Entrance to Out on a Limb; photo by M. McClellan

More than five years in the making, the Morris Arboretum opens their new permanent exhibit on July 4th. Called the Tree Adventure, your experience begins with Out on a Limb, a 450-foot-long canopy walk more than 50 feet above ground level, that gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the forest.

From the Canopy Walk, you’ll cross the Swaying Suspension Bridge to the Bird’s Nest, scamper onto the Squirrel Scramble’s rope-netting skirting two towering trees, head to the top of the Wissahickon Vista platform for sweeping views and wander along the raised platform of the Canopy Walk.

Once you’ve taken in the views, pick up a Tree Adventure Passport and explore the tree education stations set up across the arboretum grounds. Kids get a small prize if they complete the learning challenges at each of the five stops.

The Tree Adventure is free with the cost of admission to the arboretum. Adults are $14 and children/students are $7. The arboretum is open 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. (on weekends during the summer months, they’re open until 5 p.m.). Click the image above to see a full slideshow of images from Tree Adventure.

Morris Arboretum
100 Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-5777
http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/index.shtml

Last year’s Seaport Starlight Cinema Outdoor Movie Series

Looking for a free ride this summer? The Independence Seaport Museum has got you covered with a host of no-cost activities. First up, is the Museum’s free outdoor Wooden Boat Festival that’s set for June 21. But, if you’re looking to get inside the museum and check out some of the nautical themed exhibits, like the new Skin & Bones: Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor, visit on Sunday mornings, from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. to take advantage of the Pay-What-You-Wish program.

With the Seafarin’ Saturdays program, little sailors can have some free fun. Every first Saturday of each month, the museum hosts a free activity, like a craft or lesson. It’s free with regular museum admission. Also on the first Saturday catch free Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Olympia & Becuna. Here you can get a VIP tour of the famous Philly residents and tour spots usually off-limits to the public, like the Olympia’s triple expansion steam engines, boiler room, and working ash hoist. You’ll even get the chance to take a peek through the sub’s periscope. These special tours are free with regular museum admission and run from 12 to 4 P.M. Just remember only landlubbers 12 years and older can tour the ships and you need to be able to climb steep stairs.

If cinema rather than the sea is your thing, come to the Seaport Starlight Cinema Outdoor Movie Series scheduled throughout the summer. There’s no red ink to this event, but there will be plenty of tattoos. Enjoy flicks with a body art theme while celebrating the Seaport Museum’s newest exhibit Skin & Bones. The first movie debuts on Tuesday, July 21, followed by August 18 and September 15.

More after the jump!

The nights promise to be an interactive experience and there just might be a certain sailor who likes spinach appearing on the big screen one of those nights. Each movie features free popcorn and pre-film fun, like trivia contests, music, and guests are even encouraged to bring picnic suppers or snacks to enjoy al fresco- that’s more than you can say about your average movie theater!

The museum wraps up summer with a bang, or maybe an argghhh! September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! and what better spot to commemorate the day than at the Seaport Museum. Shiver me timbers, ya landlubbers can enroll for the day in “Pirate U” and get all the insider tips on how to be a first-class privateer.

Swashbuckling-themed activities throughout the galleries will give little maties some pirate training, while everyone is urged to come dress in full buccaneer costume. The event is free with general Museum admission.

Independence Seaport Museum at Penn’s Landing
211 South Columbus Boulevard & Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.phillyseaport.org
(215) 413-8628

Nothing says ‘I love you, Dad’ like 3.1 miles. Am I right? This father’s day, partake in the 7th Annual Run 4 Your Life… Beat Prostate Cancer 5K run, 5K walk, or 1 mile fun walk. This is the second year my dad and I are running the race, and my big sister is even joining us this time! It’s a nice event to participate in, especially if you run it with or for your father.

Each year the run unites prostate cancer survivors, their families, medical practitioners, supporters, and simply runners in the fight against the disease (like my dad & I). At the 2007 race, we got to meet Gary Papa and Vince Papale, both survivors.

The race starts and finishes near the steps of the Art Museum. If you’re feeling energetic after the run, race your dad up the steps Rocky-style. If not, take him out to a nice brunch in the Art Museum area instead, like at London Grill or Bishop’s Collar.

