Day: April 18, 2015

Rivers, Lakes & Pools Set The Scene For The Region’s Many Fun Water Activitiesrn

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rnNorthbrook CanoernFrom sport fishing to swimming and boating to booze cruises, visitors and residents fall hook, line and sinker for the many ways to enjoy life on the water in the Philadelphia region. In Philadelphia proper, new waterfront parks and public projects can be spotted on the quiet, beautiful Schuylkill River to the west and the shipping waterway of the Delaware River 30 blocks to the east. Outside the city, lakes and rivers provide serene spots for enjoying the warm summer sunshine.rnrnHere are some of the region’s top spots for fishing, boating, swimming and enjoying the river views:rnrnDELAWARE RIVERrnrnBoating:rnrnGuests really get hands-on at the Independence Seaport Museum, located right on the Delaware River. To take advantage of the protected waters of the basin next to the building, the museum partners with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation to rent row boats, swan boats and tandem kayaks, along with the required life jackets, at Penn’s Landing. Boaters must be age 6 or over. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.orgrnBefore responding to the lure of the sea, it helps to learn how to sail. The American Sailing Association’s Liberty Sailing School of Philadelphia teaches sailing courses for beginners or advanced mates. All instructors are ASA Certified and U.S. Coast Guard-Licensed Captains. Philadelphia Marine Center, 235 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 393-7833, libertysailingschool.comrnFishing:rnrnFishing enthusiasts have been anxiously awaiting the debut of Pier 68, a brand new fishing dock in South Philadelphia. The refuge is one of very few places along the Delaware River waterfront where the sport is legally permitted. Columbus Boulevard & Pier 70 Boulevard, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnTouring:rnrnTraversing the upper Delaware River, New Hope Boat Rides offer 45-minute trips on the 37-foot Star of New Hope. Captain Timothy Yates describes local history while highlighting riverfront attractions. Tours run on weekends May through September and depart from the dock behind The Landing Restaurant. 22 N. Main Street, New Hope, (215) 205-1140, newhopeboatrides.comrnThose who can’t decide between a river cruise and a wine tasting need not choose. Patriot Harbor Line’s Delaware River Tours satisfy both activities with its various wine-education themes. For teetotalers, a variety of lightly narrated trips combine scenic city views with a bit of commentary about Philadelphia’s rich maritime past. All tours take place aboard a reproduction of a 1920s commuter yacht. Independence Seaport Museum on Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (800) 879-3370, phillybyboat.comrnThe humorously narrated Ride The Ducks tour entertains all the way through the Old City, Historic Philadelphia and South Street neighborhoods. But the oohs and aahs really start when the amphibious vehicle splashes down in the Delaware River for a short cruise. Tickets are available at the Independence Visitor Center. 6th & Market Streets, (877) 887-8225 (DUCK), philadelphia.ridetheducks.comrnGuests trade in boat shoes for dancing shoes on the Spirit of Philadelphia. Cruises up and down the Delaware River feature live entertainment, food, music and dancing—plus some of the best city skyline views around. Columbus Boulevard at Lombard Circle, (866) 394-8439, spiritcruises.com/philadelphiarnSplashing & Tubing:rnrnBucks County River Country is all about options, offering raft, canoe, kayak and tube trips along the upper Delaware River. People can even customize a river tour based on their interests.2 Walters Lane, Point Pleasant, (215) 297-5000, rivercountry.netrnIn summer 2015, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation brings back its uber-popular Spruce Street Harbor Park. This pop-up, waterside oasis features a floating bar and restaurant, water gardens, lounge chairs, a hammock park, water sprays for a quick cool-off, food vendors and entertainment. Columbus Boulevard at Spruce Street, (215) 629-3200, sprucestreetharborpark.comrnEnjoying The View:rnrnThanks to Philly’s new Indego bike share program, visitors and locals can make easy use of the pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly Delaware River Trail, which is now open from Spring Garden Street to Sugarhouse Casino. When complete, the project will offer 6.5 miles of continuous riverfront trail with views of the Delaware River. (215) 629-3200, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnOpen seasonally, Morgan’s Pier bar and restaurant draws guests ranging from families out for an alfresco weekend lunch to the after-work crowd. The laid-back atmosphere, wooden docks and casual fare create a beachy feel right on the shores of the Delaware River. 