Shopping around Midtown Village??  Why not check out the new location of Kembrel?  This “chic & hip” shop is definitely drawing in the curious as you walk by on Locust Street (between 12th & 13th).  Kembrel now introduces fashion labels to consumers-in-the-making, with actual students serving as conduits between brands and entry-level fashion buyers. The Kembrel website features both discounted, college-lifestyle-themed collections for boys and girls, and an outlet store for limited-run flash sales events.

The newly added in-store experience is designed to help the company, and its brand partners, connect with customers on a more intimate level, as well as develop the association between the Kembrel name and cool college wares. The stores will provide customers offline access to Kembrel’s online collections, and feature crafted products from local designers, but the outlet element will remain web-only.

Kembrel, founded in 2010, is based in Philadelphia and operates a satellite office in Montreal, Canada. The startup has six employees and already has plans to open a second store in Philadelphia.

www.kembrel.com

It’s that time of year again, the time when the leaves have almost all fallen away and the wind chills you to the bone. Thankfully, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village will be here to warm us all up soon.

This outdoor market is built from the ground up in a style similar to traditional German holiday markets. Dozens of vendors sell their goods and wares to visitors in preparation of the Christmas shopping season. Jewelry, arts & crafts and handmade items will all be available for purchase. If you get hungry along the way there are also traditional German food staples such as Bratwurst and mulled wine.

Along with eating and shopping there will be performances held in the Christmas Village for all to see, free of charge. These performance are scheduled to take place 1pm, 5pm and 5:45pm (daily).

The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, November 26th, but for those of you that can’t wait to get the season started there will be a sneak peak on Thanksgiving, November 24th. But that’s not all! The Christmas tree will be lit by Mayor Nutter on Wednesday, December 7th.

For more information check out their website:   http://www.philachristmas.com/28-0-About.html

Happy Holidays!!

So for those of you who are familiar with the Independent Hotel you know that the building has a total of five floors and that the hotel actually starts on the second floor where the lobby is located. You may be left wondering: what will be going in the first floor? Good Question!  Well, we won’t keep you wondering any longer.  Executive Chef Mike Stollenwerk’s Fish Restaurant will be swimming over to 13th & Locust Street.

Chef Stollenwerk and his team lead Fish restaurant at its current location with creative menus and a casual atmosphere.  This move will triple the space in the dining room and open up the kitchen to create more menu options for guests.

The renovation process is expected to be completed this Fall so that the restaurant is ready to open its doors again in its new home.  The Independent Hotel is BEYOND Excited to have a remarkable restaurant such as Fish finding a new place at 1234 Locust Street.   As this newest addition to the 13th Street Midtown Village Row of Tasty & New Restaurants, we can safely say Fish will truly be the Anchor to complete this block.  Please stay tuned for more information and check out Fish’s website to see what they’re all about.

www.fishphilly.com

Guest Service Agent: Hello, thank you for calling the Independent Hotel. This is Jane. How can I help you?

Caller: Hi! I just made a reservation at your hotel and was calling to confirm your location. What’s your address?

GSA: 1234 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Caller:Oh, is that in the…uh…Gayborhood?

GSA: ABSOLUTELY!!

 Yup, you heard correctly. We’re in the Gayborhood and proud of it! We accept everyone with open and loving arms and like our motto says we are “A Boutique Hotel for the Independently Minded.”

We’re located footsteps away from both historic sites and some of the most hopping gay bars and clubs in the city. No matter your lifestyle we (and the Gayborhood) have something to offer everyone.

For more information about our awesomeness check out this fabulous article featuring some of the gay-friendly hotels in the area.

http://press.visitphilly.com/releases/come-one-come-all-hotels-welcome-gay-and-lesbian-travelers-to-philadelphia-and-the-countryside

As you may have heard Philly is THE place to go if you want to see some of the most impressive and stunning public works of art in the country.

The Mural Arts Program is a program that takes boring walls and turns them into masterpieces and has turned a depressed looking city into a wonder to behold. It also promotes art in the communities and encourages local youth to partake in beautifying their hometown.  What started out as an anti-graffiti program has turned into a well respected organization with a mission to leave things better than how they found them.

While most tourists only see murals on their walks around town, guests at the Independent get access to one very special mural custom made for our hotel. That is the 30′x10′ mural above the front desk in the central atrium of the hotel. This massive piece of art is three stories tall and features one very important landmark in our nation’s history, Independence Hall. Kim Senior, the muralist commissioned for this piece, used vibrant colors not usually associated with Historic Philadelphia, helping bring some life to this historic building.

