance floor before midnight, save 20% on food, save $2.00 on all call and premium Happy Hour drinks – 202 S. 13th Street – woodysbar.com

• 12th Air Command: Free admission to the dance floor on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights – 254 S. 12th Street – 12thair.com

• El Vez: Save 10% of your food - 121 S. 13th Street – elvezrestaurant.com

• Blue Lotus Gallery: Buy one and save 50% on the second item of equal or greater value – 111 S. 12th Street – bluelotusgallery.com

• Fruits, Flowers, Incredibly Edible Delites: Save $5.00 on your purchase – 135 S. 13th Street - fruitflowers.com

• Stir Lounge: Save $2.00 on drinks (excludes Happy Hour specials) – 1705 Chancellor Street – stirphilly.com

• The Independent Hotel: Save $40 on all available room rates – 1234 Locus Street – theindependenthotel.com

• Philadelphia Movie Sites Tour: Save $7 or 20% on all tours booked – departs at the Independence Visitors Center - 6th & Market Streets – moviesitestour.com

• Duross & Langel: Save 25% on all Duross & Langel hand made soaps – 117 South 13th Street - durossandlangel.com

• XIII on 13: Save 13% on all purchases – 211 South 13th Street

• 13th Street Pizza: Free large fountain soda with any purchase – 209 South 13th Street – 13thstreetpizza.com

• Giovanni’s Room: Save 10% on purchases (not in addition to any other equal or greater discount) – 345 S. 12th Street – queerbooks.com

• K Salon: Save $5.00 on haircuts ($25.00 - $35.00 range) and receive a complimentary bottle of shampoo or styling product – 1216 Locust Street

• Tabu: Save 20% on food and $3.00 drafts all day/every day – 200 S. 12th Street – tabuphilly.com

• Valanni: Save 10% on your bill (excludes tax & gratuity) – 1229 Spruce Street – valanni.com

• Charlie Salon: Save 40% on haircuts – 203 S. 12th Street

• 12th Street Gym: Purchase 1 day pass and get a 2nd pass FREE – 204 S. 12th Street – 12thstreetgym.com

• Soleil Tanning Salon: 20% off one Advanced Tan – 202 S. 12th Street – soleiltanningservices.com

• Holiday Inn Express Midtown: $119.00 rate (plus tax), includes a deluxe continental breakfast, passes to Bally Total Fitness and free wireless internet – 1305 Walnut Street – himidtown.com

• Solefood at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel: Save 15% on lunch or dinner (excluding alcohol and tax) – 1200 Market Street – loewshotels.com

• Tavern on Camac: Save $2.00 on all drinks (excluding Happy Hour) – 243 S. Camac Street – tavernoncamac.com

• Andre Richard Salon - Save 10% off haircuts - 1218 Locust Street - andrerichardsalon.com

• Jake’s Sandwich Board: Save 10% off you order – 122 S. 12th Street - jakessandwichboard.com

• The Wardrobe Boutique: Save 10% on one item in the store (excludes designer items) – 1822 Spring Garden Street

For more information, please visit:

www.facebook.com/visitgayphilly

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to resolve their stress which has worned them down, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to vacation!!

…and Vacation you shall!

Come to Philadelphia to celebrate our Nation’s birth in the only true way it can be celebrated…in the location of it’s actual birth!  While visiting the city, and staying with all of us here at The Independent, you’re only a few steps away from the Independence Mall National Park, and Philadelphia Art Museum, and Rittenhouse Square (the prime locations to celebrate the parturition). 

Wawa presents welcome AMERICA Philadelphia, the official celebration of the 234th Birthday of the United States of America.  From June 25th, 2010 - July 5th, 2010, there is just a revolutionary-size amount of cool things to do.  The 25th kicks of “Taste of Philadelphia”, followed by an amazing night on the 26th, when the city will provide free fireworks, and a free concert that boasts Morris Day & The Time (funk included).  Join Morris Day, Jellybean Johnson, and the others of the iconic band as they run down their hits from the ’80s and ’90s to give you a funkadelic time.

