{"id":33890,"date":"2023-07-15T09:29:06","date_gmt":"2023-07-15T13:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/?p=33890"},"modified":"2023-07-15T09:29:09","modified_gmt":"2023-07-15T13:29:09","slug":"what-to-do-only-in-chester-county-blobfest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/?p=33890","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Only in Chester County — Blobfest"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff,<\/strong> Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"

Blobfest<\/p><\/div>\n

There are many interesting events scheduled for the area this weekend. Some of them range from unique to common and from hysterical to historical.<\/p>\n

Phoenixville is hosting an event that is unique — and loaded with hysterics.<\/p>\n

Two of the most over-used and often incorrectly used worlds in the English language right now are \u201cliterally\u201d and \u201cunique.\u201d \u201cLiterally\u201d means \u201cin a literal or strict sense\u201d while \u201cunique\u201d means \u201cbeing the only one of its kind.\u201d<\/p>\n

The annual BlobFest in Phoenixville is unique — literally. In the entire world, there is just one BlobFest and it\u2019s held every year right here in Chester County.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Blob\u201d is a low-budget horror film that was filmed at the Colonial Theatre and other locations around Phoenixville in 1958. The movie, which starred a very young Steve McQueen, has evolved over the years into a full-fledged cult classic.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlob\u201d fans from all around the globe will be heading to Phoenixville to participate in the Annual BlobFest.<\/p>\n

The Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, 610-917-1228, www.thecolonialtheatre.com<\/a>) will host the BlobFest with a variety of special events now through July 16.<\/p>\n

On July 14, it was time for the re-enactment of the \u201cRunning out of The Colonial\u201d scene. The dress code is billed as \u201ccreative\u201d so that the scene will look just like it did when that classic scene was filmed here many years ago.<\/p>\n

On July 15, the \u201cBlobfest Streetfair,\u201d which begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m., will start with a \u201cFire Extinguisher Parade\u201d at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s Street Fair is free to enter and features vendors, classic cars, a performance by Dibbs & the Detonators, Costume Contest, Tinfoil Hat Contest, Kid’s Activity Table, and Blobfest Festival Merchandise.<\/p>\n

The Colonial Theater will also host screenings of \u201cThe Blob\u201d and other horror films this weekend.<\/p>\n

The Sixth Annual Blobfest 5K\/10K and Kids\u2019 Fun Run is scheduled for the morning of July 16 with the first race — the BlobFest 10K — slated to go off at 8:05 a.m.<\/p>\n

Now through July 15, the Malvern Fire Company Fair (Monument Grounds, Monument Avenue, Malvern, 610-647-0693, http:\/\/www.pa-carnivals.com<\/a>) will be held from 6-10 p.m. each night.<\/p>\n

This is the \u201ccommon\u201d event. When it comes to town, village, county and state fairs, \u201ccommon\u201d is good.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommon\u201d is cotton candy, a ferris wheel, games of chance, amusement rides, corn dogs, adventure houses and games of skill.<\/p>\n

The free Malvern Fire Company Fair features rides, games and fun for the entire family and discount ride coupons will be available at local merchants.<\/p>\n

Guests can ride an unlimited number of rides at the 2023 Malvern Fire Company Carnival for just $20 per person per day when purchased online.<\/p>\n

A fireworks display is scheduled for July 14 with the rain date set for July 15.<\/p>\n

The \u201chistorical\u201d event will take place in a Chester County establishment that has been in operation for almost three centuries.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The General Warren Inne<\/p><\/div>\n

The General Warren Inne (9 Old Lancaster Road, Malvern, 610-296-3637, www.generalwarren.com<\/a>) is an historic site \u2014 a site with a lot of history and a site that is still involved in history of the area.<\/p>\n

Since 1745, the Historic General Warren Inne has been center stage for American history and a premier carriage stop for hungry travelers. The Inne was initially called the Admiral Vernon Inne and was changed to the Admiral Warren after the famed Admiral Peter Warren, a hero who defended the American colony at Louisburg, Nova Scotia during the French and Indian War.<\/p>\n

During the time of the American Revolution, the Inne was owned by John Penn of Philadelphia, who was a loyalist and the grandson of William Penn. Situated on the main highway between Philadelphia and Lancaster, it became a popular stage stop during the Revolutionary War era \u2014 and a Tory stronghold.<\/p>\n

The Paoli Massacre was planned and launched from the Admiral Warren Inne in September 1777. In 1825, the Admiral Warren was renamed the General Warren, to honor the American hero of Bunker Hill.<\/p>\n

Now, the General Warren Inne annually presents a series of lectures about America\u2019s war for independence. On the second Tuesday of each month, the Inne will host \u201cPaoli Battlefield Lecture Series\u201d presented by the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund.<\/p>\n

This month\u2019s installment of the Paoli Battlefield Lecture Series is \u201cThe Battle of The Clouds\u201d on July 20.<\/p>\n

What really happened after the Battle of Brandywine? Where was this little-known battle fought? Why did Washington cross the river to engage Howe again in the South Valley Hill area of the Great Valley? What happened here that set up the Battle of Paoli?<\/p>\n

Find out the answers to these questions in this lecture.<\/p>\n

Reardon will present his talk on the Battle of the Clouds starting at 6 p.m. at the General Warren. He will explain what happened after the Battle of the Brandywine and how this battle in the Great Valley area was shaping up to be another Brandywine for George Washington.<\/p>\n

Skirmishing broke out in two different places around the battlefield and Potter\u2019s Militia stationed near the Boot Tavern nearly captured Hessian Colonel Carl Von Donop. Find out what happened to Washington and his 10,000 troops situated on a strong position on South Valley Hill on September 16, 1777.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $55 for a meal, soft beverages, coffee\/tea and lecture. Alcoholic beverages are additional.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Artisan Market at Winterthur<\/p><\/div>\n

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org<\/a>) is presenting \u201cArtisan Market at Winterthur\u201d on July 15 and 16.<\/p>\n

Visitors can spend a summer day exploring\u00a0Winterthur\u00a0and shopping for original objects from more than 100 artisans at the\u00a0Artisan Market\u00a0this Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n

