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!

Join the Independent Philadelphia Hotel and Midtown Village & Washington Square Merchants for a “Sweetheart Sunday” - February 8, 2009 from noon - 6 p.m for a day of sweetheart shopping and dining specials in Midtown Village & Washington Square.  Enter to win the “My Center City Weekend” contest featuring an overnight stay at The Independent Philadelphia Hotel and one of many wonderful prizes to be given away!

The Independent Philadelphia Hotel is an official drop off location for the “My Center City Weekend” contest on February 8th from noon - 6 p.m. and will be hosting an “Open House”  offering Complimentary Refreshments and tours of Philadelphia’s “Newest” Boutique Hotel.  Plan to stop by, drop off your entry, enjoy the refreshments and meet our staff!  The Independent Philadelphia Hotel will be offering on the spot “discounts” to those that book their reservation during this time.  We look foward to “welcoming” you Independent Style on February 8th from noon - 6 p.m.! 

Please call 215-772-1440 for additional information and reservations.

Philly Overnight® is back. The two-night hotel package is now available seven days a week at The Independent Philadelphia Hotel!  PACKAGES STARTING AT $209.00 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY plus applicable taxes - based upon availability

The Philly Overnight® Hotel Package gives you two nights accommodations with free parking.
It’s the perfect package for a quick getaway.

Included in the package;

• 2 nights accommodations
• Free Parking for both nights (upwards of a $75 value at most Center City hotels)
• A Free gift upon check-in: an adorable Philly’s More Fun Teddy Bear
• Macy’s Savings Pass featuring an 11% discount

The package is available seven days a week, which means you can book it for any two consecutive days — e.g. a Tuesday and a Wednesday, a Sunday and a Monday, a Friday and a Saturday, etc. 

And in addition to the accommodations for two nights, your Philly Overnight® Hotel Package includes free parking (upwards of a $75 value), a Macy’s Savings Pass and a free gift upon check-in. 

And remember, Philly is more fun when you sleep over! And now your weekend is whenever you want it to be - PACKAGES STARTING AT $209.00 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY plus applicable taxes - based upon availability. 

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION NOW:   https://reservations.ihotelier.com/istay.cfm?hotelid=15322&packageID=111302

The holidays are quickly approaching and The Independent Philadelphia Hotel invites you to come be out guest and take in not only all the spectacular shopping Center City Philadelphia has to offer but to plan a visit to Franklin Square Outlet Center as well!  We are offering discounted rates through the end of December 2008 - leaving you with more money to shop! 

Holidays In The Square Friday, November 28 through Saturday, December 20
Franklin Square
Presented by Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
FREE!
 
> official website
· · ·
FREE caroling performance in Franklin Square where visitors can sing along with their favorite holiday songs as they stroll through the Square. Take a ride on the Lightning Bolt Express Train, a magical ride around the historic square (tickets required). 11 am – 2 pm, weather permitting.

Dates:

• Friday, November 28, 2008 @ 11:00 am
• Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 11:00 am

Ready to get your hands …  CLEAN?? 

.

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. 

.

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…

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

Yes, all the rumors are true! The Independent Hotel Philadelphia is now taking reservations. We are a boutique hotel, with so much more!

Visit the Hotel website at www.theindependenthotel.com to explore our wonderful boutique experience.

.