Over the next few days, relax and enjoy the city, and during the next three evenings, enjoy a movie under the stars at Rittenhouse Square, the Art Museum, or Penn’s Landing, where movies such as Grease, Rocky, and Avatar will be screened for the crowds.  Guess what?!?!  They’re free…

Then, on the 3rd and 4th, really get in the patriotic mood and have fun at the city block party in Chinatown, all culminating with Goo Goo Dolls providing the star-power to the celebration on the night of the 4th, followed by probably the most impressive fireworks display presented anywhere from sea to shining sea.

Sooooooo, what are you waiting for?  If you have finished reading this and have not yet booked your stay with us you better start moving…we’ll wait…

…

…all booked and ready to go?  Good.  We’ll see you soon! 

Book a 10-day Advanced Purchase for a discounted rate (please note, Advanced Purchases are non-refundable, non-canceable, and non-changeable reservations that are pre-paid and charged on the day they are booked).  Time is running out for that great rate, so hurry!!

For more information on welcome AMERICA Philadelphia, please visit:

www.WelcomeAmerica.com

Advancing GLBT Rights.

1964 marked an extremely imporant milestone in American History, and the world, for rights of human beings.  First lauded by the late President John F. Kennedy as new era for America, the Civil Rights Act was a major legislative accomplishment for the country, and it continues to this day as one.  Began by Kennedy, and seen through by the late President Lyndon B. Johnson, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was, and still is, missing an extemely imporant part of equality within its wording in America…sexual orientation.

It wasn’t until October 28th, 2009 (not even 6 months) that the Matthew Shepard Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama.  Although this law challenges the legality of hate-crimes as extended to the GLBT community, it still doesn’t challenge the inequality of rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Americans pertaining to discrimination.  Technically, a person of homosexual orientation can be denied services within an establishment, and there is no legal backing oppossing such acts of discrimination.  Members of the same sex are not legally allowed to enter into a marital agreement (with the exception of a few states, but not on a federal level), and up until this Census, there was no choice for a citizen to identify his or herself as a homosexual, bisexual, or transgendered individual.

Enter the Equality Forum in Philadelphia.  For a few days in the middle of spring, healthy debate, initiatives, idea-sharing, and overall fun is shared amongst the GLBT community.

From April 26th until May 2nd of this year, visit Philadelphia to support equal rights for the GLBT community.  Join community leaders, organizers, fellow members and supporters of the GLBT community, politicians, artists, and be witness to one of the most peaceful, organized, and interesting forums in the world.

Experience a special GLBT art exhibit, a special performance by Brian Sanders, panel discussions, fun parties around town, and mingle with the city’s GLBT community during this week. 

Situated within the “Gayborhood” of Philadelphia, and near every single location involved in the forum, The Independent Hotel is the perfect place to stay during this impressive gathering of GLBT supporters.  Stay with us and enjoy the greatness of Center City, complimentary wine and cheese Mondays through Thursdays, complimentary internet, phone calls, DirecTV, and complimentary breakfast while visiting.  We’ll have you prepared, from start to finish, for each event, meeting, panel, and party the Equality Forum has to offer.  You’ll be steps away from every event the forum has to offer.

You’ll have to hurry, because our rooms won’t last long.  Book your room today, and enjoy the 2010 Equality Forum how it’s supposed to be!

For more information on the 2010 Equality Forum, please visit:

http://www.equalityforum.com

To review availability, rates, and book your room, visit our website:

http://www.theindependenthotel.com

Max Yesgur, a local of Bethel, New York, one day decided that something needed to be done.  Something (actually, someone) needed to bring a list of the world’s greatest musicians to one place, and introduce them under one bill.  Max Yesgur took this idea, threw in some peace, love, and a splash of color(s) and the Woodstock Music Festival was born.  The idea was receated in 1994 and 1999, but it never held the same promise as it once did in 1969.

