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  • A Weekend on the Parkway

    The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, or simply “the Parkway,” is in many ways the cultural heart of Philadelphia. Designed in 1917 to emulate the Champs-Elys�es, the Parkway has been host to the nation´s oldest Thanksgiving Parade, Live 8, a free Bruce Springsteen concert and Sunoco Welcome America!, Philadelphia´s July 4th party.

    Lined with flags from around the world, the Parkway begins at City Hall and ends dramatically at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Between these two points, you´ll discover 4,000-year-old books, 120 sculptures by Auguste Rodin, America´s most historic prison and much, much more.

    Since water is the theme, seafood is especially apt for ordering � we recommend the Mediterranean-influenced grilled octopus. Thirsty? You´re at the right place. In addition to a generous wine list, the restaurant offers an international list of waters to try.

    After dinner, step outside to enjoy the promenade along the river, the sculptural gardens and the illuminated Philadelphia skyline.

  • Celebrate the Harvest Season at the Peter Wentz Farmstead

    Looking for some autumnal, harvest-y activities to do with friends or family over the next few weeks? Consider paying a visit to the Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester, PA. Each fall, they host a series of weekend festivals. First up is an event that´s part of their Laerenswaert series, this Saturday, September 11th. A German phrase that means �worth learning,� they´ll be focusing in on the Farmstead´s Colonial gardens from 1-3 p.m.

    On Saturday, September 25th, they´ll be showcasing the Fall Harvest, 18th century-style. Demonstrations will include preserving fruits and vegetables, apple cider pressing and the breaking, scutching and combing of flax, to eventually being spun into linen thread. This event runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    The Peter Wentz Farmstead was built in 1758 and served as George Washington´s headquarters during his attempt to keep the British out of Philadelphia in the fall of 1777. Currently, it is run by Montgomery County as a fully restored historical site and admission is free.

  • The Cleopatra Girlfriends Weekend Itinerary

    Strong, shrewd, beautiful and beguiling, Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh to rule Egypt before the completion of the Roman conquest, has been portrayed reverently by historians and Hollywood alike, making her an enduring icon and role model to women. As such, the world debut of Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt at The Franklin Institute, which runs from June 5, 2010 through January 2, 2011, will likely resonate with thousands of women who admire the ancient queen. It´s also an ideal opportunity to gather friends together for a girlfriends� getaway in Philly.

    Check In

    Pamper yourselves like the royalty that you are by checking into one of 11 hotels offering the Cleopatra VIP Hotel Package. The package includes overnight accommodations for two and two VIP (untimed, bypass-the-line) tickets to the exhibition. Before you leave, dress in comfortable shoes and clothes that transition well from day to evening, as your day takes you from sightseeing to a sultry night out.

    Diamonds Are A Girl´s Best Friend

    Take a pleasant walk through Washington Square, one of William Penn´s original parks, to adorn your body in true Cleopatra fashion by picking up some baubles on Jewelers Row, the nation´s oldest diamond district and also one of its largest.

  • Free Library Festival

    April 17-18, 2010

    The Experience

    Now in its fourth year, the Free Library Festival is the Library´s annual burst of ideas and inspiration.

    Well on its way to becoming a Philadelphia tradition, the Festival weekend is packed with free programming for all ages, including talks by bestselling authors, poetry readings, musical performances, tours of the Library´s special collections and programs and activities just for children. A fun, free way to spend the day, the Free Library Festival connects book lovers from throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

    For a full schedule of performances, view the Festival Program.

    Meet the Authors

    The Free Library will host more than 50 authors on-stage at the 2010 Free Library Festival, including Tina Campbell of the urban gospel duo Mary Mary, talk show host Chelsea Handler, Sapphire � author of Push, basis for the award-winning film Precious, Man Booker Prize winner Yann Martel, Edgar Award-winning mystery author Harlan Coben, Oprah Winfrey biographer Kitty Kelley, pop singer/songwriter Tommy James, a reading and performance by Antonino D�Ambrosio about the making of Johnny Cash´s Bitter Tears album, New York Times bestselling novelist Chang-rae Lee, the story of a road trip with the late David Foster Wallace by David Lipsky, and many, many more.