“Lead by Technology”, that’s the translation of the iconic tagline “Vorsprung durch Technik”. The Audi brand has a rich history of leading with technology, especially in the modern era that began in the ’80s with quattro all-wheel drive and continues through into the future with a rapidly expanding range of electric vehicles. To celebrate that, Audi Club is holding an event to celebrate this rich heritage that streams throughout its lineage and into the future. The first-ever Vintage to Voltage event is planned for this month in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and designed to coincide with Radwood Philly.
The idea here is a convergence of technology, welcome to all Audi enthusiasts yet with a particular focus on the classics and the latest owners of the newest e-tron models. In as much, we’ve designed a weekend meant to bridge the two, and allow you to celebrate them all while enjoying all that springtime has to offer.
Overnight guests on the Audi Club block will be staying at the Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square. This will place guests in the heart of Philadelphia and walkable in one very cool neighborhood. With that, we’ve also secured off-street self-parking (at a $22 nightly rate) in a neighboring garage so that you won’t have to street park or valet your car while you are there.
Event Registration / Hotel Block Registration
Speaking of parking, we’ve also worked with Audi Wilmington, an Audi Magna Elite dealer in nearby Wilmington, DE and sponsor of the event, to allow for stored parking between the Carlisle Import Nationals weekend (May 13-14 in Carlisle, PA) and Vintage to Voltage weekend (May 20-22 in Philadelphia, PA). If plan on attending and bringing your vintage Audi for Carlisle and wish to leave it in the area between these two weekends, Audi Wilmington is happy to help by storing cars inside their facility on a first come, first-served basis. Please email [email protected] for more information.
For the Vintage to Voltage weekend itself, designed a schedule that is both flexible and won’t overbook you, allowing free time and flexibility to also explore some of the best of what Philadelphia has to offer. There are group activities on each day, but you can also opt out and head off in your own direction for fun more tailored to your needs and interests. Check out our itinerary below, including some unscheduled yet recommended attractions, destinations and routes that you may also want to hit while you’re there.
FRIDAY, MAY 20
Coffee & Donuts at Audi Wilmington (All Participants, Arrive from 8:00 AM)
Enjoy Philly’s own Federal Donuts and coffee, take a stab at the driving sim, investigate the latest Audi e-tron models, inspect Audi Club’s 2022 Sweepstakes grand prize the 1985 ur quattro 20V and pick up some Audi collection gear in the showroom of Audi Wilmington, one of Audi’s Magna Elite dealerships.
- For Sonesta Hotel Guests – Rittenhouse Square to Audi Wilmington (29mi, 45min)
- All Others – Meet at Audi Wilmington
- CHARGING OPTION: High speed 50kw Charging is Available on Site
Option #1: Chester County Covered Bridge Tour (Depart 9:00 AM)
Do a lap of the Pennsylvania countryside while taking in a rich collection of eleven scenic covered bridges (with help from BrandywineValley.com and UncoveringPA.com), grabbing lunch together in the town of West Chester and finishing up at Valley Forge Military Park with time to check it out, shop at luxury stores or re-charge an e-tron at the nearby upscale King of Prussia Mall. Make your way back into the city via the picturesque Main Line towns along historic Route 30, or fast track it back to Rittenhouse Square to enjoy the city ahead of dinner.