Max Yesgur didn’t create something new, he just made it a lot better.  Since those three days in New York, festivals in America have never been the same.

Festivals have become a staple of Philadelphia culture, especially during the summer months.  So, now that you know of a great place to stay while visiting (The Independent Hotel, of course), why not plan a trip revolving around one (or more!) of the great  festivals the City of Brotherly Love has to offer?

Join us later this spring for the Brandywine River Blues Festival.  Have a night out on the town, take the elevator home with us that evening, and venture off to the Chaddsford Winery the very next day.  Enjoy the area’s signature wines, pack a picnic for the day, and enjoy some great blues music.  With Chaddsford Winery less than an hour away from us, there is no reason not to make a weekend that includes the city and the country all in one trip.  You’ll have to hurry fast, because this secret will get out sooner than you think.  Book your room now for May 30th and 31st, and catch this great winery estate in the middle of the most beautiful time of year!

For more information on the Brandywine River Blues Festival, please visit their website:

http://www.chaddsford.com/root/home/index.htm

Spring has already sprung, but witness the “springing” Philadelphia style at the annual Rittenhouse Spring Festival on May 1st, 2010.  Enjoy creative local art, fashion, food, and let the WXPN family bring you some of the best local music in the area.  This festival is only one day, and attracts over 50,000 people.  Streets are closed around Rittenhouse Square for this event, so staying the night on April 30th with us, and taking a short stroll to the festival is the best way to visit!

For more information, vist:

http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/rittenhouse-row-spring-festival/

The XPNoential Music Festival is the most popular music festival in Philadelphia every year, and attracts over 300,000 people every year.  The festival has not been scheduled as of yet, but it always occurrs in July.  Stay tuned for the latest details as they become available!

The other very popular music festival is just becoming a staple of the region.  The Roots Picnic will host some of the most popular musical acts today, including Vampire Weekend, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mayer Hawthorne, and of course our very own The Roots with ?questlove!  This picnic has attracted more and more people every year since it’s inception in 2008, and it looks to only get bigger this year.  With many rooms left on June 5th, it’s a no-brainer to stay with us at the Independent and take a small trip to Penn’s Landing’s Festival Pier, a walk, or short ride away from the hotel! 

For More information, visit:

http://www.billboard.com/news/vampire-weekend-anchors-third-roots-picnic-1004071930.story

Are you a fan of smooth jazz like we all are here at the Independent?  Then you will love Penn’s Landing’s Smooth Jazz Summer Nights.  Enjoy the smooth sounds that only Penn’s Landing can offer every Friday night in August.  This extremely popular series is back by popular demand, and it looks as if it’s turning out to be a great month.  Let the cooooooool sounds of Jazz flow over your body on a hot August night, and then come unwind and let the music sink in while you stay with us overnight!!  Smotth Jazz Summer Nights are presented on August 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.  Look ahead now for our rates and availability:

https://reservations.ihotelier.com/istay.cfm?hotelid=15322

For more information on Smooth Jazz Summer Nights, and other Delaware River Events, vist:

http://www.delawareriverevents.com/index.php?module=calendar&month=8&year=2010

Philadelphia has so much to offer you during the Spring and Summer months, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.  Revel in cool music, art, food, and fashion.  Let The Independent be your guide!

Spring and Summer is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than to get out and search for adventure?

Well, look no farther…Urban Adventures will bring the adventure to you!  The new kids on the block will set you up perfectly, and do all the work.  As of right now, with three tours to choose from, there is no better way to experience the city…as an adventure!

There are three unique tours to choose from:

Essence of South Philly:

A true gem of a tour that allows the lesser known areas of the historic city to be seen, including Jewish Delicatessens, italian markets, mosaics, and much more!

4 Hours in length.

Historic Distric: The authentic historic district Philadelphia is known for.  See where America was born, meet the figures that shaped our nation, witness the awe inspiring beauty of the colonial period, and enjoy treats at some city hot spots!

