Read More
+
A World-Class Experience at the Pennsylvania Ballet
From Philadelphia’s yearly favorite George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker to world premieres of contemporary pieces, The Pennsylvania Ballet is always in the city spotlight. The Pennsylvania Ballet presents fourteen ballets in Philadelphia every year featuring classic favorites, new works, and commissioned pieces that always attract an audience.
If you’re looking for the classic ballet experience, visit the majestic Academy of Music on Broad Street during the holidays to see Nutcracker or in the summer to see Romeo and Juliet. The Ballet also performs at the Merriam Theater, which is getting up-to-snuff on the theater scene after having been taken over by new management.
If you have never attended a ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet is a world-class experience. The dancers are beautiful, the full orchestra is enchanting, and being in a 153-year old theater (Academy of Music) where thousands of people have seen hundreds of ballets before you is quite the feeling.
Read More
+
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.
Read More
+
Animal Kingdom
Not too far from Philly!
Animal Kingdom boasts one of the most extensive wild animal collections in New Jersey. Many of their animals are endangered species, which is why the zoo is so important. Their mission is to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the environment and, as a result, the animals that live there. Animal Kingdom’s large collection of animals, some free roaming and others caged, have traveled from six continents to make their home at Animal Kingdom.
Unparalleled Primate Collection
Animal Kingdom boasts one of the largest collections of primates in the United States. Among their honored guests, they have the Mandrill Baboon with its stunning blue face, exotic Japanese Snow Macaques, three species of lemurs and fifteen other species of primates.
Giraffes in New Jersey
At Animal Kingdom, they have several giraffes, many of which are babies born right there in New Jersey.
Tapir Fun
Animal Kingdom has Tapirs!. Their Tapirs are from South America and are cousin to the horse.
One hump or two?
…The camels at Animal Kingdom have one! Did you know that the camel’s hump is used to store fat, not water? Camels are from Asia and are at home in the desert. There isn’t any desert here at Animal Kingdom but we give them a large pile of sand in the summer to lay on.
Read More
+
Swim with sharks at Adventure Aquarium
Read More
+
Plan an Urban Adventure in Philadelphia
Read More
+
Jolly Weldon’s Dueling Piano Bar: Jolly Good Time
Read More
+
Chris’ Jazz Cafe – A Philly Institution
It’s impossible not to feel like a total smoooooth operator in a place like Chris’ Jazz Café. The dimly lit bar with live jazz playing at a perfect volume creates a straight-up cool atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying some music.
The bar offers less big-name brews and instead has an awesome assortment of local Pennsylvania breweries on draft. Though many go to Chris’ solely for the drinks and music, the full lunch and dinner menu has new American cuisine to munch on while you listen to the tunes. There is a cover charge of $5-$20 to hear the featured bands, just make sure to check out the café’s website ahead of time for the band schedule and cover charge prices.
Read More
+
Betsy Ross House Showcases a US Leading Lady
Betsy Ross was one pretty powerful woman in the making of our country, she is responsible for creating that beautiful work of art known as the American flag, and seeing her home puts it all into perspective. The Betsy Ross House in the Old City section of Philadelphia is bustling with the sights and sounds of the 18th century and is decorated in the style, adorned with artifacts from the era.
The home is open for guided tours year round, showing the workroom, two bedrooms, and kitchen of the most famous seamstress in our country. Throughout the summer months there's something for the whole family to enjoy with historical plays, magic shows, music, and appearances by Betsy and other revolutionary icons of the time. Betsy Ross is even buried beneath the giant elm and sycamore trees that shade the courtyard. The house is now over 250 years old and is managed by a private nonprofit organization, Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
Read More
+
Franklin Square Boasts Beauty and History
William Penn laid out 7.5 acres of land in the heart of Philadelphia back in 1682, and he would probably be very proud of what it has become by 2010! Located in Historic Philadelphia, Franklin Square has been completely renovated, and is now open as an amazing spot for families or anyone who wants to see a little more green in their busy day.
There’s a mini golf course and a carousel for kids (or the kid in you), with a Stephen Starr snack shack, Squareburger, selling hot dogs, fries, burgers, and milkshakes made with one of Pennsylvania’s claim-to-fame items, Tasty Kakes! Besides these activities, the Square is fit for strolling, with interspersed benches and walking paths leading straight to the piece de resistance, the water fountain. Built in 1838, the fountain is a huge marble masterpiece, placed right smack in the center of the park for your viewing pleasure.