Some of the region\u2019s most talented craftspeople will present their outstanding wares, including antiques and collectibles, furniture and home d\u00e9cor, upcycled items and architectural salvage, high-quality handmade crafts, vintage clothing and jewelry, artisanal and small-batch gourmet goods, original art in a variety of media, garden items, and much more.<\/p>\n

Artisan Market reflects the mission of Winterthur by showcasing local artisans through a variety of handmade crafts relating to art, textiles, ceramics, glass, woodworking, antiques, edibles, and gardening. Each of these categories connects to Winterthur\u2019s past.<\/p>\n

Winterthur is always a special place to enjoy both history and nature.<\/p>\n

There seems to be no end to what\u2019s in bloom — and in almost every corner of the garden.<\/p>\n

The garden is a result of the artistic vision of its creator, Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) and is surrounded by nearly 1,000 acres of meadows, farmland, and waterways.<\/p>\n

The views in every direction are important to the whole. The paths are an integral part of the overall design, curving rather than straight, following the contours of the land, passing around trees, and drawing walkers into the garden.<\/p>\n

Visitors can explore the garden on foot, or on a narrated tram ride (March-December).
\nAdmission to Winterthur is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $8 for children.<\/p>\n

On July 16, Woodside Farm Creamery (1310 Little Baltimore Road, Hockessin, Delaware, www.woodsidefarmcreamery.com<\/a>) is hosting its National Ice Cream Day Celebration from noon-4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Visitors to the free event will be able to try new ice cream flavors, take a behind-the-scenes tour, play field games, meet one of the creamery\u2019s Jersey cows, and take part in an ice cream eating contest.<\/p>\n

There is a $5 registration fee for the ice cream eating contest with all the proceeds being donated to the Delaware Food Bank. Additionally, Food Bank will be accepting non-perishable food items.<\/p>\n

The Wilmington Street Food Festival (\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/wilmington-street-food-festival<\/a>) is coming to the Delaware Riverfront on July 15 and 16.<\/p>\n

This spectacular event, which will be held at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park (80 Rosa Parks Drive Wilmington, Delaware) will feature the Wilmington area\u2019s best restaurants and food trucks.<\/p>\n

Food items will be priced at $5 or less in order so that guests will be able to sample as many vendors as possible.<\/p>\n

The food is just part of the attraction. There will be live entertainment, general vendors, axe throwing, a giant beer garden, mechanical bull riding, crazy eating challenges & more.<\/p>\n

All food items will work on a voucher system with vouchers sold in sheets of 5 for $5. There will be various voucher stations throughout the festival.<\/p>\n

All vouchers will be used as cash at participating restaurants and food trucks with all food items priced at $5 or less. Drink vouchers can be redeemed for beer, wine, seltzers, mixed drinks, soda and water.<\/p>\n

This weekend, Auburn\u00a0Heights\u00a0Mansion\u00a0Tour\u00a0at\u00a0Auburn\u00a0Heights\u00a0Preserve (3000 Creek Road, Yorklyn, Delaware, 302-239-2385,\u00a0http:\/\/auburnheights.org<\/a>) will be open for visitation from 1-4 p.m.<\/p>\n

On July 20, the historic site will host \u201cAuburn Heights After Hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event, which gets underway at 5 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m., focuses on the stately\u00a0mansion, which is one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian\u00a0mansion\u00a0in Delaware.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0mansion\u00a0is the former home of the Marshall family whose legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings there today. Visitors will get to explore two floors of\u00a0Auburn\u00a0Heights\u00a0with a small group.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the\u00a0mansion.<\/p>\n

On June 15, the site, which features the Marshall Steam Museum and the\u00a0Auburn\u00a0Heights\u00a0Mansion, is hosting another\u00a0Mansion\u00a0Tour\u00a0at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

The featured food truck is Dixie’s Down Home Cooking<\/a>. There will also be craft beer from\u00a0Dew Point Brewing<\/a>\u00a0as well as wine, lemonade, water, sodas) from Total Wine.<\/p>\n

No train or antique auto rides will be available during after-hours programs. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.<\/p>\n

Admission — $6 (age 13 & up), $3 (age 6\u201312) — includes entry to the Marshall Steam Museum.<\/p>\n

Blueberries will be in the spotlight this weekend.<\/p>\n

\"\"On July 15 and 16, Highland Orchards (1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road, West Chester,\u00a0www.highlandorchards.net<\/a>) will host its annual \u201cBlueberries, Bluegrass, Beers, and BBQ Festival.\u201d<\/p>\n

This family friendly event, which runs from 11 a.m.4 p.m., will feature five food trucks, beer, wine & spirits, kids train, goat feeding, farm tours (weather permitting), and berry picking.<\/p>\n

Activities include live music by Bluetrain, pick-your-own-blueberries, E. Stoltzfus Family BBQ, Lavante Beer Garden, Albie\u2019s Burger Truck, Turk\u2019s Head Food Truck, Philly Hots Food Truck, Kettle Express Food Truck and other local vendors.<\/p>\n

The Bakery and Market will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with fresh, local produce, pies, donuts, fudge, homemade brittle, and many local favorites.<\/p>\n

This is a free event.<\/p>\n

Peddler\u2019s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000,\u00a0www.peddlersvillage.com<\/a>) is presenting its annual<\/p>\n

\u201cBluegrass & Blueberries Festival\u201d throughout July. this weekend.<\/p>\n

On July 15 and 16, Peddler\u2019s Village will be bursting with \u201cBluegrass and Blueberries\u201d at the festival which runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.<\/p>\n

The bluegrass will arrive on July 16 with a concert by Borderline.<\/p>\n

The weekend will include fresh local blueberries, blueberry-themed food, beverages, live bluegrass and country music, food trucks, kids\u2019 activities, and shop specials.<\/p>\n

Peddler\u2019s Village shops will be open until 8 p.m. on Saturday. Admission and parking are free. Rain or shine.<\/p>\n

During the month of July, blueberry-themed food and drink specials are being served every day in the village\u2019s restaurants and eateries<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On select Saturday and Sundays now through July 30, the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221,\u00a0http:\/\/www.chaddsford.com<\/a>) is presenting \u201cReserve Tastings \u2013 Summer Sips.\u201d<\/p>\n

