Events | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

Philadelphia

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+ The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats At The National Museum Of American Jewish History

The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats is the first major exhibition in this country to pay tribute to award-winning author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats (1916–1983), whose beloved children’s books include Whistle for Willie, Peter’s Chair, and The Snowy Day. The exhibition invites visitors to discover over 80 original works by this groundbreaking American Jewish artist, the first to feature an African-American protagonist in a modern full-color picture book. With works ranging from preliminary sketches to final paintings and collages, the exhibition also offers a reading area for visitors of all ages, drawn from Keats's art and stories. The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats is organized by The Jewish Museum, New York, from the collection of the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection, The University of Southern Mississippi. The exhibition was funded at The Jewish Museum through a generous grant from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Additional support was provided by the Joseph Alexander Foundation, the Alfred J. Grunebaum Memorial Fund, and the Winnick Family Foundation. The exhibit runs through October 20, 2013. Visit nmajh.org for more information.

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+ Léger: Modern Art and the Metropolis At The Philadelphia Museum Of Art

This interdisciplinary exhibition will shed new light on the vitally experimental decade of the 1920s in Paris when the great French modernist Fernand Léger (1881-1955) played a leading role in redefining the practice of painting by bringing it into active engagement with the urban environment and modern mass media. This will be the first exhibition to take as its inspiration and focus Léger’s monumental painting The City (1919), a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection and a landmark in the history of modern art, placing it in dialogue with the urban art and culture of modernity. The exhibition will present a core group of Léger’s exceptional paintings on the theme of the city, along with film projections, theater designs, architectural models, and print and advertising designs by the artist and his contemporaries. In a multi-media installation of more than 120 works, including loans from American and European public and private collections, this exhibition will demonstrate the varied strategies through which artists and designers of the European avant-garde, with Léger in the lead, sought to participate in the complexity and excitement of the metropolis. The exhibition will also feature work by Cassandre, Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Theo van Doesburg, Alexandra Exter, Abel Gance, Le Corbusier, Piet Mondrian, Gerald Murphy, Francis Picabia, Man Ray, and many others. The exhibition runs from October 14, 2013 - January 5, 2014. Click here for more information

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+ Expand Your Scientific Knowledge At The Franklin Institute!

Looking for something fun yet educational? Visit The Franklin Institute, one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the United States, dating to 1824. In the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin, the mission of The Franklin Institute Science Museum serves to inspire an understanding of and passion for science and technology learning. Among other exhibits, The Science Museum holds the largest collection of artifacts from the Wright brothers' workshop. The Institute is full of interesting and interactive exhibits, both permanent and traveling. Some of the permanenet exhibits are: Kid Science, Space Command, The Train Factory, The Franklin Airshow, The Giant Heart and Changing Earth. The traveling Exhibit, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, runs until April 7, 2013. This exhibit contains more than 300 legendary artifacts conserved from the ship's debris field, offering visitors a poignant look at this iconic ship and its passengers. The 15,000 square foot exhibition takes visitors on a chronological journey through the life of Titanic, from the building of the legend to life on board. Click here for more information.

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+ Explore French Impressionists And Others At The Barnes Foundation

The new 93,000-square-foot, two-story building, designed by architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, is described as a “gallery in a garden, a garden in a gallery.” Boasting a textured grey-and-gold Ramon limestone exterior and a glass canopy that glows at night, the building is a breathtaking addition to the Parkway Museum District. The four-and-a-half acre landscaped grounds reference the Barnes Arboretum in Merion, which will reopen in the late summer of 2012. In addition, the building boasts a number of sustainable features, including a green roof and permeable surfaces that allow for rain and grey water re-use. But the true draw is the Barnes Collection featuring 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso. The 12,000-square-foot gallery preserves the scale, proportion and configuration of the original Merion location. The priceless works are symmetrically arranged according to size, and often paired with artifacts and furniture (think: African sculpture, Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, antique Chinese paintings) organized around themes and formal elements. The scheme is the physical manifestation of the teachings of the man who collected the works, Albert C. Barnes. Click here for more information.

