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Exercise Like an Acrobat at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
Story, photos by Dana J. Prophet From humble beginnings and moving to a brand new location in Mt. Airy, the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts held an open house to invite their new neighbors and curious onlookers to see the magic happen. Inside the church and school, 28,000 square feet will be available for classes, training space, performances, private sessions, rentals and weddings, special events, birthday parties, office space, staff lounge and kitchen, student lounge, storage and more. The 5,000-square-foot sanctuary features a 40 foot high ceiling, stained glass windows, a viewing gallery and additional space for new trampoline classes. Under the sanctuary rests a 5,000-square-foot gymnasium with a 17 foot…
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Adventures Driving Cross Country with a U-Haul
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Somehow we made it… all the way across the country in a 2009 Kia with a U-Haul trailer hitch attached. Trying to move in the beginning of a bad winter was a horrible idea in retrospect but at least we took the Southern route. However, I had a lot of loose ends to wrap up along with moving out of a big ‘ol Philly row home I’d lived in for 12 years (!). It takes a while to sell most of your belongings and start fresh (thank goodness for Facebook Marketplace). I wanted to be out of there on New Years Eve day so I…
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American Boho Boutique Giving Vintage Jewelry New Life
Story, photos by Jill Beckel Explore recently had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Haley Waugh on a warm January Sunday morning. Haley is the owner of American Boho, a small Philadelphia-based jewelry boutique. According to her website, “American Boho is a small boutique with original designs from repurposed pieces. This shop is dedicated to providing customers with affordable, one-of-a-kind accessories including hand-selected vintage items. As this small business grows, American Boho can be seen in small consignment boutiques or pop-up shops in Philadelphia.” Originally from Maine, Haley went to college in Massachusetts where she studied public relations and minored in fine art. She then moved to Philly to pursue museum studies…
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Balboa Supper Club and Stateside Vodka Perform a Festivus Miracle!
Photos, story by Meg Arbo Ah, Festivus! The holiday for the rest of us! Who would have thought that everyone’s favorite Seinfeld episode (OK, top five episodes) would actually generate a holiday? Balboa Supper Club certainly knew it was the way to go and celebrated with a seasonal five course meal. When Explore last met up with Events & Catering Manager, Jonathan Kennedy, he described Balboa as only a passionate artist can. “Imagine walking into a room not knowing anyone and after breaking bread and enjoying a few courses of delicious food, leaving that night with new friends. That is what our supper club experience is like! We believe in the…
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Get Shredded with Bouldering and Top Rope Climbing at Philadelphia Rock Gym
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Imagine a world with no rock climbing gyms. Well, that used to exist. But in Philly, we are luckily spoiled. Founded in 1994, the first Philadelphia Rock Gym was built by two college friends, Greg and Matt, who had a vision to bring their passion and enthusiasm for climbing back to their hometown and to make a living doing what they loved. By taking the smart step of bringing climbing inside and available rain, snow or sunshine, they became one of the first indoor climbing centers in the U.S. Now these guys dominate Philadelphia and the suburbs with rock climbing gyms in East Falls, Oaks, Coatesville…
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Belly Dancing is Good for the Body and Good for the Soul!
Story, photos by Jennifer Ferrell “(Belly Cardio) class is a community building experience. As well as making great friends you will learn awesome dance moves and get a life changing workout.”- Erin, Belly Cardio student Belly dance is a traditional dance dated back longer than to what history can attest. What we can gather is that there are many different styles and the dance has persisted over time to be one of the most exotic and adored practices all around the world. In today’s times, there are many different interpretations of the dance called fusion styles but the health benefits remain. Since belly dance is ancient, it is comprised of…
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University City Gets Smart with Chic, Sleek Study Hotel and Unique Co-Op Restaurant
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler University City in Philadelphia, Pa. is going through a sort of revival of its own. Once only home to college students, it is now becoming a go-to space for business, a thriving foodie scene and even nightlife on the other side of the river. Without having to schlep over the bridge to Center City and much of it becoming walkable, it’s a nice self-contained fun unit. Enter Study Hotels. Located close to Drexel and Penn, it’s a great space for scholars, families, business travelers and students alike. With a very obvious studious theme going on (oversized, Instagram-worthy glasses sculpture outside) to books galore as well…
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Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Stages American Bandstand Themed Fall Ball
“The whole American pop culture started in Philadelphia with ‘American Bandstand’ and the music that came out of the city.” — Daryl Hall Story, photos by Sharon Kozden I’m old enough to remember “American Bandstand.” Dick Clark emceed a bunch of kids dancing around and rating records. It was then how we discovered the cultural zeitgeist of music, fashion trends, hair styles–you name it. That the program originated in Philadelphia meant little to me then, as the radius of my existence was probably ten miles in circumference. Now that I live in Philadelphia’s suburbs, it’s a point of pride and a great factoid with which to impress a random stranger…
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Discover the Fine Art of Making Limoncello While Eating Amazing Italian Food at Osteria
Story, photos by Dana J. Prophet Made with the simplest ingredients and a wee bit of testing plus patience, Limoncello is a drink most willingly embrace. Delicious and versatile enough to combine into cocktails and even desserts, Osteria’s Sommelier Frank Kinyon showed his eager students how practically anyone can make this refreshing liqueur with a surprising ingredient – Everclear grain alcohol! As Frank demonstrated, the students and myself were delighted to enjoy a full course of the best dishes Osteria had to offer. Some were made from family recipes and it was easy to taste the love and tradition in every morsel. Along with each course, a regional Italian wine…
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Cultivating Leadership: Union League of Philadelpia Hosts The Germination Project’s 2017 Draft Day Gala
“People always say that I have all of these projects, but I really only have one project, and that’s our region.” – Ajay Raju Story, photos by Sharon Kozden The Union League‘s Lincoln Hall was the place to be, where The Germination Project‘s 3rd Annual Draft Day Gala was held. The assemblage included an impressive roster of notable community members as well as an equally diverse lineup of awards, inductions, presentations, performances and more. The gala, chaired by Executive VP and Provost JoAnne Epps of Temple University, introduced (in athletic-draft fashion) the 17 most recent inductees to 2017’s Germination Project’s Fellowship Class as well as the presentation (by Craig Snyder, President and CEO, World Affairs…
