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Philadelphia is steeped in rich colonial history.
(Photo courtesy Christ Church)

If the thought of a graveyard at night fills you with terror, then summertime may offer the perfect solution to your worst horror movie phobias.

During summer tours at Christ Church Burial Ground, visitors will have the opportunity to explore ancient tombstones in the friendly light of day, and listen as knowledgeable tour guides call up the ghosts of history (not literally, of course).

Check out your options, below:

• Revolutionary Americans Burial Ground Tour: Through August

Touring historical buildings may be all the rage for school field trips, but this tour offers the chance for an intimate look into the lives of the people who actually shaped that history. Pay your respects at the graves of five of the Founding Fathers, including Benjamin Franklin.

• Revolutionary Women Tour: May

Women’s History Month may be over, but that doesn’t mean there are no more chances to learn about important women of the past. Tired of hearing all about Ben? Learn about the other figures in the Franklin family, like Sarah and Deborah, every Thursday this May.

• Names without Stones Tour: May

The unknown is always alluring – but unknown graves are even more so. Discover the stories of the more than 2,000 people buried without grave markers.

• Brew N History Tour: June

June marks the start of Philly Beer Week, and as the Founding Fathers knew, few things fuel the brain as well as a good glass of beer. Learn how brews have influenced the lives of Ben Franklin, Francis Hopkinson and Benjamin Rush, among others.

• The Signers Tour: July

Etched in stone among the tombstones are twelve names that once called up a revolution at the strokes of a pen. Hear the stories of these signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Click here for times and ticket information. Happy haunting!

Christ Church Burial Ground Summer Events
When: May–August
Where: 5th and Arch Streets
Cost: Tickets range from $1-$25
More info: www.christchurchphila.org

There is so much happening around Philadelphia this weekend that your biggest challenge is going to be choosing what to do. If you’re looking to put a local food spin on your free 48 hours, here are some of the farmers markets opening around the city and region this weekend.

Bright and early on Saturday morning, the Haddonfield Farmers’ Market kicks things off. They’re open from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. in Kings Court in the center of the town.

Back in the Philly suburbs, the Upper Merion Farmers’ Market starts their season at 9 a.m. Located at the back of the Township Building in Township Park, this market is open until 1 p.m. This week, they’ll be featuring a BBQ rib cook-off, so go hungry!

Closer to town you’ll find the Overbrook Farmers’ Market setting up its tables and tents in the parking lot of the Overbrook Presbyterian Church. They’ll be there from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The last one to launch its season this Saturday is the Lansdale Farmers’ Market. You’ll find this market on Railroad Avenue at Main Street from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. This market includes seven farmers and 13 other food and non-food vendors.

Other Saturday markets include Rittenhouse Square (18th and Walnut Streets, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore Avenue, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), Phoenixville (9 a.m. – 1 p.m., under the Gay Street Bridge), Bryn Mawr (10 a.m. – 2 p.m., in Municipal lot 7), Collingswood (8 a.m. – 12 p.m., between Collings and Irvin Avenues), Glenside (9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Glenside Train Station), Collegeville (9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 454 E. Main Street), Fitler Square (9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 23rd and Pine Streets), Chestnut Hill (9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Winston Road, between Germantown and Mermaid Lane) and Swarthmore (9:30 a.m. – 1: 30 p.m., across from the Swarthmore Co-op).

For more information about eating local in the Philadelphia region, make sure to visit the Philly Homegrown website.

This 112-mile guided canoe trip along the length of the Schuylkill clues you into the rich history and natural beauty of Philadelphia's major river. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

The Schuylkill is more than a clogged expressway — the river it parallels is home to Pennsylvania history, vibrant communities and natural beauty. Explore them all off-road during the Schuylkill River Sojourn, a seven-day, 112-mile adventure by kayak and canoe.

Starting June 4 at Schuylkill Haven, the aquatic journey winds southeast through several scenic river towns, including Port Clinton and Pottstown, concluding at Philadelphia’s Boat House Row on June 10.

