Month: February 2016

Popular Tour de France Veteran Frankie Andreu Slated For AppearancesrnrnFeb 12, 2016, 08:45 ET from Endurance Sports ExpornrnTheo tin PRNewswirernrnFREDERICKSBURG, Va., Feb. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Philadelphia's triathletes, runners, cyclists and swimmers are gearing up for the Sixth Annual Endurance Sports Expo February 20-21 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at The Oaks. The Expo will feature two days of educational seminars through the "Endurance Sports University," interactive demonstrations by professionals including Tour de France veteran Frankie Andreu. Attendees will learn from the best athletes, coaches, and dieticians in breakout seminars. The latest in triathlon, running, and cycling gear will be featured on the exhibit floor.rnrnLogo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160211/332493LOGOrnrnrn rn rn rnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160211/332492rnrnThis year's show, slated for Feb. 20-21 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, will feature appearances by cycling great Frankie Andreu – one of the most successful riders in the sport.rnrnAndreu retired from racing at the end of 2000 after a 12-year professional career that included nine Tours de France, three Tours of Spain and one Giro d' Italia. His racing experience not only encompassed Grand Tours, but also included high placed finishes in World Cup events and World Championships. He competed in two Olympic Games, placing fourth in 1996 in Atlanta and eighth in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. rnrn"The Endurance Sports Expo attracts the top brands, experts and endurance athletes. Our Endurance University features an incredible line-up of seminars developed to give our attendees cutting-edge tips and techniques," said Bill McLaughlin, Director of Business Development of the Endurance Sports Expo.rnrnOther featured seminar presenters include:rnrnJason Kilderry, owner of ETA Coach and U.S. Level 1 Triathlon Coach, to discuss training, nutritional, and recovery approaches for runners to aid in performance and in some cases injury prevention based on the latest scientific literature.rnBrucker Chase, renowned Ironman triathlete and founder of Ocean Positive, Inc., motivates others towards a personal connection to the water and a commitment to make ocean positive choices to protect our marine environments.rnMichael Ross, M.D. of the acclaimed Rothman Institute Performance Lab, educates attendees about peak performance and sports medicine.rnTo learn more about the Expo's full speaker line-up and to purchase tickets, visit: www.endurancesportsexpo.com. Tickets are $7 online in advance or $10 per day at the door. Expo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday. rnrnContact: rnKrista Sherkey rn913-775-3637rnrnSOURCE Endurance Sports ExpornrnRelated Linksrnrnhttp://www.endurancesportsexpo.com

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rnrnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 12, 2016rnrnNational Debt Relief recently shared in an article published January 29, 2016 how consumers can proceed with their homeownership dreams despite a challenging credit score. The article titled “Got Bad Credit? There Are Four Ways You Could Still Buy A House” looks into some valuable tips to consider when they find their score is too low for a mortgage loan.rnrnThe article starts off by explaining that there are a lot of numbers important to a person’s life. Those GPA scores to get a good college education as well as a good SAT or ACT score. As they graduate and take on jobs, their credit score functions the same way in regards to their financial behaviour. Lenders use this grading system to determine the amount of risk they are taking in if they decide to extend a loan instrument to a person including mortgage loans.rnrnThere are numerous reasons why a person would have a low credit score but for those dreaming of owning a home despite that, there are ways to go about it. The article shares that these would-be homeowners could save up for a large down payment on the house. This signifies the ability to handle the loans despite poor credit history, increases upfront equity on the property and lower loan to value ratio. It also shows that consumers are less likely to default on the loan because of the amount of money they are putting in.rnrnThe article also talks about trying to get an FHA loan rather than a Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae backed loan. This is because FHA loans can be approved with credit scores as low as 580 provided a downpayment of at least 3.5% can be raised by the consumer. These terms are much more lax compared to conventional mortgage loans.rnrnIt might also help for consumers to be upfront and talk to their lenders about their credit score. The article shares that some lenders can manually underwrite a loan if they see that the applicant can meet their loan payments. This can be because of on time rent payment or even reserve funds. To read the full article, click this link: https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/got-bad-credit-there-are-four-ways-you-could-still-buy-a-house/

