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Philadelphia's walkability is one of its great strengths and the city continues to build on its pedestrian friendliness with more improvements, like those along the Delaware River Waterfront and the new Race Street Pier. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

In its first national ranking since 2008, Walk Score has just released its new rankings of America’s most walkable cities and neighborhoods for 2011.

And thanks to its eminently walkable, easy-to-follow street grid, Philadelphia came in at #5, behind only New York, San Francisco, Boston and Chicago. And ahead of cities like Seattle, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Denver, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

Walk Score rated the walkability of 2,500 cities and 10,000 neighborhoods across America — Walk Score’s walkability ranking is the only national, quantitative ranking of walkability in the United States. Cities and neighborhoods are ranked on a scale of 0-100, with locations receiving a score of 90-100 deemed a “Walkers’ Paradise.”

Philadelphia earned an overall score of 74, the third highest score of a city with more than a million people, behind only New York and Chicago.

Leading the way for Philadelphia were the neighborhoods of Center City East and Center City West, which both pulled in Walk Scores of 97, classifying Center City as a “Walkers’ Paradise.” So congrats to Rittenhouse Square, Fitler Square, Graduate Hospital, Washington Square West, Midtown Village, Old City, Society Hill, etc; we always knew you were extremely walkable and know we have proof.

Other Philly neighborhoods that earned a score of 90 or above include University City, Bella Vista, Hawthorne, Queen Village, Pennsport, Girard Estates, and Cedar Park. You can see a full list of the ratings for all the Philadelphia neighborhoods on WalkScore, complete with a heat map of Philadelphia visualizing the areas with higher and lower walkability. (An image of the heat map is also appended below.)

Meanwhile, Walk Score is also holding a public vote of the most walkable cities by allowing people to cast their vote for their favorite walkable city via Facebook. Go to their rankings page to vote and click “Like” next to Philadelphia to vote for Philly.

Walkable neighborhoods are important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is walkable neighborhoods leading to happier people. Other benefits of walkability include:

• Homes in walkable neighborhoods, on average, are worth more than those in less walkable neighborhoods.
• Homes with easy access to public transit and nearby amenities save more energy and money than an Energy Star home in a conventional suburban development.
• The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs eight pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood.

Even on an extremely hot day like today, it’s nice to be able to pause and appreciate being able to walk pretty much everywhere in and around Center City and several other parts of Philadelphia.

Walk Score 2011 Ranking of Most Walkable Cities [Walk Score]
Vote: Your Ranking Of The Most Walkable Cities [Walk Score]

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The $5 After 5 program includes after-hours admission to attractions like the 'Freedom Rising' show. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

As far as summertime destinations go, the National Constitution Center has much going for it: prime location among other Historic Philadelphia can’t-miss sites, the beautiful Independence Mall, the new adjacent Independence al Fresco cafe with an outdoor garden just begging to be lounged in.

And, for this summer, the center is offering a new $5 after 5 Summer Nights program every Thursday.

For only $5, families can enjoy the museum’s extended summer hours (it stays open until 8 p.m.) and all the center has to offer including the award-winning theater show “Freedom Rising,” “The Story of We the People,” and the new blockbuster summer exhibition Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon.

In addition, food and beverages will be available for purchase in Delegates’ Café, and the Center’s gift shop will remain open during the extended hours. Onsite parking will be available at a discounted rate of $9 after 5 p.m.

Bonus: kids under the age of 12 can enjoy the center for FREE all summer long.

$5 after 5: Summer Nights
Where: The National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
When: Thursdays starting June 30, 5-8 p.m.
Cost: $5 (kids are free beginning July 1)
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org

Nothing says summer like a seafood-centric, sunshine-filled party. (Photo courtesy American Swedish Historical Museum)

Get a taste of Swedish summer when the American Swedish Historical Museum and Swedish American Chamber of Commerce-Philadelphia team up to host a Summer Crayfish Party outdoors in the museum courtyard, Friday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the museum courtyard, followed by dinner. Plates will be piled high with crayfish, cooked Swedish-style in salted water with lots of dill, accompanied by potato salad, green salad, bread, Swedish cheese and dessert. Swedish meatballs with ligonberry jam are available for those who have yet to catch the crayfish craze.

