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The term “can’t miss” is not a phrase I use very often but you’ll be sorry if you miss out on Philly’s version of Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary. Considered more “Monty Python” than sticking true to tradition, I don’t think waterguns were quite popular during the French Revolution but then again, they weren’t even invented.

And neither was Tastykake but oh was there cake. Sweet and delicious and covered with rich frosting, it was Marie Antoinette herself who declared “let them cake” as the angry mob stormed the walls of the Bastille.

Join the revolution this Saturday at Eastern State Penitentiary for an afternoon of French Flair including costume contests, a pet parade- (how cute!) and the Storming of the Bastille where 2,000 Butterscotch krimpets –aka Tastykakes will be catapulted over the castle walls as Marie Antoinette is captured and held at the mercy of the crowd.

Won’t be fun if you can’t make it!

Storming of the Bastille
@ Eastern State Penn
22nd Fairmount
2pm-6pm
Storming of the Bastille- 5:30pm
www.easternstate.org

So what of this declaring of Independence ? To whom are you speaking to about this life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Join us at the courtyard of Independence Hall this Wed July 8 as Col John Nixon gathers the people (yes you included) to listen to the first ever Public Reading of the Declaration just days after it was approved by our Second Continental Congress.

As it was in 1776, there will be Patriots (supporters of Independence- YAY!) and Loyalists (loyal to the Crown- BOO!) in the crowd shouting for their voices to be heard. Join in the fun as each of you receives your own copy of the Declaration to follow along as we celebrate our right to be free!

This free event begins at 11:45 behind Independence Hall. You can enter the security tent at 5th Chestnut and proceed to the courtyard. Make sure to arrive early to get a space amongst the townsfolk! Costumes encouraged!

For more details, click here

Celebrate our nation’s history here in Philadelphia !

Public Reading of the Declaration
12 Noon Courtyard of Independence Hall
Enter @ 5th Chestnut via Security Tent
Free!

If this bad economy has any bright spots, it’s that food has certainly become affordable again. Gone are expensive bank accounts and $200 dollar pre fixe menus. Well not entirely but many have seen their numbers grow with the addition of “stimulus prices” After all, who doesn’t love a good meal at an affordable price?

The Prime Rib located inside the Radisson Warwick Hotel at 17th Locust has been serving up succulent slabs of meat for the past 12 years. This is your classic example of a traditional steakhouse. Big comfy leather chairs, servers dressed in tuxedos with a live piano playing in the background.

Sounds kind of pricey doesn’t it? Believe it or not, this steakhouse won’t eat up your paycheck! Dine in style without breaking the bank!

Below is their new stimulus menu. Available every night, all night!

Take a look and then make a reservation!

The Prime Rib
1701 Locust Street
215-772-1701

Ah, the Liberty Bell Made almost entirely of copper and weighing over 2000 pounds, it is easily the most recognized symbol for Philadelphia.

Look through any guide book, tourist map or video related to our city, and there it stands as our cradle of liberty. Its journey from White Chapel Bell Foundry in London to the present day home at 6th and Chestnut has been well documented throughout history… but few have ever heard the bell ring.

Forever silenced in 1846, the theories of how it came to be are as numerous as there are visitors. But although the bell can no longer ring, its sound will be heard this July 4th as descendants of the signers of the Declaration come together in Philadelphia to let Freedom Ring… and tap the Liberty Bell.

At approx 2:00 pm, 8 children will tap the Liberty Bell 13 times, thus signaling for bells all across the country to commemorate the sacrifices of the Patriots of our 13 original colonies.

On America’s Birthday, we will let Freedom ring! Enjoy the 4th!

Tapping of the Liberty Bell
July 4 @ 2PM
www.let-freedom-ring.org

Liberty Bell Center
600 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 965-2305
www.nps.gov/inde

Earlier this year, our nation celebrated a milestone, Lincoln turning 200.

Here in Philadelphia, we retraced the steps of Lincoln’s journey thru Philadelphia en route to Washington D.C.

But to simply honor this man on his birthday was certainly not enough. With a legacy that continues to grow and inspire especially during these trying times, we see an opportunity to bring forth Lincoln’s vision that our Declaration of Independence gave liberty and hope to all people for all time.

So come hang out this July 4th week on the lawn of the Independence Visitor Center as we throw a birthday party that would make honest Abe proud!

Titled Lincoln 200 – the Bicentennial Festival is a four day celebration connecting us with “Lincoln Then and Now” highlighting the creative arts, science marvels, being green and living history through the legacy of our 16th President.

Here is just a sample of all the events taking place.

Ask Abe- Have a question for Honest Abe? Come prepared!

Camp town Shakers- This Civil War Era musical group, dressed in authentic period garb will keep you dancing with their use of the banjo, fiddle and “bones”

The Lincoln Found Art Memorial- see how “dumpster diver artists create their interpretation of the Lincoln Memorial with festive goers.

Have a chance to meet Frederick Douglass, explore a civil war encampment and even take home some arts and crafts from your experience.

For all the glorious details about our party for Abe, log on to lincoln200philly.org

We all know that classic saying. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is? Well, would you believe that for only $5, you can get a spoon and enjoy all the ice cream you can eat in one sitting? Pinch me! Ow! This is far from a dream because not only is it happening tomorrow, but it’s been going on for the past nine years!

July 3th will mark the 11th Annual Super Scooper All You Can Eat Ice Cream Festival at the Great Plaza at Penns Landing. By paying just $5, your money not only goes to support the Joshua Kahan fund in their fight against pediatric leukemia, but you really do get to have all you can eat ice cream!

There will be over 20 different ice cream and water ice companies on the scene. Can life get any sweeter in Philadelphia this holiday weekend? Not a chance.