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — New video clips from world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns' performance to honor Pope Francis I during his historic 2015 U.S. trip are now available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hIa73UFEkAUrnrnThe video features highlights of three songs performed by Mr. Kearns, a headliner of the pre-Mass Concert for Pope Francis in Philadelphia, PA during the 2015 World Meeting of Families. Kearns, accompanied by Mr. David George of Louisville, KY, sings "Shelter Me," "You Raise Me Up," and "How Great Thou Art."rnrnDuring an interview on "CNN Tonight" with host Don Lemon, Kearns said, "I feel very privileged to be a part of such a historic event in honor of His Holiness' visit to the United States."rnrnKirsten Fedewa, Mr. Kearns' publicist added: "Anthony chose three powerful songs to introduce Pope Francis' final Mass in America. We're proud to make this video available, to inspire and serve as a remembrance of Pope Francis' momentous trip to the United States."rnrnThe 2015 World Meeting of Families drew a record crowd of over a million people and featured an impressive line-up of speakers and performers, including actor Mark Wahlberg, legendary singer Aretha Franklin, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale, soprano Margaret Keys, and tenor Andrea Bocelli.rnrnSaid Kearns: "I've had the good fortune of performing for three U.S. presidents and leaders of several other countries but this was especially moving for me, as a Catholic and as a singer."rnrnMr. Kearns first took the American audience by storm as a member of the famous trio, The Irish Tenors, with whom he has over 10 best-selling CDs and five television specials. He also has several television specials to his credit as a solo artist – including the 2014 National Memorial Day Concert with the National Symphony Orchestra. His performance schedule includes operas and symphonies in the coming year, including performing with the Grand Rapids [Michigan] Symphony in March.rnrnEarlier this year, Mr. Kearns was honored as a featured artist at the launch of the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in New York City. Participants included Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland Charlie Flanagan, Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Anderson, Irish Consul General Barbara Jones, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (NY), and actor Liam Neeson, who narrated the PBS-RTE special on the Irish Easter Rising.rnrnKearns will also commemorate the anniversary with a concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on May 23, 2016. rnrnKearns closed 2015 as a featured entertainer in the Disney Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in Chicago, broadcasted by ABC and airing in 90% of U.S. television markets. He also performed at the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Irish Ambassador's Residence in Washington, D.C. hosted by Ambassador Anderson. Kearns' performance and an interview with broadcaster Barbara Harrison was aired on NBC's annual "Christmas and Embassies" program in five U.S. television markets. rnrn"2015 was a remarkable year for me," says Mr. Kearns, "and I'm happy to say that 2016 is off to a great start. I view it as a great privilege when my voice can be used to inspire others at any time, and especially on historic and significant occasions to commemorate Irish and American history. I want especially to thank those who work so hard to honor our shared traditions – and those who defend freedom around the world so that we can celebrate these landmark events."rnrnFor more information or to request a media interview or special performance with Mr. Kearns, please contact Kirsten Fedewa (on behalf of Anthony Kearns): 202.365.6936 or inquiry@fedewaconsulting.comrnrn rnrnSOURCE Anthony KearnsrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.anthonykearnsmusic.com

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rnPHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 12, 2016rnrnUNCF Philadelphia local office will hosts its second annual Delaware Valley Women of Faith for education afternoon tea on Feb. 18th at the Radnor Valley Country Club at 2 p.m. UNCF’s Women of Faith for Education Afternoon Tea honors women from the Delaware Valley who have contributed to the cause of education for our young people—the leaders of the past, present and future. This year’s keynote speaker is Amanda Washington, great-great granddaughter of civil rights icon Booker T. Washington and graduate of UNCF member-institution Spelman College. Entertainment will be provided by jazz artist, Gerald Albright.rnrn“I am proud to support UNCF as they continue to provide resources for minority students while investing in Better Futures®,” said Amanda Washington.” “As a graduate of an HBCU myself, I would definitely say that Black colleges are relevant. They serve both an historical and present-day purpose as pillars of the African-American community and continue to remind us of the progression that our community has made.”rnMore than 250 business, education, and religious leaders will be in attendance including event co-chairs: Dr. Debbie Bullock of Canaan Baptist Church (Delaware), Dr. Lisa Croft of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, Tanya Quann of Bethlehem Baptist Church and Ellyn Jo Walker of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Faatimah Gamble of United Muslim Masjid, whom is one of 28 Committee members, will also be in attendance.rnrnWho: UNCF Philadelphia Area OfficernWhat: Second Annual Delaware Valley Women of Faith for Education Afternoon TearnWhen: Thursday, February 18, 2016, 2 p.m. Reception; 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Afternoon TearnWhere: Radnor Valley Country Club, 555 Sproul Road, Villanova, PArnrnFor more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Gregory L. Lyles at 215.925.9044 or greg(dot)lyles(at)uncf(dot)org.rnrn###rnrnAbout UNCF rnUNCF – (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities. Learn more at UNCF.org.

