Story Ideas for August 2019 & Beyond

Looking for a story to tell? Philadelphia has plenty of them. Here are some of the people, places and events on our radar for stories that are perfect to share today, next week, this season or next:

PROFILE: LUIS LICEAGA

Loco Lucho’s Latino Kitchen, the Reading Terminal Market’s first Latin American vendor, came about through a combination of genes, pastime, entrepreneurial drive—and football. Luis Liceaga, who also owns promotional product company Impact Dimensions, is the great-nephew of Carmen Aboy Valldejuli, author of the classic Juntos en la Cocina (Puerto Rican Cookery). Liceaga took up cooking at Penn. Ten years ago, he wound up cooking for a popular Eagles tailgate. That led him to catering, and then to the historic market. Open for a little more than one year, Loco Lucho’s top-sellers include the Cubano sandwich—“I’ll put my Cuban sandwiches next to any of them,” said Liceaga—arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and paella, available on Saturday and Sunday—“We sell out every weekend.” The secret to their success? “We’re just taking home recipes and putting them into a commercial establishment,” said Liceaga.

COVER THIS NEXT: DAVID HARTT: THE HISTORIES

Beth Sholom in Elkins Park, PA, is the only synagogue designed by modern American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.   — Image © Darren Bradley Photography

This September, Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park becomes more than a house of worship designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the first modern U.S. architect to receive UNESCO World Heritage designations for his work (in July 2019). Beth Sholom also becomes the host of its first-ever artist commission in David Hartt: The Histories (Le Mancenillier). Hartt’s multimedia installation examines and evokes the culture, migration and environment of Jewish and Black diasporas in America. Highlights include music by 19^th-century Jewish-Creole composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk, video and tapestry that evoke the landscape of Haiti and New Orleans, live musical activations by Haitian Philadelphian baritone Jean Bernard Cerin (and more musicians) and tropical plants throughout. September 11-December 19, 2019. For more must-cover fall events, click here.

WHAT WE’RE DRINKING NOW: TWINE

Paradocx Vineyard in Landenberg, Chester County produces and sells Twine, an iced tea-flavored sweet white wine.   — Photo courtesy of Paradocx Vineyard

Daniel Davis, Media Relations Coordinator: Last month, we went to Paradocx Vineyard in Landenberg, Chester County, and I unexpectedly fell in love with Twine, their iced tea-flavored sweet white wine. Outside the vineyard, Paradocx wines are available for sale at Pinot Boutique in Old City, The Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square and Westtown Amish Market in West Chester.

AUGUST OPENINGS & MUST-COVERS:

The Made in America Festival takes place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway August 31 and September 1, 2019.

• August 8, Punch Buggy Brewing Co.: Kensington gets a new taproom featuring small-batch smoked porter, New England IPA, wheat hefeweizen and blonde “Punch Buggy Yellow” ale.
• August 12, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia: The Comcast Technology Center’s luxe new hotel welcomes its first guests for unforgettable overnights in the sky.
• August 27-November 17, Hamilton: The Broadway musical finally makes its way to the city Alexander Hamilton called home, via the historic Forrest Theatre.
• August 31 & September 1, Made in America: Jay-Z’s Labor Day weekend tradition puts Cardi B, Travis Scott, Lizzo, Gucci Mane and more on stages along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

LOOKING TO WINTER HOLIDAYS:

• November 21, 2019-January 5, 2020, Winter IllumiNights: New this year: a lit (literally) evening activation at the Philadelphia Zoo.
• November 23-January 5, 2020, Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show: This dazzling drive-through display is a Bucks County must-do.
• November 28, 2019: 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade: The 99^th such parade marks the start of the holiday season.
• December 7, 2019, Deck the Alley: Elfreth’s Alley opens the doors of its historic and decorated homes for one day only.
• More (and great photos!) in our new press release: Winter Holiday Highlights in Philadelphia

NEW & UPDATED PRESS RELEASES:

Tired Hands Brewing Company, a Belgo-French cafe and brewery outside Philadelphia in Ardmore, is one of the region's best breweries.   — Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

• Fact Sheet: Beer in Philadelphia & The Countryside
• Wineries and Wine Trails in Philadelphia’s Countryside
• Parks & Public Spaces in Philadelphia
• Central & South American, Cuban, Puerto Rican & Mexican Dining in Philadelphia
• Comida Centro y Suramericana, Cubana, Puertorriqueña y Mexicana en Filadelfia
• 40+ of Philadelphia’s Best Vantage Points
• VISIT PHILADELPHIA President and CEO Announces Executive Leadership Team

ESSENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY:

The Keith Haring Mural in Southwest Philadelphia is on of the city's many unexpected gems.

• “We the Youth” Mural by Keith Haring
• Race Street Pier
• Swann Memorial Fountain
• Vista Peru

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.