Read More
+
World Class PCMS for $23 or Less
PCMS presents more than 60 chamber music concerts, instrumental and vocal recitals, jazz and special programs per season with some of the most prestigious musicians in the world, like the Tokyo Quartet and violinist Midori. As a resident company of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, PCMS performs mainly in the Perelman Theater on Broad Street, but also presents in other venues across the city. PCMS also collaborates regularly with prominent cultural institutions, like Juilliard, and presents education programs to help bring classical music into the lives of the younger generation.
Whether you’re in the mood for piano, a string quartet or a stellar tenor, there will be something on the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society season that will delight you…and it will cost less than that sirloin you ordered the night before.
Read More
+
The Story of US! At the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center tells the story of us - as in you, me, and the United States, and the importance of the Constitution in our every day lives. One of the most intriguing exhibits is Signer's Hall, a room featuring life-sized, cast bronze sculptures of the 39 signers of the Constitution and the three dissenters. Wandering among the statues and taking pictures with famous signers like George Washington and Ben Franklin gives visitors that eerie experience of being a part of history.
The Center is always hosting national exhibits, guest speakers and national events, so be sure to check their website before visiting. The lobby is spectacular and often hosts special events, like when Bono was awarded the Philadelphia Liberty Medal. The expansive space features 85,000 square feet of beautiful limestone from Indiana.
Read More
+
Kimmel Center: All-Star on Avenue of the Arts
To witness the finer side of performing arts, the Kimmel Center is the place to be in Center City. The Kimmel is operating multiple venues (the Academy of Music and Merriam Theater, along with its namesake venue The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) on the Avenue of the Arts. There are not many places in the area where you could witness everything from Neko Case to Lyle Lovett to The Vienna Philharmonic.
The Academy of Music, one of Philadelphia’s oldest and most prestigious theaters, showcases one of the most robust Broadway series outside of New York City. With offerings like Dream Girls and the revival of South Pacific, there is a show for every taste. The Kimmel Center’s in-house presenter hosts a variety of programming every year with some of the most respected and revered musicians, dancers and performers in the world. And for those who don’t like the commitment, there are informal free performances in the beautiful, expansive lobby every Friday night.
If you enjoy the art of a building as opposed to a performance, the Kimmel Center is one of the most famous designs from architectural designer Rafael Viñoly. The building is an entire city block of vaulted glass roof and makes any first-time visitor gasp in amazement.
Read More
+
The Nation’s First Zoo in Philadelphia
like the beginning of a fairy tale, but we’re really talking about The Zoo. The Philadelphia Zoo is the nation’s first zoo, opened in 1874, and remains a touchstone of Philadelphia culture and tourism. The Zoo is easy to navigate and great fun for children – especially the Treehouse, which showcases larger-than-life habitats for kids to roam and explore (like the gigantic honeycomb to hang out in). The Children’s Zoo has a baby zoo for the tots and farm animals that like a little more interaction.
New exhibits include the PECO Primate Reserve with 11 different species, and the Carnivore Kingdom that houses the rare white lions, snow leopards and jaguars. The Reptile House and Jungle Bird Walk are both newly renovated and give up close and personal experiences.
Insider's Tip: Parking is a hot commodity, so either get there early or choose a more overcast day to hang with the furry friends.
Read More
+
The Philadelphia Museum’s Got Art – And Rocky Balboa
Stepping up to this incredible museum gives you the desire to put your headphones in, race up the stairs, throw your arms in the air in triumph, and quickly showcase some boxer moves. At least, that's what Rocky did. Yes, this is the legendary landmark where Rocky trained for the ring. For the filming of Rocky III, Sylvester Stallone himself commissioned the famous Rocky Sculpture that is now posed for photo ops with film fans in its new location at the foot of Eakins Oval, next to the museum.
Of course, let's not forget. The Art Museum, as it's appropriately called, hosts traveling art shows of all mediums, from Images of Eastern Art, featuring Chinese Ceramics from the Ming Dynasty that date back as early as 1368, all the way to Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein's Pop Art movement. Anything goes- above the belt- at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Read More
+
Pig Iron Theatre Company, As Unusual as Its Name
decided to premiere all of their works at home…how sweet!