3 Hours in length.

All Day, All Philly: An all day adventure where the only boundary is your imagination.  Soak up every last drop of Philadelphia.  Run up Rocky’s steps, stroll around local favorite Rittenhouse Square, and enjoy lunch at the city’s busiest market!

7 Hours in length.

STAY TUNED FOR GREAT PACKAGES!  A GREAT NIGHT’S STAY BUNDLED WITH A TRUE URBAN ADVENTURE!!

For more information regarding Urban Adventures visit the tour’s website:

www.philadelphiaurbanadventures.com

Our very own defending National League Champions, The Philadelphia Phillies, have already begun their season on the road yesterday in Washington, D.C.  An 11 - 1 drubbing of the Nationals.

Our boys of summer eventually make their way back to the City of Brotherly Love next week for their home opener against the Washington Nationals on April 12th…first pitch 3:05P.M.  Unfortunately, this game is sold out.  No need to worry, there are still 80 home games to follow, and every one of them is primed for excitement.

Stay with us and follow the Pennant Race all season long!  With easy access to the Broad Street Orange Line, and in the heart of Center City, it’s easy to understand why Phillies’ Fans love to stay with us! 

Here are some future home games to help you decide when you will visit!

April 12th, 14th - 15th - Washington Nationals

April 16th - 18th - Florida Marlins

April 30th - May 2nd - New York Mets

May 3rd - 6th - St. Louis Cardinals

May 7th - 9th - Atlanta Braves

Spring is a peculiar time of year.  This season has many traditions and generational meanings attached to it, and that means there is always something new to discover.  Before it was known as Spring, this particular season was known as Lengten, or, Lenten.  This word literally means “Lengthen”.  As the days get longer, and the ground starts to sprout new life, the season moves steadily along, helping all of us forget the misery that sometimes is Winter.

As the Winter season comes to a close, the snow melts, and the ground begins to sprout, there is a buzz in the air around the city of Philadelphia.  Sure, that could just be the harassing bee announcing his presence in your ear, but it could also be the City of Brotherly Love whispering to you:”Visit Me”.

We, here at the Independent Hotel, know all too well how many great specialties the city has to offer during this season of rebirth.  That is why we would be ecstatic to welcome you to the city of Philadelphia during this most beautiful of seasons.

Island life is great in the winter, but in the Spring there is just too much the city offers for you to pass over.  In just a few short weeks our boys of summer, the Philadelphia Phillies, will be officially kicking off their season on April 12th at 3:05P.M. at Citizen’s Bank Park against the Washington Nationals for their home opener.  Staying in the heart of the city, enjoy a walk, some shopping, and some breakfast or lunch, and then in the late afternoon head down to the ballpark to witness the defending National League Champions in action!

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=phi

Miss the flower show earlier in the year?  Have no fear, Macy’s will come through for you for only the second time in its history as it hosts its 2nd Annual Flower show between March 28th and April 11th.  With Macy’s just a few short blocks away from the Independent, it’s almost too convenient!

Take advantage of one of spectacular packages.  The Ancient Rome and America exhibit at the National Constitution Center (also located almost too conveniently from the Independent) is appearing through August 1st.  This package will truly make you feel like a V.I.P.  This includes accommodations at the Independent, two V.I.P. Passes to the Ancient Rome and America exhibit, which includes access to the award-winning theatrical performance “Freedom Rising” and Singer’s Hall.

http://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/p_prod.cfm?HotelID=15322&ProdID=264764&killcookie=1&LanguageID=1

Feeling charitable?  On April 29th, what many consider the busiest restaurant night of the year (and the most important) is Dining out for Life.  With most of the city’s greatest and most popular restaurants within walking distance of the Independent, make a night out of it and help fight A.I.D.S. by dining out within the city.  Every participating restaurant will donate 33% of the cost of your meal to help fight the virus.  For a list of participating restaurants, and to discover which ones are closest to us, please visit:

http://www.diningoutforlife.com/philadelphia/participating

Located right off Broad Street, the Independent is a great place for you to relax and prepare for the annual Broad Street Run.  This 10-mile run will allow the most competitive, and leisurely runners to enjoy the great sights and history of the city while jogging down broad street.  After you’re finished, unwind with us at the Independent on May 2nd!

