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Philly Beer Week brings many opportunities to experience the best of Philadelphia food and beer simultaneously.
(Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Philly Beer Week 2011 has assembled a triumvirate of taste with “The Chef, The Brewer, and The Farmer,” a new dinner series that brings together the region’s most talented brewers, Philadelphia’s awesome chefs and the best farmers around.

A foodie dream come true, the series takes place during Philly Beer Week, from June 5 to June 12. Reservations are an absolute must, as the dinners are expected to sell out in advance. Call the restaurant directly to book a table and for more information. That is, once you’re able to narrow down the options from this amazing line-up.

We’ve also included some top picks for beer dinners during Philly Beer Week outside of the featured series.

“The Chef, The Brewer, and The Farmer”

• Osteria: Sunday, June 5, 5:30 p.m. Chefs Marc Vetri and Jeff Michaud, Carol and Jodi Stoudt of Stoudt’s Brewing Company, and Ian Brendle of Green Meadow Farm are working on a sure-to-be-amazing menu, which will be announced closer to the event. $100/person.

• JG Domestic: Tuesday, June 7, 7 p.m. Chef Jose Garces, Casey Hughes of Flying Fish Brewing Company and an as-yet-to-be-determined farmer dish up seven courses, each paired with one of Flying Fish’s exclusive “Exit Series” beers, which are cleverly named for the exits of the New Jersey Turnpike. This is the first time all the Exit beers will be available in one place! $75/person.

• Fork: Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 p.m. Bill Covaleski of Victory Brewing Company will be slinging brews spiked with local herbs from Ian Brendle of Green Meadow Farm, with a four-course dinner provided by Chef Terence Feury. $45/person.

• Southwark: Thursday, June 9, 7 p.m. Paul and Ember Crivellaro of Country Time Farms will be bringing “the best pork you’ll ever taste” for a four-course dinner prepared by Chefs Sheri Waide and Nick Macri, paired with brews selected by Brian O’Reilly of Sly Fox. $65/person.

• South Philadelphia Tap Room: Saturday, June 11, 4-8 p.m. Indulge in a fried chicken cookout with chicken from Steve Gold of Murray’s Chicken Co-Op. Grab a heaping plate of fried chicken (or mac and cheese for vegetarians) and coleslaw cooked up by Chef Scott Schroeder, and wash it down with a pint of Kenzinger from Josh Ervine, John Rehm, Ben Schamberg and Dean Browne of Philadelphia Brewing Company (PBC). $8/person.

• Marathon Restaurant: Sunday, June 12, 2-6 p.m. A succulent outdoor pig roast with an all-you-can-eat spread of pork dishes by Chef Marlon Rambaran, accompanied by produce harvested by Adam Hill of Marathon Farm, teamed with brews picked by Tom Kehoe from Yards Brewing Company, plus live music all day…what could be better? $35/person.

We’ve got information on other Philly Beer Week dining events, below, at places like The Farmer’s Cabinet, Good Dog, Amis, Memphis Taproom and more.

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The annual Roots Picnic draws thousands of music lovers to Festival Pier at Penn's Landing and this year's talented lineup promises another year of great performances by the river. (Photo by M. Kennedy for GPTMC)

In just over a week, on June 4, the annual Roots Picnic will return to Penn’s Landing for another year of diverse musical performances and eclectic collaborations.

This year’s festival will once again feature two stages, with artists like renowned hip-hop lyricist Nas (backed by The Roots) and recent Grammy award winner Esperanza Spalding rocking the main stage, while newcomers Mac Miller and Yelawolf take over the VitaminWater Uncapped stage. And that’s just to name a few. Nearly 20 artists are slated to perform throughout the day, including, of course, the legendary Roots.

Our sister site Philly 360° has pulled together an insider’s guide to the all-day music festival, highlighting the talent, tips on how to get the most out of the picnic and what to do after the show’s over. Check it out and purchase your tickets quickly, if you haven’t already.