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+ Festival of India

Festival of India August 15th at Penn's Landing festival-of-durga-puja

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+ Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll August 12th at University City dollar 93443989-a4fa-44ed-af8c-3abccc57106b

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+ Prison Break Weekend Aug. 7 & 8

Prison Break Weekend Aug. 7 & 8 Eastern State Penitentiary Two actors—one portraying tunnel mastermind Clarence Klinedinst and one portraying bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton— give their conflicting accounts of who designed the 1945 tunnel, how it was built, and why the escapees got caught. Meet each inmate in his cell, and see how their accounts vary. Based on actual conflicts in the accounts of Willie Sutton and Clarence Klinedinst. Family events all day! prison051707

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+ 1. Avatar Among Screenings Under the Stars July 1-31

In most cities, the outdoor summer movie series generally consist of a Blockbuster or two hidden among classics or obscure films. This is not the case at the Screenings Under the Stars at Penn’s Landing. The month of July starts off with a bang with the #1 movie of all time, Avatar, and continues with The Blind Side, The Secret Life of Bees and last year’s summer blockbuster Star Trek. In a beautiful setting right on the Delaware River, the experience is surreal as the large screen projects incredible movies, and the darkness of the theater is emulated by the darkness of the night sky. The screenings start every Thursday night at 8:30pm; make sure to check the website’s calendar for the schedule.

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+ 2. Renoir Pays a Visit to the Philly Museum of Art July 1-31

The Musée d'Orsay is collaborating with the Philadelphia Museum of Art to bring the work of painting superstar Pierre Renoir to Philly for a limited time. While he’s best known for his works, Le Moulin de la Galette and Luncheon of the Boating Party, the consensus of the art world is that his most innovative time was near the end of his life. Pretty impressive, considering he was one of the originators of the impressionist movement. This exhibit features these later works and the way Renoir used color in a way that influenced artists for generations to come, and the exhibit will feature several artists, such as Picasso, who were notably influenced by Renoir’s later years.

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+ 3. Summer Art Studio at ICA July 1-31

Sure, most children get the summer off and go to various art and crafts camps, so the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia made its own adult version. Summer Studio with Anthony Campuzano transforms the museum’s second floor gallery into a freeform art school and studio, which is also free and open to the public! Not only will this studio provide nouveau students with instruction in many art disciplines, there will be various professors, mentors and peers as special guests to the classes. Make sure to check the website for all times and class details, including what classes have special guests.

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+ 2. Fill it Up at Philly Beer Week June 4-13

As America’s best beer-drinking city and a stone’s throw from Penn State - the school known as the biggest party school in the country - one would expect Philly would have a pretty impressive selection of alcohol. Well, with Philly Beer Week, visitors can get a taste of the drinks that make Philadelphia such a wild place at night. With all kinds of events, from the showcase of the finest breweries at the Opening Tap event, to the nearly philosophical Forum of the Gods, which is nothing less than an afternoon of spirited beer-talk (and drinking), this festival is sure to quench any beer lover’s thirst.

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+ 3. Renoir Pays a Visit to the Philly Museum of Art June 17-30

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+ 1. Viva Italia at Italian Market Festival May 15-16

Taking place in America’s oldest and largest working outdoor market, the Italian Market Festival is a huge, multi-block festival that takes over the heart of South Philadelphia. With the traffic closed off, the streets are lined with vendors offering every Italian delicacy possible, including fresh sausage and peppers, antipasto salads, roast pork sandwiches, cheeses, cured meats, an infinite array of pastries, famous mango roses, and more. There are also gift and cookware shops as well as street-side merchants selling specially prepared foods just for the festival. Nearby restaurants also extend their table service to the sidewalk so that customers can enjoy the festival atmosphere while dining. In addition to the food, there will be two days of free concerts on three different stages featuring classic rock and party band favorites. If that wasn't enough, rounding out the weekend is a half ball tournament along with other competitions and games.

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+ 2. Rare to Famous Wines at Philly Wine Festival May 8

Philly wine lovers, unite. This is the festival for you. Featuring nearly 200 of the world’s finest wineries, this event is a must for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts. The festival will have some of the world’s most famous wines as well as hard-to-find vintages and rare blends, including Allegrini, Michele Chiarlo and Robert Mondavi. The winemakers or local representatives will be at the tables to answer questions and discuss wines. The festival will feature signature dishes from some of Philly’s best restaurants, including The Capital Grille, Barclay Prime and Penne Restaurant & Wine Bar. There will also be cheese, crudite, and light hors d’oeuvres for guests to enjoy. A portion of the ticket sales and 100% of the silent auction proceeds will go to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

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+ 3. Find the Unexpected at Art Star Craft Bazaar May 15-16

Quirky and unique is what you’ll find at the Art Star Craft Bazaar, an outdoor retail art/craft show that is juried by Philadelphia’s Art Star Gallery & Boutique. Featuring over 100 local and national artists, shoppers can find a variety of exceptional and high quality handmade goods made from fabric, clay, glass, wood, paper and more. Anything and everything will be found here, including house wares, paper goods, dolls, prints, ceramics, clothing, accessories, paintings/drawings, sculpture and many other unique objects. There will also be music throughout the festival with a line-up of various local bands. For food, there will be plenty of pizza and hot dogs, as well as vegetarian/vegan food from local eateries like A Full Plate Café and the Soy Café. The first 250 guests each day will get a free tote bag filled with various goodies.