Want to the see the Olympians of tomorrow?  Visit the city and stay with us while you attend the Penn Relays.  The Penn Relays are the single most important amateur track and field event in the country.  Witness the athletes who may one day wear the gold right here in our backyard.  Join us during April 22nd through the 24th.  After becoming tired with all the daily activity, unwind with us on property for the complimentary Guest Reception that features our wine picks and cheeses.

Even though it is now known as ‘Spring’, this great season boasts a lot of great opportunities to explore new things.  Philadelphia can be an old friend, or a new acquaintance…no matter, visit the beautiful, historic city and ‘Lengten’ your senses to something truly wonderful.  The Independent is here to welcome you with open arms.

Date:

June 7, 2009

The Race

The world’s most competitive cyclists turn their sights on Philadelphia for the annual Philadelphia International Championship every June, when about 300,000 fans line an arduous road course to watch hundreds of elite pro cyclists whip through some of Philadelphia’s most beautiful streets.

The scenic course includes the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Kelly Drive, and, of course, the infamous Manayunk “Wall,” a 17% grade hill rising sharply off the banks of the Schuylkill River.

The race is a culmination of a weekend of related festivities that are great for the entire family.

Best Places To Watch

The best places from which to watch the race are:

• the “Feed Zone” located near the start/finish line along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
• the Family Fun Zone on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art,
• along Main Street in Manayunk,
• along the Manayunk Wall,
• Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park,
• and various spots along Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park, which you must walk to since the Drive is closed to traffic.

Thinking of coming to see the Race?  The Independent Hotel in Philadelphia is now taking reservations.  Click on make a reservation or call us today! 

The Independent Hotel, Philadelphia’s newest premier boutique hotel, has partnered with the Spirit of Philadelphia to bring you a most entertaining and unique dining experience. 

Come aboard and enjoy the most entertaining lunchtime experience in Philadelphia featuring our Grande Buffet! This two-hour cruise on Philadelphia’s historic harbor is perfect for an afternoon getaway, a birthday, office party, entertaining out-of-town guests, you name it.

Let us walk you through a cruise:

• Big smile - a keepsake photo of you and your party will be taken upon boarding, so go ahead and “mug” for the camera. (You can pre-purchase or decide at the dock when you return.)
• “This way please” - we will greet and seat you. Please note that many tables are designed for cabaret-style seating with other guests, reminiscent of ocean-going cruises. Order drinks, then feel free to get up and explore the ship - especially our outdoor strolling decks.
• Bon Voyage! - As the ship pulls away from the dock, grab your streamers and your drinks and join our Spirit entertainers in a festive Bon Voyage toast.
• Bon Appétit - Once you’ve been invited up to our Grande Buffet, take as little or as much as you like. You can even go back for seconds and thirds as long as the buffet is open!
• Oooo, ahhhh - while you dine, we’ll entertain you with a fascinating narrated tour of Philadelphia’s breathtaking skyline easily seen from our huge panoramic windows.
• Live Entertainment - Throughout the cruise, Spirit’s staff will dazzle you with impressive renditions of your favorite tunes. Sit back, relax and enjoy the talent.
• Stretch your legs - head topside for the largest outdoor patio deck in Philadelphia and catch a breath of fresh air and an amazing view.
• Rock ‘til you dock - from line dances to Top-40 hits, our DJs know how to get everyone up and dancing, right to the end of your cruise.

