Looking for a story to tell this month? Philadelphia has plenty of them. Here are some of the people, places and events on our radar this month:
The Rooster, a Center City restaurant with a mission. — Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
RESTAURANTS DOING GOOD:
Restaurants in Philadelphia are increasingly taking their mission of hospitality to new levels, serving not just their customers, but also the community. Best known is The Rooster, a luncheonette by acclaimed chef Michael Solomonov and partner Steven Cook, where every meal served benefits Broad Street Ministry’s Hospitality Collaborative, providing food and critical services to vulnerable Philadelphians. The city’s first nonprofit coffeeshop, The Monkey & The Elephant, teaches job and life skills to young people aging out of the foster system. And West Philadelphia’s non-profit EAT Café welcomes guests to pay what they wish for dinner four nights a week. Read more about Philly restaurants doing good.
— Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia
NEW IN PHILADELPHIA:
The National Constitution Center (NCC) recently announced plans to host Sensory-Friendly Sundays four times in 2019. On March 24, June 23, August 25 and December 8, the NCC will have emotionally safe spaces, modified programming and staff trained to assist guests with sensory sensitivity, neurodevelopmental disabilities and intellectual disabilities. Read more about Philadelphia’s sensory-friendly attractions and performances.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is a fave. — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
STAFF’S COLD-WEATHER PICKS:
What’s the best way to warm up in Philly when it’s cold out?
- Dana Schmidt, social media director: Cozy up around a firepit at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.
- Cara Schneider, media relations director: Enjoy a hot dinner on injera bread at Era, my neighborhood (Fairmount) Ethiopian place.
- Amber Burns, social media content producer: Sip an extra spicy salsa and jalapeno margarita at El Rey.
- Arturo Varela, public relations manager: Slurp up ramen, pho or khao poon from Stock or Cheu in Fishtown.
- Matt Smith, social media specialist: Drink a glass of whiskey at Village Whiskey.
JANUARY EVENTS:
- Celebration! Benjamin Franklin 2019, January 18, 2019, Christ Church Burial Ground: A celebration of Franklin’s life on the day of his birth; featuring a panel about criminal justice reform, a procession through Old City to his grave, a luncheon and award ceremony. Panel and procession free.
- Orchid Extravaganza, January 19-March 24, 2019, Longwood Gardens: Showcasing the rarest and most beautiful of flora from conservatories to outdoors.
- For more happenings in January and beyond, check out our monthly events calendar.
LOOKING AHEAD TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH:
- Colored People Time: Mundane Futures, February 1-March 31, 2019, Institute of Contemporary Art: First of a three-part exhibit examining the everyday ways that slavery and colonialism continue to leave marks on American culture.
- African American Children’s Book Fair, February 2, 2019, Community College of Philadelphia: Bestselling Black authors and illustrators, representatives from the multicultural literary community and enriching children’s books and activities.
- Freedom’s Journal: The Art of Jerry Pinkney, February 16-May 12, 2019, Woodmere Art Museum: Featuring works by Germantown-born illustrator (and Caldecott winner) Jerry Pickney that reflect his focus on issues surrounding African-Americans.
NEWLY UPDATED PRESS RELEASES:
- 26 Things To Know About Philly’s Food Scene
- 19 Major LGBTQ Events Coming To Philadelphia In 2019
- A Guide To Healthful Dining In Philadelphia
VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.
On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.