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+ 1. Spring Flowers at Macy’s Flower Show April 1-11

Spring Is In The Air as the Flower Show

returns to Macy's Center City! This year’s show is staged in the Grand Court, the same site of the legendary Wanamaker's Flower Shows from the 1930s through the early 1970s. Center City will be transformed into a wonderland of spectacular gardens, where magic reaches to new heights and floral fantasies take flight! This year's show will feature varieties of exotic trees, flowering plants, and brilliant color as far as the eye can see. Take a guided tour or stroll through the beautiful gardens at your own pace. And, don't miss the hot air balloon centerpiece, that’s overflowing with beautiful flowers, making it the perfect photo-op!

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+ 2. Popular Romeo + Juliet Extended April 1-11

Critically acclaimed by The Philadelphia Inquirer, KYW News Radio, and Broadway World.com, rediscover the world’s most enduring romance. Rome + Juliet is the tale of pure passion between star crossed lovers, the children of sworn enemies and has been extended by popular demand for a limited time on the F. Otto Haas Stage. This visceral production celebrates the language and characters of the Shakespearian masterpiece, on a simple stage with minimal sets. As this popular play is about to close, don’t miss what promises to be a performance for the ages.

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+ 3. E!’s Chelsea Handler Live! April 17

TV’s favorite late night lady is coming to Philadelphia with her unique style and sense of humor for a one night only show.Sure to be a night of dry wit and pop culture commentary, Chelsea Handler will have you clutching your sides and rolling in the aisles. And don’t worry guys, her charms are sure to work on you as well as everyone else, and if not, at least she’s nice to look at!

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+ 4. Last Chance to Check Out PHILAGRAfiKA April 1-11

If you love graphic tees then you’ll definitely love PHILAGRAfiKA, an international festival that celebrates the pivotal role of print in contemporary art. The culmination of five years of planning, PHILAGRAfiKA is one of the largest events in the United States with over 300 artists from around the world and 80 cultural institutions participating. As the first-ever PHILAGRAfiKA comes to a close, make sure to check it out in its last month this year!

Variety is an understatement where the exhibits are divided into three categories: The Graphic Unconscious explores printed matter in our visual culture, Out of Print pairs five artists with five historic institutions, and Independent Projects includes a huge variety of exhibitions where the printed image plays a central role.

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+ 5. Picasso & the Avant-Garde Exhibit Ends April 1-25

The talent of Pablo Picasso cannot be disputed, but the word in art circles is it that his creativity was at its most fertile between 1905 and 1945. Picasso and the Avant-Garde exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art celebrates these inspired decades with some of Picasso’s most important works on display including Three Musicians. You’ll witness the evolution of his work from abstraction to Cubism and then to Surrealism. And since the city of Paris played a pivotal role in bringing imagination to artists from around the globe, the exhibit will also include works from Chagall, Jacque Lipchitz, Patrick Henry Bruce, and Man Ray.

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+ 1. NZ to India at Philly Int’l Flower Show March 1-7

Journey around the globe with breathtaking stops in India, Brazil, the Netherlands, South Africa, New Zealand and Singapore at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Under the theme “Passport to the World,” attendees will see thousands of plant and floral design entries of local enthusiasts as

well as international experts in hundreds of different categories. As the world’s largest indoor flower exhibition, don’t miss out on the free gardening presentations (there’s 150 held throughout the week), as well as dozens of educational displays that explore the newest gardening trends. To compliment the fabulous exhibits, enjoy shopping, great food, and live performances that will take audiences to as many different lands as the flowers do. All proceeds from the show, including tickets and sponsorship contributions, go to support The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and its acclaimed urban greening program, Philadelphia Green.

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+ 2. Celebrate Oscars with Miss America March 7

Still looking for somewhere to watch the Oscars and remain as fashionable as your favorite starlets? Look no further than the Traverse Arts Project and The Radisson Warwick Hotel, who will host their 2nd Annual Red Carpet Party on the biggest night in Hollywood. Hosts include Robert "Sandy Beach" Hitchen, reigning Miss America Pageant winner Michelle Dupree and award winning composer Joseph Hallman. The event will feature a viewing of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards live from Hollywood. The hotel’s elegant Gold and Silver VIP Levels include all-access with open wine, beer, and vodka bar, as well as gourmet food all night long. The hottest Oscar party isn’t in tinsel town this year, it’s at the Radisson Warwick Hotel.

