January 15, 2020

Philadelphia Story Ideas for February 2020

Some of the people, places and events on Visit Philadelphia's radar for stories perfect for sharing today, next week, this season or next.

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Freedom Apothecary, a new addition to our list of Black-owned businesses in Philly. Photo courtesy of Freedom Apothecary

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Some amazing food from Hardena, a favorite of PR director Cara Schneider. Photo by Neal Santos for Hardena

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Fishtown artist Amberella, work pictured here, will go to NYC to create art to promote Philly as the City of Sisterly Love.

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PROFILE: LEROY WEST

Xavi Row Bespoke, is a bold, ultra-dapper custom suiting line owned by Leroy West. Leroy’s goal: Get the kind of guys he grew up around to wear his clothes. He studied with professional tailors and sourced fabrics from Italy, Australia and India. Today, he creates suits and shirts for professionals, prom goers and Dion Waiters, the Philly-born world champion Los Angeles Lakers player. Clients book online. West makes house or office calls. The time from measurement to outfit: about four weeks. Cost: $600–$1,200 for a suit; $120–$200 for a shirt.

BLACK HISTORY NOW

Here in Philly, Black History Month takes place every month, every day, year-round. That’s because the region’s African American makers and entrepreneurs continue to strive and thrive. Some of the region’s standout brick-and-mortar Black-owned businesses include: a Center City boutique representing Bridesburg’s revived American Hats factory, cultural gathering spots like West Philly’s Hakim’s Bookshop and Germantown’s Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books, and women-owned and -operated beauty and wellness sanctuaries Freedom Apothecary and Marsh + Mane.

WHAT WE’RE EATING: BEEF RENDANG AT HARDENA

Cara Schneider, director of media relations, is loving the beef rendang at Hardena, the Widjojo family’s much-loved Indonesian restaurant in South Philly. The Widjojos prepare the traditional dish by braising the meat in coconut milk, coriander, red chili peppers and lemongrass for six hours. The result: an aromatic, rich dish — with a seriously flavorful kick. Cara swears that giving a single bite to a National Geographic Traveler editor put Philadelphia on the magazine’s hallowed list of Best Trips 2020. (As a reminder, Philly is the only U.S. city on the list.) It’s that good. 1754 S. Hicks Street, (215) 271-9442

IN FEBRUARY:

February 1–16, 2020, Getaway at the Greenhouse: Summer pops up for two weeks at the Fairmount Park Horticultural Center via a giant sandbox, live music, food trucks and Gaia, The Traveling Artwork, British artist Luke Jerram’s spectacular giant globe.
February 1–June 14, 2020, Witness to History: Selma Photography of Stephen Somerstein: The Brandywine Museum of Art documents the historic 54-mile march for civil rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
February 8–17, 2020, Philadelphia Auto Show: Hundreds of the automotive industry’s latest creations go on display at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during this majorly popular event.
February 15, 2020: African and Diasporic Cultures Celebration: This Penn Museum CultureFest brings together traditional and contemporary, African and African Diasporic life arts and crafts.
February 23–May 10, 2020, Marie Cuttoli: The Modern Thread from Miró to Man Ray: The Barnes Foundation reveals the fascinating story behind the woman who transformed iconic modern artists’ work into tapestry.
February 29–March 8, 2020, Philadelphia Flower Show: “Riviera Holiday” — and Princess Grace of Monaco — are themes of the oldest and largest indoor flower show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

LOOKING AHEAD:

March 12–April 5, 2020, BeethovenNow: The Philadelphia Orchestra presents the second of two celebrations marking the composer’s 250th birthday by juxtaposing his nine symphonies with contemporary works by Gabriela Lena Frank.
March 15, 2020: Patrick’s Day Parade: The green-hued procession travels from Broad Street to City Hall to Penn’s Landing.
April 4 & 5, 2020, Sakura Weekend: The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival (through April 12) kicks off with a major celebration of both Japanese culture and spring in West Fairmount Park.
April 27, 2020, El Carnaval de Puebla: Families and friends represent the Mexican state in a colorful parade and fair in South Philadelphia.
June 14, 2020, Odunde Festival: The East Coast’s largest African American street festival celebrates its 45th by bringing a mighty cultural and community extravaganza to South Street.
June 27–July 4, 2020, Wawa Welcome America: America’s birthplace throws the country’s ultimate birthday party.

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ESSENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO:

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.