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Visit the President's house during February for special Black History Month programming. (Photo by H. Rumph for GPTMC)

Independence National Historical Park, the Old City collection of historic city attractions, is offering multiple ways to commemorate Black History Month.

The newly opened President’s House is running a program entitled “Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation,” a video and tour, Saturday, February 5th from 10am to noon and Saturday, February 19th 1-3 p.m.

Beginning with the Underground Railroad exhibit in the Independence Visitor Center, visitors will discover how Philadelphia became the birthplace of the Underground Railroad, visit locations that served the Railroad, hear of heroic tales, and learn the role Independence Hall played in the Railroad’s saga.

In addition this month, Independence National Historical Park is commemorating the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s trip from Springfield, Illinois to Washington, D.C., by revisiting sixteen cities and towns February 11th-23rd at which Lincoln made remarks. One of these sites is Independence Hall in Philadelphia, which Lincoln visited on February 22nd, 1861. Partake in the anniversary festivities from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. February 22nd.

Black History Month at Independence National Historical Park
When: Throughout February
Where: Independence Mall, 6th and Market Streets
Cost: FREE
More info: www.nps.gov/inde/

The piece won a Tony Award for Best Play and Academy Award for Best Film.
(Photo courtesy Walnut Street Theatre)

Continuing its 202nd season, the Walnut Street Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning play Amadeus through March 6th.

On his last night alive, an elderly Antonio Salieri takes the audience on a journey through his life, one that was plagued by intense jealousy and deception. As the court composer for Emperor Joseph II in 18th-century Vienna, Salieri enjoyed a life of recognition and success — until the arrogant and immature Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart entered the scene.

Salieri instantly recognizes Mozart’s genius, and his jealousy rages out of control, resulting in years of obsession and corruption. Using his faux friendship with the virtuoso as a guise, Salieri guides Mozart down a path of destruction, challenging God to stop his madness and punish him. All his plots condemn Mozart to a pauper’s life, and Salieri to a pathetic and envy-filled one.

Beautiful music — pieces you’ll recognize from the great composer — and perfectly timed bits of humor accent this dramatic tale. Theater-goers will wonder how far they would go for fame, or for the downfall of an opponent.

Tickets are available online.

Amadeus
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street
When: Now through March 6th
Cost: Tickets range from $10 to $80
More info: www.walnutstreettheatre.org

Whip up your own chocolate soap.
(Photo courtesy Duross & Langel)

Join master soapmaker Steve Duross at his super popular skincare and body product shop, Duross & Langel, for a Gershman Y-sponsored Chocolate Soapmaking class, Thursday, February 3rd, 6-8 p.m.

This Valentine’s-appropriate workshop leads participants in creating chocolate soaps and moisturizing creams that will entice your palate and delight your senses. Plus, you can enjoy a special chocolate tasting that compliments the ingredients used.

A trip to the shop often includes seeing owners Duross and James Langel creating their balms, butters and bath salts right before your eyes; but at this event, you get to jump in alongside them.

Tickets are available online or by calling (215) 545-4400.

Chocolate Soapmaking Class
When: Thursday, February 3rd, 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $22
Location: Duross & Langel, 117 S. 13th Street
More info: www.gershmany.org

We love you back, Charlie.
(Photo courtesy Phillies)

With Phillies spring training only two weeks away, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel recently opened up to the Inquirer about the most anticipated season in the team’s history, his family, his passions outside baseball, and — most importantly — his love for his adopted hometown, Philadelphia.

Our love for the Phillies is no secret (we erected a billboard on I-95 welcoming Cliff Lee back home), but it’s nice to see Mr. Manuel returns the fond feelings.

Specifically, favorite destinations include the Italian Market, the Amish country, Philadelphia steakhouses and, of course, Citizens Bank Park.

Here’s one of our favorite snippets from the interview:

Q: You said recently you consider yourself a Phillie for life. Do you also consider yourself a Philadelphian and, if so, why?

Manuel: “Yeah, I do. Everywhere I go, whether it’s to the grocery store or out somewhere, there are people who I can talk to. I definitely feel like in the last six years with the things we’ve done on the field that this is the place I belong, and this is where I want to stay. This is where I want to end my career.”

Music to our ears.

Q&A: Charlie Manuel opens up about Philadelphia [Philadelphia Inquirer]

Head to Stella Monday nights starting February 7 for a readymade date. (Photo courtesy Stella)

Pizzeria Stella welcomes the college crowd — both undergraduate and graduate — to enjoy Date Night every Monday evening, beginning February 7th.

Each Monday from 4-10 p.m., college couples can enjoy the following for $29 (not including tax or gratuity):

• Choice of any salad (to share)
• Choice of any antipasti (to share)
• Choice of any pizza (to share)
• Choice of gelato (to share)

Note: Diners need to have their college ID for validation. For those outside the student set, you can still walk away with a full belly and a full wallet: pizzas are as low as $10, starters around $8 and gelato only $4.