The Swedish tradition of feasting on crayfish at the end of summer dates back 100 years, when the government prohibited the catching of crayfish except during a short time in late summer, due to overfishing. The return of crayfish to the dinner table in August became great cause for celebration. Cash in on that vibrant culinary tradition at Philadelphia’s hub for Swedish culture.

Admission to the Crayfish Party is $45 for members of the ASHM or SACC and $50 for non-members. Call (215) 389-1776 or email bdavis@americanswedish.org to reserve your space! Reservations are required by July 29.

Summer Crayfish Party
When: Friday, August 5, 6:30 p.m.
Where: American Swedish Historical Museum, FDR Park, 1900 Pattison Avenue
Cost: $45 for members of the ASHM or SACC, $50 for non-members
More info: www.americanswedish.org

Enjoy samples of John's Water Ice tonight at the Philadelphia History Museum's Conversation's on Cool event. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

[Summer in Philadelphia is action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On certain days that promise particularly bustling evenings, we'll be rounding up our selections for the most can't-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]

• Conversations on Cool at the Philadelphia History Museum: Tonight at the Philadelphia History Museum, discover the history of your favorite summer treats while enjoying samples from Bassett’s Ice Cream, Franklin Fountain and John’s Water Ice.

Where: Philadelphia History Museum, 15 S. 7th Street
When: Wednesday, July 20, 6–8 p.m.
Cost: $10 for non-members, free for members

• All-You-Can-Eat Blue Crab Night at The Wishing Well: Enjoy unlimited succulent blue crabs and refreshing beer specials tonight at the Wishing Well, from 5-10 p.m.

Where: 767 S. 9th Street
When: Wednesday, July 20, 5-10 p.m.
Cost: $22.99 per person

• Center City Sips: The summer’s happiest happy hour returns, with $4 cocktails, $3 wine, $2 beer and half-price appetizers at more than 80 bars.

When: June 1–August 31, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m.
Where: 83 bars in Center City
Cost: $4 cocktails, $3 wine, $2 beer and half-price appetizers

• University City Dining Days: Through July 28, nearly 30 participating restaurants are offering an array of hot deals on dinner. These offers clock in at either $15, $25 or $30 for three courses, making them both delicious and accessible for just about everyone. Remember you can still enter our giveaway: win $100 in restaurant gift certificates!

Where: Nearly 30 participating restaurants in West Philadelphia
When: Now- July 28
Cost: $15, $25 or $30

• PM @ Penn Museum Summer Nights: The alfresco concert series continues tonight at 5 p.m., where you can hear eclectic live music, explore the beautiful Warden Garden, sip drinks and enjoy light fare from the Pepper Mill Café’s garden bar.

When: Wednesdays, June 22-August 24
, 5-8 p.m.
Where: 3260 South Street
Cost: $5 (includes admission into the museum)

Check out four more events below.

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Philadelphia Weekly has moved its popular free summer concert series from Rittenhouse Square to the Piazza at Schmidts. (Photo courtesy Piazza at Schmidts)

Philadelphia Weekly’s annual summer concert series is back. This year, the free outdoor concert series is taking place at the Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties, on two Wednesdays, August 17 and August 24. Note the change of location: in previous years, the concerts were held in Rittenhouse Square.

From 6-9 p.m. both nights, a strong lineup of both locally- and nationally- based bands will jam on stage. August 17 includes reggae/jam bands Simple Minded Budz, Mr. Charlie and Jah Works. Expect both original and cover reggae music for a trip to the Caribbean without the price of airfare.

August 24 includes Nicos Gun, Cheers Elephant and Hezekiah Jones for a raw, rootsy, psychedelic flavor of beats.

While we’re a little sad the concerts won’t be happening in Rittenhouse Square this year, we’re thrilled Philadelphia Weekly secured an awesome alternative location for this summer’s concerts.

So go ahead and mark your calendars now.

