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The Philadelphia Union are in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the very first time, and it all starts this weekend.

The Union will host the Houston Dynamo this Sunday, October 30, at 4 p.m. at PPL Park.

But before Sunday’s game, there are plenty of opportunities to show your support. Today, Friday, October 28, the Union will host a “Doopin’ to the Cup” rally party at Fado Irish Pub and Tir Na Nog in Center City from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Awesome bonus: Union players Freddy Adu, Gabriel Farfan, Carlos Valdes and Danny Mwanga will be there in person to pump up the crowds at each pub, plus give away special prizes.

The fun will continue when the Union travel to Houston for the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Thursday, November 3. Various viewing parties will take place at Union Pub Partners throughout the city (locations to be announced).

Go Union! DOOP!!

Philadelphia Union vs. Houston Dynamos
When: Sunday, October 30, 4 p.m.
Where: PPL Park
More info: www.philadelphiaunion.com

We’re officially in full-on Phillies Fever mode.

Here’s our latest With Love Letter that graces the cover of the Phillies Cheer Card, which you can pick up for free today at the Phillies Rally Trolley.

In the meantime, there’s also some serious playoff-watching to get ready for.

Game 1 of the National League Division Series, against the St. Louis Cardinals, starts at 5:07 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, while Game 2 will be Sunday at 8:07 p.m.

Even if you’re not one of the lucky Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park this weekend, we have a number of great suggestions of places to watch alongside other Phillies fanatics.

And since Philadelphia is going to be a sea of red this weekend, also check out our suggestions for where to pick up official Phillies gear plus (ahem) unofficial gear.

This is the day we’ve been waiting for since our favorite baseball players graced the playoffs last year. We can’t wait!!

NLDS Playoffs: Game 1
When: Saturday, October 1, 5:07 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Park

NLDS Playoffs: Game 2
When: Sunday, October 2, 8:07 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Park

Starting tonight, September 15, at 10 p.m., the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia gang is back for an all new season. The hilarious Philadelphia-set show puts our city on the national TV map; so, naturally, we’re obsessed.

For a little background: the show features five ne’er-do-wells who own and operate Paddy’s Pub in Philadelphia. Their constant scheming to get ahead by not-so-redeemable methods usually lands them in a world of hurt, but they somehow never learn from their mistakes.

And some cool news: Kaitlin Olson and Charlie Day were just nominated for Best Supporting Actress and Actor in a Comedy, respectively, for Entertainment Weekly’s EWwy awards.

To get a taste of what’s to come this season, check out the season seven trailer below.

Also, don’t forget you can pick up a free It’s Always Sunny-themed lunch at Square 1682 today starting at 11 am.! The first 200 customers snag a sandwich, chips and dessert.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia [FX]

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How sweet it is.

Philadelphia keeps proving its awesomeness in every conceivable arena: beer, food, photogenic-ness, walkability, bike-friendliness, sustainability, etc.

Add to all this proof, the recent trend involving both the Phillies and Eagles pursuing and acquiring top talent — often in direct competition with New York — to supplement their already impressive team rosters, as demonstrated by this weekend’s string of marquee acquisitions.

And New York is taking notice.

Yesterday, the New York Post wrote about it in a must-read article, declaring: “It’s staggering. It’s astonishing. Broad Street prevails over Broadway.”

And today, the Wall Street Journal got in on the action, publishing another great piece titled “Philly Out-New Yorks New York.”

Check out this awesome excerpt:

New York is developing a Philadelphia complex. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys may soon be in a Keystone State of Mind. Woody Allen might film a comedy of manners in Rittenhouse Square. East Hampton wants a Wawa store.

It’s feeling pretty good to be a Philadelphian right now.

The Phillies have the best pitching staff in the entire league not to mention the best record in baseball going to into August. And the Eagles, proverbially, are all in; they are shaping up like the team to beat in the NFC as we get ready for one of the most anticipated football seasons in recent memory.

And we get to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Go Phillies! Go Eagles!

Broad Street bests Broadway — again [New York Post]
Philly Out-New Yorks New York [Wall Street Journal]

“Thanks to everyone in Philly for a great 6 yrs. What a great city and an awesome place to play.” – Former Flyers Captain Mike Richards on Twitter yesterday after being traded to the L.A. Kings

According to ESPN, Richards, who was a first-round draft pick of the Flyers in 2003, had a total of 133 goals and 216 assists in 453 career games with the Flyers.

We’re sad to see him go, but glad to see he still has love for Philadelphia!

At right, a Richards-specific With Love Letter custom-made for the Flyers’ exciting Stanley Cup playoff run in 2010.

