May 10, 2010
Ah, the Silverstone Bed & Breakfast. This Victorian Gothic mansion seems to glisten from the top of Chestnut Hill with it’s silvery stone from the Appalachian Mountains. A mere five minute stroll from the R8 Chestnut Hill East station, Silverstone is nestled between Germantown and Stenton Avenues and borders wonderful attractions such as Valley Green Park, the Woodmere Art Museum and the scenic Morris Arboretum.
Upon arrival, my mother and I were welcomed by owners, Yolanda and Romuald, a pleasant couple who own this ten bedroom hideaway. The driveway is lined with spring flowers, and the house boasts a wrap around porch, white wicker furniture, and a gazebo on the lawn. The mansion is decorated with 18th century paintings, antiques, and fresh flowers within every room. The dining room is set each morning with homemade omelets, waffles, desserts, and any breakfast food you could imagine.
From outside each one of the many windows is a breathtaking view, you’re surrounded by lush pines in almost every direction. Beyond this serene setting are family-run stores, cafes, and restaurants all within walking distance.
This enchanting household will uplift your spirits and give you the sensation of being miles away.
Silverstone Bed & Breakfast
8840 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118-2846
(215) 242-3333
www.silverstonestay.com
February 23, 2010
In this week’s Northwest Philadelphia video, we’re exploring the unique shopping in Chestnut Hill.
Where else can you go to enjoy a freshly roasted cup of coffee, savor gourmet cheeses from around the world, experience a hot stone massage with heated river stones and buy fair trade jewelry, gifts and more, all in one neighborhood?
Only in Chestnut Hill, home to Philadelphia’s famed Belgian block-paved streets and dozens of specialty shops like Cake, Chestnut Hill Grill & Sidewalk Café, Jahaya’s All Natural Bath and Skin Care and others.
Join host Saleana Pettaway on a stroll down ‘The Avenue’ and see why this is one of Philadelphia’s – and the nation’s – most distinct neighborhoods around.
Check out the full list of sites featured in the video, after the jump.
Previously: Exploring Northwest Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill
February 23, 2010
Photo by Paul Meyer
This Sunday, February 28th, is your last opportunity to hunt for witchhazel at the Morris Arboretum. From noon to 2pm, visitors can explore the Arboretum, searching for the variety of witchhazel that adorn the gardens. Afterwards, guests can grab a hot chocolate from Bruno’s, and make crafts at the Visitor Center.
The event is free with regular admission, and no RSVP is necessary. Make sure you pick up your treasure hunt map at the Visitor’s Center before you head into the gardens.
According to the Arboretum, witchhazel is one of the first harbingers of spring. With all the snow Philly’s had over the past two weeks, it’ll be nice to see a sign.
Hunt for Witchhazel @ the Morris Arboretum
Sunday, February 28th, 2010, Noon – 2pm
Morris Arboretum
100 Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-5777
www.morrisarboretum.com
February 18, 2010
Part two of the video series takes us to the far end of the Northwest section of the city, to Chestnut Hill.
Chestnut Hill is the perfect mix of residential and retail, where you can shop on ‘The Avenue’ (Germantown Avenue), go hiking and biking in Valley Green (Wissahickon Valley Park), view masterpieces at the Woodmere Art Museum and loose yourself amidst the flora and fauna at Morris Arboretum, all in one day!
Take a cyber ride with our host, Saleana Pettaway as she explores the peaks and valleys of Chestnut Hill.
After the jump, check out the list of places featured in the video.
Previously: Exploring Northwest Philadelphia: West Oak Lane
February 12, 2010
Fun ceiling fans at the Little Treehouse Play Cafe
“Space to Play. Time to Think. Food and Drink.” I love the motto behind The Little Treehouse Play Cafe because those words say it all. The Play Cafe is the perfect escape for kids and parents alike. Located right off Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, the cafe offers a large space split into a cafe and playground that people of all ages can enjoy.
While the cafe is geared towards children and has an variety of choices on the kids menu, the adult menu was quite lovely. There is a fantastic variety of pizzas, paninis and salads. The atmosphere was fun, I was actually inside a playhouse when I ate my meal!
Smoked turkey panini from the Little Treehouse Play Cafe. Mmm!
For dinner I enjoyed half of the Smoked Turkey, Lancaster cheddar, pesto and arugula on country bread panini, a few slices of the Claudio pepperoni, tomato, mozzarella pizza and a raspberry iced tea. Their pizza is made with whole wheat dough and they use locally sourced food whenever possible. The panini and pizza were both fresh and full of flavor.
The play area is filled with massive structures that are both colorful and intricate. There is also a large variety of wooden toys with a focus on encouraging the children to use their imaginations. It seems children could entertain themselves here and play for hours on end. And while the kids are playing, the adults can enjoy an equally good time as The Little Treehouse Play Cafe is a BYO establishment.
Handing washing station for the kids
I also enjoyed the fact that in the play area was a no-shoe zone, in an attempt to keep the area as clean and germ free as possible. There were also hand sanitizers all over the place and a big watering trough on the floor by the bathrooms to encourage the kids to wash their hands frequently.