Each day brings a new town, program and experience on the water. You can sign up for the whole trip for $500 ($420 for kids) or paddle along on days of your choosing, with meals and transportation for your gear included.

This year’s theme: “Take Conservation Seriously,” features green programs by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Attendance is on a first-come basis, so don’t delay. Visit the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage area’s website for registration forms and more information on prices, rules and lodging.

Schuylkill River Sojourn
Where: Along the Schuylkill River
When: June 4-10
Cost: Varies
More info: www.schuylkillriver.org

The Rosenbach celebrates James Joyce with its 19th annual Bloomsday, an open-air festival featuring dramatic readings from Ulysses by Philadelphia notables. (Photo courtesy Rosenbach)

Commemorate the iconic legacy of James Joyce at The Rosenbach Museum & Library’s 19th annual Bloomsday celebration on Thursday, June 16, noon-7 p.m.

In honor of Ulysses, James Joyce’s most famous, controversial and banned book, there will be an open air festival on Delancey Street. Dramatic readings will be given (yes, of all 1,000+ pages!) by some of Philadelphia’s most colorful personalities from the steps of the museum. Mayor Nutter himself will be taking a turn at the podium!

Leading up to the festival, numerous events will be held in honor of James Joyce. Take a crash course in James Joyce (Bloomsday 101), or enjoy an evening with acclaimed Irish author Jamie O’Neill on June 13. You can also raise a toast to one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century with the 23rd annual Rosenbacchanal on June 15, a dinner to benefit Bloomsday.

As always at the Rosenbach, James Joyce’s original handwritten manuscript for Ulysses will be on display. Click here for all event listings.

Fun fact: Bloomsday is so called because Ulysses features the characters Leopold and Molly Bloom, and the event takes place on June 16 because that’s the day of James Joyce’s first date with his future wife.

Celebrate the life and work of James Joyce at the institution who best encompasses his legacy, and whose life fully embodied his quote that it is “better to pass boldly into that other world, in the full glory of some passion, than fade and wither dismally with age.”

Bloomsday
When: Thursday, June 16, noon-7 p.m.
Where: Rosenbach Museum & Library, 2008-2010 Delancey Place
Cost: Free
More info: www.rosenbach.org

The museum's East Terrace lends one of the most stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline, made all the more gratifying by delicious martinis and food, live music and art. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art)

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has arguably one of the most gorgeous skyline views in the entire city; what better way to bask in Philadelphia’s picturesque glory than with a martini in hand, live music in the background, against the backdrop of one of the country’s most preeminent art institutions?

Martinis On The Portico summer Friday evening happy hour series has returned to the museum as an added bonus to the popular year-round Art After 5 programming. Enjoy a few Friday evening cocktails with what is probably the most scenic view of any happy hour in the city. (Seriously, check out that view!)

Plus, the museum lets it hair down, with staff wearing T-shirts and casual gallery tours offered at no additional charge.

In honor of Martinis On The Portico, Stephen STARR Events has created a new selection of refreshing drinks for guests to enjoy on the museum’s East Steps while enjoying an eclectic mix of international music. Complement the sips with light snacks served inside the Great Stair Hall. See below for the full new drink menu.

Start your weekend off stylishly!

Martinis On The Portico
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: Fridays through the fall, 5-8:45 p.m.
Cost: Adults $16, Seniors (ages 65+) $14, Students $12
More info: www.philamuseum.org

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No matter the forecast this weekend, you can enjoy some springtime festival-hopping, including the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, Trenton Avenue Arts Festival, Israeli Independence Day at Penn’s Landing and more. (Photos by J. Smith for GPTMC)

This weekend rivals even the most action-packed of recent spring weekends. The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival takes over Walnut Street, the Trenton Avenue Arts Festival takes over Fishtown, and Delaware River Day plus Israeli Independence Day at Penn’s Landing bring lively celebrations to Penn’s Landing.

