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Docked Swan Boats and Kayaks

Want to enjoy the water on a hot day without having to leave the city or sit in traffic? Now is your chance.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council, in partnership with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, have relaunched the Paddle Penn’s Landing program on the Delaware River.

More Swan Boats!

For only $5 per person, families and outdoor enthusiasts can float alongside giant ships and submarines and take in great views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and Old City. The half hour long package includes kayak or swan pedal boat rental, an intro to the program and a quick boating lesson.

Boats launch at Penn’s Landing Marina, near the Independence Seaport Museum. From there, you can explore the Delaware on calm waters in a sectioned-off area that is free of boat traffic.

Olympia

Kayaks (tandem and single) are available for any skill, ages 12 and up. Pedal boats are open for all ages.

The program will also offer on site environmental education, including lessons on what we can do to keep the water clean, and the value the river has on our economy and environment.

Check Out the Bridge!

When we are enjoying the environment, we’ll protect it even more. This program shows allows us city folk to do both, without having to venture too far from home.

For more information on the Paddle Penn’s Landing program, visit the Delaware Riverfront Corporation’s official website.

Paddle Penn’s Landing [ www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com ]

Root Beer Exhibit @ Art in the Age, Photo courtesy Art in the Age

America owes numerous thank yous to Philadelphia when it comes to delicious foods and beverages, including the famous American-born soda, Root Beer.

Whether you are a history buff, fan of root beer or just plain curious, the Roots of Root Beer Exhibit at Art in the Age is worth seeing. Running until the end of June, the exhibit hosts artifacts from Franklin Fountain and displays facts about the drink, its history and its ingredients.

You won’t just get a written history of the popular beverage, you’ll get to explore old advertisements, popular brands, original ingredients and paraphernalia like old barrels, crates and kegs from the late 1800s—even an unopened, 1940s bottle of Hires root beer extract.

Root Beer Exhibit @ Art in the Age, Photo courtesy Art in the Age

Did you know that Hires, the classic American –and oldest commercial– root beer and was made by a local Philadelphia pharmacist? Just thirsting to find out more? Stop by Art in the Age today.

Need something to wash it all down? Drop in June 22nd and receive some complimentary Root.

Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-2600
www.artintheage.com

A Photography Piece by Anne Brye, Image courtesy Project Basho

Project Basho, a photography center located in Olde Kensington, is hosting a new show featuring work by the artists involved in the organization.

PB isn’t just an art gallery, however. They provide a number of photography services, from classes to workshops, exhibitions to rentals.

The new exhibit, Friends of Project Basho 2010, showcases over 40 photographs by 30 local photographers, “including Project Basho’s students, instructors, members, and volunteers.”

There’s a reception this Friday, June 25th from 6pm to 8pm, and the exhibit will run through July 30th.

For more information on Project Basho, be sure to visit their official website.

Project Basho
1305 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 238-0928
www.projectbasho.org

Buried Beds, Photo by Ryan Collerd

Local indie group Buried Beds is releasing their latest album, Tremble the Sails this week, and they want you to come celebrate with them.

This Friday, June 25th, you can catch the group at Johnny Brenda’s for their CD release show / party. Joining them are popular Philly mainstays B.C. Camplight and Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog.

And starting tomorrow, the album will be available for download on their website on a pay-what-you-can promotion. If you can’t wait a day, head over to their Myspace page and give a listen. The song Breadcrumbs is a particular favorite of mine.

Johnny Brenda’s
1201 N. Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com

Garland of Letters' Sign

The independent bookstore scene has taken quite a hit in the past decade. One bastion of the breed can still be found amidst the hustle and bustle of South Street.

As you turn into Garland of Letters’ storefront at 527 South Street, an elegantly adorned sculpture of a lion will greet you and portend a bit of what is to come. This isn’t just a bookstore after all, it is an experience. The aroma of the store is relaxing in itself coupled and combined with the art adorning the high walls and ceiling, you may even get the feeling that you are not on South Street anymore.

Whether you are looking for a unique gift to lift the spirit, or some choice incense to soothe your nerves, Garland of Letters will have something to pique your interest. In addition to a wide array of books on topics ranging from religion to alternative medicine, yoga, and meditation, the store also carries high-quality jewelry, personal care items, and art (both prints and original pieces).