The winery staff is matching the intense heat and bold flavors of the season with exciting, crushable combinations. From delicious textures to a diverse range of fruity, floral, and herbaceous flavors, they are keeping visitors fresh and cool with these carefully curated, summer-approved pairings.<\/p>\n

The winery\u2019s trained staff will guide guests through a pre-selected tasting of five widely\u00a0diverse wines from across the winery\u2019s portfolio alongside artisan cheeses and other accoutrements.\u00a0During this intimate and educational 60-minute experience, they will discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.<\/p>\n

The \u201cPairing Line Up\u201d is Greeting Wine: 2021 Sparkling White, 2022 Vidal Blanc with Goat Rodeo Chevre, 2022 Cabernet Franc with Hudson Valley Camembert with Blueberry Basil Jam, Good Vibes Only with Eclat Chocolate\u2019s Tahitian Vanilla Truffle and Niagara with Gemelli Gelato\u2019s Pear Gelato.<\/p>\n

Reserve Tastings are $35 per person and offered only on select Saturdays and Sundays.\u00a0There are three seatings per day \u2013 noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required\u00a0and are non-refundable.<\/p>\n

Chaddsford Winery is also hosting \u201cWine Down\u201d on Thursday and Fridays now through September 2 from 5-8 p.m. each night.<\/p>\n

\u201cWine Down\u201d will feature live music on Thursday evening and Quizzo trivia games on Fridays.<\/p>\n

In addition to wine available by the glass, there will be food items provided by Common Good Pizza.<\/p>\n

The schedule for live music is: July 20: Colin McGetrick, July 27: Acoustic Keys, August 3: Adam Moncao, August 10: Danie Ocean, August 17: John Rossi, August 24: Chris Peace, and August 31: Caroline Quinn<\/p>\n

Penns Woods Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http:\/\/www.pennswoodswinery.com<\/a>) is presenting a summer music series.<\/p>\n

The winery will open at 11 a.m. each day and have matinee performances of live music.<\/p>\n

There will be music by Allison Landon from 2-5 p.m. on July 15 while the concert on July 16 will feature Chris Despo from 2-5 p.m.<\/p>\n

On July 15, the Shady Grove Music Fest will be held at Arden Gild Hall<\/a> (2126 The Highway, Arden, Delaware, ardenconcerts.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The festival will run from noon-9 p.m. with performances by Purling Hiss, Toby Leaman (Dr. Dog), Slot,\u00a0Wasted Arrows,\u00a0Expo,\u00a0Lizdelise,\u00a0Russy,\u00a0HaHa Charade,\u00a0Captain’s Daughter\u00a0and\u00a0Righteous Jolly.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $29.<\/p>\n

On July 15, HopePHL is hosting the\u00a0Annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival at Saunders Park Green (Powelton Avenue at 39th Street, Philadelphia, www.hopephl.org\/lancaster-avenue-jazz-festival.html<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\u200bThe producers have once again curated an ensemble of stellar performers highlighting jazz musicians from a variety of backgrounds and musical directions.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s event features performances by Glenn Bryan and Friends, Lynn Riley & The World Mix, Dr. E. Diane Lyle-Smith & Friends, MJS Trio, and the Brent White Ensemble. The headline act is Spontaneous Creativity, led by Duane Eubanks<\/p>\n

The day will include a juried artists\u2019 village, food trucks, children\u2019s village, resources and fun for the entire family.<\/p>\n

The Eagleview Summer Concerts on the Square\u00a0at Eagleview Town Center (Wharton Boulevard, Exton,\u00a0www.ineagleview.com<\/a>) will present\u00a0Adam Ezra Group with special guest Sug Daniels on July 18, Incendio with special guest Kuf and Christine on August 1, Miko Marks with special guest Brittany Ann Tranbaugh on August 15 and Mellow Fever on August 29.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Road, Oaks, 610-529-3614,\u00a0phillyexpocenter.com<\/a>) is hosting two events this weekend \u2013 two very diverse events.<\/p>\n

On July 15, the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center will host the East Coast\u00a0Reptile\u00a0Super Expo featuring hundreds of live snakes and\u00a0reptiles.<\/p>\n

Many people think snakes and lizards are interesting creatures and maybe even fun pets to own. If you fall into this category, you should check out the show on Saturday. A wide array of\u00a0reptiles will be on display as part of the popular exhibition, which is an annual event that is closing in on its silver anniversary.<\/p>\n

One of the show\u2019s main attractions is a sales exhibit area featuring many vendors with live\u00a0reptiles, amphibians and arachnids as well as food items, supplies, books, cages, and related accessories.<\/p>\n

The East Coast\u00a0Reptile\u00a0Super Expo, which is always a well-attended event, will run from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. this Saturday. Tickets are $10 with children (under five) admitted free.<\/p>\n

The Expo Center is also hosting \u201cRanger Station\u201d on July 15 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Ranger Station is the first \u201cAll Power Ranger Con\u201d in the Philadelphia area and is billed as \u201cmade for fans by fans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visitors can meet actual Power Rangers, shop fun vendors and interact with artists. They even will have an opportunity to sit on Ranger Station\u2019s life-size Lord Zedd throne<\/p>\n

This month\u2019s edition of the 2023 Kennett Underground Railroad Bus Tours (www.kennettundergroundrr.org<\/a>) is scheduled for July 16.<\/p>\n

The popular, family-friendly bus tours are led by a knowledgeable local guide.<\/p>\n

Riders will have the opportunity to visit documented Underground Railroad sites, historic homes and Quaker Meetinghouses while learning about local abolitionists and anti-slavery activity in the Kennett Square area.<\/p>\n

The popular, family-friendly bus tours are led by a knowledgeable local guide.<\/p>\n

The tour also presents the contributions of local African Americans and their faith communities in the quest for freedom from slavery houses while learning about local abolitionists and anti-slavery activity in the Kennett Square area.<\/p>\n

The tour, which departs at 1 p.m., also presents the contributions of local African Americans and their faith communities in the quest for freedom from slavery.<\/p>\n

Tours begin at the Brandywine Valley Tourist Information Center, which is located at 308 Greenwood Road in Kennett Square.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $35.<\/p>\n