Don’t forget the Eiffel Tower light shows are still illuminating the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza this weekend, the Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop exhibit at the The Franklin Institute was extended an additional week and the Mann Center officially kicks off its summer season with Philadelphia on Parade, a day’s worth of free family arts and activities.

The rest of our top picks for what’s going down this weekend, below:

Friday, May 20

Opening Weekend for Stephen Starr’s new beer garden, Frankford Hall

Martinis on the Portico at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Losers Lounge Tribute to Queen

Art at Act II Playhouse

French Films Under the Stars at Bistrot La Minette

Eiffel Tower Light Shows and “Free at the Kimmel” Entertainment

Taste of The Belle Fridays

Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop at the The Franklin Institute

The Flea and the Professor at the The Arden Theatre

Saturday, May 21

Our top picks for barbecue in Philadelphia

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival

Trenton Avenue Arts Festival

Fore! The Planet at the Academy of Natural Sciences — Opening Day!

Delaware River Day

Dragapalooza: Broadway Divas

Philadelphia on Parade at the Mann Center

All-American Beer BBQ at Varga Bar

Shut Up & Dance 2011 at the Forrest Theatre

South Philly Taproom’s Wheat Beer Fest 2011

Radnor Hunt Races

Sunday, May 22

Punk Rock Flea Market

Grace Notes: A Sendakian Rhapsody at the Rosenbach Museum & Library

Society Hill’s 33rd Annual Open House and Garden Tour

Elephant’s Eye Studio Artist Tours

Theatre Exile’s Saturn Returns — Closing Day!

Israeli Independence Day at Penn’s Landing

Collab Opening Party at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Right on 'cue: Percy Street Barbecue is just one spot for amazing BBQ eats in Philadelphia.
(Photo courtesy Percy Street)

May is not only National Burger Month, but also National Barbecue Month, a delicious send-off into the summer season of backyard (or balcony) grilling, tasty alfresco finger-licking picnics and the like.

And make no bones about it: Philadelphia has some of the sauciest, smokiest ribs and sweetest, tangiest chicken around. Whether it’s a box of baby backs from a takeout spot, or an authentic Texas-style brisket on a picnic table, these down-home eats are sure to appease any and all comfort-food cravings.

Here are a few of our top picks for delectable Barbecue:

• Percy Street Barbecue: Erin O’Shea studied the art of barbecue in Texas before opening this spot on South Street. Her authentic burnt ends, pinto beans and banana pudding showcase those traditions, while the pork belly, vegan chili and specialty cocktails flaunt her chef skills.

• Smokin’ Betty’s: At Center City’s eclectic comfort food eatery Smokin’ Betty’s, from the Devil’s Alley folks, the ribs are St. Louis-style, the ’slaw is Carolina-inspired and the smoked brisket is served with potato latkes.

• Le Cochon Noir: Once an outdoor venue with an auxiliary kitchen, Le Cochon Noir is now a full-fledged barbecue restaurant and live music venue, serving up Berkshire pork chops, dry-rub ribs and garlic mustard greens, plus seafood, steaks and lighter fare in an expansive West Philadelphia setting.

• Phoebe’s Bar-B-Q: The specialty at this place, which has been smoking on South Street since 1994, is Oklahoma barbecue, and the succulent brisket, ribs and pit meats by the pound are now available at a newer Roxborough location too.

We’ve got details on The Rib Crib, Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse, Fergie’s Pub’s new barbecue menu and more, below.

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The 11-day Wawa Welcome America! festival will once again include Wawa Hoagie Day, a sensational celebration of one of Philadelphia's favorite sandwiches. (Photo courtesy Wawa Welcome America)

Wawa Hoagie Day returned to Philadelphia last summer after a 10-year hiatus, and will once again grace the action-packed schedule of Wawa Welcome America, Philadelphia’s eleven-day annual July 4th celebration.

This year, Wawa Hoagie Day takes place Wednesday, June 29 from noon-2 p.m. Mayor Nutter will join Philadelphia police officers and firefighters, Wawa associates and hoagie-lovers across the Philadelphia region in serving a 4.5 ton hoagie on Independence Mall in front of the Independence Visitor’s Center.