About the Spirit of Philadelphia
Perfect for parties of two to 500 guests, the three-deck Spirit of Philadelphia offers a sleek and fresh approach to dining and dancing on the water:

• Three climate-controlled dining & entertainment decks
• Huge panoramic windows all around
• Bathrooms on two interior decks
• Outdoor strolling decks at bow and stern
• Full outdoor patio deck topside with cafe-style seating
• Full-service bars
• Handicap accessible
• Two dance floors and staging areas
• Flexible seating arrangements

Packages starting at $264.00 and includes:

* Overnight accommodations for (2) people

*(2) Tickets aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia

*Two hour festive river cruise

*Bountiful Buffet

*Narrated skyline tour

*Vibrant entertainment with a lively DJ playing a full range of dance hits

To book your package click here:  http://theindependenthotel.com/philadelphia/?cat=22

The Independent Hotel, Philadelphia’s newest premier boutique hotel, has partnered with the Spirit of Philadelphia to bring you a most entertaining and unique dining experience. 

Come aboard and enjoy the most entertaining lunchtime experience in Philadelphia featuring our Grande Buffet! This three-hour cruise on Philadelphia’s historic harbor is perfect for an afternoon getaway, a birthday, office party, entertaining out-of-town guests, you name it.

Let us walk you through a cruise:

• Big smile - a keepsake photo of you and your party will be taken upon boarding, so go ahead and “mug” for the camera. (You can pre-purchase or decide at the dock when you return.)
• “This way please” - we will greet and seat you. Please note that many tables are designed for cabaret-style seating with other guests, reminiscent of ocean-going cruises. Order drinks, then feel free to get up and explore the ship - especially our outdoor strolling decks.
• Bon Voyage! - As the ship pulls away from the dock, grab your streamers and your drinks and join our Spirit entertainers in a festive Bon Voyage toast.
• Bon Appétit - Once you’ve been invited up to our Grande Buffet, take as little or as much as you like. You can even go back for seconds and thirds as long as the buffet is open!
• Oooo, ahhhh - while you dine, we’ll entertain you with a fascinating narrated tour of Philadelphia’s breathtaking skyline easily seen from our huge panoramic windows.
• Live Entertainment - Throughout the cruise, Spirit’s staff will dazzle you with impressive renditions of your favorite tunes. Sit back, relax and enjoy the talent.
• Stretch your legs - head topside for the largest outdoor patio deck in Philadelphia and catch a breath of fresh air and an amazing view.
• Rock ‘til you dock - from line dances to Top-40 hits, our DJs know how to get everyone up and dancing, right to the end of your cruise.

About the Spirit of Philadelphia
Perfect for parties of two to 500 guests, the three-deck Spirit of Philadelphia offers a sleek and fresh approach to dining and dancing on the water:

• Three climate-controlled dining & entertainment decks
• Huge panoramic windows all around
• Bathrooms on two interior decks
• Outdoor strolling decks at bow and stern
• Full outdoor patio deck topside with cafe-style seating
• Full-service bars
• Handicap accessible
• Two dance floors and staging areas
• Flexible seating arrangements

Packages starting at $329.00 and includes:

* Overnight accommodations for (2) people

*(2) Tickets aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia

*Three hour festive river cruise

*Bountiful Buffet

*Narrated skyline tour

*Vibrant entertainment with a lively DJ playing a full range of dance hits

To book your package click here:  http://theindependenthotel.com/philadelphia/?cat=22

The Independent Hotel Philadelphia is Philadelphia’s newest premier boutique hotel.  Located just minutes from the University of Penn campus, The Independent Hotel

Sunday May 17, 2009

At the University of Pennsylvania, you’ll find a historic, Ivy League school with highly selective admissions and a history of innovation in interdisciplinary education and scholarship. You’ll also find a picturesque campus amidst a dynamic city and a world-class research institution

The Independent Hotel, Philadelphia’s newest premier boutique hotel, wishes to congratulate it’s Community Partner Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Center City Campus, for being ranked as one of America’s best hospitals!  Thomas Jefferson Univerity Hospital has been granted MAGNET® recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) MAGNET Recognition Program®. ANCC is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association.

Less than five percent of hospitals in the US have achieved MAGNET status which recognizes superior patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice.