For more information on the Mural Arts Program and tours of the murals please visit the site below:

http://muralarts.org/

For more information on the artist responsible for our mural and many more please visit her site below:

http://www.kimsenior.com/

 
 
Today we Celebrate our 3 year anniversary!  It seems like just yesterday we opened our doors and welcomed guests from all over the world, as they’ve called us their home away from home. Now, years later, we have met thousands of new faces and welcomed familiar ones too. We look forward to making even more friends as the years go on.
 
Our General Manager, Jim Evans, has been here since opening day and has this to say:
 

We feel so lucky to be situated in a neighborhood and city where we are able to build relationships with residents and local businesses that have attributed to our success. Because of Philadelphia’s diverse population and cultural attractions we’ve had the pleasure of serving travelers from all over the world. We are excited to have made such a mark these last three years within our local landscape and to give guests a unique option to call ‘home’ while visiting Philadelphia.

 
Our neighborhood has grown and changed around us which has helped The Independent to become a better neighbor to the environment and local organizations. HERSHA Hospitality Management believes in the importance of fostering relationships with our community and friends in an effort to make the world around us a more hospitable place.
 
In our way of giving back this year we’ve:

• * Implemented a new green initiative while being successful in reducing waste and encouraging our guests to recycle  
• * Contributed to local charities to support those in need in our area
• * Honored Earth Day this year by planting a tree to further our commitment to the beautification of 13th and Locust Streets
• * Donated soaps and other amenities to Clean the World, an non-profit organization committed to improving quality of life in struggling countries

 
To celebrate this three year milestone we are extending our weekday wine reception thru the weekend (Friday and Saturday). The Independent Hotel Guests will partake in some Philly treats, commemorative amenity gifts and a special addition to our breakfast on Sunday Morning.

What: Roberto Capucci: Art Into Fashion Exhibit

Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art

How Much Time is left: up until June 5th, 2011…so hurry!!

Roberto Capucci is a fashion designer with a passion for flair. Born and bred in Italy he honed his talents for creating dramatic works of art during a time when Italy was becoming the center of the fashion world.

He has been named one of the most creative and innovative designers of his time and has the portfolio to prove it. His collections have traveled the world and have been featured in motion pictures both in Europe and the United States.

Don’t miss this spectacular exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of art. Tickets can be reserved online.

 http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/411.html

So during the day you followed the crowd to the Art Museum, the waterfront and to the local cheese steak shop, but now you’re looking for something unique and fun to do in the evening. Look no further! Keep reading to find out some information on a couple of great tours that will keep you interested and entertained as the sun goes down.

Tippler’s Tour

This tour takes you through colonial Philadelphia to visit some local pubs where you learn about our founding fathers and their favorite watering holes. Learns the songs and toasts of their day while walking in their footsteps.

Independence After Hours

This tour takes history to the next level. You are not only hearing about it, you are living it! The tour starts with dinner at City Tavern and continues when your guide takes you through Independence Hall after dark. Here you will find actors reenacting some of America’s most important scenes. 

These tours are brought to you by Historic Philadelphia. This is an organization that strives to bring history to life by operating tours and historic attractions in the City of Brotherly Love. They have created these tours geared toward those who want to extend their history lesson into the late night hours.

Hurry up and catch these gems before they go away for good!

Philadelphia has been lucky enough to get two great exhibits in town at the same time. The sad part is they’re both leaving at the end of May.

Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America

This exhibit was created by the International Spy Museum and is at the National Constitution Center until Monday, May 30th.  It explores accounts of actual events and missions to keep America’s borders safe from attacks and foreign threats. Artifacts from throughout the country’s history are displayed to tell the story of the United States that many do not know about.  

This is a great way to indulge the spy and secret keeper in us all. Bring your family, friends, enemies….frenimies and maybe you’ll learn a trick or two to become the next 007.

http://constitutioncenter.org/

Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop

The ideas of the great inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, come to life at his workshop located at the Franklin Institute until Sunday, May 29th. The inventions include contraptions for flying all the way up to devastating machines of war.

The audience can see his sketches and his notebooks at this exhibit along with interactive displays that will take you a little bit further into the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers.  

http://www2.fi.edu/

OK, so going to every single event during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) may be impossible, but wouldn’t it be great if you could?