Hoagie Day 2011 will honor soldiers and local heroes by partnering with the USO.

The original Wawa Hoagie Day took place in 1992 at City Hall, with a 500-foot hoagie that was served free to the public. On that day, then-Mayor Ed Rendell proclaimed the hoagie the “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia,” which kicked off ten years of Hoagie Day events as part of the Welcome America festival.

We’re hungry already!

Wawa Hoagie Day
When: Wednesday, June 29, noon-2 p.m.
Where: Independence Visitor Center Lawn, 1 N. Independence Mall West
Cost: Free
More info: www.welcomeamerica.com

Following a successful first edition of TFI After Dark, the Franklin Institute is once again letting its hair down for a night without the kids, including access to the rooftop observatory. (Photo courtesy Franklin Institute)

The Franklin Institute’s first TFI After Dark event, an exclusive evening for adults, was a smash success this past March. If you missed out, or want to partake of even more fun, mark your calendar: TFI After Dark returns Friday, June 3 from 6-10 p.m.

Adults have the museum all to themselves to enjoy a cash bar, music, after-hour access to all Franklin Institute exhibits, as well as select IMAX and Planetarium movies. Expect contests, raffles, prizes, observatory nighttime viewing and hands-on activities.

Plus, prep your science knowledge for a special Astronomy version of Quizzo with TFI’s own Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts at 8 p.m. in Franklin Hall.

Explore the museum after hours during this adult-only special event. Tickets are $15 per person. Members are $7. To purchase, call (215) 448-1254.

TFI After Dark
Where: Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
When: Friday, June 3, 6-10 p.m.
Cost: $15 for adults (18+), $7 for members. IMAX tickets are an additional $5 for the public and $3 for members.
More info: www2.fi.edu

The festival features restaurant samples, live music, wine tastings, a fashion show and more. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

One of Philadelphia’s most anticipated festivals of the year, attracting more than 50,000 people from across the region, the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival returns this Saturday, May 21 from noon to 5 p.m.

It’ll be an entire day packed with more fun, fashion and food than ever before. We’ve got the lowdown on entertainment, kids’ activities and wine and spirits tastings in our previous coverage.

Now we have an update on one of the festival’s biggest draws: the food. Dozens of restaurants will be manning booths along Walnut Street all day long, dishing out samples for your enjoyment.

Insider tip: you’ll want to get there early; many of the restaurant booths are so popular, they’ve been know to run out of their dishes by 3 p.m.

So you can orchestrate your plan of attack, here’s a look at what some of the restaurants and serving, and where their stands will be located:

• Stephen Starr Restaurants: 1800 block of Walnut.

• The Dandelion: Haddock Fish Fingers, Eton Mess (vanilla crème chantilly, crushed meringue, lemon curd, passion fruit sauce), Luscombe’s Lemonade, Luscombe’s Cool Ginger Beer, Ribena Black Currant, Bottled Water.

• Alma de Cuba: Adobo Spiced Alma Burgers, Sangria and Mojito Martinis, Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich, Bottled Water.

• Barclay Prime: Kobe Beef Sliders, Cookies, Non-Alcoholic Watermelon Juleps, Bottled Water.

• Parc: Ham and Cheese Croissants, Mozzarella and Tomato on a Croissant, Cinnamon Brioche Beignets, Small Baguettes, Orangina, Stella Artois Draft Beer, Kir Royale Cocktails, Bottled Water.

• Butcher and Singer: Crabcake Sandwich, Ceilo Pinot Grigio/Pinot Noir, Yards PPA, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Bottled Water.

• El Rey: Chicken Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Mexican Coca Cola, Sidral (apple soda), Bottled Water.

• Continental Midtown: Chicken Skewers, Assorted Popsicles, Bottled Water.

Below, we’ve got info on Le Bec-Fin, The Prime Rib, Rouge and more.
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