The Roots Picnic
Where: Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing
When: June 4, starting at noon
Cost: $65, ticketmaster.com
More Info: okayplayer.com

Philly 360°’s Guide To The Fourth Annual Roots Picnic, June 4th at Penn’s Landing [Philly 360]

Looking for a fun way to spend your summer evenings in Chester County? Beginning June 3 and running every Friday night until August 26, Friday Nights Under the Stars at Brandywine Polo Club in Kennett Square offers guests a chance to relax while taking in live music, watching polo matches featuring local and international players and sipping wonderful regional wines.

Gates open and intra-club polo matches begin at 5:30 p.m., with music beginning at 7 p.m.

Every week will also feature a different winery from the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, selling glasses and bottles of award-winning wine. On June 3, the popular Chaddsford Winery will be featured to kick off the series.

Guests are invited to either pack their own picnic baskets, or purchase delicious eats on-site from Carolina Pit Stop BBQ. All concerts for the summer are kid-friendly.

Tickets to the whole summer’s series are available online. Insider tip: purchase a season pass for $100!

Friday Nights Under the Stars
When: Friday, June 3, gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Brandywine Polo Club, 232 Polo Road, Toughkenamon
Cost: $20 in advance online; $25 at the gate
More info: www.fridaynightsunderthestars.com

Summertime means it's pool time: locals and visitors alike can take advantage of some of Philly hotels' awesome pool real estate. (Photo credits, clockwise from top: courtesy Crowne Plaza, Doubletree Hotel and Sheraton University City)

It’s hot today. And it’s going to be hot this weekend. And we’re guessing it’s going to be hot a few days later this summer as well… So how to stay cool?

Check into one of the numerous hotels in Philadelphia that are rocking excellent hotel pools for the enjoyment of their guests.

And you don’t have to be an out-of-towner to treat yourself to a hotel stay… We’re talking about a little indulgent “staycation.”

Save yourself the gas money and book a night or two at one these hotels and let the relaxing, refreshing feeling wash over you. And that’s before you even hit the pool.

So in order to help you find one to your liking, we’ve rounded up some top picks for Philadelphia hotel pools:

Rooftop Pools

• Crowne Plaza: Two words: rooftop pool. The Crowne Plaza is conveniently located in the middle of everything, but you wouldn’t know it when you’re lounging poolside, taking in the gorgeous skyline views.

• Holiday Inn Historic District: Located in the heart of the nation’s most historic square mile, this spot’s rooftop pool lends great views of the Philadelphia skyline.

• Sheraton University City: From the outdoor, rooftop pool, which officially opens for the summer on Memorial Day, enjoy the skyline view of the University of Pennsylvania and University City. The pool has been newly redesigned to include an outdoor deck, ideal for relaxing and enjoying poolside snacks.

• Windsor Suites: You can swim among the skyscrapers. The rooftop pool overlooks the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline for a stunning view and the ultimate urban escape.

• Holiday Inn Express Midtown: Outdoor rooftop pool? We’re in. Plus the Midtown Village location puts you steps from awesome restaurants, shopping, attractions and more.

Luxe Pools

• The Rittenhouse Hotel: One of Philadelphia’s most elegant (and award-decorated) hotels, the Rittenhouse boasts an indoor heated pool and outdoor sundeck for the best of both worlds.

• Four Seasons Philadelphia: A Five-Diamond, award-winning hotel featuring the nationally acclaimed Fountain Restaurant, the Four Seasons offers a calm retreat from the bustle of the city. Take a dip in the resort-style indoor swimming pool, capped off with a stint in the whirlpool.

We’ve got a bunch more below.

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Seven marked trails, comprising more than 30 miles, lead outdoor lovers past landmarks from General Washington’s famous 1777 encampment. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Take a hike on National Trails Day 2011, next Saturday, June 4 at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Sponsored by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day offers workshops on the coolest hiking gear, helpful fitness assessments and an outdoor exhibit with presentations and educational clinics: all FREE. You can also take a ranger-guided hike and learn about the local birds and their habitats along the picturesque Schuylkill River Trail. Check out the full schedule of events here (PDF).