One of the most intriguing acts is Miss Martha Graham Cracker, Philadelphia’s most beloved drag queen and alter ego of Pig Iron’s co-creator Dito van Reigersberg. Martha makes appearances all over the city on the cabaret circuit, most frequently at Philly’s cabaret/creperie L’Etage.
With highly-anticipated events like Making Faces: A Deep Dive into Masked Performance with Pig Iron, Pig Iron carries on a conversation that it has been having for over 15 years about masked theatre and how it helps reveal the true actor’s self.
Read More
+
Parisian Sculptures in the Heart of Philly at Rodin
Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) changed the face of figurative sculpture and ushered in a whole new era of artistic expression, and Philadelphia is lucky to hold the namesake museum and the lush gardens that surround it. Based on the collections of Philadelphia's great movie theater magnate and philanthropist Jules E. Mastbaum, the Rodin holds most of the sculptor's works and strives to preserve and restore his art. It's one of the only places outside of France that you can experience his work!
Perhaps the most exciting part of the Rodin is the collaboration between the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fairmount Park Commission, and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to renew and exhibit this urban oasis. These Philadelphia big wigs are making the Rodin into the flowering utopia it was meant to be, showcasing both the artwork and the nature that inspires it. Sometimes trying to pay a visit to a national museum in one stop can be overwhelming, but the conciseness of the Rodin makes it perfect for an afternoon stop.
Read More
+
Opera Company of Philadelphia Is Toast of “Opera Town”
The Opera Company of Philadelphia, or OCP, knows Philly has always been a town dedicated to the arts, and even more so an Opera Town. Gearing up for its 35th Anniversary next season, OCP is continuing to do exciting full-length operas of traditional and new repertoire along Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts.
OCP performs at the beautiful Academy of Music and in the Kimmel Center’s smaller Perelman Theater, letting patrons see large-scale productions as well as more intimate shows. With a focus on developing talent, the performers in OCP's productions are all top notch. For example, in 1980 OCP began a long-standing relationship with Luciano Pavarotti, establishing a competition that seeks out the best young voice talent.
In addition to the performances, OCP features pre-concert lectures and Opera-enrichment programs in hopes that the love of opera will carry on through the generations. The Opera also puts on a full-length opera every year with the students at Philadelphia’s renowned music school The Curtis Institute of Music.
Read More
+
Bahdeebahdu, Need We Say More?
Bahdeebahdu is an explosively imaginative studio for design and the development of art, sculpture and furnishings. Bahdeebahdu is unlike any other gallery in the area, showcasing the works of Philadelphia’s favorite “Luminary” Warren Muller. Muller creates functional lighting sculptures by following the mantra “everything is up for grabs.” Found, recycled and salvaged objects turn into light sculptures that are featured in this gallery, along with various places around the city like theatres and restaurants.
Bahdeebahdu also houses works by interior designer RJ Thornburg, Muller’s lifetime partner and self-proclaimed Fabulist. RJ has been designing for twenty-five years and has left his fun and easy-going design mark all over Philadelphia (from bakeshops to internationally renowned hotels).
Read More
+
Movies & Music for Thousands at Trocadero Theatre
ge while playing host to up to 1,200 people!
Past acts include Phoenix, the Scissor Sisters, and the French Kicks and now it hosts the best bands in independent music. With grand mirrors, pillars, balconies, and exquisite moldings, the old flavor of the place still remains for the trendy, young, hipster crowd.
With a venue so big, the Trocadero Theatre has tons of options from comedy acts to indie bands. Kick back with friends on Movie Monday and watch popular films such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Office Space, and Fight Club. Arrive before 7 for your personal bag of popcorn and brew on the house.
Read More
+
The Walnut: America’s Oldest & Most Popular Theatre
The Walnut Street Theatre is the oldest theater in America, having just celebrated its 200th birthday last year, and is one of the most subscribed to and most successful theater companies in the nation.
With performances ranging from the classics like Oliver and Fiddler on the Roof, to the intimate shows put on in the 80-seat Independence Studio, Walnut Street serves up an eclectic and exciting mix of productions throughout the year.
Soup to nuts (or nuts to nuts since we’re talking about the Walnut) the Theatre has its hand in all aspects of the performance. The Walnut’s fabrication and wardrobe department is located above the main stage, and creates all of the looks for actors on stage, including hair and make-up. They also have auditions in New York and Philadelphia for the main stage performances that have launched the careers of Kathryn Hepburn, Jane Fonda, and Marlon Brando, to name a few.
