Education
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Fairmount Park Conservancy Presents Flavors of the Season at Historic Philly Houses
Mama said punch you out! Manatawny Still Works struck seasonal gold with this winter. “For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home. – W. J. Tucker Story, photos by Sharon Kozden ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Fairmount Park’s historic houses, the aromas were wafting, from simmering punch to braised beef short ribs – with no signs of either mouse or grouse. The stockings really were hung by the fireplaces with care. And while there was no actual “Visit from St. Nicholas,” the comestibles and beverages included in December 10th’s Flavors of the Season event delivered (as…
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Tune Into the Sounds of the Season at Fairmount Park’s Historic Houses
“Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart … filled it, too, with melody that would last forever.” – Bess Streeter Aldrich Story, photos by Sharon Kozden They came. They toured. They listened. On December 2, in what was part of a 16-day seasonal presentation called A Very Philly Christmas, Fairmount Park’s Historic Houses came alive with the sounds of music during The Sounds of the Season. Philadelphia was well represented by its diverse musical culture and community, which included Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, Choral Arts Philadelphia, Clef Club of Jazz, Opera Philadelphia and PlayOnPhilly.…
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Feast Your Eyes and Soothe Your Spirit on the Fresh Foodie Trail in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted) Let’s talk about good karma, shall we? Once upon a time before threats of hurricanes, this travel writer was on a press trip to Visit San Antonio, Texas and met a fellow foodie, travel and fashion influencer from Ontario, Canada named MoVernie on the MOVE. Our mutual love for connecting others lead him to helping me meet the wonderful team at Visit Phoenix which then led to this press trip… where a friend had moved six weeks earlier and my favorite uncle had recently relocated from Colorado. Always one to kill two birds with one stone, it was a week-long plus one…
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Totally Awesome Holiday Gift Guide for People Who Have it All
Story by Explore, submitted photos and videos It’s that time of year again! Time to dig yourself into debt for what we at Explore like to call “Present’s Day” regardless of if it’s one day or stretched out over a week, month or even the new year. The hardest part of the holiday is finding fun, funky cool things for those kids getting close to teenagers and not another pair of slippers for dad. So we’ve wrangled up some interesting gifts that always go over well no matter your budget – or age. For your friends with quirky personalities comes candles that reveal their wilder side once lit! Pyro Pet…
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First Female Car Mechanic Shop in Philly, Girls Auto Clinic, Publishes Glove Box Guide Book
Story, photos by Tyra Gardner Patrice Banks has set the world by storm by opening an all female auto body shop and full service hair and nail salon, proving women can work just as well as men. Girls Auto Clinic is conveniently located at 69 West Chester Pike in Upper Darby, Pa., you can get your car serviced while you get your hair and nails done. Girls Auto Clinic is a female empowerment company whose mission is to “educates, empowers, and caters to women by offering automotive buying and repair resources, services, and products based on trust, education, inclusion, and empowerment” states Patrice Banks. Having such a unique brand, Girls…
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Take a Walking, Eating and Drinking Chew Philly Tour Through Chestnut Hill
Please feel free to offer promo code EXPLOREPHL for $29/adult tickets to our Manayunk or Chestnut Hill tour. Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Meet the first Northwest Philadelphia food and culinary tour since 2011, Chew Philly. With tours led by the lovely Elyse Castillo, these tours aren’t just for tourists. You can discover one of the many cultural gems and neighborhoods Philly has to offer. Perhaps you enjoy sampling delicious ethnic foods in historic neighborhood or want a taste of that perfect tomato pie, dip your tongue into decadent cappuccinos or lick ages old ice cream from the best specialty shops in Philly. The walking tours make you feel like you can…
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On the Riviera: Seafood Dinner with James Beard Winner Chef Greg Vernick at Osteria
Photos, story by Tyra Gardner James Beard Award winner Chef Greg Vernick and Chef Jeff Michaud took over the kitchen at Osteria located at 640 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia and prepared seafood inspired by French and Italian cuisine. The amazing evening is part of a growing and glowing private chef series hosted by URBN Food & Beverage. Osteria has been open since 2007 and is one of the country’s most critically acclaimed Italian restaurants. Osteria customers at this event shared how the food here is “one of a kind and keeps them coming back for more”. The five course meal began with stuzzichini (appetizers), which included: Second courses were…
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Experience Luxury at Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose CA, the Only Boutique Hotel on Santana Row
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Luxury, style, class and comfort are the key ingredients at this modern boutique hotel on San Jose’s Santana Row, Hotel Valencia. Nestled in the heart of bustling Silicon Valley, elegant Old World Mediterranean style meets sleek modern design to create the ultimate in cosmopolitan sophistication. Polished and recently renovated by Houston-based Rottet Studio to include 215 guest rooms and suites, more than 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, two on-site restaurants – Oveja Negra Restaurant (Black Sheep) and The Terrace, full-service VBar (ultra-modern and sleek, Vbar is one of the hottest spots at Santana Row) and seasonal rooftop bar, Cielo. Located at the heart of the vibrant Santana Row urban oasis,…
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HGTV’s The Scott Brother’s Hit Merriam Theater for “An All Out Party with 2,000 of Their Best Friends”
Video, story by Whitney Ullman The Scott Brothers, Jonathan and Drew, published a new book titled “It Takes Two: Our Story” and every attendee at this Philly event will receive a copy! The two are most known for transforming ordinary houses into stunning dream homes on the HGTV show Property Brothers, so during this tour stop one of the coolest perks is that they will offer digital makeovers to select fans who have submitted footage of the worst room in their house. All-in-all, the Scott Brother’s candidly dubbed this event as an all out party with 2000 of their best friends and promised attendees a fun exciting show. Click the…
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Get Crafty at Huge A.C. Moore Store in Center City
Story, photos by Tiffany C. DuBois On a crisp spring day, A.C. Moore opened its doors to the public in true artistic fashion in Center City Philadelphia on 100 South Broad Street. The day before the grand opening though was the press preview and I got a sneak peek into the newest addition to the A.C. Moore family. For a little background, A.C. Moore has been open to the public since 1985. Their headquarters are in Berlin, New Jersey, and this new 27,000 square foot store makes 137 stores across the United States. This new Center City store has taken over what was formerly an entertainment center and there is…