On July 15, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm (150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, www.cherrycrestfarm.com<\/a>) will host its \u201cSweet Corn Festival\u201d — a festival dedicated to celebrating the county’s farm fresh sweet corn.<\/p>\n

There will be special sweet corn foods available, as well as corn-themed crafts, games and activities. Cherry Crest’s themed corn maze will also be open.<\/p>\n

The Sweet Corn Festival will feature specialty sweet corn menu items, corn crafts and games, live music, local wine and craft beers.<\/p>\n

A popular attraction is the sweet corn eating contest — whether you\u2019re chomping your teeth as a contestant or clapping your hands as spectator.<\/p>\n

The free event will take place on Saturday from noon-5 p.m. while the Farm is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.<\/p>\n

The Kalmar Nyckel is holding public sails this month in Historic New Castle.<\/p>\n

The cruises will depart from the Historic New Castle Public Pier (1 Delaware Street, New Castle, Delaware, www.kalmarnyckel.org<\/a>) on July 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.<\/p>\n

For two decades, the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel, which has its home base in Wilmington, has been hosting riders all over the world \u2013 especially in Delaware.<\/p>\n

A ride on the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel is totally different from most tourist water rides. The ship is a beautiful recreation of the original\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel, which was built in Holland in the 1620s. Her mainmast is taller than a 10-story building and she carries 7,600 square feet of sail area and six miles of rigging.<\/p>\n

The original\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel was a Swedish-owned, three-masted armed pinnace that sailed from Goteborg, Sweden in November of 1637 and brought the first permanent European settlers to the Delaware Valley.<\/p>\n

In 1986 a group of citizens established the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel Foundation to design, build and launch a replica of the\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel at a shipyard adjacent to the original landing site.<\/p>\n

The new\u00a0Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel was constructed there and was launched on September 28, 1997. She was commissioned on May 9, 1998, and now serves as Delaware’s sea-going Ambassador of Good Will. She is a fully functional sail training vessel and has represented Delaware all over the country.<\/p>\n

Hope Lodge (553 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 215-343-0965,\u00a0http:\/\/www.ushistory.org\/hope\/<\/a>) will be presenting a \u201cGuided Mansion Tour\u201d on July 16.<\/p>\n

Hope Lodge was built between 1743 and 1748 by Samuel Morris, a prosperous Quaker entrepreneur. Morris acted as a farmer, shipowner, miller, iron master, shop owner, and owner of the mill now known as Mather Mill. Hope Lodge is an excellent example of early Georgian architecture, and it is possible that Edmund Woolley, architect of Independence Hall, offered advice in building. Samuel Morris owned the estate until his death in 1770.<\/p>\n

Visitors can participate by watching a short film and then taking a tour. Guided tours of the mansion will depart at 1 and 2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Tour admission is\u00a0$8 for adults, $5 for seniors (age 65+) and for youth ages 6-17, and free for children under 5. Hope Lodge is a Blue Star Museum which means that active-duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families, are admitted free for regular tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day.<\/p>\n

As part of Historic Philadelphia\u2019s anniversary celebration at Franklin Square (200 Sixth Street, Philadelphia, www.historicphiladelphia.org<\/a>), the organization is illuminating the park with its annual \u201cPhiladelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now through August 13, Franklin Square will come alive every night with its Chinese Lantern Festival featuring more than two dozen illuminated lanterns \u2013 all constructed by lantern artisans from China.<\/p>\n

Chinese-inspired performances will take place in Franklin Square twice nightly. Performances, which celebrate Chinese performance art and entertainment, are 30-minutes long and are scheduled for 7 and 9 p.m.<\/p>\n

Festival hours are 6-11 p.m. Admission is $22 for adults ($25 on Saturday and Sunday), $20\/$23 for youth, and $14 for children.<\/p>\n

On July 15, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200,\u00a0www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org<\/a>) is presenting a special event called \u201cNurture with Nature: Therapeutic Horticulture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Working with the healing power of plants can help to decrease stress and anxiety, process grief, and improve focus, mood, and overall wellbeing. Through nurturing activities that combine plant materials with eco-mindfulness and creative tools, each session is an invitation to relax, reflect, and restore.<\/p>\n

Visitors can join Kate Irvine, a trained horticulturist and mixed media artist with a certificate in Horticultural Therapy, for one, some, or all four sessions of this outdoor workshop series offering therapeutic practices that honor and preserve our connection with nature.<\/p>\n

The July session is \u201cSpeaking in Flowers.\u201d
\nParticipants will learn to identify native plants in bloom at Nature\u2019s Sanctuary, then harvest cuttings to create take-home flower arrangements and learn about the Victorian art of the language of flowers.<\/p>\n

Tickets for the 3 p.m. event are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for youth (ages 6-12).<\/p>\n

Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne,\u00a0www.sesameplace.com<\/a>) is presenting its \u201cSummer Splash\u201d now through September 3.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing like summer at Sesame Place Philadelphia! It\u2019s a great time to have fun and cool off with splashy water attractions like Bert & Ernie\u2019s Splashy Shores and the new tropical themed land, Big Bird\u2019s Beach.<\/p>\n

Other attractions are The Count\u2019s Splash Castle and Big Bird\u2019s Rambling River, Captain Cookie\u2019s High C\u2019s Adventure, Elmo\u2019s Flyin\u2019 Fish, and Oscar\u2019s Wacky Taxi Roller Coaster.<\/p>\n

This weekend\u2019s theme is \u201cTango\u2019s Gotcha Day Celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visitors can celebrate Tango’s one-year anniversary at Sesame Place. Special attractions include \u201cTango\u2019s Treat Seek,\u201d exclusive Meet & Greets with Tango, and a fun-filled scavenger hunt.<\/p>\n

Summer is perfect for meeting your favorite furry friends and taking bright, beautiful pictures with them — one-of-a-kind pictures with Elmo, Bert, Ernie and Count von Count in their sensational tropical beachwear and summer gear.<\/p>\n

The park also has exciting shows, special events, parades, dance parties, character dining experiences, and other surprises lined up to give visitors even more ways to connect.<\/p>\n