- Audi Wilmington to Valley Forge Visitor’s Center via Covered Bridge Tour (131.8 mi, 3hr 42 min)
- Smith’s Covered Bridge, Wilmington, DE
- Linton-Stevens Covered Bridge, Oxford, PA
- Glen Hope Covered Bridge, Oxford, PA
- Pine Grove Covered Bridge, Nottingham, PA
- Mercer’s Mill Covered Bridge, Atglen, PA
- Speakman No. 2 Bridge, Coatesville, PA
- Gibson-Harmony Hill Covered Bridge, West Bradford Township, PA
- LUNCH BREAK, West Chester, PA
- Sheeder-Hall Bridge, Spring City, PA
- Kennedy Covered Bridge, Phoenixville, PA
- Rapps Dam Covered Bridge, Phoenixville, PA
- Knox Covered Bridge, Malvern, PA
- Valley Forge Visitor’s Center
- CHARGING OPTION Electrify America King of Prussia Mall (from Valley Forge Visitor’s Center 2.6 mi, 8 min)
Option #2: Longwood Gardens Destination Drive (Depart 9:15 AM)
This world-renowned botanical garden covers over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in Kennett Square, PA. A horticulturist’s dream, plan on spending hours at the very least, or all day depending on your interest level. Once finished there, check out nearby Kennett Square or other Chester County points of interest before heading back into the city for dinner with the group. ( https://longwoodgardens.org )
- Audi Wilmington to Longwood Gardens (10.5 miles, 20min)
- CHARGING OPTION: 2 Free Public Level 2 Chargers Available on Site in Parking Lot
Dinner with Group at Morgan’s Pier (Arrive by 6:00 PM)
Join us for riverfront views overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Bridge at Morgan’s Pier. This open-air eatery boasts a broad collection of local drinks and comforting foods, all alongside its spectacular scenery.
- 2 MILE WALK from host hotel – roughly 40 minutes
- PARKING – SP+ Parking – 325 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- PUBLIC TRANSPORT – SEPTA Bus 48 picks up directly outside the host hotel and is 13 stops to Market St & 2nd From there it is an 11 min walk northeast to the Pier. Exact change required of $2.50 one way.
- UBER/LYFT – from the comfort of your phone you can schedule a ride from one of these services to pick you up from your location. Rides vary in pricing
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Option #1: Radwood Philly
Enjoy America’s premier 80s/90s car show with other Audi enthusiasts at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union MLS team. Check out the Audi Club’s 2022 Sweepstakes quattro on display, with Cannonball Run 4000 quattro fresh back from One Lap of America and Audi collection with their vintage Audi Sport VW support truck. Dressing the part is half the fun, so consider packing Jams, Ocean Pacific t-shirts or whatever other rad clothing may be taking up space in your closet.
- https://www.radwood.com
- CHARGING OPTION: Electrify America at Quartermaster Plaza (15 mi, 20 min)
Option #2: Explore Philly on Your Own or With Audi Friends
Staying in the heart of downtown, there’s plenty to see and do such as walking to the historic Old City to see Independence Hall, Betsy Ross’ house and the Liberty Bell, or Rittenhouse Square just steps from the hotel. We’ve also highlighted several themed drives into the outer suburbs such as dining and shopping in the picturesque towns along the Main Line, checking out Washington’s Crossing, Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey distillery, the town of New Hope and even more covered bridges Hope in the Bucks County countryside to the north, or return to Chester County countryside to the west and see the sites you may have missed on Friday at your own pace. Or, choose your own adventure by exploring the incredible neighborhoods of Philly chasing down cheesesteaks, taking in some sports or hitting hip neighborhoods like Manayunk or Fish Town.
- See Points Interest, Events & Tours Below
Dinner with Group at U-Bahn & Brü Craft & Wurst
Join us at the private room at U-Bahn with German eats catered by Brü Craft & Wurst. Located a cool 0.5 mi from the host hotel, this underground hangout offers atmosphere and eats for all to enjoy. With its proximity to the host hotel, feel free to explore the surrounding restaurants, bars and history with destinations like Philadelphia City Hall a short walk away.
- 5 MILE WALK from host hotel – roughly 11 minutes
- PARKING – Street parking outside Brü is available for $3/hr. Alternatively $12/hr parking is available at Patriot Parking – 1308 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- PUBLIC TRANSPORT – SEPTA Bus 32 picks up directly outside the host hotel and is 3 stops to Broad St & Chestnut St. From there it is a 2 min walk east on Chestnut to Brü. Exact change required of $2.50 one way.