The Joshua Kahan Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival
July 4th, 5th, 6th – 12:00-5pm
$5.00 admission – What a sweet deal!
americasbirthday.com

To call it the Rocky Steps is to not do it justice. The proper name is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Standing as the third largest art museum in the country, one visit certainly guaranteed a lifetime of returns.

Far and away, this cultural treasure stands as a true must see when visiting Philadelphia. But even this heavyweight can withstand only so many punches.

Starting July 1, the Art Museum will be raising their admission costs and changing their pay as you wish Sundays.

• Adult admission: $16 (previously $14)
• Students with I.D. and youth 13-18: $12 (previously $10)
• Seniors: $14 (previously $12)
• Pay-What-You-Wish, first Sunday each month (previously every Sunday) – For the longest time, visitors could feel comfortable putting forth what they could afford to enjoy an afternoon immersed in art. Although limited to one Sunday a month, the costs are still minor compared to the returns.

Come check out it sometime. And if you must, run up the steps to go “inside.” Rocky himself said to his son, “hey, there’s art in here?”

philamuseum.org

Remember this name- Karen Gross. By day, she is editor of Where Magazine which is an invaluable tool for tourists to learn all about the happenings in and around our region. By night, she throws off the glasses and moonlights as a sexy sultry entertainer.

Tomorrow night at the Society Hill Playhouse – she introduces audiences to Sex and the Single Singer. Sounds a bit like a certain show on HBO. Here’s our interview.

Are you a lifelong fan of Sex & the City?
Big fan, the show definitely inspired me because it captured the funny and the heartbreaking aspects of being single and looking for love and I wanted to capture that balance of comedy and sadness.

Which character do you most identify with?
Carrie Bradshaw. I’d like to believe that I am the Philadelphia version of her. In this show- I am writing about dating. The reason why I created this show was that I was living alone and kept a journal about the funny experiences that was happening to me- kind of like how Carrie was doing her columns. I was reflecting these dating adventures and thought how great this material would be for a show. My girlfriends are always talking about dating and I used their stories as well! With their permission of course! Truth can be funnier than fiction.

Why cabaret?
I have been performing professionally as a singer/songwriter now for 7 years. I wasn’t able to express some of the dating experiences I was having just through song. The cabaret format allowed me to include monologues and characters and also incorporate other people songs, standards, show tunes, pop songs that perfectly capture the idea of looking for love. The medium gave me more room to express myself. As a singer/songwriter, I write from a melancholy place and I feel that the cabaret gives me a chance to make people laugh. Cabaret can be over the top and I wanted to bring that sassiness to the stage.

How has the show changed since it started?
My first show was at the legendary Cabaret at Odette’s in New Hope in November 2005. It was just songs but now its a much more interactive theatric experience with different characters and audience participation. You’re from Bucks County. You live, work and perform in Philadelphia.

What makes Philadelphia so special to you?
Philadelphia is such a supportive city for artists. It’s incredibly nurturing and has a non-competitive climate, which helps to develop your own artistic body of work. I’m able to share my work with family, friends and coworkers. As a singer/songwriter, there is a really strong community and it’s not cutthroat at all.

To watch a clip of her show, check out karengross.com

Tickets may seem a bit steep at $35 but you do get a show ticket, a free alcoholic beverage and food from world class restaurants such as Amada and Tria. That’s a steal!

Karen Gross
“Sex and the Single Singer”
Thurs Jun 25
7:30pm
Society Hill Playhouse
quinceproductions.com

Springtime in Philadelphia has been a true bloom of flowers. With lush green lawns throughout, we’ve certainly had our fill of April showers. And May…. And then the beginning of June as well but somehow we’ve managed to weather the storm and welcome sunny days ahead.

This weekend marks the end of spring with the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice and in Philly, there is no way better way to welcome in the sunshine than with a 15 hour nonstop party!

Here at the Avenue of the Arts, the Kimmel Center will play host to their annual countdown appropriately titled
The Summer Solstice Festival! .

For only $10 dollars ($5 for children under 12), experience a world of entertainment beginning with an afternoon of family fun activities including the Please Touch Museum’s Play Patrol, face painting and the Kimmel Center’s own youth jazz ensemble. But when the sun goes down, it’s time to party! Just like New Year’s Eve, the freaks come out at night! Have your fortune read, cut the rug to some reggae and brazilin beats and maybe see a bit of skin at Bob’s and Barbara’s Drag Show.

For more details including an hour by hour rundown, log on here

Time to count down till the first day of summer here in Philly!

Summer Solstice Festival @ the Kimmel Center
Jun 20- Jun 21
3pm- 5:30am
Only $10 dollars!

Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC

No doubt about it, Philly is an urban oasis. We’ve got plenty of trees, but also an incredible amount of potholes, cracked blacktop and honking cars. Such are the woes and thrills for the city cyclist. But even the most urban guerrilla needs to find some fresh air, rolling hills, and dare I say… geese?

With just a little pedaling, you can experience the greener side of Philadelphia. Pass the lush green landscapes of Fairmount Park, the car free zones on the Schuylkill River Trail and the rich history of Valley Forge. Now I know, you’re thinking that Valley Forge is quite the hike. And you’re right, but any true cyclist would certainly be up for it.

And whether you are a novice or semi pro, you can certainly enjoy a Sunday ride in the park! Come geared and ready for the Freedom Valley Ride on Sun Jun 21st as the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia invites you to head up to Valley Forge!

Choose from distances as low as 8 miles to a whopping 60+ that will lead you to the Promised Land! This ride offers something for every type of rider. Don’t worry; there are four food stops along the way. For more info, log to bicyclecoaltion.org. See you on the other side.

Bike Freedom Valley 2009
Sun Jun 21, 2009
www.bicyclecoalition.org