Art Often Comes With A Side Of Floral Beauty In Philadelphiarn rnrn rnThroughout the Philadelphia region, art spills out of galleries and into the great outdoors. Many of the region’s galleries and museums sit amid colorful gardens, quiet woodlands or serene meadows that accentuate the art found on the walls. Here’s a look at some […]

Openings Include Urban Farmer, Richard Sandoval’s Aquimero, Ruth’s Chris & Bud & Marilyn’srn rnrn rnIn the decades since acclaimed classical French Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix opened his eponymous restaurant in a four-star hotel across the street from Center City’s Swann Fountain, the Philadelphia hotel dining scene has emerged a foodie force. Today, Lacroix, now flourishing in […]

Cash-Conscious Couples Score Big On Romance In Phillyrn

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rnLove doesn’t always wait for payday to roll around, and that’s okay because Philadelphia has lots of ways to woo a loved one on Valentine’s Day—or any day, really—without dipping deeply into the bank account. Couples can settle in for a free afternoon hang at Winterfest, ignite a spark while enjoying a glowing sunset and happy hour-priced drinks at R2L, catch up-and-coming stars during a concert at the Curtis Institute of Music or pay a few bucks for a game of ten-pins at North Bowl. Here are 25 fun finds for daters that ring up at $25 or less:rnrnGreat Outdoors:rnrnA hand-in-hand stroll surrounded by nature can be the perfect couples afternoon retreat. There’s no charge to meander along the Schuylkill River Trail, the Manayunk Towpath or the Wissahickon Valley Park, where relaxing conversation comes naturally. Schuylkill, (484) 945-0200, schuylkillrivertrail.com; Manayunk and Wissahickon, (215) 217-0417, fow.org Olympic wannabes can dazzle their date with their skating skills at the Blue Cross RiverRinkrnWinterfest at Penn’s Landing. At $3 per person (or free with a Blue Cross card) and $10 skate rental (or bring your own), couples can lace-up for low-cost laughs. Afterwards, they can cozy up in the lodge or around a fire pit and enjoy a steaming mug of hot chocolate, a glass of wine or local craft beer. 101 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 922-2386, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnSnow days are play days at Ridley Creek State Park. Couples can bring their own skis or sleds for a trek along the powdery cross-country ski trails or down the wide slopes. 1023 Sycamore Mills Road, Media, (610) 892-3900, dcnr.state.pa.usrnTunes For Twosomes:rnrnMusic lovers can scope out future stars at the Curtis Institute of Music, where students perform solo and chamber works most Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings during the school year, as well as many weekends, as part of the free Student Recital Series. 1726 Locust Street, (215) 893-7902, curtis.edurnTwosomes can enjoy concerts of all genres during the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Free at the Kimmel series, offered intermittently throughout the year. In addition, $10 rush tickets are available for every Kimmel Center Presents performance. Tickets are available at the box office at 5:30 p.m. for evening performances and 11:30 a.m. for matinees. Limit one ticket per person. Free building and theater tours, offered daily at 1:00 p.m., give visitors a behind-the-scenes look. 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 670-2327, kimmelcenter.orgrnMacy’s Grand Court is a grand place to take in a live performance of one of the world’s largest pipe organ, The Wanamaker Organ. Twice daily, except Sundays, the 28,500-pipe organ fills the shopping emporium with the rich, full sounds of the 1904 instrument. Tours of the organ are also offered with advance registration. 1300 Market Street, (215) 241-9000, visitmacysusa.comrnThe Art Of The Date:rnrnArt lovers can download the free Museum Without Walls™: AUDIO mobile app to learn about more than 65 outdoor sculptures, including Robert Indiana’s LOVE statue, Remington’s Cowboy Claes Oldenberg’s Clothespin and others located around Center City, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and in Fairmount Park. (215) 399-9000, museumwithoutwallsaudio.orgrnOn the first Sunday of each month, people can see extraordinary collections of art for an extraordinary deal. Patrons pay what they wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and just down the road, they pay nothing during the PECO Free First Sundays at the Barnes Foundation. Barnes, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 278-7200, barnesfoundation.org; PMA, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.orgrnWith its twisting tunnels, curving arches and hidden winding staircases all adorned with mirror and tile mosaics and found objects, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens showcase outsider and visionary art at its finest. Plus, it’s a bargain at only $10 per person. 