There also is a new tropical themed land — Big Bird\u2019s Beach.<\/p>\n

On July 20, the John\u00a0Heinz\u00a0National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia,\u00a0www.fws.gov\/refuge\/John_Heinz<\/a>) is presenting a special nature-based holistic event \u2013 \u201cMindfulness through Birding with Karin Marcus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mindfulness, the art of being fully present, partners naturally with bird watching which is fundamentally the practice of savoring the moment. This will be a leisurely bird walk placing an added emphasis on awakening the senses and stilling the mind.<\/p>\n

The walk will start at the visitor center and take place at a relaxed paced on flat surfaces. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers.<\/p>\n

Binoculars are available for loan. No registration required.<\/p>\n

The free event will run from 9-11 a.m.<\/p>\n

A sweet place to enjoy flowers in bloom is Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The arboretum\u2019s schedule for this weekend features a \u201cSaturday Wildflower Walk\u201d and a \u201cBluebird Nesting Box Tour\u201d on Sunday.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaturday Wildflower Walk\u201d will be held on July 15 at 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Visitors will join wildflower expert\u00a0Dick Cloud\u00a0on an informative two-hour hike that will take them through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside. The focus will be on wildflowers of late spring and early summer.<\/p>\n

There will also be a \u201cBluebird Nesting Box Tour\u201d at 1 p.m. on July 16.<\/p>\n

For more than 50 years, volunteers at Tyler Arboretum have been monitoring the nesting activities of the Eastern Bluebird.\u00a0This is a family-friendly tour to share this tradition.<\/p>\n

Admission to Tyler Arboretum is $18 for adults (ages 18-64), $15 for Seniors\u00a0(65+) and $10 for children (ages 3-17) and Military with valid ID.<\/p>\n

Chanticleer (786 Church Street, Wayne, www.chanticleergarden.org<\/a>), which just opened its 2023 season, is one of them.<\/p>\n

The Chanticleer estate dates from the early 20th-century, when land along the Main Line of the Pennsylvania Railroad was developed for summer homes to escape the heat of Philadelphia. Adolph Rosengarten, Sr., and his wife Christine chose the Wayne-St. David\u2019s area to build their country retreat. The family\u2019s pharmaceutical firm eventually became part of Merck & Company in the 1920s.<\/p>\n

The garden has evolved greatly since the death of the owner in 1990. As the home of the Rosengartens, Chanticleer was beautiful and green with impressive trees and lawns. Most of the floral and garden development you see today has occurred since 1990 — designed by Chanticleer staff and consultants.
\nThere are seven horticulturists, each responsible for the design, planting, and maintenance of an area. The areas are continually evolving, each with its own feel, yet joined together as one complete unit.<\/p>\n

The Teacup Garden and Chanticleer Terraces feature seasonal plants and bold-textured tropical and subtropical plants. The Tennis Court, Ruin, Gravel Garden, and Pond Garden focus on hardy perennials, both woody and herbaceous. Asian Woods and Bell\u2019s Woodland are shady areas. The Serpentine celebrates the beauty of agricultural crops.<\/p>\n

Admission to Chanticleer is $12 for adults and free for pre-teen children (12 years and under).<\/p>\n

Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum (1237 State Road, Andalusia, www.andalusia house.org<\/a>) opened its gates for the 2023 season at the beginning of April.<\/p>\n

Located on a wooded promontory overlooking the Delaware River, Andalusia has been a stately presence on this stretch of water, just north of Philadelphia, for more than 200 years. The ancestral home of the Biddle family, Andalusia\u00a0is\u00a0also a natural paradise of native woodlands and spectacular gardens that have evolved over time.<\/p>\n

Placed on the National Register\u00a0of Historic Landmarks\u00a0in 1966, the Big House\u00a0is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States.<\/p>\n

Its surrounding gardens delight the senses all through the year, from the tumbling, brightly colored leaves of fall to the floral extravaganza of spring and the abundance and scent of summer.<\/p>\n

Self-Guided Garden Tours will be available Mondays through Wednesdays from April 4-November 2 (excluding holidays) at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Picnics are allowed on the grounds (with have a \u201ccarry-in, carry-out\u201d policy).<\/p>\n

Access to the Big House is not included with this tour, which is $20\u00a0per person. There is no charge for children 12 and under.<\/p>\n

Big House Tours with Garden Access will be available Mondays through Wednesdays from April 4-November 2 (excluding holidays) at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person.\u00a0There is no charge for children 12 and under.<\/p>\n

The Brandywine Valley has quite a few museums and tourist sites that provide residents and tourists ideal opportunities to spend leisure time — and you can maximize your effort if you take advantage of the 2023 Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport.<\/p>\n

The cost is $49 for an individual pass and $99 for a family pass (for up to five family members).<\/p>\n

The Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport is good for one-time admission to Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley\u2019s top attractions now through October 31.<\/p>\n

A family pass, which includes one-day admission to each of 12 sites, can bring a savings of over $200 for the holders — especially since many of the participating institutions have regular admission fees in double figures.<\/p>\n

The list of locations covered by the Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport includes Longwood Gardens, Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, Brandywine River Museum, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware History Museum, Hagley Museum and Library, Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts, Nemours Mansion & Gardens, Read House and Garden, Mt. Cuba Center, Rockwood Museum and Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.<\/p>\n

For more information, call (800) 489-6664 or visit www.visitwilmingtonde.com\/bmga\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hagley Museum and Library (Route 141, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400,\u00a0www.hagley.org<\/a>), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, has opened a new attraction \u2013 \u201cNation of Inventors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the \u201cgolden age\u201d of American invention, in the late 1800s. The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley\u2019s unique collection highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.<\/p>\n

Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years.\u00a0\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0showcases patent models representing innovations in a variety of industries from transportation and manufacturing to food preservation and medical devices.<\/p>\n

In the exhibition, visitors will enjoy engaging experiences around every corner, testing their knowledge of innovation and hearing personal accounts from inventors.<\/p>\n

The patent models in\u00a0\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0were created between 1833 and 1886. \u201cNation of Inventors\u201d not only features patent models submitted by inventors from the United States, but also models from inventors in England, France, Ireland, Russia, and Spain, demonstrating an international interest in America\u2019s intellectual property system.<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d includes patent models from well-known inventors and companies like Ball (Mason Jars), Jim Beam, Bissell, Corliss, Steinway, and Westinghouse. The exhibit presents important topics and timely themes including women inventors, Black inventors, immigrant inventors, improvements in urban living, and the ways Americans learn about and understand progress and change.<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d is located on the first two floors of Hagley\u2019s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.<\/p>\n