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+ 3. 240 Years of St. Patrick’s Day Celebration March 14

Join in on one of the longest running St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country. The first documented St. Patrick's Day Celebration Parade in Philadelphia was held in 1771, celebrating over 240 continuous years of celebrations. And throughout those years this festivity has honored the cultural traditions and historic significance of the Irish, both in America and abroad. With the theme “St. Patrick, model of unity for the church and the world,” the parade will featuring thousands of marchers and dozens of bands and floats, highlighted by flags and traditional Irish music this years parade is sure to be one of note.

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+ 4. BrAVA Philadelphia! Gala Concert March 31

The city o

f Philadelphia has produced some of the world’s most brilliant opera stars, thanks in large part to the Academy of Vocal Arts. Enjoy as many of them return to Philadelphia to celebrate AVA’s 75th Anniversary. International superstar mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato leads a lineup of AVA singers, including tenors James Valenti, who debuts at the Metropolitan Opera in March, Stephen Costello, winner of the 2009 Richard Tucker Prize, and Michael Fabiano, star of the feature film The Audition, plus many more great up-and-coming artists. This star-studded event will be one of the most high quality performances of the year.

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+ 5. PDP Presents SCUBA’s Nights of Dance March 19-20

The Philadelphia Danc

e Projects and the SCUBA National Touring Network for Dance combine for a weekend of performances that is innovative and one-of-a-kind. The PDP Presents 2010 SCUBA program will feature: The BodyCartography Project, which is a somatic for of movement; Megan Mazarick who creates highly conceptual and nuanced themes from American life; and Jacinta Vlach/Liberation Dance Theater that uses inspiration from Latin/African Diaspora, Contemporary and Urban Vernacular. SCUBA, now in its eighth year, is a co-operative enterprise that supports the growth and expansion of the country’s next generation of contemporary dance artists through touring and the development of relationships with other artists and presenters.

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+ 2. Petrolheads Unite at Philly Int’l Auto Show Feb. 1-7

What does Hugh Douglas of the Philadelphia Eagles, NBA legend Darryl Dawkins and every other male in the Philadelphia region have in common? That’s easy, they’ll all be at the Philadelphia International Auto Show. Despite the past challenging year for the auto industry, nearly every car manufacturer will be on display to show the public the newest rides. So you too can put aside your economic woes and revel in vehicle fantasyland. DUB Magazine will also be there to

spice up the show with DUB Live!, a 35,000 square foot display of the juiciest customized vehicles and celebrity rides. Be sure to get a sneak peak of the 2011 concept vehicles including the Mazda2 and the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. And don’t forget to wipe the drool off your face when you exit the building.

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+ 4. Step Onboard the Love Train Feb. 14

The classic O’Jays song will be running through your head as you cozy-

up to your lover aboard the Love Train. This privately-chartered, guided L train tour visits the 50 love-themed rooftop murals that collectively make up the Love Letter. All along Market Street in West Philadelphia, the Love Letter features artistically designed messages expressing the love of a boy to a girl that will surely flavor your Valentine’s Day. Following the tour, join the private reception held at SEPTA’s Grand Mezzanine where hors d’oeuvres and champagne will be served. The potent mixture of the murals and champagne will inspire whispered sweet nothings for a lover’s ear.

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+ 5. Guilt-Free Wine & Chocolate Event Feb. 12

PhillyHealthInfo.org is granting everyone a guilt-free Valentine’s Day this year at the Wine & Chocolate Event by promoting the health benefits of these devilish delights. Apparently it isn’t just love that strengthens the heart. PhillyHealthInfo.org promises an evening of romance with tastings of red wine and dark chocolate served up by Pennsylvania’s finest Chaddsford Winery premium wines and Prestige Chocolates handcrafted truffles. This will be a true celebration of heart month. There will also be a special marketplace on location where you can purchase your favorites in larger quantities just in time for Valentine’s Day. Be sure to make reservations.

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+ 1. New Year, New Mummers Parade 1/1/10

Start your new year off right with the people of Philadelphia at the Mummers Parade. Each year, the crowds flood into the streets to gawk at the extremely elaborate feather and sequined decorated floats as they drive by during this mystical celebration. The parade itself is divided into 5 separate divisions ranging from the small comics with their clowns, floats, dudes, wenches and humor to the fancy brigades with their Broadway show style using fancy props and intricate choreography.

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+ 2. Day On, Not Off for MLK Day 1/18/10

Each year, the Greater Philadelphia Day of Service has been the largest MLK event in the nation with this year being The 15th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. Last year, 65,000 volunteers served in 900 service projects and launched the MLK365, a year-round volunteer program providing many opportunities. Join the movement and make this MLK day one to remember!