1020 South Street, (215) 733-0390, phillymagicgardens.orgrnSculptures such as The Kiss and Eternal Springtime make the Rodin Museum an easy choice for those in search of a romantic afternoon. Housing the largest collection of the artist’s works outside of Paris, this gorgeous gem of a museum requests a mere $10 donation for admission. 2551 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, rodinmuseum.orgrnBudding artists can hone their talents with free workshops and classes at Fleisher Art Memorial. There is also no charge for many of their exhibitions, lectures and community programs. 719 Catharine Street, (215) 922-3456, fleisher.orgrnLovely Food & Drink:rnrnNo need to wait for Throwback Thursday for a trip to the past. The nationally lauded Franklin Fountain combines the charm of a turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor with to-die-for homemade ice cream, turning out ice cream cones, sundaes, splits and ice cream floats that start at $5. 116 Market Street, (215) 627-1899, franklinfountain.comrnOrder the happy hour wine and bar bites at R2L and get the spectacular views for free. Each day, the sky-high restaurant and cocktail lounge posts the sunset schedule so that patrons can be sure to catch nature’s brilliant colors and the city’s twinkling lights. 50 S. 16th Street, 37th Floor, (215) 564-5337, r2lrestaurant.comrnBeer lovers can sip suds at two local breweries, Yards Brewing Company and Philadelphia Brewing Company (PBC). Guests explore the facilities and learn how draughts go from barley to beer. Free guided tours run on weekends and begin and end in the tasting rooms. Yards, 901 N. Delaware Avenue, (215) 634-2600, yardsbrewing.com; PBC, 2440 Frankford Avenue, (215) 427-BREW, philadelphiabrewing.comrnPart of the Bucks County Wine Trail, family-owned and folksy Buckingham Valley Vineyards offers self-guided tours and free tastings Tuesday-Friday ($5 on weekends). Rushland Ridge Vineyard & Winery focuses on chambourcin, cabernet franc and chardonnay grapes and provides free tastings seasonally from Thursday through Sunday. Buckingham, 1521 Route 413 (Durham Road), Buckingham, (215) 794-7188, pawine.com; Rushland, 2665 Rushland Road, Jamison, (215) 598-0251, rushlandridge.comrnHistory-Making Romance:rnrnIf the walls of the elegant Fairmount Park Historic Houses—Lemon Hill, Strawberry Mansion, Cedar Grove, Laurel Hill, Mount Pleasant and Woodford—could talk, they’d tell couples the stories of the lives and loves of the people who lived there centuries ago. $8 per house. Various locations. (215) 685-0274, parkcharms.comrnWhether it’s marking a first date, a first kiss or an anniversary of any number, couples can make like George and Martha Washington and celebrate at the exquisitely preserved and detailed 18th-century Powel House, where the first couple partied it up for their 20th wedding anniversary. $8 per person. 244 S. 3rd Street, (215) 627-0364, philalandmarks.orgrnSet The Stage For A Perfect Date:rnrnBefore each main stage performance officially debuts, the Arden Theatre Company gives audiences a sneak peek of the show with pay-what-you-wish admission to the final dress rehearsal complete with full cast, costumes and scenery. For regular performances, budget-conscious students with I.D. can pay $10 cash for available seats 30 minutes before showtime. 