The Little Treehouse
10 West Gravers Lane, Chestnut Hill PA 19118
215-247-3637
www.treehouseplaycafe.com
January 20, 2010
Wellness Walks at the Arboretum
Despite the brisk and chilly weather, the Morris Arboretum is continuing their popular Wellness Walks, encouraging guests to explore and stroll around the Arboretum’s beautiful landscape. And now you can bring a friend. For free.
Now through February 12th, if you mention the “Winter White Sale” at the Arboretum’s kiosk while purchasing your ticket, you’ll score a second admission ticket, absolutely free.
So go, walk, and enjoy the fresh air. Your friend will thank you.
Morris Arboretum
100 Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-5777
www.morrisarboretum.com
January 19, 2010
Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra, Photo by Mark Gavin
It’s a form of music first popularized before Philadelphia and Baltimore became anything resembling the major cities they are today.
This weekend, major groups that focus on 17th-century style Baroque music from the two mid-Atlantic hubs are partnering for a weekend program, featuring Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos No. 2 and 3, alongside works by Vivaldi, Heinichen and Pisendel.
The Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra, Tempesta di Mare, is meeting up with Baltimore’s Baroque ensemble, Pro Musica Rara, over Concerto alla Venetiana, a program with two shows in Philadelphia and a third in Charm City.
On Friday, Jan. 22 at 8 PM, the two groups are joining together at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, a big, beautiful facade that rises from a particularly tree-lined stretch of Germantown Ave. Then they’ll play in the first Catholic Church erected in Philadelphia, on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 8 PM, at Old St. Joseph’s Chuch. For the rubber match, it’s back to Baltimore on Sunday Jan. 24 at 3:30 PM at Towson University Center for the Arts.
It’s a chance to see the collaboration of two celebrated music organizations playing Baroque styles, composers and works not often played today. Tickets range from $10 to $35, and can be ordered on Tempesta di Mare’s official website.
The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill
8855 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
www.chestnuthillpres.org
Old St Joseph’s Church
321 Willings Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3897
(215) 923-1733
www.oldstjoseph.org
January 5, 2010
The Abe Lincoln Comet, Image courtesy Mermaid Hill Studios
The recently opened Mermaid Lane Studios in Chestnut Hill is hosting a special open house this weekend, and you’re invited.
Owner and curator Todd Kimmell, a Philadelphia based historian (and occasional Uwishunu blogger & auctioneer at Space 1026), opened the studio back in December, and is quite proud of their first exhibit. Entitled Zouaves, Devils, & Sass, Mermaid Lane’s first gallery showcases single panel cartoons from the American Civil War, restored and rethought.
The open studio takes place this Saturday and Sunday, from 2pm to 7pm, and is also open by appointment on most days. Stop by, and check out Todd’s exciting new venture.
Open House @ Mermaid Lane
January 9th & 10th, 2010
Mermaid Lane Studios
133 East Mermaid Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118
November 17, 2009
Students explore the grounds outside, Photo courtesy the Waldorf School
Sometimes the best gift is one that’s handmade. The sort you can tell a lot of love went into. Handmade gifts and crafts are one of my favorite options for holiday gift giving. Normally I’d shop like mad at the Art Star Craft Bazaar, but alas, that won’t be back until next year. What’s a holiday shopper to do?
Well luckily, the Waldorf School of Philadelphia is hosting their seventh annual holiday craft fair this Friday and Saturday. Held in the Mount-Airy-Chestnut Hill section of the city (right near the Trolley Car Diner), the craft fair delivers unique handmade gifts from vendors all over the region.
It’s a great event for the whole family as well, not just the single shopper. Kids can look forward to puppet plays, jump-rope and candle making, craft activities, and a special $2 shopping room, while adults can enter raffles and sample delicious home-made, organic meals.
Admission is free on Friday, November 21st, and $5 for adults on Saturday, the 22nd. All proceeds benefit the Waldorf School of Philadelphia. For more information on the event, please visit the Waldorf School’s official website. Happy shopping!
Waldorf School of Philadelphia’s Craft Fair
Friday & Saturday, November 21st & 22nd
6PM – 10PM (Fri), 9AM – 5PM (Sat)
The Waldorf School of Philadelphia
7500 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 248-1662
October 9, 2009
Philadelphia has a thing for neighborhood-rooted foodie events. It makes sense; the city is full of diverse neighborhoods that all bring their own, distinct twists on cuisine to the mix.
And so Sunday brings the debut of Philly Neighborhood Food Week. Taking place October 11-18, PNFW spotlights restaurants within six participating neighborhoods, with $20 and $30 options being offered for multi-course (3-4) meals.
Participating neighborhoods include (click through to see the participating restaurants):
- Northern Liberties
- East Passyunk
- Manayunk
- Chestnut Hill
- Penn’s Landing
- South Street
So get out there. Neighborhood Food Week is a great opportunity to travel to ‘hoods you don’t typically frequent and try those buzz-worthy restaurants you just haven’t made it to yet. Happy tasting!
Neighborhood Food Week [Official Site]
