HispanicBusiness

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- In September and October, the Philadelphia Neighborhood Tourism Network (NTN) presents the fall season of its popular immersion tours of the city's bustling but lesser known neighborhoods. In addition to some familiar favorites, this season's roster includes two new additions: "Urban Oases: Winning City Gardens" and "Fishtown and Kensington: Traditions of Art and Industry." Developed by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) in partnership with neighborhood organizations, the tours take place every Saturday at 10 a.m. through October 30, 2004.

New to the lineup this fall is "Urban Oases," a tour developed in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), which takes visitors around the city to view the "winning" gardens from PHS's annual contest. Tour participants are treated to an in-depth look at community gardens and the resident gardeners who work together to beautify their neighborhoods. They'll also take home plants that they can enjoy in their own gardens.

Also debuting this season is "Fishtown and Kensington: Traditions of Art and Industry," focusing on Philadelphia-made products. One of the most popular stops on this tour, which aims to create a renewed commercial interest in the neighborhoods, is sure to be the brewery tour and tasting at Yards Brewery, housed in one of the oldest remaining brewery buildings in Philadelphia. Participants will also visit a number of the Philadelphia artist studios housed above the newly opened Rocket Cat Cafe and Greensgrow Farms, a hydroponic farm and market.

Here's what's in store for the current season: -- Urban Oases: Winning City Gardens (September 25, 2004): Sneak a peek at some of the city's award-winning urban gardens. Flower gardens, window boxes, community gardens and urban farms will be on display in various communities throughout Philadelphia. Tour participants will also have the opportunity to gather secrets from the city's top gardeners. -- Latin Soul, Latin Flavor (October 2, 2004): Learn about the roots of Latin American music and sample authentic Caribbean coffees and pastries during this trip to North 5th Street in the heart of Philadelphia's growing Latino community. -- Exotic Cuisine & Esoteric Culture (October 9, 2004): Experience a feast of the senses during this visit to University City, where avant garde artists, Amish farmers and a Laotian restaurant are all part of the incredible diversity of cultures found here. -- Taking a Stand for Freedom (October 16, 2004): Witness moving first- person accounts and musical presentations that evoke the drama of the Underground Railroad during visits to two documented Underground Railroad stations, Mother Bethel AME Church and the Johnson House Historical Site. -- Voices of Chinatown (October 23, 2004): Get caught up in the excitement of a lion dance, taste dim sum specialties and learn about the curative power of herbs during a visit to a traditional Chinese pharmacy in Chinatown. -- Fishtown and Kensington: Traditions of Art and Industry (October 30, 2004): Enjoy Philadelphia-made goods during a tour of the Yards Brewery, visit the cafe and artist studios of the newly opened Rocket Cat Cafe, and take home vegetables from Greensgrow Farms' hydroponic garden.

Since the tours began two years ago, more than 800 people have journeyed beyond the Colonial icons of Center City into Philadelphia's diverse enclaves. Ethnic food samples, shopping opportunities, performances with local artists and social history told by neighborhood guides ensure an authentic experience for tour participants.

Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours depart from the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets, at 10 a.m. most Saturdays in May, June, September and October. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for students and seniors over 65 years old, $25 for individuals purchasing two or more tours, $20 for children 8-12 and $20 per person for groups of 10 or more. Price includes trolley transportation, refreshments and performances. Call GPTMC at (215) 599-2295 for reservations or e-mail ntn@gophila.com to make a reservation.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), Philadelphia's regional tourism marketing agency, is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to building the region's economy and positive image through tourism and destination marketing. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676, or visit http://www.gophila.com/. Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

Web site: http://www.gophila.com/