Admission to Hagley Museum is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $6 for children (ages 6-14).<\/p>\n

The newest exhibition at the Brandywine Museum of Art (1 Hoffman Mill Road, Chadds Ford, brandywine.org<\/a>), \u201cAndrew Wyeth: Home Places,\u201d opened a few weeks ago and will run through July 13.<\/p>\n

This exhibition\u00a0is a presentation of nearly 50 paintings and drawings of local buildings that inspired Wyeth time and again over seven decades of his career.<\/p>\n

The artworks in this exhibition are drawn exclusively from the nearly 7,000-object Andrew and Betsy Wyeth Collection of the Wyeth Foundation for American Art, now managed by the Brandywine. Many of these pieces have never before been exhibited, offering a first glimpse at a significant treasure trove that will shed new light on the collaborative creative process of Andrew and Betsy Wyeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAndrew Wyeth: Home Places\u201d\u00a0shares the story of a remarkable immersive and intensive artistic practice that ranged across the full array of media Andrew Wyeth practiced. Over the course of a long and diverse career of many chapters, Wyeth repeatedly depicted a small group of historic houses in the vicinity of his hometown of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

In these weathered buildings others might have overlooked or even scorned in the face of gentrification and commercial development of the region, Wyeth found layers of emotion and association. These structures\u2014both venerable and vulnerable in a changing Brandywine Valley\u2014served as a means of pursuing his abiding attention to that which lies beneath the surface of things.<\/p>\n

Through living in this landscape his whole life, he engaged in an artistic practice of uncommon focus over an extended timescale, coming to know deeply the evocative buildings in a radius of just a few square miles and rendering them in an astonishing variety of compositions, handlings and approaches. As Wyeth said, \u201cYou can be in a place for years and years and not see something, and then when it dawns, all sorts of nuggets of richness start popping all over the place. You\u2019ve gotten below the obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Among the previously unexhibited works on view are the charming early oil\u00a0\u201cThe Miller\u2019s Son,\u201d\u00a0painted when Wyeth was just 17 years old, and the stunning watercolor\u00a0\u201cNoah\u2019s Ark Study\u201d\u00a0made at age 87\u2014both depicting the same property, Brinton\u2019s Mill.<\/p>\n

That the Wyeths came to own and restore this property for use as their primary residence is among the many contributions of Betsy James Wyeth, whose distinct role in stewarding historic properties in Pennsylvania and Maine, which informed her husband\u2019s painting practice, is a key context of this exhibition.<\/p>\n

Museum admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors (65+), $6\u00a0children (ages 6-18) and students with ID\u00a0and free for children (ages five and under).<\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>) is inviting visitors to enjoy the beauty of late spring.<\/p>\n

The \u201cFestival of Fountains\u201d opened for the season on May 11 and will run until September 24.<\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens\u2019 Open Air Theatre and Italian Water Garden fountains sprang to life, as did the Square Fountain, Round Fountain (Flower Garden Walk), Sylvan Fountain (Peirce\u2019s Park), and Children\u2019s Corner fountains.<\/p>\n

Dancing fountains, performances under the stars, and beautiful gardens make the Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens magical. The spectacular celebration of music, light, water, and nature includes distinctive garden experiences indoors and out.<\/p>\n

Iconic Illuminated Fountain Performances dance, soar, and delight in the Main Fountain Garden Thursday\u2013Saturday evenings. New Illuminated Fountain Performances for 2023 include \u201cPut Me In, Coach,\u201d featuring a variety of sports-related tunes; \u201cRachmaninov: Power and Passion\u201d; \u201cShake It Off\u201d by Taylor Swift; \u201cStarman\u201d by David Bowie; \u201cTo Infinity and Beyond\u201d highlighting beloved songs from animated movie favorites; and \u201cWhere the Heart Is\u201d a showcase of coming-home hits by the likes of Bon Jovi and Ed Sheeran. Illuminated Fountain Performances are free with Gardens admission.<\/p>\n

Before the fountain performances, guests can sit under the stars and enjoy live music and refreshing brews and pub fare in Longwood\u2019s Beer Garden. Guests can enjoy a variety of selections from Victory Brewing Company, including the Longwood Seasons series brewed with ingredients grown at Longwood. Regional artists perform live instrumental music, including Hawaiian-Inspired Steel Guitar from Slowey & The Boats, Jazz Age Blues from Drew Nugent & The Midnight Society, Traditional Cuban Son by Conjunto Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

Select Fridays throughout Festival of Fountains bring extra family fun during Longwood\u2019s \u201cFestive Friday\u201d theme nights. During these special evenings, enjoy themed fountain performances, concessions, entertainment, and more. Plus, every festive Friday brings the rare opportunity to climb to the top of the Chimes Tower for a stunning view of Longwood\u2019s 62-bell carillon and the surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo Infinity and Beyond\u201d on August 4 is sure to be an evening of fun for both the young and the young at heart when performers from the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts takeover the Pumphouse Plaza from 6\u20138 pm.<\/p>\n

And, on September 15, the \u201cI\u2019m a Believer\u201d theme for Festive Friday brings family-friendly magic with The Give and Take Jugglers in the Pumphouse Plaza from 5:30\u20137:30 pm. Included with Gardens Admission, visit\u00a0Longwoodgardens.org<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n

As the season unfolds, flowering trees delightfully punctuate the landscape, radiant tulips stretch toward the sun, and the delicious fragrance of wisteria floats along the breeze.<\/p>\n

Visitors can also enjoy special exhibits at the Orchid House.<\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and college students, $18 for active military and $13 for youth.<\/p>\n

Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119,\u00a0www.historicodessa.org<\/a>) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Historic Odessa Foundation\u00a0is excited to be the northern Delaware venue for an exhibition of selected works by the beloved\u00a0Delaware artist Jack Lewis (1912-2012). The exhibition entitled \u201cEveryday Lives, Everyday People: The Work of Jack Lewis\u201d is running now through July 2 in the Historic Odessa Visitors Center Art Gallery.<\/p>\n

