West Philadelphia: A Slice of Japan in Fairmount Park
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is getting ready for a partial roof replacement later this summer. While most might find this subject to be of no interest, there is actually a unique story behind it. The roof on the home is made out of hinoki bark. “Hinoki roofs are a pretty rare thing to find […]
Manayunk: Q&A With A Local Legend Who Turned His Life Around
After a traumatic accident, doctors told Dave Scarpello he would never walk again. The Manayunk native who has lived in the area for 32 years, proved them wrong. He ran in the Broad Street Run this year, spent his days on disability participating in running clubs, started the Roxborough Manayunk News Facebook page and became a […]
Parks and Recreation: Five Spots in Philly’s Urban Outdoors for Canoodling
Philadelphia is a city with around 10,000 acres of parks and plazas open to the public where the environments are conducive to romance and well, making out. Water Works There are lush gardens surrounding fountains in this historic landmark and gathering place on Kelly Drive adjacent to the Art Museum. Along with being a park adorned with benches, it is also a popular place for […]
Northwest: The Craft Beer Industry Is Booming. Here’s Why.
Twenty years ago, when Philly entrepreneur Harry Renner and restaurateur Michael Rose decided to open up a brewpub in a former cotton mill factory on Main Street, they didn’t know what to expect. They were one of the first new craft breweries to open in the city. “It was Harry Renner’s vision,” Rose said. “He had […]
Germantown: Focusing On Neighborhood History And Community Outreach
Nina Coffin is the programs and communications coordinator for the nonprofit organization Historic Germantown. She grew up in the community and attended school at Germantown Friends, so she knows the community well. Coffin focuses on community outreach to help citizens remain informed about historic sites and events. What is the difference between Historic Germantown and […]
Mount Airy: Redevelopment Projects Look to Eliminate Blight, Improve Livelihood of Historic Neighborhood
Dating back to the 1680s, when it was a just small part of Germantown, the neighborhood of Mount Airy has a rich history that has shaped the diverse and tight-knit community that it is today. In 1750, William Allen, a chief justice for the province of Pennsylvania, built an estate at the corner of modern-day […]
Northwest Philadelphia: Jumpstart Germantown Looks to Revitalize the Community One Property at a Time
Jumpstart Germantown is a redevelopment program that was established in April, 2014 by Mount Airy real estate developer Ken Weinstein. The organization tackles the problems of blighted properties in the Northwest by training a new generation of developers how to invest in and revitalize real estate. “I liked taking junk, something like old buildings, and doing […]
Wissahickon: Nation’s Third-Oldest Canoe Club Treads On
The Wissahickon area features a little known gem that has remained afloat for more than a century. Philadelphia Canoe Club, open since 1905, is the third oldest paddling club in the United States. The club makes use of a repurposed 18th century mill, juxtaposed between the Wissahickon Creek and Schuylkill River. “We have classes year-round,” said George […]
Northwest Philadelphia: Bee Population Declines Despite BeeKeeping’s Rise In Popularity
Meet Adam Schreiber, one of the many Philadelphians who has fallen in love with beekeeping. Schreiber got his start with beekeeping nearly eight years ago in 2009 when a friend recommended the hobby to him. He now has hives scattered all across the city. “A friend of mine was keeping bees and I’ve always been […]
Germantown: Performing Arts School Introduces The Circus To The Neighborhood
Germantown is home to several historical landmarks and small businesses. Located on Greene Street, in the heart of the neighborhood, is one of those small businesses. Whether one wants to stay fit, release stress or just have fun, the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is a contemporary circus school teaching circus performing acts such as juggling, unicycling, tightrope and […]