Highly regarded as the “gold standard” of nursing excellence, MAGNET recognition provides a benchmark by which consumers and patients can measure the quality of care they can expect to receive at a hospital.  MAGNET-recognized hospitals are associated with improved patient care outcomes as well as attracting top notch physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals.

“Jefferson is extremely proud of the high caliber of our nurses and the exceptional care they provide to patients,” remarked Mary Ann McGinley, PhD, RN, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. “MAGNET status validates what we already know and enhances our reputation as a center of excellence.”

“Through our journey to achieve MAGNET status, the significant contributions that our nurses make to the profession are even more evident,” Dr. McGinley noted.  “In their everyday practice, Jefferson nurses apply their clinical knowledge, expertise and research to improve care and to create an environment of excellence for our patients.”

Hospitals applying to the MAGNET Recognition Program must demonstrate and document along with sources of evidence that the fundamental characteristics identified as the “14 Forces of Magnetism” are internalized within the institution.  Organizational structure, quality of nursing care and the professional environment are vigorously evaluated. Jefferson’s 1200-page MAGNET application document filled 10 volumes which included written narratives, exhibits and demographics. MAGNET organizations must provide annual monitoring reports and apply for re-designation every four years.

“MAGNET recognition further strengthens Jefferson’s position as a leader of quality care and nursing excellence,” commented Thomas J. Lewis, Jefferson’s president and chief executive officer.  “Jefferson is honored to be among the best in the country for both medical and nursing services.  It’s why patients choose Jefferson.”

While visiting Jefferson Hospital, we would love to be your host hotel.  To book your room simply click on “Reservations”

April 23 - 25, 2009

As the first and oldest of relay meets, the Penn Relays has always tried to stay at the forefront of advances in the sport.  From April 23 to April 25, Philadelphia will be dashing with spectators from around the world who are eager to see tomorrow’s Olympic stars at one of the oldest and longest-running track and field events in the world.

So who competes in The Penn Relays? Men and women from high schools, colleges, clubs, the armed services, prepatory schools and even elementary schools. This year, during some 33 hours of competition, participants from ages eight to 80 will run more than 425 races — that’s more than one race every five minutes.

Paul Cézanne’s posthumous retrospective at the Salon d’Automne in 1907 was a watershed event in the history of art. The immediate impact of this large presentation of his work on the young artists of Paris was profound. Its ramifications on successive generations down to the present are still in effect.

This exhibition features forty paintings and twenty watercolors and drawings by Cézanne, displayed alongside works by several artists for whom Cézanne has been a central inspiration and whose work reflects, both visually and poetically, Cézanne’s extraordinary legacy.

Based on the remarkable resources of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, both in its holdings of major works by Cézanne and in its large collections of early modernist works—thanks to A. E. Gallatin and Louise and Walter Arensberg—this show is a unique occasion to experience the continuing impact of this influential painter.

Francis Alÿs (Belgian, born 1959)
“I remember blaming Cézanne (or was it that I blessed him) for having saved me from having to deal with the enigma of painting.”

Max Beckmann (German, 1884–1950)
“Cézanne was my greatest love and still is when I think of French art.”

Georges Braque (French, 1882–1963)
“To my way of thinking, there is no master equal to Cézanne.”

Paul Cézanne (French, 1839–1906)
“In my thought one doesn’t replace the past, one only adds a new link to it.”

Charles Demuth (American, 1883–1935)
“John Marin and I drew our inspiration from the same source, French modernism. He brought his up in buckets and spilt much along the way. I dipped mine out with a teaspoon, but I never spilled a drop.”

Alberto Giacometti (Swiss, 1901–1966)
“Cézanne did not … seek to be original. And yet there is no painter so original as Cézanne.”

Arshile Gorky (American, born Armenia, 1904–1948)
“Cézanne is the greatest artist, shall I say, that has lived.”

Marsden Hartley (American, 1877–1943)
“[Cézanne had] ideas that were to make the world of painting over again.”

