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Five Reasons To Visit Philadelphia In 2015

Millions of visitors come to Philadelphia each year to soak in the city's rich heritage. As you walk the streets – some paved and others cobblestone – it's easy to imagine our founding fathers making history here. Philly, however, is much more than the Betsy Ross House, Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. There is always something to do or see in the City of Brotherly Love, and 2015 is shaping up to be chock full of spectacular events. So check out these five fantastic reasons to visit Philadelphia in 2015.

2015 Philadelphia Flower Show
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 988-8800
www.theflowershow.com

Date: Feb. 28 to March 8, 2015

Attracting more than a quarter of a million visitors annually, the Philadelphia Flower Show is the oldest and biggest indoor show of its kind in the world. In addition to fabulous large-scale floral creations, wonderful gardens and out-of-the-box flower designs, this year's show will "Celebrate the Movies" with silver screen-themed displays and special events. Pick a date between February 28 and March 8, 2015 for a fragrant feast of colorful blooms, demonstrations, gardening workshops and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which helps to feed more than 1,200 families through its City Harvest program.

Related: Top Spots For Outdoor Winter Fun In And Around Philadelphia

'Ink And Gold: Art Of The Kano'
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 763-8100
www.philamuseum.org

Date: Feb. 16 to May 10, 2015

Art enthusiasts can appreciate the "Art of the Kano" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from February 16 to May 10, 2015. This Japanese school of painting has been around since the 15th century, but it's the first show of its kind, in or out of Japan, since 1979. More than 120 pieces will be on display. For an inside look at this stunning form of Japanese art primarily created for the ruling class, mark your calendars for a day of viewing beautiful hanging scrolls, ink paintings, folding fans, large-scale folding screens and gold leaf sliding doors.

Italian Market Festival
919 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 278-2903
www.italianmarketfestival.com

Date: May 16-17 2015

Everybody's Italian at Philly's Italian Market Festival. This end-all, be-all molto buono festival, which attracts more than 70,000 people annually, takes over two neighborhoods and is set for May 16 and 17, 2015, rain or shine. A vast array of vendors dish out everything from mango roses on a stick to Italian sausage sandwiches, and artists peddle a slew of creations, including clothing, jewelry and toys. Live entertainment, street parties, face painting, magic and balloons add to the family fun. Don't miss the obligatory accordion player and a scrumptious cannoli from Isgro's bakery.

2015 PGA Professional National Championship
Philadelphia Cricket Club
6025 W. Valley Green Road
Flourtown, PA 19031
(215) 247-6001
www.pga.com

Date: June 28 to July 1, 2015

Golf's showcase event will be held just 20 minutes outside of downtown Philly at the historic Philadelphia Cricket Club this year. On the calendar for June 28 to July 1, 2015, the event features the finest golfers around and will be televised to more than a dozen countries. The championship began in 1968, and this is just the second time in its history that it will be hosted in Philadelphia. So get your yellow polyester pants and pink visor ready, and don't forget to bring some green for the "merch tent."

One Direction: On The Road Again Tour 2015
Lincoln Financial Field
1 Lincoln Financial Way
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 570-4000
www.ontheroadagain1d.com

Date: Sept. 1, 2015

Originally announced on "The Today Show" as an Australia/Africa/Asia tour, the new wave boy band One Direction has recently announced several North American cities tacked onto the end of the tour, including Philly. Teeny boppers throughout the tri-state area will be clamoring for tickets for this much-anticipated show set for September 1, 2015, 7 p.m., at Lincoln Financial Field. The tour promotes tracks off the band's fourth studio album aptly named "Four." Die-hard fans will also be glad to hear that hits from One Direction's three earlier albums be featured as well.

Related: Top Spots For A Winter First Date

Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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