This festival is definitely something to get excited about. Inspired by Paris in 1911, the PIFA strives to not only entertain but inspire others with over one hundred performances, exhibitions and lectures that will take place between April 7th and May 1st. Many are free, family friendly and spread throughout the region so there is no excuse to miss out.

The Kimmel Center is a “leading inspiration” for this festival and takes pride in hosting many of the performances as well as being right smack in the middle of the Parisian Street Fair to take place on April 30th. This fair will take you back to a time where art and culture were taking Paris by storm. It will take place on the Avenue of the Arts (Broad Street between Chestnut & Lombard Sts) from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. This all day event will feature activities for kids, street performers and even a giant Ferris wheel!

For more information about tickets and events check out their website below;

http://www.pifa.org/

As many art lovers know, the Barnes Foundation (currently located in Merion, PA) is being moved to the City of Brotherly Love. While this has caused much controversy, the outcome will hopefully make up for any broken vows made to founder Dr. Barnes to keep the collection exactly how it is at the 12-acre estate it is now housed.

The new museum will be located near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  This is a convenient location for visitors who will be able to examine this extensive collection while also exploring the city. With an increase in visitor activity, the foundation should be able to raise enough money to continue its operation for future generations.

The architects chosen to design the new home for this famed collection have taken measures to ensure that the building will reflect its current home and the history behind the artwork and its founder. Below is an image of the proposed building. Groundbreaking took place in 2009 and construction is still underway. The building is hoped to be completed by the Winter of 2011.

Many agree that the artwork’s location and arrangement are what make it unique, interesting and valuable. This move should be a great study in not just art, but in architecture as well. Challenge yourself to consider how the space, arrangements and location alter your interpretations or understanding of this collection. Let’s make it interesting and take it one step further. Examine the collection at its current location in Merion, PA and then visit the new museum to see if your feelings have changed. It could be said that if your appreciation of the collection has remained the same then the architects did an excellent job and really captured the spirit of the Barnes estate.  

For more information on the Barnes Foundation go to their website below.

http://www.barnesfoundation.org/

We’ve all seen movies of brave service men and women who risk their lives for the freedoms many of us take for granted, and while they are entertaining can they really show us what life is like in the U.S. military? Well, if you were one of those not quite convinced about their authenticity you’ll be pleased to learn that military forms of art exist outside of Hollywood.

Through January 10th the National Constitution Center will be hosting an exhibit entitled Art of the American Soldier. The national tour has brought these rarely seen pieces of art into public view to honor not only the artists, but our country’s brave soldiers and veterans as well.  The featured pieces were collected from soldiers who served our country through World War I all the way up to present day. These works give us a glimpse into their lives during times of war and through personal struggle.

The exhibit is divided into 5 parts. The first explains the art program that has yielded these powerful works and the rest categorize the pieces according to what part of a soldier’s life it depicts from everyday things like doing laundry to more dramatic things such as preparing for an ambush.

Art of the American Soldier is an exhibit anyone can appreciate. Bring your family and friends to the National Constitution Center and gain a new perspective on the life of an American soldier. The National Constitution Center is located in center city near many other attractions so you are sure to have a day filled with history and fun. At the end of the day come stay at the Independent Hotel for a good night’s sleep. We are located in the heart of center city and even offers a government rate for those with proper identification.

Viewing the exhibit is free with admission to the museum and tickets are available through the National Constitution Center’s website posted below.

http://constitutioncenter.org/

The violent, the brutal and the criminally insane!! Even though this historical prison has been closed for decades some say the souls of its inmates still linger waiting to strike fear into the hearts of those who enter. This is probably why Eastern State Penitentiary has one of the most celebrated haunted houses in the country. Each fall ESP opens its doors in the evenings to let in the thrill seekers who are looking to get the socks scared off them.  Terror Behind the Walls opened its doors on September 17th and will be open to patrons until November 6th. Tickets are available online for anyone who is interested in experiencing nightmares.

However, if you’re a bit of a scaredy cat and don’t think you can handle the haunted house side of it, you’re not alone. Eastern State Penitentiary is open to visitors during the day. You will learn all about this notorious prison’s history as well as the famous people who stayed there. ESP is still a little creepy even in the daylight so make sure you bring someone you can hold on to.

For more information visit the website below:

http://www.easternstate.org/

Come on down to Outfest 2010! Organized by Philly Pride, this block party celebrates National Coming Out Day with music, dancing and events for everyone. Oh and guess what…The Independent Hotel is right at the heart of it!!

