7 cool things that happened to Philly this year

It's been a heck of a year in Philadelphia. We've had gigantic festivals and movie shoots, we've received major publicity and gotten some great new additions to our city. So before we move onto 2013, let's take a look back at a few of the coolest things that happened to our city in 2012:

1. Made in America Festival

In September of this 2012, Jay-z took over Philadelphia with the Budweiser sponsored Made in America festival. With an all-star lineup that included Jay-z himself, Kanye West, Big Sean, Common, 2 Chainz, Skrillex, Miike Snow, Calvin Harris, Drake, Run DMC, Passion Pit, and more, this festival made history in Philadelphia. On September 1^st and 2^nd, thousands of people flooded the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, dressed in festive red, white and blue attire.  Even President Obama made a video appearance.

There are talks of the festival happening again next year, and we're keeping our fingers crossed. In the meantime, re-live the remarkable event here.

2. Forbes names Philadelphia as one of America's coolest cities

This past summer, Philly landed at number 15 on Forbes' review of America's Coolest Cities. Other contenders included Baltimore, Chicago,  San Francisco, Boston, Dallas and more.

3. Mayor Nutter rapelled down a 21-story building

Just incase you missed it, on November 2^nd, Mayor Nutter actually rappelled down the side of a 21-story building at 1515 Market Street to raise money for Outward Bound Philadelphia. Our Mayor is pretty cool.

4. Lauryn Hill's surprise performance at the 4^th of July Jam

Fans were shocked and thrilled to see Lauryn Hill put her legal problems aside to perform at this year's Wawa Welcomes America 4^th of July Jam with The Roots.  Other performers that night included Queen Latifah, Common, Joe Jonas and Darryl Hall.

5. Lonely Planet includes Philadelphia in top 10 US travel destinations for 2013

Philadelphia got a rave review in Lonely Planet's to 10 travel destinations for 2013, labeling our city as an art capital. They also applauded Philly's gallery scene and gave a shout out to Northern Liberties, Fishtown and Old City.

6. The Barnes Foundation re-opened

In May of 2012 The Barnes Foundation, which was founded in 1922, reopened at a new site on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway after the foundation had become embroiled in a controversy due to financial crisis in 1990. Although the relocation caused a bit of a storm itself, we're glad to see it doing well at it's new home.

7. Paranoia invades Philly, and brings Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus

Paranoia was all over the city this summer, literally, as Liam Hemsworth, Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford hit the streets of Philadelphia  to film their newest flick.  Also spotted amongst the group was Hemworth's fiancée Miley Cyrus.