[MRichie18/Twitter]

Carol Stoudt of Stoudt's Brewing Company will be at the With Love Beer Garden tonight. (Photo courtesy Stoudt's)

[This is the final installment in our With Love Beer Garden Q&A series, which we've published each day this week in honor of the Philly Beer Week With Love Beer Garden at the Four Seasons Philadelphia Hotel's courtyard. One of tonight's featured brewers is Carol Stoudt of Stoudt's Brewing Company. Read on to hear her weigh in on Philadelphia's beer heritage, her favorite summer brews and more.]

Carol Stoudt founded Stoudt’s Brewing Company in 1987; the company has proclaimed her the first woman in America to oversee the design and development of a craft brewery from start to finish. In accordance with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, all of Stoudt’s beers are made solely with spring water and only the finest barley, hopes and yeast to provide an all-natural product.

We recently talked with Carol to get the scoop on her favorite Beer Week events, special summertime Stoud’ts brews in the pipeline and more.

Uwishunu: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. We can’t wait for the Stoudt’s Meet the Brewer event as part of the With Love Beer Garden’s closing night tonight! In addition to the Beer Garden, what other Beer Week events are you most excited about/or have you really enjoyed?

Carol: We are all looking forward to “The Von Stoudt Family Singers present the Sound of Lagers event” at the Hop Angel Brauhaus with Scoats — something different: beer songs and our traditional folk dress.

Uwishunu: Sounds awesome. Maybe it’s because of that spirited character that over 20 years, Stoudt’s Brewing Company has evolved from a small brewery with limited draught distribution to a packaging regional microbrewery with distribution in 10 different states, producing more than 10,000 barrels a year. Why do you think the Philadelphia beer scene has thrived so impressively in the past decade and a half?

Carol: Independent restaurant and bar owners have always embraced local products — McGillians, White Dog, Bridget Foys, The London to name a few.

Below, Carol talks about sourcing local water for Stoudt’s beer, some of her favorite summertime brews and more.

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Dock Street Head Brewer Ben Potts will be at the With Love Beer Garden tonight.
(Photo courtesy Dock Street)

[This is the third installment in our With Love Beer Garden Q&A series, which we're publishing each day this week in honor of the Philly Beer Week With Love Beer Garden at the Four Seasons Philadelphia Hotel's courtyard. Tonight's featured brewer is Ben Potts of Dock Street Brewing Company. Read on to hear him weigh in on Philadelphia's beer heritage, his favorite summer brews and more.]

Dock Street Brewing Company was founded in 1985, one of the first microbreweries in the city and also in the entire country. Dock Street opened its current location in University City in 2007. Head Brewer Ben Potts joined the team that summer after earning medals in the area’s largest homebrewing competitions.

We recently talked with Potts to get the scoop on which Beer Week events he’s most looking forward to, the city’s rich beer heritage, his favorite beer and food pairings and more.

Uwishunu: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. We can’t wait for the Dock Street night at the With Love Beer Garden tonight! In addition to the Beer Garden, what other Beer Week events are you most excited about?

Ben: I’m really looking forward to our music festival Sunday, June 12th. This is something we’ve really been working hard on and last year it was a real blast. I’m also looking forward to the Russian River event at Local 44 on the same day. I just love those beers. Two great reasons to come out to West Philly on Sunday.

Uwishunu: We’ll be there. Dock Street opened in 1985 as one of the nation’s very first microbreweries and opened its current location in University City in 2007. Why do you think the Philadelphia beer scene has thrived so impressively, especially recently in the last decade or so?

Ben: Philadelphia has always been known for great beer, ever since the days of our founding fathers. When porter was the drink of the day, the porter brewed in Philadelphia was world renowned. Later on, after the Industrial Revolution and during the immigration boom of the early 20th century, many Germans flooded to the areas in and surrounding Philadelphia. These Germans brought their beer heritage with them and began making the classic pilsner style that has become the most popular style in the world today, and Philadelphia was a part of that.

And of course, Philadelphia is a town of amazing food and restaurants. I think with great food it is inherent that people will gravitate towards great drink as well. Philadelphians really appreciate flavor. I think it all comes from there, and the people who strive to enjoy AND make these kinds of things. Philadelphia is just blessed to have a lot of those people.

Below, Ben talks about using local ingredients, his favorite Dock Street beers to enjoy in the summertime and more.

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Tonight is night two of the With Love Beer Garden and Weyerbacher will be the featured brewer. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

[This is the second installment in our With Love Beer Garden Q&A series, which we're publishing each day this week in honor of the Philly Beer Week With Love Beer Garden at the Four Seasons Philadelphia Hotel's courtyard. Tonight's featured brewer is Weyerbacher Brewing Company. Read on to hear head brewer Chris Wilson, national sales manager Bob Fauteux and regional sales manager Mike Lubieski, weigh in on Philadelphia's beer heritage, their favorite summer brews and more.]