Read More
+
Live Music Noon to Midnight at World Cafe Live
One part music venue, one part restaurant, you never know what you’re going to get when walking into World Café Live. Downstairs is a three tiered music hall which seats 300 people in a bistro style set up, and as many as 650 people in the standing room only section. Upstairs is a café on historic Walnut Street. Comfortably seating 100 people, the café features live radio broadcasts and performances every day of the week. It has an extensive menu and the best happy hour specials near the Drexel Campus.
The World Café Live is also home to the annual Beta Hifi Music Festival, and puts on weekly concert series called Peanut Butter and Jams, a lunch time concert for children and their parents every Saturday. It's safe to say that if you want live music any hour of the day, just head over to World Cafe Live.
Read More
+
Drama Queens and Kings Flock to Philadelphia Theatre Company
The Philadelphia Theatre Company's performance season is always filled with the best of the best; whether it's a world premiere, an off-Broadway smash, or a Tony award winner, when PTC productions are coming to town the whole city is buzzing.
PTC was founded in 1974 and has been dedicated to presenting world premieres of major works by contemporary American playwrights, which is quite a feat considering the enormously wide range that is American Theatre! PTC productions take place at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre on the Avenue of the Arts. The 365-seat theater was renovated in 2008, providing the perks of a modern venue (like generous leg room) in an intimate viewing space.
To go, or not to go? Not even a question! With new shows happening every month, there’s no reason not to visit Suzanne Roberts Theatre for a Philadelphia Theatre Company production.
Read More
+
Touring the Romantic Way: 76 Carriage Company
Visitors of Philadelphia can see all the sites through the Philadelphia Trolley Works and the 76 Carriage Company, but for those looking to get away from the tourists and for a more private- and romantic- trip, try the latter with old-fashioned carriage rides. Tours are written and delivered by real Philadelphians, so you get the entire local flavor. See the Museum District, the Liberty Bell, Old City, Society Hill, Avenue of the Arts, Antique Row, Chinatown, the PA Convention Center, South Street, Penn’s Landing and much, much more in the Victorian style trolleys. Your Philadelphia pass is good all day long. You can get on and off as many times as you choose at any of the conveniently located stops.
Read More
+
Parx Casino: New and Xclusive
Parx is a meld of the City of Brotherly Love and classic casino. For events, it showcases local celebrities like famous radio host Jerry Blavat and up and coming DJs.
Parx also houses one of Philly's favorite restaurants Chickies & Petes (crab fries, please!). C&P's who just upped the anty on fun by allowing guests to reserve private rooms in the restaurant for groups to partake in play2, the "interactive sports bar." Private rooms are stocked with your favorite video games for xbox, Wii and more so you can play, watch the game, and feel right at home.
From high rollers who get access to an “xclusive” gaming area to the bachelor/bachelorette destination you’ve been looking for, Parx covers the gamut for the area’s hottest casino. If you’re not into the 3,300 slots of gambling, head over to 360 – Parx’s club that features DJs, live entertainment, dancing, drinking and other shenanigans.
Read More
+
The Nation’s One and Only Fabric Workshop and Museum
d by transforming everyday textiles and objects, like carpets and beds, into channels for social commentary, it pushes contemporary art to another level.
The list of artists represented in the permanent gallery is lengthy, ensuring that you will see a variety of distinctive and creative pieces. Many of these artists also have items available exclusively in the Museum Shop, like canvas bags, scarves, napkins, ties, pillows, umbrellas, and t-shirts.
With an appointment, you can visit the construction and print studios, where you’ll see exhibitions of contemporary art, video programs, pieces from the FWM permanent collections and works in progress.
Read More
+
Burlesque Theater Meets Indie Rock at Johnny Brenda’s
Johnny Brenda’s is a three-in-one combo that's as cool as its location in up-and-coming Fishtown. The space resembles something of an elegant, historic theater meets burlesque club that showcases some of the coolest indie bands in Philly and the US.
One of the few small venues equipped with a balcony, Johnny Brenda's offers a performance space that's unique from anything offered in Philadelphia. A world-class sound system send the music of Tokyo Police Club and Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth through the club with perfect quality (both of which played at Johnny Brenda's before they made it big).