40 N. 2nd Street, (215) 922-1122, ardentheatre.orgrnMake the first Monday of every month date night at FringeArts. The free Scratch Night event offers an inside look at future performances with works-in-progress samples of contemporary theater, dance and performance art. 140 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-1318, fringearts.comrnThe Game(s) Of Love:rnrnStrike a romance at North Bowl, where the retro 1950s design and stylish bar make for a fun night out. Lane rates vary by day, with a max of $5.95 per person, per game and a shoe rental fee of $4.40 per pair. 909 N. 2nd Street, (215) 238-2695, northbowlphilly.comrnTee up for a lovely time at Keystone Mini-Golf & Arcade. What once was a warehouse is now an 18-hole indoor miniature golf course sporting 1950s Americana décor, arcade games and snacks. And at $12 per person, it’s an easy, relaxed atmosphere perfect for a fun night out. Bonus: It’s BYOB. 161 Cecil B. Moore Boulevard, (267) 627-GOLF, keystoneminigolf.comrnSwing & Sway The Night Away:rnrnAlmost every night is dance night at Brasil’s Nightclub and Restaurant. Every Wednesday, those with dance fever can learn sexy salsa moves taught by pros, and on Fridays, beginners can work on basic moves under the watchful eyes of some of the city’s hottest instructors. Dancers of all levels can hit the floor on Saturday evenings for a dance party that begins with instruction and parties on until the wee hours. 112 Chestnut Street, (215) 432-0031, brasilsnightclub-philly.estilodancestudio.comrnOffering cha-cha, tango, salsa and other group and private lessons, the Society Hill Dance Academy can take wallflowers from timid to ta-da. Even couples with two left feet can get their groove on with a free lesson. 409 S. 2nd Street, (215) 574- 3574, societyhilldance.comrnStars In Their Eyes:rnrnThe next best thing to giving the sun, moon and stars is seeing them up close during The Franklin Institute’s Night Skies in the Observatory monthly sky tours. In addition to access to the rooftop telescopes, the $5 ticket includes a Planetarium show and other programming. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edurnGet starry-eyed during the monthly Saturday evening stargazing parties and sky-viewing sessions hosted by the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers. The group welcomes guests to join them at no charge as they scan the skies for meteors, planets and sky watch parties at various locations throughout the region. dvaa.orgrn rnVISIT 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

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rnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 11, 2016rnrnRoses are red, violets are blue, if you’ve got the cash, there are amateur matchmakers waiting to help you… or at least, that’s what Ed Ryder, creator of the new EarnALoveBounty.com website hopes to achieve.rnrnToday, Ryder officially unveiled his crowdsourced matchmaking concept, which involves: rnrn“seekers” (those searching for love)rnoffering “love bounties” (cash rewards)rnto “finders” (members of the public)rn…in exchange for the right introduction.rnrnOn his website, Ryders asks: “Would you pay $5000—on a risk-free basis—to get yourself into a relationship that makes you completely happy? What about $2000? Or $500?”rnrnThe idea is for seekers to post their photos, video and written material, along with full details of their unique “love bounty propositions,” which spell out how much of a reward is offered and what triggers payment of the reward.rnrn“It’s a ‘rewards for results’ approach. Maybe they will pay a reward if they go out on 2 dates with a referral… maybe they will pay the reward after they’ve been in a relationship with somebody’s referral for 6 months,” says Ryder. “I think there is going to be a lot of creativity with it.”rnRyder is offering the service free of charge. He expects many will be drawn to the appeal of making money by matching people they know with his love-seeking advertisers. He aims to develop a list of 100,000 finders who are interested in being first-to-know when new reward opportunities hit the site.rnrn“Once I get that base of people who want to do matchmaking work for potential extra dollars, it’s going to attract the reward offers. It’s going to be interesting.”rnrnIn comparison to traditional matchmaking services, the money is paid out only if the outcome sought is achieved. Ryder considers the approach financially less risky, though the seeker may want to hire the services of an assistant to run their crowdsourced matchmaking campaign.rnrnIt’s another way he sees crowdsourced matchmaking evolving. “As crowdsourced matchmaking catches on, it will shift to being more competitive—where rewards will become greater and profiles more sophisticated in order to better stand out and win consideration from the website’s (future) legions of amateur matchmakers.”rnrnRyder has first-hand experience with crowdsourced matchmaking. He offered a $25,000 reward for the right introduction 16 years ago. “It was a bit radical at the time. People were making fun of me. I got hate