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Who has the power to shape our cities and how does the design of our cities affect our lives?

These questions are at the center of Urbanized, the final documentary in the design trilogy (remember Helvetica?) by acclaimed filmmaker Gary Hustwit. It makes its Philadelphia premiere on Thursday, November 3 at Drexel University.

Two screenings are scheduled, one for 6:30 p.m., and another for 9 p.m., followed by a talkback session with the audience hosted by Hustwit.

Urbanized, which the New York Times calls a “beautifully photographed film,” is a feature-length documentary about the issues and strategies related to urban design. More than half the world’s population now lives in urban areas and 75% will call a city a home by 2050.

By exploring a diverse range of urban design projects in cities around the globe, including Rio de Janerio, New Orleans, Santiago, Cape Town and Beijing, among countless others, Urbanized frames a global discussion on the future of cities, from massive infrastructure initiatives to temporary interventions.

Check out the trailer below.

Urbanized screenings
When: Thursday, November 3, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where: Mitchell Auditorium, Bossone Research Center, 3140 Market Street
Cost: $15 general admission, $13 students
More info: www.urbanizedfilm.com

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The weather may be getting chilly, but Longwood Gardens' Conservatory is bursting with a flowers and plants that will make you feel warm and sunny. (Photo courtesy Longwood)

With autumn in full swing, Longwood Gardens is the perfect place to enjoy nature’s colorful foliage across the gorgeous property.

On October 29, Longwood Gardens opens its annual Chrysanthemum Festival, which will feature 20,000 blooming chrysanthemums grown in extraordinary ways throughout Longwood’s four-acre conservatory.

The highlight of the festival is the nation’s largest chrysanthemum, the Thousand Bloom Mum, with more than 1,000 (!!) blooms and measuring more than 11 feet in diameter.

The idea and method for growing the Thousand Bloom (known in Japan as “Ozukuri”) was introduced in Japan and China more than 200 years ago, and is the most difficult of all the chrysanthemum training styles. The growing technique takes a whopping 15-18 months and involves meticulous care to arrange the blooms in a dome shape.

Check out this video of the making of the famous flower.

Be sure to take a trip out to Kennett Square to check out the Chrysanthemum Festival and Longwoods’ hundreds of acres of glowing reds, brilliant golds and bright oranges of nature’s foliage.

Chrysanthemum Festival at Longwood Gardens
When: October 29-November 20
Where: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Cost: $38, ages 16 and up; $22, ages 15 and under
More info: www.longwoodgardens.org

Theater meets history at this intriguing event. (Photo by Jeff Goldberg/Esto for Ennead Architects)

If you adore the arts or you’re a bit of a history buff, you’re in for a rare and powerful treat.

The Wilma Theater and the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) are co-hosting a special public event that will encompass both topics on Tuesday, November 1, at 7 p.m.

“America as Haven” is a panel-led discussion that will examine the idea and reality of the U.S. as a place for immigrants to find a new life. It will be presented at the gorgeous NMAJH on Independence Mall.

Moderated by noted author and Rutgers University Professor of Jewish Studies Jeffrey Shandler, the event will contain gripping historical narratives from throughout the centuries as well as compelling live stories from present day.

Discussing her own personal experiences as an immigrant will be Blanka Zizka, Wilma Theater Artistic Director and Director of its current production, Our Class, who was born in the former Czechoslovakia. She will share the stage with other 20th century immigration experts.

Actor Michael Rubenfeld from Our Class will offer further insights into the immigrant experience through dramatic readings of letters — straight from the museum’s exclusive collection — that were written across the continents between immigrants and their families.

Tickets are free, but seating is limited. A complimentary reception will follow the discussion.

“America as Haven” Discussion and Reading
When: Tuesday, November 1, 7-9 p.m.
Where: National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East
Cost: Free
More info: www.nmajh.org

Dig into a scrumptious selection of all things apple from crisp apple fritters to warm apple doughnuts, enjoy live bluegrass music and shop for local crafts along Street Road for the perfect crisp fall weekend in the countryside. (Photo courtesy Peddler’s Village)

Embrace the vibrant fall colors of Bucks County and celebrate autumn with scenic landscapes, treats galore and artisan vendors at the 2011 Peddler’s Village Apple Festival.

This year, the festival will take place Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the quaint Bucks County town, offering fun and scrumptious activities the whole family can enjoy. Here are some highlights of the apple-filled weekend:

Apple Treats:

The festival will feature all delicious eats made with — what else? — apples! Featured at the festival will be homemade country Pennsylvania Dutch apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters and a seasonal favorite for one and all: caramel apples. Sip a warm cup of locally produced apple cider to wash it all down. Be sure to bring along your appetite as you ring in fall with apple goodies.

Apple Picking:

Sample an array of green, golden or red delicious apples from local orchard Fairview Farm of Pineville, and take home a bushel of your favorite.

Artisan Vendors:

The Street Road Green Artisan Area will feature numerous talented artisans showcasing their unique crafts, holding demonstrations and selling their goods. Shop the unique handcrafted items at the 40 artisan booths, including decorative ironwork, folk art, jewelry, pottery, Victorian stained glass, leather creations, hand painted and reproduction furniture.