- UBER/LYFT – from the comfort of your phone you can schedule a ride from one of these services to pick you up from your location. Rides vary in pricing
SUNDAY, MAY 22
quattro & Coffee at Simeone Automotive Museum (10:00-1:00)
Start your day off with an Audi-led quattro and coffee takeover at one of the East Coast’s premiere car museums. Make sure to check out the Audi Club Sweepstakes grand prize 1985 Audi ur quattro 20V on display alongside sponsors and their own display vehicles. The Walking Taco Co. truck will be on site for those interested in picking up some lunch!
- Vintage to Voltage Philadelphia attendees get free access to Simeone
- Catch lunch while at Simeone from Walking Taco Co.
- https://simeonemuseum.org
- CHARGING OPTION: Electrify America at Quartermaster Plaza (2.7 mi, 7 min)
POINTS OF INTEREST & TOURS
The itinerary for Vintage to Voltage has been intentionally left with some time to choose your own adventure. If you’re not native to Philadelphia and its surrounding regions, we’ve taken the liberty to highlight some our favorite places, from specific locations to small towns to get lost in, and notably some additional festivals and celebrations that also happen to be happening during the same weekend.
To The South West – Chester & Delaware Counties
- Philter Coffee – Sip
- Longwood Gardens – Visit
- Baldwin’s Book Barn – Shop
- Victory Taproom – Eat & Drink
- Herr’s Snacks Tour – Visit
- Artisan Exchange Market (Saturday Only) – Eat
- Winterthur Museum & Garden – Visit
- R. Weinrich German Bakery in Newtown Square – Eat
To the West – The Main Line & Montgomery County
- Valley Forge Park – Visit
- King of Prussia Mall Shopping – Shop
- Town of Bryn Mawr – Visit, Eat, Drink, Shop
- Town of Wayne – Visit, Eat, Drink, Shop
- Merrymead Farm Ice Cream – Eat
- Lancaster County Farmer’s Market of Wayne – Eat, Shop
- Suburban Square in Wayne for Shopping – Shop
- Anthropologie at Devon Yard – You may be familiar with the brand, but this showpiece location is a design lover’s dream. Also check grab an incredibile slice at Pizzeria Vetri while there. – Shop, Eat
To the North and North West – Bucks County
- Washington Crossing Park – Visit
- Town of New Hope – This riverside small town is rich with unique shops and restaurants, so always a relaxing destination. May 20-22 also marks the New Hope PrideFest. – Visit, Eat, Drink, Shop
- New Hope Ferry Market – Eat, Drink, Shop
- Peddler’s Village – Eat, Drink, Shop
- Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey Distillery – Visit, Sip, Shop
- Keith Haring Exhibition at the Michener Art Museum – Visit
Philadelphia
- Faith & Liberty Walking Tour App – Visit
- Mural Arts Walking Tour – Visit
- GO City Multi-Museum Passes – Visit
- Liberty Bell, Independence Hall & History in the City Center – Visit
- Rittenhouse Row Street Festival (May 21) – Visit, Eat, Drink
- South 9th Street Italian Market Festival (May 21-22) – Visit, Eat, Drink
- The African American Museum in Philadelphia – Visit
- Betsy Ross House – Visit
- Christini All-Wheel Drive Bikes & Motorcycles (FRIDAY ONLY) – Stop by the headquarters of the unique all-wheel drive motorcycle and bicycle manufacturer but do so during the week as they have no weekend hours.
- The Rocky Statue & Rocky Steps – Visit
- Eastern State Penitentiary – Visit
- Reading Terminal Market – Visit
- Pat’s & Geno’s for Cheese Steaks – Visit
Philadelphia & Countryside Special Interest Driving Trails
Though not driving trails for Vintage to Voltage specifically, the local Pennsylvania tourism boards have routed an eclectic mix of possible driving tours that may peak your interest. Check them out below.
- Best Buds: A Garden Trail
- Saint & Spirits: A Trail Mixing Local Religious Destinations with Brewing Tradition
- Baked: A Bread Trail
- Chopped: A Charcuterie Trail
- Pickled: A Fermented Trail
- Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail
- Bucks County Covered Bridge Trail (for Even More Bridges)