The selection of paintings by Jack Lewis comes from the Nancy and Russell Suniewick Collection on loan from the\u00a0Rehoboth Art League. In 2021, the Suniewicks, long-time friends of Lewis, and the executive producers of \u201cIf You Lived Here, You Would Be Home Now: A Film About Jack Lewis and Bridgeville, DE,\u201d donated an outstanding collection of 52 paintings and various documents of the late artist to the Rehoboth Art League.<\/p>\n

The works from the Nancy and Russell Suniewick Collection date from the 1930s to 1980s, and include portraits, domestic and foreign scenes, and an important early self-portrait.<\/p>\n

Odessa is one of Delaware\u2019s most historic sites.<\/p>\n

Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell\u2019s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.<\/p>\n

Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware. They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.<\/p>\n

Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.\u00a0 The site is also open Monday by reservation. General Admission: Adults, $10; Groups, Seniors, Students, $8; and Children under six are free.<\/p>\n

Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, nemoursestate.org<\/a>) has come alive with its magnificent gardens.<\/p>\n

Originally constructed in 1910,\u00a0Nemours\u00a0Mansion is one of Delaware\u2019s grandest buildings and includes the largest formal French garden in North America.<\/p>\n

Nemours\u00a0Estate comprises an exquisite, 77-room Mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur’s Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles, and 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.<\/p>\n

Nemours\u00a0was the estate of Alfred I. duPont. Alfred Ir\u00e9n\u00e9e du Pont was an American\u00a0industrialist,\u00a0financier,\u00a0philanthropist\u00a0and a member of the influential\u00a0Du Pont family.<\/p>\n

He named the estate\u00a0Nemours, after the French town that his great-great-grandfather represented in the French Estates General. While looking to the past and his ancestors for inspiration, duPont also ensured that his new home was thoroughly modern by incorporating the latest technology and many of his own inventions.<\/p>\n

The Gardens are one of the estate\u2019s prime attractions.<\/p>\n

The two elk at the top of the Vista are the work of French sculptor Prosper Lecourtier (1855\u20131924), a specialist in animal figures. Lined with Japanese\u00a0cryptomeria, pink flowering horse chestnuts and pin oaks, the Long Walk extends from the Mansion to the Reflecting Pool.<\/p>\n

The 157 jets at the center of the one-acre pool shoot water 12 feet into the air; when they are turned off, the entire \u201cLong Walk\u201d is reflected in the pool. The pool, five and a half feet deep in its deepest section, holds 800,000 gallons of water and takes three days to fill. The Art Nouveau-style, classical mythology-based \u201cFour Seasons\u201d around the pool are by French-born American sculptor Henri Crenier (1873\u20131948).<\/p>\n

The entrance is located on the campus of Nemours Children\u2019s Health, follow signs for Nemours Estate.<\/p>\n

Admission to\u00a0Nemours\u00a0is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for children.<\/p>\n

The Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware, delart.org<\/a>) currently is featuring three exhibitions.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur Red Planet: Anna Bogatin Ott\u201d is running now through July 16.<\/p>\n

Ukrainian-born abstract painter, sculptor, and digital artist Anna Bogatin Ott captures the sublime in nature and the complexity of human existence. This exhibition showcases her most recent work, informed by NASA images from Mars and her meditations on the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy Life, My Voice: Occupying Spaces (La vida de uno y el lugar que ocupamos)\u201d is running now through September 24.<\/p>\n

Cesar Viveros is transforming DelArt\u2019s Orientation Hall with a painted mural and a series of seven screen prints, commissioned by the Museum to accompany the exhibition\u00a0Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection. Born in Mexico, Viveros is a renowned muralist, painter, screen-printer, clay and papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 sculptor in the Philadelphia area, and a leader in the region\u2019s Latino community and art world.<\/p>\n

Viveros\u2019 mural represents a\u00a0bodega\u00a0or\u00a0tienda de la esquina\u2014a typical corner store which serves as a daily point of encounter in Latino neighborhoods. His posters are based on conversations with members of the Hispanic American Association of Delaware and Los Abuelos, a senior group from the Latin American Community Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cRevision: David Meyer\u201d is also running now through September 24.<\/p>\n

Sculptor David Meyer uses various materials\u2014flour, dirt, steel, or glass\u2014to form objects that elevate our senses. For this large-scale installation, Meyer creates shapes derived from distorted photographic images. It is the moment of recognition that Meyer elicits in his sculptures.<\/p>\n

Admission to the Delaware Museum of Art is $14 for adults, $7 for college students and $6 for youth.<\/p>\n

The West Chester Railroad (610-430-2233,\u00a0www.wcrailroad.com<\/a>) is running its \u201cSummer Picnic Specials\u201d every Sunday now through September 17 at noon each day.<\/p>\n

Passengers can enjoy a relaxing 90-minute train ride from West Chester to Glen Mills and return on a warm summer afternoon. They can also pack a lunch to have during the excursion\u2019s stop at the Glen Mills train station picnic grove.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for children (ages 2-12).<\/p>\n

Wilmington and Western Railroad (Greenbank Station, 2201 Newport-Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, www.wwrr.com<\/a>) is running a special train on July 15 \u2013 the Yorktown Limited.<\/p>\n

Riders take a leisurely 1\u00bd-hour round-trip ride up the Red Clay Valley to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove, where they can de-train to enjoy a \u00bd-hour layover along the banks of the Red Clay Creek to have a picnic or simply admire the natural surroundings.<\/p>\n

If you don’t want to get off the train at Mt. Cuba, you can remain onboard and travel further up the line through the communities of Ashland and Yorklyn. On the return trip, there will be a brief stop at Mt. Cuba to pick up the picnic passengers.<\/p>\n

This departure is powered by one of our historic first-generation diesel locomotives.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors and $16 for youth.<\/p>\n

The New Hope Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com<\/a>) is running its \u201cGrapevine Express,\u201d which features \u201cGrapevine Express\u201d on July 15 and 16 at 5 p.m. each night.<\/p>\n