Entertainment:

Live musical entertainment will be featured throughout the weekend, and apple pie eating contests (3 p.m. both days) will be hosted. Want to participate? Contestants are chosen by lottery and must sign up from 10 a.m.-2:45 p.m. at the Hospitality Booth on the Main Green. You can also watch authentic demonstrations of cider production in an antique cider press and old-fashioned apple butter cooking in a huge cauldron. Enjoy the jugglers and stilt walkers on the Main Green as well.

2011 Peddler’s Village Apple Festival
When: Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: 41 Peddler’s Village Road, Lahaska
Cost: Free admission and parking, pay as you go activities
More info: www.peddlersvillage.com

Want to make dessert as good as the ones that cap off a delectable meal at a Jose Garces restaurant?

You’re in luck. Adriane Appleby, who launched the pastry programs at Garces flagships Amada and Tinto, has started a series of hands-on instructional baking courses called “Oh, You Bake.”

You can sign up for individual classes, or an entire semester. There are two levels, Level 2 requiring initial attendance of Level 1. Appleby hosts the classes in the kitchen at Green Line Café in West Philly.

Experienced and novice bakers alike will enjoy the instructional classes, and learn something about not only how to sift flour, how long to stir and what kind of flour to use for what consistency, but also about the chemistry of baking.

The schedule includes cupcakes, cookies, pies, jam, cakes, French pastries, scones, coffee cakes and more. Check out the full schedule here.

“Oh, You Bake” Classes
www.addymaes.com

via Former Garces pastry chef launches series of hands-on baking classes [City Paper]

SoleFood creates a memorable culinary experience in an upscale but hip environment which mixes eclectic cool with classic style. (Photo courtesy Loews Philadelphia)

Contemporary décor and gracious hospitality make Loews one of Philadelphia’s most inviting luxury hotels, and not just for out-of-town guests.

One of the best ways to experience the hotel is by dining or drinking at SoleFood, the restaurant inside.

Now’s a great time; SoleFood has revamped its menus for fall, in addition to offering new happy hour specials and jazz nights.

Head in any day from 5-7 p.m. for SoleFood Lounge’s Philadelphia Happy Hour. Enjoy small-bite food treats and drink specials featuring Loews signature cocktails, along with local draft beers. Special food and beverage combos cost only $5.

Plus, Wednesday through Friday evenings from 6-9 p.m., stop into the SoleFood Lounge and enjoy live jazz with the cool sounds of Joanna Pascale. Philadelphia Weekly has called her “stunning, sophisticated and extremely soulful.”

Enjoy a cozy table for two or make new friends at one of the communal tables featuring a center display of river rocks and candles. Check out the new menus, below.

SoleFood at Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market Street
www.loewshotels.com

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November is story time in Philadelphia.

Now in its 10th year, the First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art, the only festival of its kind in the world, is a celebration of real life.

Artists and everyday people from both Philadelphia and across the entire country take part in the annual event, First Person Arts’ flagship festival, sharing their stories and experiences.

Over 11 days at five venues, the festival includes documentary film premieres, foodie events, live performances, workshops with artists, author readings, art exhibits, two one-woman shows and many special celebrations.

Highlights of this year’s 10th Anniversary Festival, the most ambitious to date, include the Philadelphia premiere of Liberty City, a powerful one-woman show about growing up during the Black Power Movement of the 1970s; The Adam Wade from NH Show, a charming tale of nerdy adolescent awkwardness by one of the country’s top storytellers; and the launch of a new haiku and mural collaboration, Peace is a Haiku Song, between First Person Arts and the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program in honor of poet Sonia Sanchez.

The 2011 First Person Festival Hub is the Christ Church Neighborhood House. Other venues include the Khyber Upstairs, DiNardo’s Famous Crabs, Reading Terminal Market, Painted Bride, and the Omni Hotel at Independence Park.

Starting Friday, November 11, Khyber Upstairs will offer drink specials and live performances every night of the festival. Happy Hour runs 6-8:30 p.m. as well as during The Adam Wade from NH Show. First Person Festival ticket holders also get 10% off their food orders.

Ticket information is available online, and you can check out a full event calendar.

Stay tuned for more details on specific events, the Khyber’s First Person Arts specials and more.

10th Annual First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art
When: November 10-20
Where: Venues throughout Old City
Cost: Prices range from free to $125 (most are $15); groups of 10 or more save 15% on tickets
More info: www.firstpersonarts.org

Philadelphia’s beloved modern dance troupe Philadanco returns to the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater for their fall showcase, November 4-6.

The group was founded in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, who for four decades has provided a place for young African-Americans to dance professionally.

In a program featuring both new work and company favorites, Philadanco will perform form numbers on the Perelman Theater stage. Plus: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra drummer Ali Jackson Jr. and guest musicians will play LIVE for the Philadelphia premiere of Hope Boykin’s Watching Go By, during the day show on Friday night and Saturday night only.

Watch this exclusive video interview for more about Philadanco’s inspirations.