221 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 279-7134, morganspier.comrnLocated in the shadow of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Race Street Pier features two levels for recreation. The upper terrace, dubbed the Grand Sky Promenade, rises 12 feet toward the bridge and is connected to the lower terrace by a multi-tiered seating area, perfect for watching the tide roll in. The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation conducts free yoga classes seven days a week in season. Columbus Boulevard & Race Street, (215) 629-3200, racestreetpier.comrnFormerly known as Pier 53, Washington Avenue Green offers sweeping views of the Delaware River from an elevated boardwalk. Follow markers relate the site’s history as a major immigration hub and as the nation’s first navy yard. Washington Avenue & Columbus Boulevard, washingtonavenuegreen.comrnSCHUYLKILL RIVERrnrnFishing:rnrnThose who head to Black Rock Sanctuary for a day of fishing are in for a bonus treat—bird-watching. The wetlands area is an important habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds. 953 Black Rock Road, Phoenixville, (610) 469-1916, chesco.org/ccparksrnAnglers in the know cast their lines from the Schuylkill Banks. The tidal Schuylkill River is home to more than 40 species of fish, including perch, sunfish, carp, bass and even shad. Popular fishing spots include the area between Locust and Walnut Streets, under the Walnut Street Bridge, on the pier by Race Street and on the lower trail just south of Martin Luther King Drive. (215) 222-2030, schuylkillbanks.orgrnTouring:rnrnThere’s a new kind of happy hour in town courtesy of Manayunk Hidden River Kayak Tours. After instruction and a 1.5-hour guided tour along the Schuylkill River, paddlers cap off the experience with their favorite beverage at a local pub. The company also runs a number of other kayak tour options, including a Sunday Brunch Tour, complete with a post-paddle jazz breakfast. Tours depart from the dock located behind Manayunk Brewing Company. 21 Main Street, (215) 482-8220, manayunkkayaktours.comrnIt’s sometimes called Philadelphia’s hidden river, but Patriot Harbor Lines’ Schuylkill River Cruises reveal the secrets of waterway. Tourgoers can opt for the one-hour Different Nights, Different Lights; Hidden River Cocktail Cruise; or Secrets of the Schuylkill Cruise. Longer options include Walnut to Walnut and Boat to Bartram’s Garden. All the tours highlight the river’s beautiful scenery, unique architecture and city skyscape views from a reproduction of a 1920s commuter boat. Walnut Street Dock at Schuylkill Banks, (800) 979-3370, phillybyboat.comrnEnjoying The View:rnrnThe 15-foot-wide, 2,000-foot-long, ADA-compliant concrete path that comprises the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk provides runners, bikers and pedestrians with easy connections to the Schuylkill River Trail between Locust Street and the South Street Bridge. Those who want to take in the scenery can do so at any of the four overlooks offering city and waterfront views. Schuylkill River at Locust Street, (215) 222-6030, schuylkillbanks.orgrnA welcome addition to Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood, Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center is a collaborative effort between the Philadelphia Water Department, the Parks and Recreation department and Manayunk residents. The waterfront attraction includes a 250-seat performing arts center devoted primarily to kids’ theater, an outdoor amphitheater, basketball and volleyball courts, a “sprayground” water feature and lots of park space with stunning sunrise and sunset water views. Main Street & Cotton Street, (215) 482-9565, manayunk.com/dsr/veniceisland.htmlrnWater Works Restaurant & Lounge successfully capitalizes on the inherent romance of the waterfront. Located below the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this iconic eatery offers indoor and outdoor seating along with spectacular, unobstructed river views. Lovebirds especially enjoy dining here at night, when the twinkling lights of Boathouse Row reflect off of the surface of the water. 640 Water Works Drive, (215) 236-9000, thewaterworksrestaurant.comrnOTHER WATERWAYSrnrnBoating:rnrnDo-it-yourself canoeists can paddle the historic Brandywine River with the help of Brandywine Outfitters. In addition to boat rentals and portage transportation, the company rents out its private 26-acre park—complete with a riverside patio, picnic benches, cooking and picnic areas, children’s play equipment and trails—for special events. 