A $25 race registration fee benefits the Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health that works to help advance awareness and research. Hope to see you there!

Run 4 Your Life 5K
June 21st, 2009 @ 8:30AM
www.run4yourlife.org

The glorious 16MM reels at the Lawn Chair Drive-In

It’s that time of year again. We’ve struggled out of the gray doldrums of winter, through the bitter-sweet April rains, jumped right into the perfect days of May, and now we’ve fallen smack-dab into the middle of sultry summer.

Along with summer comes one of my favorite weekly events: The Lawn Chair Drive In in Liberty Lands Park, where every Tuesday at dusk you are invited to gather, lounge and enjoy films shown on 16mm. This year’s season opens June 16th with Lair of the White Worm and closes August 18th with a double feature of The Wizard of Oz. The first will be the kid’s version; the second the adult version… you know, shown to the soundtrack of Dark Side of the Moon.

Each week features vintage trailers and obscure cartoons before the main attraction and is always free. Grab your lawn-chair/ blanket and your favorite people, hit the Foodery for some refreshing beverages, and sit back to enjoy the show.

The Lawn Chair Drive-In
Every Tuesday from June 16-August 18 @ dusk
Liberty Lands Park- 3rd Street, above Poplar
www.lawnchairdrivein.com

When you need a little break from the urban hustle of Philly, a natural retreat is closer than you think. Just minutes away from some of the city’s most famous attractions, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Bartram’s Garden combines both history and botanic beauty. It is after all, America’s oldest living botanical garden.

Visiting the gardens will put you in good company, since the grounds boast some famous guests, like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. John Bartram’s 18th century homestead, nestled next to the Schuylkill River features a full array of scenic landscapes. Birders should have a fabulous time spotting songbirds and other elusive species. Orioles are in fact in large quantity in the gardens and can their song can be heard from every corner of the grounds.

A stroll through the fragrant wildflower meadow is a must. Don’t forget to stop by and see the famous Franklinia alatamaha, the tree named in honor of Ben Franklin that John Bartram rescued from possible extinction. The oldest Gingko tree in the US is here as well, looming gracefully over the rolling hills of the garden.

A kitchen garden bursting with herbs and veggies, acres of meadow that offer exquisite views of the city skyscape and even a dock where you can ferry across the Schuylkill, means a trip to Bartram’s Garden promises a lot more than a chance to smell the roses.

Bartram’s Garden is open from dawn to dusk and admission is free, but guided tours cost $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students (kids under 12 years are free). Tours are only scheduled for weekend mornings and afternoons.

Bartram’s Garden
54th St. and Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19143
www.bartramsgarden.org
(215) 729-5281

Looking to enjoy the warm temps and scenic beauty of the great outdoors? A natural retreat is closer than you think at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. With 340 acres of preserved land and over three miles of hiking trails, it’s the perfect spot to spend some time with Mother Nature.

There are plenty of wild residents of the Schuylkill Environmental Center you might have the pleasure of meeting on your trip, like: deer, chipmunks, moles, foxes, opossums, skunks, frogs, toads, snakes and groundhogs, along with over 150 species of birds.

Head to the Education Building where there’s something for everyone. The Discovery Center is packed with vividly painted interactive exhibits, where kids can learn while having fun. There’s also an indoor bird blind that promises to give an upclose look at some timid feathered friends. The building’s Green Roof provides the perfect example of how to make an eco-friendly building top, while the Art Gallery is filled with eco-themed art exhibits.

An acorn’s throw away from the Education Building, you can enjoy the picnic grove and seasonal Butterfly House exhibit, plus the impressive Solar Panel Array (guaranteed to knock your organic hemp socks off). On other side of the property, sits the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, a free clinic and ER if you will for animals of all sorts. It’s also home to the organic community gardens, where anyone can rent a space and play farmer for a season.

Schuylkill Environmental Center
8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 482-7300
www.schuylkillcenter.org

Want to know why you’ve never heard of the Manayunk Kayak Tours? Because it’s actually called the Kayak Hidden River Tour. Duh. Hidden River Outfitters teams up with the Schuylkill Project and provides kayak tours along the Schuylkill River in Manayunk all summer!