This year’s theme is “Made With All Natural Ingredients,” aiming to get Americans out of their houses and into the woods. Take it from acting park superintendent, Barbara Pollarine: “This event is an opportunity to explore park trails, get connected, give back and reap the health benefits of an active lifestyle.”

If you’re inspired to give back to the hiking trails at Valley Forge, volunteer opportunities are also available on National Trails Day (or any other day!) to help with trail maintenance.

Sounds like a good excuse to get some fresh air, and help keep Philadelphia’s parks beautiful.

National Trails Day 2011
When: June 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Valley Forge National Historical Park; 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia
Cost: FREE
More info: www.nps.gov/vafo

What better way to spend a spring evening than outdoors at the Piazza clinking glasses to a great artistic cause? (Photo courtesy Piazza at Schmidts)

Art is never silent, a fact none more evident than at this year’s Mural Arts Wall Ball, set for June 1 at the Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties.

The fundraising event for Philadelphia’s prestigious Mural Arts Program — the largest public art program in the United States — will light up the night from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

You can stroll through the plaza and witness a new mural being painted, participate in a silent or live auction, partake in T-shirt silkscreening or enjoy live music provided by DJ Nigel Richards of 611 Records Fame. There will also be pop-up performances by local arts organizations like Singing City, Arden Theatre Company, 1812 Productions and Spiral Q Puppets.

Plus: this year’s PRO Mural Arts (Young Friends group) After Party will be rocking at the Piazza from 9-11 p.m. It’s co-hosted by Fourth Wall featuring music by DJ Grandmaster Supreme, and performances by Chacet Ivey Dance Company, the Jimmy Crack Corn Experience and magician RanD Shine. Ticket price ($25 in advance, $35 at the door) includes admission to the event as well as 1-year membership to PRO Mural Arts.

The fundraiser helps Mural Arts continue its efforts to beautify the Greater Philadelphia neighborhoods, an effort we can all get behind! Tickets for the main event and the after party are available online.

Mural Arts Wall Ball 2011
When: Wednesday, June 1, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Piazza at Schmidts, N. 2nd Street & Germantown Avenue
Cost: $25-$500
More Info: www.muralarts.org

East Passyunk hotspots like the Cantina will be serving up delicious beer and food all day.
(Photo by M. McClellan for GPTMC)

Some of South Philly’s favorite bars are opening up their doors to celebrate Philly Beer Week, East Passyunk style.

On Sunday, June 5 from 11 a.m. until the wee hours of Monday, eight spots will host a variety of Philly Beer Week-related festivities in honor of Craft Beer Day on East Passyunk.

Here’s the lowdown:

• Cantina Los Caballitos: Mexico and Belgium combine forces. From 4-7 p.m., beer lovers can enjoy Hennepin, Witte and Rare Vos paired with Belgian and Mexican fusion fare.

• P.O.P.E.: Beer and (kid-friendly) brunch will go hand in hand from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wash down one of their brunch entrees with a tasty Allagash craft beer. You can also catch a live performance by the Glotones.

• Le Virtu: From 1-4 p.m., get free tastings and discounts on Victory, Troegs, Riverhorse, Saranac and Innis & Gunn paired with grilled Abruzzese fare in the outdoor garden. Brewers will be on-site, as well.

• The Bottle Shop: After beer week leaves us, try creating your favorite beer at home. The Bottle Shop’s Barely Legal Home Brew Demo from 2-6 p.m. can give you tips on how. There will also be tasting samples, of course.

• Salt & Pepper: It’s a rarity that you get a chance to spend happy hour with the brewer of the beer you’re drinking. From 4-7 p.m., Salt & Pepper presents the Riverhorse “Meet the Brewer” happy hour. Now’s your chance.

• Sticks & Stones: It’s also a rarity to play Baggo Toss with the brewer of the beer you’re drinking! From 5-8 p.m., the brewer from Bavarian Barbarian Brewing Company will be on hand with four new brews, grilled snacks and an outdoor Baggo Toss.