If you have a friend or family member that is in need of a relaxing interlude, bring them along on your first visit. Garland of Letters is one of those unique stores you will be talking about long after you have left.

Garland of Letters Bookstore
527 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147-2218
(215) 923-5946

As you must have heard by now, The Franklin Institute is currently hosting an exhibition of artifacts from the legendary Egyptian queen, called Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt. The show opened two weeks ago now and has universally been wowing museum-goers and history buffs alike. We had a chance to see the exhibition just before it opened, but thanks to another little project we were working on, we never got the chance to share the images we snapped that day.

If those pictures whetted your appetite for more (and believe me, the images just can’t do justice to some of those artifacts), click here to visit our page devoted to the exhibition.

There you’ll find special features, including an interactive timeline of important Cleopatra dates and a map that shows where her empire once was and where many of the artifacts were found. That page also includes information about tickets and even has details about the Cleo hotel packages that some area hotels are offering (why not make a weekend out of it!).

Head down to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing this Saturday, June 19th for the 18th annual Islamic Heritage Festival. Sponsored by the Islamic Cultural Preservation and Information Council, this event is part of PECO’s multicultural festival series that takes place all summer long on Penn’s Landing.

The festivities actually being at 1 p.m., with a parade that starts at 5th and Market Streets. The marchers, which include an array of youth groups, drill teams, schools and community organizations from across the city and suburbs, will work their way down to the Great Plaza to kick off the festival at 2 p.m.

Events run until 8 p.m. and include games for children, face painting, boat rides, a health and wellness fair, entertainment and speakers. There will also be a market bazaar featuring vendors who will be selling an assortment of international products and services, books, clothing, Islamic arts & crafts and jewelry. There will also be a number of food vendors representing cuisines from around the world.

West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Fest, June 19-21; Photo courtesy WOL

Friday

West Oak Lane Jazz Festival
Music all weekend long! Stop by the neighborhood of West Oak Lane to experience one of the best music festivals in Philadelphia. Aaron has all the details, here.

Art After 5 @ the Philadelphia Museum of Art
See some art (like Late Renoir) after 5pm at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Can’t make it tonight? The museum is free tomorrow.

Taste of the Nation
Alright, it isn’t today, it’s on Monday. But still, you really should buy tickets now, before they’re all gone. Do it! You can still score 15% off! Read how, here.

Foobooz Weekend Dining Guide
Art over at Foobooz whips up a great itinerary for those of you nibbling around the city. Have a look.

Saturday

SA VA Runway Show in Love Park
Come check out some new fashions and nibble on some tasty appetizers from Square 1682.

Star of Summer Show @ Art Star Boutique
Shop at the cute Northern Liberties boutique and get gift cards, mimosas, and tote bags with your purchases. For details, check out this post.

Summer Solstice at the Kimmel Center
Music, food, dancing, and a drum circle? Lots going on at the Kimmel Center’s annual Summer Solstice.

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The Philadelphia Orchestra, Photo by Jessica Griffin

Hey classical music fans, the Philadelphia Orchestra is celebrating the arrival of their new music director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, by offering up an exclusive deal, good only for today.

The orchestra is offering up subscriptions for $99. That’s less than $15 per concert, and the subscription package covers seven Saturday performances, including two with Yannick. This is good for ALL seats, including boxes.

The special rate is available today only, and tickets must be purchased in person at the Kimmel Center.

Center City folks, you might want to walk over on your lunch break.

Kimmel Center
260 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 893-1999
www.kimmelcenter.org

Love Park Statue, Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC

Tomorrow, clothing designer Sarah Van Aken, the talented woman behind SA VA, is hosting an outdoor runway show featuring new Summer fashions in Love Park.

The event kicks off at 6pm and runs til 8pm, with models showing off the latest fashions and Square 1682 dishing out some nibbles.

Can’t make the show? You might want to check out some of the new styles at Van Aken’s flagship store, located on 17th and Sansom in Center City.

SA VA Runaway Show in Love Park
Saturday, June 19th @ 7pm

Love Park [ www.fairmountpark.org ]