Pizzeria Stella
2nd and Lombard Streets
www.pizzeriastella.net

The stairs of the main entrance to Penn Station are blanketed with Philadelphia love. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

New York City’s Penn Station is now saturated with our With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® ads (225 of them, to be exact).

You’ve seen our With Love ads many times, but now the 6 million travelers funneling in and out of New York City will also be privy to our Philadelphia patriotism.

Cue pat on back: Philadelphia is the first U.S. city to dominate like this at Penn Station.

The ads will be on display through the month of February.

While we’re on the subject, remember: you can still submit a With Love line to our Write-A-Billboard contest! CLICK HERE to enter. The last day is February 4th.

Write-A-Billboard Contest [Visit Philly]

UPDATE: KYW covered the Penn Station takeover. Hear the interview here.

(Image courtesy Academy of Motion Picture Sciences)

Not only is Philadelphia representing at the 2011 GRAMMY®’s, but we also have a strong showing at the Oscar®s this year.

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeff Lurie and his wife Christina executive-produced Inside Job, a film nominated for an Oscar® in the Best Documentary category. The film documents the systemic failures and greedy agendas that led to the recent global financial meltdown. It has already won Best Documentary in the New York Film Circle Awards, hopefully a portent of further awards success.

And further local Academy Award limelight: fourteen dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet are featured in Black Swan, a thriller set in the competitive world of ballet. The dancers shot their scenes at SUNY Purchase in January. The movie is nominated for 5 Oscar®s, including Best Picture.

It’s great to see Philadelphia’s creative scene garnering national acknowledgment! We’ll be watching the awards broadcast (Sunday, February 27th, 8 p.m. on ABC) with fingers crossed.

Academy Awards [Official Site]

Braving the cold for a meal here is worth it.
(Photo courtesy Avenida)

The cozy interior of the historic stone home that now houses Avenida is a welcome respite from the snow-covered cobblestones on Mt. Airy’s Germantown Avenue. Once you’re inside, the bold Latin American flavors keep you doubly warm.

A friendly waitstaff walks you through the menu: the small plate Ceviche Del Dia (recently a striped bass with tangy corn salad over roasted sweet potatoes) is the perfect introduction. The Flat Iron steak is a beautiful cut of beef with a slight kick and warm roasted vegetables. The Cilantro Jumbo Grilled Shrimp are served over quinoa, the grain that is all the rage among healthy foodies these days.

Even more incentive to flock here in winter weather? On snow days like last week’s, Avenida offers a “Take Flight” deal: 10% off entrees and flights of wine, tequila and dessert. (And if the weather miraculously clears? You’re in luck. Tuesday is salsa night. And Sunday Brunch is worth hitting up too.)

Whatever the forecast, it’s worth the trip over to Mt. Airy. Walking out of the restaurant, one recently satisfied diner gave Avenida the ultimate seal of approval in this day and age: “I’d tweet that. I’d Facebook it.”

Avenida
7402 Germantown Avenue
www.avenidarestaurant.com

Celebrate Valentine's Day on a riverboat cruise, offered February 12 and 14. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Belle)

Imagine the sweet romance of a gentle boat ride along the Delaware River, the skyline in view, a crisp chill outside and a warm cabin within.

The Philadelphia Belle is featuring two Valentine’s Day cruises to celebrate intimately with your loved one. On February 12th and 14th from 7-10:30 p.m., indulge in a Stephen Starr Events-inspired, four-course dinner for two, live entertainment, a complimentary glass of champagne and a rose for your special someone.

Each romantic cruise offers a magical Valentine’s celebration against the spectacular backdrop of city views from the Delaware River.

Tickets are available online.

Philadelphia Belle Valentine’s Day Cruises
When: February 12th and 14th, 7-10:30 p.m.
Where: Pier 3 at Penn’s Landing
Cost: $74.90 for Saturday and $69.90 for Monday
More info: www.philadelphiabelle.com

Tour the haunted Powel mansion in Society Hill. (Photo courtesy Ghost Tours)

Quick: What did you do for Valentine’s Day last year? How about five years ago? Cozy restaurants and pre-ordered flowers are fine ways to celebrate, but they all start to blend together after a while.

The Valentine’s Ghost Tour of Philadelphia run by (what else?) Ghost Tours of Philadelphia offers a twist on the traditional romantic evening that still gets you out exploring the city and cuddling up to your date. The candlelit walking tour, a little more than an hour long, winds through the streets of Society Hill before winding up touring the haunted halls of the Society Hill mansion Powel House.

The tour promises fun for the non-believer and the romantic alike with the theme “Haunting Love Stories and the Ghosts They Leave Behind.” Guides will share the tales of star-crossed lovers, a tragic bridal party and the story of Mad Mary.

This year’s tour follows a new route in pursuit of new harrowing tales, so even past visitors will find new terror and romance in the event.

Valentine’s Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
When: February 12th, 13th, 14th at 8 p.m., additional 9:30 p.m. tour on Saturday
Where: Tour departs from the courtyard behind City Tavern (138 S. 2nd Street) and ends at the Powel House (244 S. 3rd Street)
Cost: $18
More info: www.ghosttour.com