Philadelphia Weekly 2011 Summer Concert Series
Where: Piazza at Schmidts, 2nd Street and Germantown Avenue
When: Wednesday, August 17 and Wednesday, August 24, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More info: www.philadelphiaweekly.com

Mamma Maria’s matron Maria di Marco will dish up delicious Italian food this Sunday, July 24.
(Photo courtesy Mamma Maria’s)

Each holiday season, Mamma Maria’s on East Passyunk offers up some of its most traditional (and delicious) Italian dishes. This summer, Mamma Maria’s matron Maria di Marco is bringing a little bit of the holiday spirit to the summer with a “Christmas in July” Feast of the Seven Fishes on Sunday, July 24.

For Italians, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is one of the most anticipated meals of the year. In the holiday spirit of giving, Mamma Maria is offering up her delicious dishes twice this year.

The menu will include a seafood antipasto; Italian mixed salad; chestnut soup; fettuccine in blush seafood sauce; seven fish entrees including oven-roasted codfish, grilled shrimp, sautéed salmon, flounder topped with spinach & mozzarella, fried smelts, seafood-stuffed clam, and scallops in wine sauce with mushrooms; homemade desserts, coffees, after dinner drinks and house wine.

The dinner costs $65 per person and reservations are highly recommended. Call (215) 463-8410.

Christmas in July at Mamma Maria’s
When: Sunday, July 24
Where: 1637 E. Passyunk Avenue
Cost: $65 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)
More Info: www.mammamaria.info

Don't miss this one-time collaboration between Chifa and Oskar Blues. (Photo courtesy Chifa)

Jose Garces’ Peruvian-Cantonese restaurant Chifa is joining forces with Colorado craft brewery Oskar Blues to host a BBQ Picnic, Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m.

$65 gets you two courses with a total of nine plates, dessert and five craft beers (in cans!) paired perfectly with the fresh summer food.

Garces puts his masterful twist on summertime staples to infuse standard fare with a Peruvian-Cantonese snap. Think Korean hot dogs with spicy mustard and sorrel on bao buns; BBQ wings with tamarind-orange sauce; and “pasta salad” with soba noodles, edamame and sesame-peanut sauce.

Dessert is “pie two ways”: peach crumb and blueberry pushpops.

The full menu is included, below.

You can make reservations online.

Chifa and Oskar Blues BBQ Picnic
When: Thursday, July 28, 7 p.m.
Where: 707 Chestnut Street
Cost: $65
More info: www.chifarestaurant.com

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The Philadelphia region is rife with George Washington connections, including Valley Forge, the President's House, Washington Square and many more. (Photo credits: top and bottom left by M. Kenndy for GPTMC, bottom right by G. Widman for GPTMC)

With the arrival of the National Constitution Center’s new exhibition Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon, Philadelphia has begun its “Summer of Washington,” a region-wide celebration that provides residents and visitors with a glimpse into the life of the nation’s first president.

It’s no secret that Philadelphia has a rich historical legacy. So in addition to the blockbuster exhibition, you can spend time this summer exploring the places where General Washington actually worked, fought and slept.

The National Constitution Center has a great interactive map you can use to plot out how to intersect where George Washington left his mark throughout Philadelphia. Visit Philly has one as well.

Here’s our look at the special Washington-centric events taking place throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region this summer and beyond:

Summer-specific attractions

• Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon at the National Constitution Center: Prepare for an incredible glimpse into the life of George Washington with more than 100 objects including architectural models, pieces of the family’s fine art collection, personal artifacts and three stunning, life-size figures. Through September 5. Adults $15, Seniors and students $14, Children 12 and under free.

• The President’s House: Their Untold Stories in Quilts at the National Constitution Center: Presented in collaboration with the nearby President’s House, the exhibition spotlights a collection of artistic quilts dedicated to the nine slaves owned by George and Martha Washington at the President’s House. Created by a multicultural group of both acclaimed and novice quilt artists, the pieces are intended to generate dialogue about slavery and freedom. Additional quilts will be on display at the Independence Visitor Center and the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Through September 5. $15 for adults, $14 for seniors (ages 65+) and students, $11 for active military.

• Second Bank of the United States: Join a park ranger at the Second Bank of the United States to meet George Washington’s Band of Brothers, the generals and soldiers who defied the odds and won America’s freedom. July 1-31, 1 p.m. Free.