• Stogie Joe’s: Beer and pizza have always gone together. Starting at 6:30 p.m., Stogie Joe’s will keep that tradition alive with Riverhorse 5-beer buckets and pizza for $20. There will also be live music.

• Lucky 13: From 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Lucky 13 will pair a special brunch with beers from Victory Brewing Co. There will also be a DJ on hand spinning some brunch-worthy tunes.

So whether it’s beer and brunch, beer and brewer or just good ol’ beer, East Passyunk Avenue is a great way to kickoff your Philly Beer Week. Keep in mind that all our Philly Beer Week coverage is available here.

Craft Beer Day on East Passyunk Avenue
When: Sunday, June 5, beginning at 11 a.m.
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies
More info: www.phillybeerweek.org

The Share Our Strength childhood hunger charity’s Taste of the Nation will make its annual stop in Philadelphia on Monday, June 20 at the spacious Millennium Ballroom at the Loews Hotel.

This year’s Chef Chair is 10 Arts Chef de Cuisine and Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars contestant Jennifer Carroll. Joining Carroll in serving up culinary delights will be a veritable who’s who of the Delaware Valley’s top chefs and mixologists, assembling unique and tasty creations from the area’s best restaurants and cocktail lounges for a great cause.

A silent auction will also be conducted throughout the night offering top-rated restaurant gift certificates, luxury hotel stays and unique culinary experiences.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online for a reduced fee and VIP tickets will get you in an hour early plus first dibs at the tasty fare. As always, 100% of the proceeds go towards the charity and its local partners.

Last year more than $50,000 was raised for local organizations like Philabundance, Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, The Food Trust and The Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center to help them fight childhood hunger in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s Taste of the Nation
When: June 20, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Where: Millennium Ballroom at the Loews Hotel, 1200 Market Street
Cost: $85-$145
More info: www.tasteofthenation.org/philadelphia

Looking good, Philadelphia! (Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC)

Budget Travel magazine just named Philadelphia one of the 25 most photographed places on the planet.

Cornell researchers analyzed 35 million Flickr photos to determine the most frequently shot places on earth. Philadelphia is in the esteemed company of cities like Dublin, Venice, Madrid, Berlin and Paris.

The most captured landmark in Philadelphia was Independence Hall, which the article refers to as “a beautiful example of Georgian architecture.”

Want more gorgeous photos of our beautiful city? Keep reading uwishunu for a daily dosage of Philadelphia eye candy.

25 Most Photographed Places on Earth [Budget Travel]

Looking for a lifetime experience? Take a miles-high aerial tour of Philadelphia.
(Photo courtesy Independence Helicopters)

Want to gain a new perspective on Philadelphia? Independence Helicopters is now offering recreational sky-high tours of the city.

These thrilling rides soar through the sky to provide a bird’s eye view of our fair city. Up in the air you’ll see things from a spectacular vantage point. There’s also the added exhilaration that comes from cruising in the sleek helicopter.

Tours come in several varieties. A 20-minute ride covers Center City, during which you can wave at Billy Penn standing atop City Hall. The 30-minute tour flies down the Delaware River, turns into our lovely skyline and passes over famous landmarks including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Boathouse Row and the Philadelphia Zoo. Double that to an hour and you’ll traverse two waterways while enjoying an expansive 360 degree view of the city.

Sunset rides come with a bottle of champagne and are a great way to put romance in the air. If you’re a truly independent spirit, you can even create a custom route.

These flights are ideal for tourists and even if you’re a resident, you really haven’t seen the City of Brotherly Love until you’ve viewed it from above.

Note: tours fly out of Northeast Philadelphia Airport, but the company can arrange to pick up and return passengers to various locations throughout the Delaware Valley.

Independence Helicopter Aerial Tours of Philadelphia
When: 7 days a week, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: Depart from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, Grant and Ashton Roads
Cost: Tickets start at $129 per person
More info: www.independenceheli.com