This trendy little gastro-pub has quickly won over Philadelphians with a rockin’ roster of craft beer, a great wine selection and some tasty artisan cocktails. It’s a great spot to sidle up to a pint of Allagash White, Firestone Walker Wookie Jack, or Sly Fox O’Reilly’s Stout while you catch up with friends.

If you're craving a bite to eat, some Mushroom & Goat Cheese Toast, Pork Albondigas, or Grilled Flatbread with chickpea hummus might do the trick. Heartier appetites will want the Grass Feed Cheeseburger, 3 Cheese Grilled Cheese, or Seitan & Sweet Pepper Cheesesteak. Entrees include Roasted Pumpkin Rotini, Salisbury Steak, and Fried Trout. Don’t neglect a tantalizing dessert like Brown Sugar Pound Cake with chocolate stout sauce & dulce de leche whipped cream. The South Philadelphia Tap Room even serves brunch on the weekends!

South Philadelphia Tap Room
1509 Mifflin Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 271-7787
http://southphiladelphiataproom.com/index2.html
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-south-philadelphia-tap-room-philadelphia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Richard Eriksson

Public speaking is a dreaded task that many people hate, and if you’re faced with speaking in public at work or at school, it can put a great deal of stress on your shoulders. These four smart tips will help you to shake your fear of public speaking—and maybe even become quite skilled at it in the process.

1. Start from the ending. Though this may seem counterproductive, it’s very important to keep your end goal in mind before speaking in public. How do you want your audience to feel when your speech is over? What is your main idea? Once you decide on these things, it will be much easier to stay focused during your presentation.
2. Simplify. Don’t use big words or elaborate phrases in your speech in an attempt to sound smarter; it will only make you sound flustered and, most likely, make you more nervous. Deliver concise, clear thoughts using basic language.
3. Tone down your visuals. If you use PowerPoint or another visual aid in your presentation, keep it minimal. You don’t want to rely on reading off of your slides, and neither does your audience.
4. Practice, practice, practice. The only real way to prepare for public speaking is to get a bit of experience under your belt. Don’t just read your speech in front of the mirror, give a mock presentation to friends, family or close coworkers. This will help you to shake the nerves once the real thing comes around.

Want to Be a Better Public Speaker? Do What the Pros Do. [Forbes]
Seven Principles of Effective Public Speaking [AMA]
5 Ways to Become a Better Public Speaker [The VAR Guy]
10 Tips to Be a Better Public Speaker [CBS News]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Visual Dichotomy

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon activity for the kids or a fun daytime date idea, the Philadelphia Zoo has something for all ages. This impressive wild animal zoo is the first zoo in the country, dating back to 1859. Today, the zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic creatures, many of which are on the endangered species list.

This zoo is unique because of how open the animals’ areas are, with spacious walkways that enable the larger animals to have space to roam while still maintaining a safe distance from visitors. Large, sprawling areas emulating the animals’ natural habitats house exotic creatures like gorillas, elephants, polar bears, and everyone’s favorite big cats, including the endangered Amur leopard.

The Philadelphia Zoo also offers a kids’ zoo, a variety of food options, and a gift shop to take home a souvenir. The zoo is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 243-1100
www.philadelphiazoo.org
www.yelp.com/biz/philadelphia-zoo-philadelphia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Martin Pettitt