Should hunger strike half way through a show, there’s an eclectic menu made from fresh ingredients from local farmers and an attentive wait staff to the rescue. Keeping with the local theme, Johnny Brenda's has an impressive selection of high-quality draft beer from local Philly brewers.
Read More
+
The Academy of Natural Sciences: T. Rex to Asian Butterflies
The Academy of Natural Sciences, established in 1812, is the oldest natural science museum in North and South America, chock-full of permanent and touring exhibits, family programs and activities. All 4 stories of the Academy are wonderful for all ages and feature a variety of permanent exhibits that would delight any child. If they like a little adventure, more than 30 dinosaurs and other Mesozoic reptiles reside in Dinosaur Hall, including a 42-foot long Tyrannosaurus Rex! For the daintier types, the Butterflies! exhibit showcases live butterflies from Central and South America, East Africa and Southeast Asia in its tropical garden. And everyone can enjoy The Live Animal Center, which holds over 100 live birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. Ceiling-to-floor observation windows let you look behind the scenes, where staff and volunteers feed, groom and upkeep all of the animals.
Check out the website before heading over, because the visiting exhibits are ever-changing and always exciting.
Read More
+
Yes, There’s Still Fabric on Fabric Row!
n eclectic mix of shops ranging from third-generation fabric stores to a nightclub that boasts the best DJs in Philadelphia.
As far as fabric goes, Marmelstein’s is one of the oldest (opened in 1919) and most well-known shops in the region. Most of the shops are known for a specialty market, so if you’re looking for something specific like bridal fabrics, trimmings, or upholstery, calling around will be very helpful.
When it's time for a bite to eat and a break for your feet, stop in at Famous 4th Street Delicatessen. It’s been open since 1923 for a reason, and their gargantuan sandwiches are a great meal for two people.
Other fun things to do on Fabric Row: dance to beats from ?uestlove of The Roots at Fluid Nightclub, get inked at Philadelphia Eddie’s Tattoo Haven, get a cup o’ Joe at Redhook, and check the threads at Wilbur Vintage.
This little section of South Philly will surely steal a bit of your heart.
Read More
+
Veteran Conductor Elevates the Philadelphia Orchestra
regarded as one of the best symphony orchestras in the world, but more likely you've heard them as the orchestra in Walt Disney’s Fantasia.
Putting on seasonal performances and even an annual concert series at the historic Carnegie Hall, the Philadelphia Orchestra is lead by veteran Conductor Charles Dutoit, who has an impressive resume previously conducting the Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Pittsburgh symphony orchestras. Basically, this conductor has seen and heard it all.
The Philadelphia orchestra has released dozens of album recordings, including the work of Beethoven, Rimsky Korsakov, Saint-Saëns, and Mozart. When not touring internationally, the Philadelphia can be heard at the historic Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Philadelphia.
Read More
+
Avenue of the Arts: A Stretch of Culture Across Philly
orming arts venues, universities, you name it, it's there. The Avenue is a great place to visit because it's easy to get to (lots of parking garages on the Avenue as well as accessible public transportation) and is always bustling with foot traffic.
The busiest and most affluent area of the Avenue is on South Broad, starting from Philly’s beautiful City Hall to Lombard Street, where you will find many of the city’s major theaters like the Academy of Music, Merriam Theatre, and Wilma Theater. When meandering down the Avenue, you can stop along the way and catch the building tours at many of the venues. Be sure to look on the Avenue of the Arts website for a listing of all the shows happening at all venues!
Take advantage of all that there is to do- and see- on this beautiful Avenue in the heart of Philadelphia.
Read More
+
Swanky in the Museum at Art After 5
If you’re there for the music, make sure to get there close to 5pm to snag a good seat in the Great Stair Hall, which might be one of the coolest rooms you’ve ever seen.
If you’re there for the gallery, grab your cocktail and get ready to view some of Philadelphia’s finest with a fraction of the crowd, and great background music to boot. If you’d like to know more about the art with a guide, tours are offered throughout the evening for no additional charge.
Whether you’ve been to the Art Museum or not, Art After 5 is a fantastic way to see the museum in a relaxing and stylish way.
Read More
+
The Bellevue: The Grande Dame of Broad St.
have stayed in the hotel segment of the building.
Besides the hotel, the Bellevue holds dozens of luxury shops (Nicole Miller, Tiffany & Co.), a food court with cuisine ranging from sushi to gyros, and a top-notch health club.
