ASHA 2004-November 18-20
Philadelphia-the site for ASHA 2004-is well known for its historical appeal, but lesser known is the fact that the city is a hub of fine art, fine dining, and cutting-edge attractions. An American city that has so much to offer-old, new, historic, and hip! "So what's the big deal, you say. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Court-been there, heard that." Yes, the City of Brotherly Love, founded in 1682 by William Penn is a refresher course in American History with Independence Hall where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Square may all be places you want to stop by, but these are just a tiny sampling of what the city offers.
You can find some of the best food on the East Coast, some of the trendiest shops, art galleries, and music venues. Last July 4th, the new National Constitution Center opened. It is a multi-ring circus of interactive multimedia exhibits, films, sculptures, and other artifacts dedicated to the Constitution.
Then there is the Philadelphia Museum of Art with permanent treasures in its vast collections including masterpieces of Renaissance, Impressionist, and Asian art dating to the third millennium BC, pop and modern works along with classic Shaker furniture. This is just one of the places to find art in Philadelphia. In the late 1950s a "percent for art" ordinance was passed, mandating that a percentage of construction costs for city projects be set aside for fine arts. The result is that there is art scattered all over the city-walking through downtown is a myriad of contemporary art. Don't miss Robert Indiana's famous LOVE in painted aluminum at 15th and John F. Kennedy Blvd. And then there is Odenburg's towering Clothespin at Market Street. Be sure to observe the impressive art works at the convention center in between program sessions-there are delightful surprises around each corner.
Come early or stay over after the convention and enjoy all that Philadelphia has to offer. Philadelphia Trolley Works offers an all-day pass and with it you can hop on and off at will at 20 different stops. They also offer more structured tours.
Shopping in Philadelphia has a great added bonus-no sales tax on clothing and shoes. So plan to treat yourself or do some of your holiday gift buying. In town you have retailers such as Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers along with Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. Then you can make a shopping pilgrimage to King of Prussia Mall which houses eight department stores and 365 specialty shops.
The pursuit of cheesesteak may be connected with Philadelphia, but great food is a Philly specialty. Restaurants ranging from the high-end Walnut Street's LeBec-Fin to South Street's more eclectic eateries and home to several Philadelphia–tyle cheesesteak sandwich restaurants. Also the convention center is across the street from the famous Reading Terminal Market that provides a selection of 80 specialty food merchants and craftspeople. You won't be lost for choices for evening activities and to find a good place to eat with friends and colleagues in Philadelphia.
We are confident that Philadelphia will be a wonderful and pleasant experience for everyone so plan now to discover all of the fun and exciting things Philly has to offer during ASHA 2004!
Getting To and Around Philadelphia
Getting to Philadelphia is easy. It’s leaving that’s hard! Philadelphia is easy to reach by car, train, bus, or air. By car, Philadelphia is only two hours from New York City, 90 minutes from Baltimore, and a little over two hours from Washington, D.C. Amtrak operates rail service along the Northeast Corridor stretching from Boston to Washington. Amtrak’s 30th Street Station is minutes from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Center City hotels. The Philadelphia International Airport handles air transportation for more than 20 airlines. The airport is only eight miles from Center City.
There are several options for getting to your hotel from the airport. The SEPTA Rail Line (the RI) runs from the airport to Center City. After you pick up your baggage, follow the signs to SEPTA within the terminal. The ride takes about 20 minutes. The cost is $5.50 each way. The train is wheelchair accessible if you get off at the Market East Station which is at the Convention Center. For further information, you can call 215-580-7800. Cab fare from the airport to Center City runs a flat rate of $20 each way. There is one shuttle service, Lady Liberty Transportation Co. (215-724-8888), which costs $8 each way to Center City. To get the shuttle, go to the ground transportation area and at the phones dial 27. The shuttle runs from 5 am until midnight and there is usually a 10–12 minute wait.
Philadelphia is a walking city, so it’s easy to get around its many neighborhoods on foot. But you do have several other options! There are the SEPTA trolleys and subways. SEPTA’s regional rail service and cabs are available at all hours and can be hailed on most streets. Philadelphia is a very safe city and is patrolled at Center City by uniformed service representatives on foot both day and night. They serve as goodwill ambassadors to visitors and “extra eyes” for the police.
A trip to Philadelphia would not be complete or fun without taking The Phlash! It is a quick and easy way to visit the 18 key locations in Center City and only $1.00 each time you board! So hop on the purple trolley and see Philadelphia in a Phlash! The Phlash makes stops at key destinations from Penn’s Landing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Tickets can be purchased at 6th and Market Streets or when getting on the trolley. It runs from 10:00 amto 6:00 pm There is a $4.00 all-day pass available and $10 all-day family passes. Seniors over 65 and children under 5 ride FREE! The service runs every 12 minutes. For more information on Phlash or to discover what stops it makes, visit the Phlash Web site.
Useful Web Sites