Enjoy a unique riverfront
Kayak, run, boat along the Schuylkill
It may officially be fall these days, but the adventures available at The River Tours in Philadelphia help to stretch the feel of the summer season a little longer. Through Oct. 24, the organization offers various guided tours along the Schuylkill Banks, making it an “ideal fall destination.”
“Fall in Philadelphia is so much more than cascading leaves or kids heading back to school,” said Dava Guerin, media contact for Guerin Public Relations, Inc. Guerin is the firm in charge of promotions for Schuylkill Banks. “For thousands of people who love the outdoors, but want to stay close to the city, Schuylkill Banks is here.”
Schuylkill Banks events include river tours, kayaking and fishing. The group’s 1.2-mile outdoor riverfront allows for the space for activities well into the fall season.
“[The space] has made it one of Philadelphia’s most popular riverfront venues,” said Guerin.
Overall, the Schuylkill Banks encompasses an eight-mile stretch of the riverbank. The river is a tidal river, which flows through the downtown of Philadelphia. The Banks is a portion of the river flowing south of the Fairmount Dam. The Schuylkill Banks, a Schuylkill River Development Corporation Destination, includes the landscaped trail and “greenway” on the east side of Center City, between Locust Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, just below the Fairmount Water Works.
The organization offers a variety of activities along its banks. The River Tours, for example, include a one-hour tour that leaves from the Walnut Street Bridge at 6:30 p.m. on select Thursdays, and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
“The Secrets of the Schuylkill River Tours include interesting facts about the Schuylkill River, and the Boat to Bartram’ Gardens Tour offers a self-guided tour of the historic house and garden,” said Guerin.
The Garden Tours are offered on select Sundays at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and children under 15 years old.
Another popular tour available through Schuylkill Banks is enjoyed with a kayak.
“The Hidden River Outfitters Kayak Tours was the first to introduce people to the adventure of kayaking on the Schuylkill River,” said Guerin. “Thousands have enjoyed paddling along the Schuylkill with Ted Danforth, an experienced kayak instructor and adventurist as their guide.”
The Kayak Tours have been extended through the fall, and will run again on Sunday, Oct. 11. Tickets are $40. Paddling and safety instruction, as well as equipment rental are included in the cost.
No matter the season, Schuylkill Banks is a great pick for a fun weekend activity.
“Schuylkill Banks is open year-round for many outdoor activities such as biking, walking, running or simply watching the tides,” said Guerin.
Visitors to the organization will want to plan ahead for parking. Since the Schuylkill Banks is adjacent to a Center City neighborhood, there is two-hour parking on the streets near 25th and Locust streets. Metered parking is also available along Walnut, Chestnut and Market streets, as well as Schuylkill Avenue. It is a busy part of the city, however, and guests should arrive to their events early, to allow time to search for a spot.
Another word of warning is that the South Street Bridge is currently closed for construction. This also adds congestion to the area, and may make it more difficult for some visitors to access the area. Again, if you plan ahead and allow yourself some extra time for travel, you will find your adventures await along the river.
Besides it scheduled and guided tours, the Schuylkill Banks offers a space for all to enjoy activities like biking, running, skating or walking. Many use its facilities for picnics, studying or just relaxing along the river.
These activities are, of course, free, and all in the region are welcome to drop by and use the space for these recreational purposes at any time.
For more information on Schuylkill Banks, or to volunteer or make a contribution, visit the Web site at www.schuylkillbanks.org. A full schedule of tours and events is also listed on the organization’s Web site.
