Ridley Creek State Park: Natural Treasure
August 7, 2012 by
Area residents looking for a wide array of outdoor activities have been flocking to Ridley Creek State Park for generations. This gorgeous park, located in the town of Newtown Square, offers over 2,026 acres of meadows and woodlands for exploration, only 16 miles from the center of Philadelphia. That proximity to the city makes it a great weekend destination for urbanites looking to get away from it all. 14 picnic areas offer hundreds of picnic tables, as well as pavilions that can be reserved in advance. Ridley Creek, which runs through the park, is stocked with trout and a popular spot for local fisherman to catch their limit. An area is also reserved for fly-fishing, but is catch and release only. 12 miles of hiking trails at various levels of difficulty wend through the park, as well as biking, jogging, and horseback riding paths. From April to October, camping areas are also available for overnight stays.
Ridley Creek State Park
351 Gradyville Road
Newtown Square, PA 19073
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ridley-creek-state-park-newtown-square
Da Vinci’s Pub: The Art Of The Pour
July 17, 2012 by
Collegeville has no shortage of great places to grab a drink, but locals all seem to flock to Da Vinci’s Pub at one time or another. The reasons why are manifold: it’s got a classic vibe updated with modern technology. Located in the former home of Harpoon Louie’s, the décor has tons of carved wood accents and solid construction that make it feel like it’s been around forever. Many nights an acoustic guitar player provides entertainment that doesn’t intrude on conversations, which is welcome. Service is exceptional, with the staff drawing raves from patrons for their pleasant attitudes and speedy delivery. The bar boasts a solid selection of microbrews on tap, as well as a decent array of wines and some popular mixed drinks. Food is high-quality pub grub, with special raves going to the blackened chicken, which is moist and toothsome. Be aware that on weekends the place gets packed and overflows all available street parking, so you might have to walk a little bit.
Da Vinci’s Pub
217 E. Main Street
Collegeville, PA 19426
(610) 831-1955
http://www.yelp.com/biz/da-vincis-pub-collegeville
Color Me Mine: Creative Passions
July 3, 2012 by
Artists of all skill levels have been flocking to Montgomeryville’s Color Me Mine for years, and the wide range of creative activities available is very enticing. The process couldn’t be more simple: first, you select from one of hundreds of ceramic pieces to paint on, from mugs, plates and tiles to more complicated pieces, and the prices are fairly low. Then you pay an eight-dollar studio fee and start decorating your unique piece of artwork. That fee covers everything you’ll use in the process, and there’s a lot of material to choose from. Once it’s done, you leave it there to be kiln-fired to seal the glaze and come pick it up about five days later. Color Me Mine is an awesome creative outlet for people of all ages and levels of experience, and they offer special deals and packages throughout the week to save a little money if you’re on a budget.
Color Me Mine
801 Bethlehem Pike
Montgomeryville, PA 18936
(215) 412-4565
http://www.yelp.com/biz/color-me-mine-montgomeryville
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum
June 26, 2012 by
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Museum is connected to the fine arts school that was the first in the U.S. when it began in 1805. Housed in a gorgeous building designed by renowned architects Frank Furness and George W. Hewitt, the museum’s primary focus is early American painters like Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Eakins, Benjamin West, Thomas Hart Benton, and Washington Allston. More than 6,000 paintings are showcased in the permanent collection, plus a variety of special exhibits take place there, including student works from the academy. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 students and seniors, and $10 for youth 12 through 18. Children under 12 are admitted free.
118-128 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 972-7600
Par Breakers Golf Academy: Get in the Swing
March 6, 2012 by
Par Breakers pro Bernie Sheridan formerly ran Nike’s elite Golf School, but in 1998 he came home to the Philadelphia area to evangelize for golf and save you from grey hairs. What do we mean? Well, no one understands a golf swing like Bernie. Sure, he’s got all the technology used by PGA hotshots, like video swing analysis, the EDH Flightscope, P3 Pro Swing, and Zelocity Radar; but just let him look at you. Pay attention when he offers those good-natured tips. That slice—and your score—will shrink in no time. Bernie’s eye is that good. Par Breakers offers private lessons, group clinics, on-course clinics, and kids’ summer golf camps. The indoor facility is the largest in the area, with full-size simulated greens and bunkers. You can also hit the driving range, get custom-fitted for clubs, or simulate a round on one of the world’s great courses.
Par Breakers Golf Academy
2300 West Drive
Oaks, PA 19456
(610) 666-9000
www.parbreakers.com
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