The main stage will be set up at the intersection of 13th and Locust Sts so we will have a front row seat to some of the most entertaining and exciting LGBT acts. Outfest is one of the biggest LGBT events in the city and provides community members with an opportunity to connect and network with each other.

When: Sunday, October 10, 2010 between noon and 7pm

Where: Philadelphia’s Gayborhood (between Walnut & Pine Sts and Juniper &12th Sts)

Check out the Philly Pride site and get more details about the event.

http://www.phillypride.org/events.html

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) 

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

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!

Ready to get your hands …  CLEAN?? 

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Only a few steps away from the Independent Hotel is a wonderful little Soapery (our word for a place where they concoct wonderful soaps) called duross & langel.  Here, YOU can participate in the development of a new generation of natural and organic cosmetics through their fun and delightful workshops each 1st and 3rd Sunday morning at 10AM.  Today, we all need to be socially responsible.  So why not have some “clean” fun doing it. 

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Socially Responsible Natural Soaps:  “our sea salts are purchased from family owned and operated salt farms on the dead sea and in the Caribbean, our shea butter is grown and harvested by a village co-op in burkina fasco, and many of the ingredients are from local market vendors here in the delaware valley. our commitment is to quality, fidelity and loyalty in all that we do. this is why we’ve placed our names on every label. we invite you to come by our modern apothecary shop and visit the soap makers at work, then test our scrubs and moisturizers, grab a free sample of soap and go have some good clean fun!” - quoting duross & langel…

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FUN WORKSHOPS!!  Leave your pencils and type-A personalities at the door because our workshops are all about the fun. it’s 2 hours of creativity and instruction on your favorite skin care products. as a group we work to create useable art in the form of luscious soaps and balms for our store. using our proprietary base ingredients, you’ll add extracts, oils and pigments while elbow deep in all-natural elements + you get to take home a sample of everything you make!  You must be 18 years old to attend (with the exception of our classes for kids).  The cost is a non-refundable $35 pre-paid. schedule conflicts are easily resolved by calling to reschedule class placement 48 hours prior to class. classes begin promptly at time listed. approximate class time is 2 hours unless otherwise specified.  Please dress appropriately for any splatters and splashes that might occur.  To reserve a space for a workshop please call 215.592.SOAP

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duross & langel savonniers
117 south 13th street philadelphia, pa 19107

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UPCOMING EVENTS AT duross & langel
july 9th: in-store event 6 PM to 8 PM
luscious grapefruit lip balms are on the menu and we’ll be brewing them before your eyes! bring the whole family for a FREE balm and a taste of capogiro’s pompelmo sorbetto which inspired us

july 12th: kezia read’s pre-party 6 PM to 8 PM
kezia is getting married and we are throwing her a pre-bachelorette bash in our kitchen.
we will laugh and play before they par-tay by creating some sensual wedding night treats for bride and groom

july 16th: in-store event 6 PM to 8 PM
lolita margaritas for everyone! come by to share the fun as we whip up a batch of margarita soap, sip on lolita’s signature cocktail and take home a FREE sample too!

july 20th: sunday school 10 AM to 12 PM
healing elements SOLD OUT- basic skin care to soothe and heal with extracts, oils and dried herbs. the class will create soaps, balms and salves

july 20th: katie reick’s birthday 1 PM to 3 PM
our little katie is having a party for all her friends in the d & l kitchen. though katie is anything but vanilla…every soap and sugar scrub we make with be dripping with vanilla!

july 23rd: in-store event 6 PM to 8 PM
capogiro’s peppermint stracciatella gelato has inspired us to light the cauldren. join us while we create this new, yummy summer soap and gobble up plenty of the inspirational gelato

july 30th: in-store event 6 PM to 8 PM
delightfully sweet nectar of mango spiced with indian cardamom inspired by bindi. both the soap and the cocktail will be flowing tonight
so join in the fun

august 6th: in-store event 6 PM to 8 PM
james’ favorite, capogiro thai coconut milk gelato will be served, soaped and sampled for your home bathing pleasure

august 20th: in-store event 6 PM to 8 PM
we are celebrating steve’s birthday with his favorite limoncello sorbetto from capogiro while we create yummy limoncello lip balms

august 27th: in-store event 6 PM to 8 PM
a surprise for us all