Weyerbacher Brewing Company was founded in 1995 by Dan and Sue Weirback — Weyerbacher is the original German spelling of the family name. In 16 years, the brewery has grown from 1 to 10 people, and from Dan’s kitchen to a 20,000 square-foot manufacturing facility.

We recently talked with head brewer Chris Wilson, national sales manager Bob Fauteux and regional sales manager Mike Lubieski collectively to get the scoop on Philadelphia’s beer heritage, their favorite summer brews and more.

Uwishunu: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. We can’t wait for the Weyerbacher night at the With Love Beer Garden tonight! Besides the Beer Garden, Philadelphia has plenty of awesome bars and restaurants. What are some of your favorite places in the city to go to grab a beer and a bite?

Weyerbacher: Varga Bar, Perch, Standard Tap and Hulmeville Inn.

Uwishunu: You’re celebrating Weyerbacher’s 16th anniversary this year — congratulations by the way(!) — why do you think the Philadelphia beer scene has thrived so impressively in the past decade and a half?

Weyerbacher: The Philly beer scene has grown because they support a lot of great local breweries, of which we are one. Also, Philly has the most educated consumer of any city. They demand quality everywhere.

Uwishunu: Too true. The Weyerbacher Brewing Company recently claimed a bronze medal in the Brewers Association (BA) World Beer Cup® 2010, a global beer competition that evaluates beers from around the entire world. Do you source ingredients locally for any of those Weyerbacher beers?

Weyerbacher: Wet hops for our Harvest Ale are grown on the company farm. We would try to buy local whenever the possibility permits itself. Our Weyerbacher Sixteen is brewed with local honey.

Note: tonight at the With Love Beer Garden, from 6-7 p.m., Philly Beer Week goes digital with the first-ever Philly Beer Week Tweet Up. Attendees who Tweet their experience (using the official hashtag #withlovebg) and show the Tweet to @PhillyBeerWeek or @VisitPhilly representatives in the garden will be entered to win prizes from host brewery Weyerbacher (@Weyerbacher) and the Four Seasons (@FSPhiladelphia).

With Love Beer Garden
Where: The Courtyard at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, 1 Logan Square
Note: You can enter straight from the corner of 18th and Cherry Streets; you don’t need to go through the hotel
When: Today-June 10, 4-8 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.visitphilly.com

The re-release party for Victory's Summer Love Ale will launch the festivities at the With Love Beer Garden today from 4-8 p.m. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

The With Love Beer Garden officially opens today!

The beer garden is open 4-8 p.m. Monday through Friday this week.

Today’s festivities kick off today at 4 p.m. and include the launch party for the re-release of Victory Summer Love Ale.

Victory Brewing Company Founder and Head Brewer Bill Covaleski is tonight’s featured brewer, so he’ll be on hand to talk about Victory and let you sample some of the brewery’s best beers. Check out our Q&A with Bill for an insider look at some of his favorite bars and restaurants in Philadelphia, why Victory sources ingredients locally and more.

All afternoon and into the evening, we’ll be live-blogging from the With Love Beer Garden to give you the up-to-the-minute scoop on the food, the music, the scene and, of course, the beer.

Hope to see you here!

3:12 p.m.: Ok, we’ve arrived a little early to get set up and get the lay of the land. Stay tuned as we’ll be posting updates right here as the opening approaches.

3:20 p.m.: Awesome! Five beers on the menu tonight from Victory Brewing Company: Summer Love Ale, Prima Pils, Hop Devil, Headwaters Pale Ale and Golden Monkey.

3:28 p.m.: Hey-O! @VisitPhilly is in the house!

3:34 p.m.: Um, did we mention it’s gorgeous out here?

3:38 p.m.: Oh, wow. Just caught a whiff of something amazing smelling from the Four Seasons food offerings. Going to do some reconnaissance now…

3:46 p.m.: Did you know The Four Seasons gets its soil for the lush plantings in this courtyard from compost from its kitchens?

3:50 p.m.: Ok, so we just located the source of delicious smells. Grilled sliders, topped with Taylor pork roll, American cheese and grilled onions. Amazing.

Read on, below.

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UPDATE: Video removed.

Last month, we invited Philadelphia visitors, fans and residents to write our next With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® billboard.

And write they did! We received more than 2,700 entries.

And now we’re ready to announce our Philly-loving winner. You can watch the video, above, counting down ten fabulous love letters and ending with the one we chose as the winner. Look out for the winning With Love line to appear on a billboard later this month along I-95 near the Girard Avenue exit!

Below, some fun facts about the Write-A-Billboard contest.

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