You don’t have to be an expert at kayaking to enjoy this river tour. In fact, you can be very not expert. The tour starts out with a mini paddling instruction session with your guide, and then you’re ready to hop on in the kayak and explore all the hidden-ness of the Schuylkill (accompanied by your guide, of course).

Your $50 registration cost includes instruction, equipment rental and the guided tour. Most tours even include a meal at the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant! Also, this season there are two new versions of the staple tour – Jazz Brunch Tours and a special Early Morning Birding Tour. You can choose to enjoy jazz music and a breakfast buffet on a Sunday morning after your scenic kayak tour, or observe our feathered friends in migration from the water (don’t forget your binoculars!).

All tours depart from the dock at the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant on Main Street. All you have to do to sign up is call or go online! I can’t wait to try this out!

Visit their official website for more information. Have fun!

Uwishunu videoblogger Stephen Metzger met up with Ray Wyatt, the operations manager behind iGlide Tours, for a fun, hands on demonstration of iGlide’s Segway tour around Philadelphia’s museum district.

Tours meet up in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and explore a number of the area’s attractions, including Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive, and the Waterworks.

Interested in checking out the tour for yourself? Reservations are required, so visit iGlide’s official website to score some tickets.

iGlide Tours
www.iglidetours.com

(Meet at) Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
www.philamuseum.org

Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River, Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC

If you weren’t able to make it to last week’s Philly Cares About Fairmount Park Day, but still feel like gettin’ some dirt on your hands this week, the Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia is holding their annual Spring Cherry Tree Maintenance day.

If you’ve noticed how refreshing the arrival of our cherry tree blossoms are to the general psyche of the city every Spring, know that that doesn’t happen by itself. This is a fun opportunity to learn correct pruning and mulching technique from veterans of the program, and to get together with other folks who love the park.

There is a picnic following the work session, so check with the JASGP website for details and make sure to RSVP with them.

Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River, Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC

Volunteer opportunities in Fairmount Park for individuals and groups happen year round, thanks to organizations like Greater Philadelphia Cares, but a favorite event for me and my family has been the annual Philadelphia Cares About Fairmount Park Day. This year, mark your calander for Saturday, May 16th, and feel free to tell all your friends. It is a great way to share company with those you love, and to meet new people who also are crazy for Fairmount Park.

Over 1,000 people are expected to take part this year, with over 40 site specific projects happening throughout. If you would rather do a little something on your own, grab your biggest pruners and nippers, head to the nearest corner of the park, and have at the thorny Devil’s Walking Stick and any of the invasive vines attacking the trees… just steer clear of the poison ivy!

Philadelphia Cares About Fairmount Park Day 2009
Saturday, May 16th
www.philacares.com/events/annualpages/fpd.htm

Greater Philadelphia Cares
www.philacares.com

Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

Exploring Philadelphia couldn’t get any easier now that the Phlash is back for the season! For only $2 dollars a ride, enjoy the comfort and feel of an air conditioned trolley as it zooms by over 25 sights and attractions, including our beautiful waterfront, our famous Love Statue, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Please Touch Museum.

Feel free to jump off anytime to get a closer look, because another Phlash trolley will be on its way in… well, a flash! For only $5 dollars, you can get an all day unlimited Phlash pass, or $10 dollars for your family of four. Children under 5 and seniors always ride free!

And to make things even sweeter, the Phlash will happily accept any Septa TrailPass and TransPass along with the new one day Independence Pass which allows unlimited travel on the Phlash and all buses, trolleys, subways and trains throughout the Philadelphia region.

Now you really have no excuse to not see all of Philadelphia! Come be a tourist in your own city. Whether it’s a vacation, staycation or you happened to just wind up here, the Liberty Bell is only the beginning!

Philly Phlash
Running now through October 31st
10AM to 6PM, Daily
www.phillyphlash.com

Leaving Triumph during last year’s race

Does watching “The Amazing Race” leave you hankering to experience new and exciting activities? Don’t think that just because you’re not jetting of to Thailand or Brazil you can’t have a fun and competitive expedition. This Saturday, High Trek Adventure, which organizes scavenger hunts in cities around the country, is coming to Philadelphia.