2096 Strasburg Road, Coatesville, (610) 486-6141, canoepa.netrnFrench Creek State Park’s two lakes—the 68-acre Hopewell Lake and the 22-acre Scotts Run Lake—each offer boat launches and seasonal boat mooring spaces. Landlubbers looking for a day on the water can head to the Hopewell Lake pool complex for boat rentals, available daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends during May and September. 843 Park Road, Elverson, (610) 582-9680, dcnr.state.pa.usrnWith six public launching areas and 1,450 acres of clear, calm waters, Lake Nockamixon is a boater’s dream. The Marina and Tohickon launch ramps are popular with sailboat, catamaran and windsurfing enthusiasts, while the Three Mile Run and Haycock launch facilities are favored by those with motorboats, kayaks and inflatable watercraft. Boat rentals are available throughout the summer. 1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown (215) 529-7300, dcnr.state.pa.usrnDaredevils eagerly anticipate high water conditions for white-water boating in the Tohickon Creek at Ralph Stover State Park. That’s when closed-deck canoes and kayaks can take on the challenging course. 5998 State Park Road, Pipersville (610) 982-5560, dcnr.state.pa.usrnFishing:rnrnThe 106-acre Anson B. Nixon Park is a gem of a fishing hole. Two ponds are stocked annually with trout, and a fishing dock with wheel chair access assures angling fun for everyone. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required for ages 16 and over. Waterworks Drive from N. Walnut Street (main access point), Kennett Square, (610) 444-1416, ansonbnixonpark.orgrnWith two lakes in its borders, French Creek State Park is an angler’s delight. The 22-acre cold-water Scotts Run Lake offers excellent trout and other cold-water species. Fishing and hatchery-raised trout are stocked throughout the year. Those who take on the challenge of Hopewell Lake’s 68 acres are rewarded with a wide variety of bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, walleye, muskellunge and many species of panfish. An ADA-accessible fishing pier is located in the day- use area. 843 Park Road, Elverson, (610) 582-9680, dcnr.state.pa.usrnFor a lake-to-table experience, people catch dinner from the fishing pier at Lake Nockamixon. The warm-water fishery, certified as a Big Bass Lake, is stocked with walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, smallmouth and largemouth bass, striped-bass hybrids, channel catfish, carp and various types of panfish. Another fishing platform, which is ADA accessible, sits near the Haycock Boat Launch. 1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown, (215) 529-7300, dcnr.state.pa.usrnEach fishing season, trout are released into the Wissahickon Creek. Spin and fly fishers converge here to try their luck in the creek’s deep pools, fast riffles and pocket waters. Along Wissahickon Valley Park Trail (Forbidden Drive), (215) 247-0417, fow.orgrnSplashing & Tubing:rnrnWhen the weather gets hot, tubing the perfect respite. Northbrook Canoe Company invites people to ride the currents of the Brandywine River in a comfy, seamless tube. For those who prefer to be on the water but not in it, canoe and kayak rentals do the trick. True water enthusiasts bring their own boats set off from the docks. 1810 Beagle Road, Northbrook, (610) 793-2279, northbrookcanoe.comrnSwimming:rnrnKids love romping through the spray-and-splash pool while parents enjoy lounging around the main pool at Neshaminy State Park. Both are open from the Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 3401 State Road, (215) 639-4538, dcnr.state.pa.usrnAs if a half-acre of watery goodness wasn’t enough, Nockamixon State Park’s sprawling pool also includes two waterslides and a shallow end with fountains for the littlest ones. It opens Memorial Day weekend and closes at the end of the swimming season. 1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown (215) 529-7300, dcnr.state.pa.usrnFamilies often make a day of it at French Creek State Park, where a pool, concession stand and tree-shaded spots perfect for picnicking satisfy summertime needs. The pool is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. 843 Park Road, Elverson, (610) 582-9680, dcnr.state.pa.usrnVISIT PHILADELPHIA® makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area.rnrnOn Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.rnrnContact(s):rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782