Okay folks, we went down to Philly to check out the annual Equality Forum on GLBT civil rights and to shoot a massive piece on the best of the city. Thanks to the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation for lining out the red carpet and treating us like Kings! We captured some amazing coverage, but I am not going to spill all the glorious details here- your going to have to wait to see the video this summer for that.  We will keep you posted on the launch date.  Until then, I will give you a sneak peak of what we did and what I recommend checking out when visiting the ‘City of Brotherly Love’….

 
WE SLEPT IN LUXURY – The Independant Hotel!
 
The Independent is a 24-room boutique hotel located in a fully restored Georgian-Revival building in the vibrant Midtown Village area of Center City, Philadelphia. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Independent is ideal for tourists and business travelers looking for a grand feel in a boutique, personalized hotel experience. Guests experience luxury accommodations in the heart of Philadelphia, and are able to walk to theaters, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Rittenhouse, and other Philadelphia attractions.

WE DINED LIKE ASIAN GODS – Raw Restaurant and Lounge
 
At Raw, Japanese lamps float down from the ceiling, creating a soft glow on the suede couches and hardwood floors. The fifteen feet glass bar houses an impressive shelf of exotic sakes that caters to new tasters as well as sake connoisseurs.
Raw offers their customers a full traditional sushi bar as well as Asian cuisine presented with new American techniques.
 
 
 
WE TRAMPED AROUND IN STYLE in the OLD CITY-
 
On the first Friday evening of every month the streets fill with art lovers of all kinds who wander among the neighborhood’s 40-plus galleries, most of them open from 5 until 9 p.m. A casual atmosphere encourages art and people watching, eating at Old City’s many restaurants and just plain mingling. There’s diversity both in the crowd and among the galleries, adding flavor to the experience. Most galleries can be found between Front and Third, and Market and Vine Streets.
 

WE BOOZED IT UP Triumph Brewing Company
 
The Triumph Brewing Company is a sophisticated restaurant & brewery featuring regional American cuisine & hand-crafted freshly brewed beer. Triumph also offers live music and is located in the heart of Old City.
 
 

WE PAINTED THE NIGHT PINK-  Gayborhood Bar Crawl
 
Gay life (and nightlife) is centered in an area of the city fondly called the Gayborhood, from Chestnut to Pine streets between 11th and Broad streets. The area boasts its own unique architecture with narrow, tree-lined, cobblestone streets, and brick townhouses and apartment buildings peppered among bookshops, coffee shops, restaurants, bar and clubs.
 
Gayborhood Bars: 
 
Woody’s:  You’ll know you’ve arrived in the Gayborhood when you see Woody’s gay flags beckoning you to the club and bar. Woody’s is the traditional first stop on any proper first visit to the Gayborhood. This is classic Philadelphia, a genuine spot where gay men and their friends go for a good night out.  Woody’s has a traditional bar on the first floor and a coffee room for more intimate chats. The second floor offers streaming videos and a cyber bar with three free Internet booths, and the dance floor is always packed.
 
Bump:  It’s a rare find when the thumpa-thump of the club meets the swell velour of a classy lounge. Bump is your place to find a martini-fabulous happy hour and the home of the style-set boys after dark.
Sip on specialty drinks like the Key Lime, Butterfinger or the old-fashioned Dirty Martini.
 
Pure:  By 1:30 a.m., when it’s last call at nearly every bar in the city, Pure is only getting started. The DJs and bartenders will fuel your party until 4 a.m. at this multi-level space featured in almost every episode of The Real World Philadelphia. The top floor allows people-watchers to gaze down on the gyrating dance floor and a separate room houses a cage you can dance inside. A lounge provides a resting spot downstairs.
 
Tavern on Camac:   Tavern on Camac is the nightlife equivalent of the living room you’ve always wanted. For dancing, go upstairs to the intimate dance floor where 80s hits get even the most reluctant visitors on their feet. The giant disco ball will make you smile.
 

 
WE FATTENED UP -  The Italian Market
           
The Italian Market in South Philadelphia is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in America.
You can literally find almost anything at the market. Dozens of vendors line the street, selling the freshest vegetables, fish, meats, spices and produce from their stalls, while gourmet shops and restaurants occupy storefronts in between.
 
 
WE JOINED A PHILLY STEAK SANDWICH WAR: Pat’s vs. Geno’s 
                                                                                                                                                                                          These two rivals have been at it for over 40 years! Each claim to have the Best Philly Steak Sandwich…you must visit and choose the best for yourself- we did! And the winner is……( you’ll have to wait for the video! )
                                                                                                                                                                         Pat’s King of Steaks:
Pat’s claim to fame is that its founder, Pat Olivieri, invented the steak sandwich in 1930. Since then, Pat’s has grown from a little stand at the southern end of South Philly’s Italian Market to one of the most famous cheese steak shops in the world, albeit still in the same location (and still the only location). Countless celebrities, politicians, musicians and athletes flock to Pat’s anytime they’re in Philadelphia. And if you want to taste a famous Philly cheese steak, it’s easy to see why. Pat’s is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but no matter when you go, you will always find someone ahead of you in line. There’s no need to worry, however, as the line always moves fast.
 
Geno’s:
Geno’s has been slinging its famous cheese steaks from the same location here for more than forty years now and has never been more popular. Like Pat’s, Geno’s is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week so you can visit whenever you get the urge.
 
 

WE DINED AND SMOOZED – Equality Forum  Dinner

Held at the National Constitution Center, the International Equality Dinner honored San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom with the 14th annual International Role Model Award and The New York Times Company with the 7th annual International Business Leadership Award.
 
 
WE SANG IN THE RAIN – Sunday OUT!
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Sunday OUT! is Pennsylvania’s largest annual GLBT street festival with over 120 artisans, food vendors, community organizations, music and more. It all happens in Old City, Philadelphia’s trendy neighborhood located between Independence National Historical Park and the waterfront at Penn’s Landing. The area abounds with art galleries, museums, theaters, shops, restaurants, cafes and clubs. Tour this historic district, shop till you drop, or enjoy SundayOUT! at a hip outdoor eatery. Don’t miss the scene in Old City on Sunday—rain or shine!

WE HAD A BLAST! – and you will see how much so when we release our vids this summer…until then take a look at some sneak peak pics, click here!