In the Philly race, teams of two will meet at The Plough & Stars in Old City and embark on a day full of urban exploration. Clues will lead competitors to sites around town, where they will complete different challenges. It’s anybody’s guess what those challenges will be: bowling a strike at North Bowl? Eating a sundae at Franklin Fountain? Teams can bring just about anything they want to aid their quest — maps, iPhones, computers, Power Bars — but transportation is strictly on foot or courtesy of SEPTA — no bikes, cars, or cab rides allowed.

The goal of High Trek Adventure is to get people to venture beyond the corner coffee shop and experience their city in a new way. Over the course of the race, you may see places and navigate neighborhoods totally new to you. In addition to a sense of pride and adrenaline rush, the winning duo will get $300 and a chance to compete in a championship race with winners from other cities. Get ready to throw your elbows and dress to impress: even if you’re not the quickest pair out there, you could still take home a $50 gift certificate in the Best Uniforms category.

High Trek Adventure Philadelphia
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Check-in 11:00-11:50am, Race begins at 12pm
www.hightrekadventure.com

Starting place: The Plough & Stars
123 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Have you ever found yourself peering into the windows of the homes on Spruce St? It’s okay to admit it. We’ve all done that. Well now’s your chance to get a good look inside of some of the sweetest homes in all of Philly.

The Society Hill Open House and Garden Tour, sponsored by the SH Civic Association, will let you take a self-guided tour of 10 of the neighborhood’s nicest homes and gardens.

What’s even sweeter? The proceeds from the tour will be used for neighborhood improvement projects. So sign up, take a peek, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy getting the inside look you’ve always wanted.

Society Hill Open House and Garden Tour
Sunday, May 31, 2009. 1PM - 5PM.
RSVP: (215) 629-1288 or Email mattdejulio@aol.com

Drexel U’s Mechanical Engineering Department is hosting an awesome human powered vehicle race in Fairmount Park April 17 thorugh 19th, with teams competing from 50 colleges and universities around the US.

This is a huge and incredibly cool event, free to watch, and should prove a great way to spend a day with eco friendly transport folks who are part of our future. There are competition categories covering design and presentation, as well as the purely technical and speed aspects, so expect some rigs that look as well as they perform.

Bicycle up to Memorial Hall to watch the speed races, or over to the Mann Music Center for the endurance races. Bring friends… and bring a picnic lunch!

For more info, visit the official website of the race.

A five mile hike is no big deal. There are the beautiful nature trails along the Wissahickon and leisurely jaunts in Valley Forge that can take care of that. However, here is one for lovers of history, architechure, junk shops, public sculpture, food, and plenty of other surprises.

Germantown Avenue is one of the most historic streets in America, but since Philly is so utterly swimmin’ in history, we often drive it without considering it’s importance. Unless we live along it, we usually don’t slow down enough to really drink it in.

Any Saturday or Sunday morning, take the SEPTA from Market East or 30th Street Station and get off at Wayne Junction, a Frank Furness structure that at one time boasted that “more trains stop here than at any other station in the world.” Head northwest along Germantown Avenue and let the adventure begin.

Colonial mansions and Revolutionary War battle sites shoulder to shoulder with fried fish joints. Thrift shops and antique shops. Storefront churches and grand stone mountains of worship, as well as simple Mennonite and Quaker meeting houses. Vegetarian restaurants and barbeque, a real diner and real beer in real brew pubs. Book shops, historic print shops, discount sneaker stores and surprisingly reasonable sporting goods.

Then there is Wyck, where the same family lived for nearly 300 years. Famous for their roses, their boxwood, and where wysteria got its name…

More after the jump!

I love Chris Purdom’s on line tour of public art along Germantown Avenue. How did I NOT know about the giant Sun Ra mosaic, pictured above? Rocket #9 Take Off To The Planut Venus!

Walk all the way up into Chestnut Hill and relax on the grounds of the Woodmere Museum. Admission is free. To get back home, you’ll find public transportation options aplenty there at the top of Chestnut Hill.

Once you’ve walked Germantown Avenue it belongs to you forever, and becomes one more amazing thing about Philly you can share with friends.