mail,” says Ryder.rnrnBut Ryder feels times have changed and that people will be drawn to the site for entertainment, for the prospects of earning “love bounties,” and for the purpose of promoting their own love quests.rnrn“If I have 100,000 aspiring Cupids on my list, all interested in making match money, then EarnALoveBounty.com will quickly become seen as a compelling and viable platform for gutsy singles to take advantage of, especially since it’s a free site.”rnrnRyder envisions the birth of a new type of self-employment: “campaign managers” for individual crowdsourced matchmaking campaigns, hired by love seekers.rnrnIn this marketing-oriented role, these workers oversee creation of videos, photos and written content for their client’s profile on EarnALoveBounty.com, and they act as the seeker’s liaison with the finder community, screening communications from the public, vetting candidates that are referred as possible matches, advising the seeker on who they should meet, even arranging first meetings.rnrnRyder expects campaign managers will make crowdsourced matchmaking easier and less time-consuming for their clients.rnrnFor further information, visit: EarnALoveBounty.com

Theo tin thành phố Philadelphia & Lonely PlanetrnrnLonely Planet Ranks Philadelphia #1 Places to VisitrnrnFor Immediate Release: February 9, 2016rnContact: Ajeenah Amir, 215-686-6210, Ajeenah.amir@phila.govrnrnLonely Planet Ranks Philadelphia #1 Places to VisitrnrnPhiladelphia, PA – Today, Lonely Planet ranked Philadelphia #1 on its 2016 list of “10 Best Places to Visit in the United States.” In addition to being the country’s first and only World Heritage City, Philadelphia was also recognized for its craft beer and dining scene, and for hosting global events, including the World Meeting of Families and the upcoming Democratic National Convention in July 2016.rnrn“This is an exciting and well deserved honor for the people of Philadelphia,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Our city is unique, fun and appealing to a broad range of tourists and visitors, while at the same time providing a homegrown sense of culture that many of us lifelong Philadelphians cherish.”rnrn“Best in the U.S.” is a handpicked list selected and ranked by the company’s U.S.-based editors and travel writers. The list calls attention to the most exciting, intriguing and up-and-coming U.S. destinations worth visiting in the year ahead. The list is currently in its 6th year of publication.rnrn“The Lonely Planets’ ranking is welcome news today following three years’ collaboration from a team representing City agencies and the Global Philadelphia Association working to obtain World Heritage City recognition for Philadelphia. It is gratifying to see the results of this work getting recognized by world-renowned publications,” says John F. Smith, III, Board Chair for the Global Philadelphia Association.rnrn“We’re proud that Philadelphia took the top spot on such an impressive list of places,” adds Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, VISIT PHILADELPHIA®. “We love that the article encourages visitors to go beyond the clichés and explore the city’s deep history, raved-about food and evolving neighborhoods.”rnrnLonely Planet is a global travel publisher, printing over 120 million books in eleven different languages. Along with guidebooks and eBooks to almost every destination on the planet, Lonely Planet also produces a range of gift and reference titles, an award-winning website and magazine and a range of digital travel products and apps.rnrnVISIT PHILADELPHIA® is the region’s destination marketing organization. Check out visitphilly.com and the blog uwishunu.com to explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. rnrn The Global Philadelphia Association was founded in 2010 by nine of the leading international organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Region. It is a member-governed Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation to assist and encourage greater interaction among organizations and people who are engaged in international activity within the region, to promote the development of an international consciousness within the region and to enhance the Region’s global profile. Today, over 150 organizations, businesses, and internationally-minded individuals have become joint venturers in the Global Philadelphia initiative, and more are joining each month. More info at globalphiladelphia.org.