Philadelphia Tourism Bureau Reaching Out to Veg Travelers
Photo by N. Santos for VISIT PHILADELPHIA™
Given that a whopping 36% of Americans are open to plant-based eating, it’s no surprise that companies and organizations are eager to get a piece of the [vegan] pie. Now, Visit Philadelphia—the famous city’s official tourism org—is reaching out to vegan and vegetarian travelers.
A new press release from the organization showcases the city’s myriad options for meat-free dining, from Vedge’s impossibly fresh “Dirt List” to Sprig & Vine’s delectable brunch menu. The release also cites national statistics—namely, that the number of vegetarians in the U.S. has increased from about one in 100 to almost one in 30 over the past 10 years.
“Philadelphia is lucky to be located in a 100-mile food shed from Amish Country to the Atlantic Ocean, an agriculturally rich area of the country,” says Donna Schorr, director of communications for Visit Philadelphia, of the city’s unique plant-based options. “We are also a city that has so may community gardens that help teach new generations about healthy food choices. There are many CSA and urban farms, like Greensgrow.”
The release mentions destination dining, casual fare, meatless bar options, Asian-inspired eats, gluten-free foods and shops, with items like fried green tomato po’ boys, waffles with miso caramel and crispy jerk “chick’n” Caesar salads highlighted for travelers.
“As Travel + Leisure, Bon Appetit, Esquire, the national food blogs and others are writing—eating in Philadelphia is an incredible (edible) experience. Such innovation and great taste. And sometimes it is the vegan places making the headlines—Vedge, V Street, Charlie Was a Sinner, etc.” says media relations rep Cara Schneider.
With the city’s lengthy lineup of veggie-friendly eateries, it’s clear that Visit Philadelphia is after herbivorous visitors—and vice versa.
“We are finding more interest in vegetarian and healthy dining,” adds Schorr. “Folks who love to travel still want to make good food choices and the beauty of Philly is that healthy dining can be had at casual as well as our most formal restaurants. Staff no longer bat an eye when you ask for vegetarian options on the menu. I think families want to feed their children healthy choices as well and so many children have food sensitivities today that parents are much more conscious of the choices they are making.”
Veg travel is the wave of the future, and Philly is leading the way. Maybe now’s the time to plan that summer vacation?
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