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+ 3. Eat Well at Philly Restaurant Week 1/17-1/29/10

It’s time to shed those pesky extra pounds you put on over the holidays, but you’ll want to hold off on your New Year’s resolution for at least a month, because the event of the season is coming up. On January 17th, TD Bank will present City District Restaurant Week. More than 40 of Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants will be joining in on the 12-day event to prepare delicious entrees to send your taste buds soaring at prices that will leave you smiling.

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+ 4. Get a Makeover at Home Show 1/16– 1/24/10

Has remodeling your home driven you to the point of wanting to tear it down and just start over? The Philadelphia Home show has the relief that you’ve been looking for. Host Ty Pennington always has helpful hints, and the latest in home décor, but welcomes co-worker Paul DiMeo of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to share his thoughts and opinions as well. There will also be more than 500 experts there to share the hottest trends and tips in home design and décor.

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+ 5. Get Pumped for MMA Expo 1/9/10

The Mixed Martial Arts Expo has announced its expansion into th

e U.S. and what better way than through a co-location agreement with the Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza? Being the fastest growing sport on the planet, it’s only a matter of time until the MMA Expo makes its debut in the U.S. This high-energy event promises for a great weekend with the tournaments, exhibitors, and the most prominent competitors in the business. MMA brings an entirely new flavor to the already action-packed Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza.

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+ 1. NYE’s Most Elite Party at Loews Hotel 12/31/09

New Year's Eve is always magical, but at the Loews Hotel party it is truly something special. The evening is actually three parties in one, with live bands, performers, and different DJ's throughout the Penthouse, Regency Ballroom, and Sole Food. Included in the evening is five hours of Butlered hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight, and show-stopping décor with a 360-degree view of Philadelphia's skyline to ring in the New Year right! Catch the fireworks and be part of the stunning crowd at his incredible soiree.

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+ 2. Get Gorky at Philly’s Museum of Art 12/1/09-12/31/09

The Philadelphia Museum of Art always has an incredible array of exhibitions and throughout the month of December enjoy the Arshile Gorky highlight exhibition. Arshile Gorky is known for transforming American art by moving it toward abstraction as showcased in the works on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The exhibit includes painting, sculpture, prints, and drawing- some of which are being shown here for the first time! So make sure to check out this exception American artist before it disappears in the new year.

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+ 3. Enjoy All Things Holiday at Longwood Gardens 12/1/09-12/30/09

The world-famous Longwood Gardens puts on an incredible holiday season spectacular. The Gardens located at the historic Kennett Square has elegantly decorated trees, beautiful poinsettas, an outdoor light display, ice-skating, organ sing-a-longs, strolling choirs, and hand bell concerts throughout the holiday season. If that's not everything you've ever wanted in an outdoor holiday event, we don't know what is!

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+ 4. Taste Decadent Gourmet in Philly 12/1/09-12/31/09

The Decadent Gourmet Tour title says it all. This is one tour that you don't need to be a tourist to enjoy. It is 2.5 hours of culinary adventure starting with an extravagant cheese tasting, tea tasting, and finally a chocolate tasting. Through the various courses, attendees will be able to taste Philly's finest in these genres from some of the city's hidden culinary gems. If the way to your heart is through your stomach, then you might fall in love with Philly after this tour.

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+ 5. Indoor/Outdoor Ice Skating at River Rink 12/1/09-/12/31/09

The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn's Landing, with its location overlooking the Delaware River, is an ideal place to take in the fresh winter season. Now in its 16th anniversary season, this Olympic sized rink is a holiday favorite for the month of December and beyond. But if you're not a fan of the cold, this rink has a solution for you. There is also an indoor facility, complete with a snack bar and game room, so you can enjoy the experience without getting your fingers cold.

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+ 10th Annivesary Azuka Season Begins

The 10th Anniversary season of Azuka begins this month and features works from Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Vogel and Latvian Society’s Adam Szymkowicz. In celebration of the milestone, the Azuka Theater will be hosting its first fundraising gala, Azuka Lounge: A Happy Hour Event.

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+ Philadelphia Museum of Art ASL Tour

The Philadelphia Museum of Art ASL Tour is a unique opportunity to view art by offering an American Sign Language interpretation of all its featured exhibits.

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+ 15th Annual Philadelphia Marathon

The 15th Annual Philadelphia Marathon is one of the most historic marathon routes available. Runners and spectators alike can experience revolutionary history and the Greek-inspired architecture of Philadelphia while cheering on the marathon runners.