Tickets to the show, starting to sell out, are available online.

Philadanco at the Kimmel Center
Where: Broad and Spruce Streets
When: November 4-6
Cost: Tickets start at $38
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org

East Passyunk Avenue is a great place to dine under the stars this evening, or else participate in the Witch CRAFT Beer Crawl; $3 drink specials anyone?
(Photo courtesy East Passyunk)

[Fall evenings in Philadelphia are always 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 round up our selections for the most can't-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]

• East Passyunk Avenue Witch CRAFT Beer Crawl: Get ready to haunt East Passyunk Avenue tonight, when eleven bars and restaurants offer $3 fall-themed craft beers for a Halloween-themed beer crawl. A $6.66 admission includes $3 beers, a witch hat and a witch craft stamp card. Collect stamps at each location by purchasing a $3 craft beer or any other food and beverage items. Six stamps enters you to win a prize package from participating bars worth more than $250.

Where: East Passyunk Avenue, Federal to McKean Streets
When: Tuesday, October 25, 6-10 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go

• Devil’s Den and Krispy Kreme’s Doughnut and Craft Beer Tasting for PAWS: Head to Devil’s Den in South Philly to enjoy three delectable doughnut-beer pairings: the Original Glazed Donut with Philadelphia Brewing Company’s Joe Porter; Cinnamon Bun Doughnut with Yards’ Thomas Jefferson Ale; and the Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut with Weyerbacher’s Verboten. Each flight, which includes all three pairings, is available for $10, with $4 from each sale going to PAWS.

Where: Devil’s Den, 1148 S. 11th Street
When: Tuesday, October 25, all day
Cost: $10 per flight

• Our Class at Wilma Theater: The story begins in 1926, in a small town in Poland, where 10 characters are childhood classmates. Through 14 acts we follow their lives, which dramatically change when the town is first invaded by Stalin’s army and later by German Nazis. The classmates become divided as anti-Semitism destroys their camaraderie and leads to unspeakable actions.

Where: 265 S. Broad Street
When: Tuesday, October 25, 6:30 p.m.; show run is through November 13
Cost: $39-$66

• Philadelphia Film Festival: The fest continues this evening with 10+ screenings to choose from, at venues all around the city.

Where: Locations vary
When: Tuesday, October 25, last screening starts at 10:15 p.m.; festival goes through November 2
Cost: Individual screenings start at $12

• “A Play, a Pie, and a Pint”: The Ching Room by Alan Bissett: Brilliantly casual theater is served up alongside a pie (a slice of pizza) and a pint (a drink of choice) during the “A Play, a Pie, and a Pint” series, which reinvents the traditional “formal” theater experience by offering one-act plays performed at non-traditional times (6 p.m.) on days when many other theaters are dark (Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Where: The Red Room, Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th Street
When: Every Tuesday & Wednesday at 6 p.m., October 4-26
Cost: $15, includes play ticket, slice of pizza and drink

• Outdoor dining: Take advantage of the pleasant fall weather to grab drinks or dinner outdoors tonight. We have lots of suggestions, from Square 1682′s Pitchers & Platters on the patio to Revolution House’s rooftop terrace to Frankford Hall’s under-the-stars beer garden.

As of this past spring, Visit Philly, Philadelphia’s Official Visitor Site and our flagship website, has its own branded page on Foodspotting, the web and mobile platform dedicated to finding and sharing good food.

With tailgate season in full swing, and temperatures starting to drop, Visit Philly is now expanding Philadelphia’s presence on Foodspotting with seven brand new guides.

The addition of seven guides means visitors to Visit Philly’s Foodspotting page now have 21 themed food and drink lists from which to choose. Here’s the dish on the recent mouth-watering additions:

• The Hoagie: Philly’s Go-to Cold Sandwich: Delicious hoagies from South Philly to the suburbs
• Classic Cocktails: Best ways to drink in Philadelphia’s Prohibition history
• Gluten-Free Philly: Great gluten-free dining options
• Hot Dog Days of Philadelphia: Haute dogs to traditionally topped ones
• Meatball Madness: Comfort food that Philly restaurants are having a ball with
• Philly’s Coffee Scene: Coffee and cappuccino and latte, oh my
• Upscale Popcorn in Philadelphia: What’s poppin’ in Philly’s popcorn world

Additional guides include Famous Philly Flavors, Tastykake-inspired Dishes, Beer Lovers’ Breweries, Veg-Out! and more.

A refresher course on how Foodspotting works: users recommend their favorite dishes and drinks by taking photos of the items and sharing them with the community via the Foodspotting website or smartphone app. They can bookmark foods they want to try, endorse their favorite foods by giving them a blue ribbon or a “nom,” gain points and expert titles, follow other users and guides and earn badges by “spotting” food items.

One of Time magazine’s “Best Websites of 2010,” Foodspotting is dedicated to helping people find and share good food. Visit Philly is taking that one step further and helping Philadelphia residents and visitors find and share the city’s own delicious food.

Check out the cocktail Foodspotting guide below; and be sure to start adding your own photos to it!

Visit Philly on Foodspotting [Foodspotting]

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