Summer-specific activities

• “Stories from the Past” walking tour: Starting out at Signers Garden at 5th & Chestnut Streets, National Park Service rangers guide visitors through Washington’s days in Philadelphia during this walking tour, which focuses specifically on Washington on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Through August, 10:30 a.m. Free.

• “Secrets and Spies” at Valley Forge National Historical Park: During Secrets and Spies, General Washington himself recruits children and adults to join his American spy network to foil a plot by traitors. Participants learn 18th-century spy techniques and look for secret messages. Saturdays through September 3, 2 p.m. $17.

• Call to Arms: 1778 military muster at Valley Forge National Historical Park: For this new for 2011 program, young soldiers can enlist in Washington’s Continental Army and they join in drills, meet a Colonial soldier and get orders for a mission. Saturdays and Sundays, through September 4, noon. Free.

• Farewell Address at the National Constitution Center: Bid farewell to President Washington as he leaves office in a day-long Farewell Address event that includes a reenactment of his departure, special programs and a chance for visitors to put their own spin on Washington’s words as they recite his words at the karaoke station. September 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $15 for adults, $14 for seniors (ages 65+) and students, $11 for active military.

Below, we’ve got information on year-round Washington-related attractions, plus a complete map to Washington sites in the Philadelphia region.

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Restaurant Week returns in September with some big names and a new local food component. (Photos courtesy from top left: Table 31; Lacroix at The Rittenhouse; Buddakan; Percy Street Barbecue)

Today Center City District Restaurant Week and Philly Homegrown announced an exciting partnership.

During this fall’s Restaurant Week, which will run for two weeks, September 12-16 and September 18-23, not only will you find three-course dinners for $35 in 119 restaurants and three-course lunches for just $20 in 51 of these eateries, but the event has a local, green twist as well.

Center City District and Philly Homegrown are joining forces to promote locally grown produce in featured dishes at all participating Restaurant Week locations. That means each restaurant participating in Center City Restaurant Week will showcase at least one dish that uses the bounty of vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, seafood or herbs available in our region.

Another exciting new feature for this year’s Restaurant Week: Center City District will choose treasured dishes from some favorite restaurants and compile the recipes in a brand new online cookbook, “Center City Cooks.” Beginning on September 12, you’ll find more than a dozen seasonal recipes and other useful cooking information online.

Plus, the Philadelphia Parking Association and Philadelphia Parking Authority will be offering parking for just $9 at dozens of lots and garages all over Center City. And to maximize your enjoyment of Restaurant Week’s fall edition, you’ll be able to access menus and make reservations using the Center City District Restaurant Week Presented by TD Bank mobile website.

You’re covered on the convenience, sustainability and affordability fronts; now you just have to make reservations and get psyched for another great Restaurant Week!

Center City District Restaurant Week
When: September 12-16 and September 18-23
Where: Center City District
Cost: $35 for dinner, $20 for lunch
More info: www.centercityphila.org/restaurantweek

Looking for a way to stay cool tonight? One good option is the Free Library, which is hosting a special themed night tonight, bringing in two authors who have a very unique perspective on bars and drinking in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Weekly music editor and contributing food writer Brian McManus recently penned an in-depth guide to the world of Philadelphia’s dive bars, the product of a year’s research and trips to nearly 100 bars.

Titled Philadelphia’s Best Dive Bars: Drinking and Diving in the City of Brotherly Love, the book reviews the grittiest drinking establishments in the city, including ratings, photos, a list of bathrooms to stay away from and more.

Meanwhile, author and photographer Sarah Stolfa captures striking photos of barflies in her first book The Regulars. The book features over 40 images from Stolfa’s series of portraits taken while working as a bartender at McGlinchey’s in Philadelphia — depicting the return customers who make McGlinchey’s their home away from home.

Stolfa won The New York Times Photography Contest for College Students in 2004 for her series “The Regulars.” After ten years tending bar at McGlinchey’s in downtown Philadelphia, Stolfa claims: “I was a bartender before I was a photographer, and I got into photography to get out of the bar.”

Tonight, both of these authors will be at the Free Library for a special Author Event starting at 7:30.

Author Event With Brian McManus and Sarah Stolfa
When: Wednesday, July 20, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Free Library Central Branch
Cost: FREE
More Info: www.freelibrary.org