XIX (Nineteen) is one of the finest restaurants at the Bellevue and often has jam-packed happy hours after work. The restaurant is on the 19th floor, hence the name, and has some of the best views of Philadelphia.
Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland is in the main lobby as you enter off of Broad Street; the champagne truffles are bursts of decadent goodness. The shop is adorable and their chocolates are packaged beautifully, making great gifts for your return to home or the office.
Read More
+
The New Comcast Center is Worth the Visit
kyline- and by far the tallest. You’ll need to allot at least ten minutes for ogling in the lobby at the gigantic video wall, 2,000 square feet of hi-def LED screen to be exact, that shows different images throughout the day of flying through space to Phillies playoff games.
The Market at Comcast Center is a great stop for lunch, and often gets busy with the suits on break during the week. Voted best food court by Philadelphia Magazine in 2009, any gourmet palate will be satiated with all of the choices. The most popular spot is Philadelphia’s famous cheese aficionados The Di Bruno Brothers. This Italian market sensation set up another shop here with scrumptious sandwiches filled with classic flavors.
LOVE Park, a plaza made famous for Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, is located right outside the Comcast Center. If the weather is nice, dining al fresco is a must!
Read More
+
Throwback Fun at Lucky Strike
Lucky Strike is the perfect blend between lane and lounge…and yes, we're talking bowling lanes here. It’s easy to let your hair down and visit your inner-child at this swanky alley. Whether you’re a serious bowler or a seriously bad one, you are bound to have a blast.
Cocktail waitresses channel a retro roller-girl look while you hang with friends, dance, bowl, and pig out like you’re 13 again (loaded potato chips are a must). Make sure you remember to reserve your lane, because it gets busy as the music turns up after 10pm. And don't be shy, no one will think twice about you shakin' your booty while you bowl! Even if you do not go for the lanes, there’s great seating for a late-night dinner with friends or to catch the game on the big screens behind the bar.
Dress to impress, as recommended in the dress code, but make sure your outfit will match those sweet bowling shoes.
Read More
+
Start The Weekend Right At Friday LIVE
tage (that’s in the spectacular main lobby, which is worth the visit in itself).
The Philadelphia music scene is huge, and the Kimmel Center showcases these local talents from 5:30-7:15pm every Friday throughout its season. Rock, funk, classical, straight-away jazz – you name it- they’ve got it. Friday LIVE is a great way to see this beautiful venue, built in 2001 on the Avenue of the Arts, without committing to purchasing a ticket.
The bar serves drink specials and appetizers, ideal for a happy hour visit before going out to eat at one of the many restaurants in walking distance. Supporting local arts is always a good thing, so you may as well do it in this fabulous performing arts center. If you want to check out the performances before you go, they’re all listed on the website.
Read More
+
Avant-Garde Reigns Supreme at Painted Bride Art Center
No white dresses and wedding bells at this venue, the only bridal thing about the Painted Bride Art Center is its engaging art- and there's a lot of it. When the sun is shining, the space serves as a contemporary art gallery featuring cutting edge works, but when the stars come out, it transforms into a multicultural playhouse with everything from art to prose and poetry readings as well as live musical acts.
Expect everything but the traditional art gallery pieces at the Center where avant-garde and independent artists reign supreme.
Read More
+
Old City, New Flair
By day, Old City is Philadelphia’s art hub with its many galleries and show rooms. By night, it becomes the center of the city’s nightlife as party hoppers jump from pub to bar to club along the narrow streets.
From handbags to furniture, everything can be found here. Get a new 'do at Chroma and an edgy, stylish outfit at Reward, and you're ready for a night on the town- or maybe just cocktails at Bleu, one of the city's hippest hangouts. And don't forget to visit the Liberty Bell Center as your visit to Old City- and Philly in general- would not be complete without it.
This historic district gets particularly crowded on weekends, as it’s one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city.
Read More
+
It’s Easy to Get Lost in Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park is where you go to hike, bike, blade, boat, float, jog—or just simply walk around, but this is no ordinary park. Being the world's largest municipal park, this park encompasses 92,00 acres and includes 62 neighborhoods!!! This extraordinary park is home to a number of museums, stables, mansions, boathouses, and historical buildings such as the Bellaire Manor with its floor to ceiling wood paneling that would make any art historian's mouth water. Grown by John Bartram in the 1700's, America's oldest living botanic garden can also be found here. At Fairmount Park, quantity means quality as well.