Riders are invited to take part in a romantic \u201cWine and Cheese Excursion\u201d and enjoy fine gourmet cheese, artisan crackers, meats, fruit, and our featured local wines. Additional Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages are also available onboard.<\/p>\n

Wine and cheese will be served to passengers as they travel along the same railroad line passengers did when it was built in 1891 connecting New Hope with Philadelphia. The journey travels through the beautiful hills and valleys of Bucks County, along once vital waterways and streams and across numerous trestle bridges.<\/p>\n

The excursions will take place aboard one of the railroads lavishly appointed early 1900\u2019s first-class parlor cars.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $96 (Ages 21 and older only).<\/p>\n

This weekend, the Strasburg Railroad (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com<\/a>) is running its \u201cWine & Cheese Train\u201d on July 14, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. each night.<\/p>\n

Passengers can enjoy the luxurious, climate-controlled first-class accommodations and a tasting of select wine, cheese, and crackers as they travel in style down the tracks from Strasburg to Paradise and back. The train departs at 7 p.m. and the total trip time is 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWine & Cheese Train\u201d boarding is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Riders must be 21 or older and have their photo ID ready when they board.<\/p>\n

Featured wines are carefully selected from Waltz Vineyards, and cheeses are paired accordingly. Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request. Riders can purchase a souvenir wine glass on board the train if desired. Glasses are $7 each.<\/p>\n

In accordance with Pennsylvania law, alcohol is only served during the train ride. The rail line is not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages while the train is berthed in the station.<\/p>\n

This popular train is available on select Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the season. Tickets are $65.<\/p>\n

If you enjoy walking around garden displays or if you like to look at model railroad layouts, then you should definitely check out the Garden Railway Display at the Morris Arboretum (100 Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill, www.morrisarboretum.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The ultra-popular Garden Railway Display has become a major summer attraction at The Gardens at Morris Arboretum. The 23rd annual edition of the display has its official season opened in May and will continue until October 10.<\/p>\n

The railway has a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under) and bustling model trains.<\/p>\n

The buildings and the display are all made of natural materials \u2013 bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones \u2013 to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with miniature rivers.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia-area landmarks are all meticulously decorated for the holidays with lights that twinkle.\u00a0There is even a masterpiece replica of Independence Hall made using pinecone seeds for shingles, acorns as finials and twigs as downspouts.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme — \u201cAmerica\u2019s Roadside Attractions,\u201d features miniature replicas of some of this country\u2019s most iconic roadside attractions including Randy\u2019s Donuts, the Jolly Green Giant, and the World’s Oldest Largest Pecan.<\/p>\n

Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors (65 and older); $10 for students (ages 13-17 or with ID), active military and retired military; and free for children (under 3).<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0at the Fashion District (27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia,\u00a0philadelphia.wonderspaces.com<\/a>) is an experiential, interactive arts venue.<\/p>\n

Building on the success of annual pop-up shows in San Diego, and its first permanent location in Scottsdale, Arizona,\u00a0Wonderspaces\u00a0opened a 24,000 square foot gallery space in Philly a year ago.<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0features 14 art installations that all play with the idea of perspective.\u00a0 The artwork ranges from award-winning virtual reality short film about a dinner party-turned-alien abduction, to a room where visitors digitally paint the walls with the movement of their bodies.<\/p>\n

New artworks are rotated in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show.<\/p>\n

Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours.\u00a0The average time spent experiencing the show is 90 minutes.<\/p>\n

A few installations contain flashing lights, images, and patterns that may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. All visitors must sign a waiver prior to being admitted into the space. Adult supervision is required for visitors under 16.<\/p>\n

Grim\u00a0Philly\u2019s \u201cDark Philly History Tour\u201d (www.grimphilly.com<\/a>) will be held every evening throughout the summer.<\/p>\n

Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America\u2019s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding Fathers. The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way. This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.<\/p>\n

Grim Philly will also be presenting \u201cSerial Killers & Cemetery Tour\u201d every Saturday at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n

Participants will have the opportunity to experience unconventional sightseeing off the beaten path. They can enjoy Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Elfreth\u2019s Alley, and Benjamin Franklin\u2019s Grave, together with tales of serial slayings and psychopathic killers like the Corpse Collector, Frankfort Slasher, and H.H. Holmes.<\/p>\n

Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Philadelphia (215-413-1997,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>),\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster (717-687-6687,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) and\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg (717-687-6687,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true\u00a0ghost\u00a0stories and real haunted houses.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,\u201d is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where\u00a0ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.<\/p>\n

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America\u2019s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn\u2019s colony to present-day hauntings.<\/p>\n

The activity is open year-round \u2013 weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Lancaster, PA.\u201d<\/p>\n

Participants in the\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America\u2019s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The\u00a0tour\u00a0provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City\u2019s thorny past. Tickets are $18.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed\u00a0tour\u00a0guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night \u2026 in a town lost in time. Tickets are $18.<\/p>\n

Treetop Quest Philly (51 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia, www.treetopquest.com<\/a>) is an aerial adventure park that will challenge you physically and mentally as you maneuver from tree to tree through obstacles and zip-lines. Once you\u2019re equipped, they will teach you how to operate your equipment and you\u2019ll be able to swing through each course as many times as you want for 2.5 hours.<\/p>\n

Each participant is outfitted with a harness and gloves. Each course has a continuous belay system — a lifeline that is impossible to detach without a staff member. The activity is self-guided, and the staff is ready to assist when needed.<\/p>\n

Gloves are required for our activity.\u00a0During this time, we encourage participants to\u00a0bring their own gloves\u00a0to use while up in the trees, gardening gloves are perfect for this activity.<\/p>\n

Ticket prices are $55, adults; $48, ages 12-17; $38, ages 7-11.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times There are many interesting events scheduled for the area this weekend. Some of them range from unique to common and from hysterical to historical. Phoenixville is hosting an event that is unique — and loaded with hysterics. Two of the most over-used and often incorrectly used worlds in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33886,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[12089,5327,3912,1983,4902],"class_list":["post-33890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-artisan-market-at-winterthur","tag-blobfest","tag-featured","tag-general-warren-inne","tag-highland-orchards"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33890","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=33890"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33890\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33891,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33890\/revisions\/33891"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/33886"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=33890"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=33890"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=33890"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}