Jasper Johns (American, born 1930)
“As for the Cézanne [Bather], it has a synesthetic quality that gives it great sensuality—it makes looking equivalent to touching

Ellsworth Kelly (American, born 1923)
“Cézanne tackled and conceptualized the three-dimensional world in terms of its underlying structure and our uncertain relationships to it.”

Fernand Léger (French, 1881–1955)
“[Cézanne’s] influence was so strong that in order to free myself I had to move all the way to abstraction.”

Sherrie Levine (American, born 1947)
“I engage the idea of removing the artist completely from the artwork, so that it becomes a kind of group project with audience participation.”

Brice Marden (American, born 1938)
“Cézanne, my hero.”

Henri Matisse (French, 1869–1954)
“I thought: If Cézanne is right, I am right. Because I knew Cézanne had made no mistake.”

Piet Mondrian (Dutch, 1872–1944)
“Beauty in art is created not by the objects of representation but by the relationships of line and color (Cézanne).”

Giorgio Morandi (Italian, 1890–1964)
“We sat down around the big table and talked about art,” John Rewald recalled, “not so much about his [Morandi’s] as about the masters he admired, above all Cézanne and Seurat.”

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973)
“[Cézanne] was my one and only master! Don’t you think I looked at his pictures?”

Liubov Popova (Russian, 1889–1924)
“Cézanne no longer depicted the impression of the object, but only its essence.”

Jeff Wall (Canadian, born 1946)
“I have always admired Cézanne.”

20 Days until Opening Tap

Over 445 events at dozens of venues

in the city and suburbs
And more to come!

The second-annual Philly Beer Week (PBW) 2009 will kickoff on Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m., in the spectacular Comcast Center lobby and Winter Garden (17th street and JFK Boulevard) with the Opening Tap, a celebration honoring over 30 regional breweries whose beer help make Philadelphia “the best beer-drinking city in America.” The Opening Tap will begin with a ceremonial ‘first tap’ using the official Philly Beer Week Keg Mallet, followed by a strolling beer tasting and a festive awards ceremony. Opening Tap tickets cost $40 and can be purchased online at www.phillybeerweek.org ($50 at the door.)

“The Opening Tap is a one-of-a-kind event featuring our local breweries and their beers, as well as the men and women who create them,” says Don Russell, who along with Tom Peters and Bruce Nichols are the founders of Philly Beer Week.

Invited breweries for the Opening Tap include: Appalachian Brewing, Barley Creek Brewing Company, Brew Works, Dock Street, Dogfish Head, Earth + Bread, Erie Brewing Company, Flying Fish, General Lafayette, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Lancaster Brewing Company, Legacy, Lion, Manayunk Brewpub, McKenzie’s, Nodding Head, Penn Brewery, Philadelphia Brewing Company, Porterhouse, Reading Brewing Company, Riverhorse, Rock Bottom, Roy Pitz, Sly Fox, Triumph, Stewart’s, Stoudts, Troegs, Twin Lakes, Victory, Weyerbacher, Yards and Yuengling.

A group of local beer writers created the awards that will honor each brewery represented at the event. An emcee will announce each award and invite the brewery representative to join them, get their photo taken and receive their PBW award.

“These are not your traditional “Best Of” awards. They have a definite Philly attitude! In this town, we may take our beer seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously,” says Russell who created the awards with fellow beer writers George Hummel, Bryan Kolesar, Lew Bryson, Jack Curtin, Suzanne Woods, Rich Wagner, Woody Chandler and Carolyn Smagalski.

Food will be available for purchase from the Market at the Comcast Center, and live music is also planned. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age, and no children will be admitted.

Those wishing to take public transportation to Philly Beer Week, can purchase Sip Safely with SEPTA, an unlimited, all-day, bus-trolley-rail pass that will be sold for $9.00, valid any one day between March 6 and March 15. This pass is valid on SEPTA services, to encourage PBW participants to travel safely, rather than driving from event to event. Sip Safely with SEPTA passes are available for sale at most SEPTA locations.