Month: August 2018

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia released details today for 2018 Philly Free Streets, scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Event Activities & Information
Philly Free Streets is a people-powered initiative of the City of Philadelphia that temporarily closes streets to cars, inviting people to walk, bike, and play. This year the event will take place on Saturday, August 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The route is eight-miles round-trip connecting City Hall and Erie Avenue on North Broad Street. There is no formal start or stop. People are encouraged to join the route by taking SEPTA’s Broad Street Line anywhere between City Hall and Erie stations, or by getting off the Market-Frankford El at City Hall. To learn more visit www.phillyfreestreets.com or follow @PhillyFreeSts on Twitter.

Road Closures
The Philly Free Streets route will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 6:00AM on Saturday, August 11.  Broad Street will be closed from JFK Blvd. to Butler Street, and east-west cross traffic will only be permitted on the following streets:

–    JFK Blvd.
–    Vine Street (Eastbound Only)
–    Spring Garden Street
–    Ridge Avenue
–    Girard Avenue
–    Diamond Street
–    Lehigh Avenue
–    Allegheny Avenue
–    Erie Avenue
–    Butler Street

Roads will be opened as they are serviced and cleaned. All event-related road closures will be lifted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018.

The following items and activities are not permitted on the Philly Free Streets route:

– Motorized transportation (excluding motorized wheelchairs or similar equipment)
– Unauthorized solicitation
– Alcoholic beverages
– Narcotics or illegal drugs
– Bathing in pools or fountains
– Damage to property
– Feeding animals
– Firecrackers or explosives
– Firearms
– Open flame
– Littering (including pet waste)
– Public intoxication
– Unauthorized driving or parking
– Unauthorized vending
– Unleashed animals
– Weapons of any kind

Emergency Preparedness & Weather Alerts
Philly Free Streets is a rain or shine event.  In the case of severe weather, listen for announcements and sign up ahead of time to receive emergency texts or e-mail alerts at ReadyPhiladelphia: www.phila.gov/ready.

For tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide before you attend.

Crazy Props Sighted at the East Passyunk Car Show

The East Passyunk Car Show and Festival celebrated 13 years of auto heaven for car enthusiasts.  Up to 14,000 people attended this past weekend’s East Passyunk Avenue Car Show and Street Festival, where a record 227-plus cars were parked along the avenue, East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) officials said.

I love shooting this event not only because of the cool cars, and the obvious hard work the car owners put into their passion, but because of the fun props they place in their car. Let’s see what they have today…
This guy had Eagles legend Vince Papale sign his engine
And someone else I couldn’t read
Thanks Jefferson Health for sponsoring the EPA Car Show
I hear the Cider is delicious

Check out more photos, and a great article here on the Phila Biz Journal

InBox: More Info On Fashion District Philadelphia

I used to call these kinda posts Press Releases, but I see Billy Penn & PBJ use this term and it’s more concise.
I don’t always have time to paraphrase press releases of info I think you really want to know about so to save time. PS word italicized are my comments.

Inbox: More Info On Fashion District Philadelphia
It’s not going to be done as soon as first reported. It’s not going to open up in phases, but all at once in
September 2019.
It’ll be worth the wait. Fashion District Philadelphia is going to be a great addition to Philly, and a tourist destination.

Philadelphia, PA – August 1, 2018 – Fashion District Philadelphia, (FDP)a joint venture partnership between Macerich and PREIT, today unveils a series of impactful project milestones, including dynamic tenants and community programming reflective of the vision and significant nature of this project’s impact and reach in Philadelphia. With over 650,000 square feet of space, or more than 80%, leased or in active negotiations, the new additions create a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, socializing and playing, cementing the next generation of consumer experiences. As the retail landscape evolves to further integrate lifestyle and dining concepts, the project has advanced its tenancy to reflect the brand pillars in four key areas in one operating platform: Style, Dining, Entertainment, and Arts & Culture.

Fashion District Philadelphia will deliver a robust retail and entertainment offering unlike any other in downtown Philadelphia. Spanning three city blocks, it will feature over 800,000 square feet of dynamic offerings, including flagship, traditional full price, off-price and branded outlet retail, destination dining and entertainment, along with public art and evolving cultural events.

With a prime location in Center City, Fashion District Philadelphia is just steps away from Philadelphia’s historic district and connected to Reading Terminal, the Pennsylvania Convention Center and SEPTA’s Jefferson station – offering convenience and accessibility for millions of Philadelphia residents, commuters and visitors.

Filbert Street will come alive with some of the following eateries lining the street

Dining highlights include: City Winery, a culinary and cultural wine experience offering intimate concerts, food and wine classes, private events and fine dining in a city setting, marking the brand’s seventh location in the country (30,000 square feet of fun, food and performances); Dallas BBQ, a casual dining experience representing the brand’s first restaurant outside of New York City;

Dallas BBQ is a NYC staple famous for affordable chicken & ribs and texas-size frozen drinks. Dallas BBQ is Proudly employee-owned in New York City (Mike and I LOVE Dallas BBQ);

Market Eats, a collection of restaurants and eateries through a partnership with Aramark to add a modern grab-n-go food market with access to SEPTA’s Jefferson Station offering Chickie’s & Pete’s, Chick-fil-A (It’ll be closed on Sunday), Oath Pizza, Burger Fi (interesting they’re putting a Burger Fi there as there’s one at 12th & Filbert already), Pei Wei (Yeah no more going to Cherry Hill for noodle bowl), Freshii (Maybe it’ll have better success here, there was one across from City Hall, but it closed after 2 years) and la Madeleine.  (This is in the concourse)

As part of its effort to deliver an engaging atmosphere ripe with social experiences, Fashion District will feature a dedicated third-floor entertainment zone. A second entertainment operator will join AMC Theatres – Center City’s first movie theater since 2002 – offering in-theater dining, reclining seats, and a bar.

It’s pretty, I can’t wait. It’ll be a great addition to Market Street, which can be zombie paradise after 7PM. I always feel sorry for the tourists trying to looking for exciting Philly while navigating Market Street which rolls up it’s sidewalk after 6PM.

Currently opened at Fashion District Philadelphia is Burlington, and Century 21 in the 800 block of Market Street. Head on down there and
support these great stores while we all wait for the FDP to open. Check out these articles on this weeks announcements
Macerich
KYW1060
WHYY

HughE Around Town: What’s New Walnut Street – A Lot Of New Retail, Celebrity Sightings, Crazy Asians

When one door closes another one opens seems to be the mantra on Walnut Street. A few weeks back I was reporting on suddenly closed shops, and then yesterday during my around town I noticed three new shops coming.

Now this is exciting, and hopefully will stay open passed 9PM, now that Barnes & Noble Rittenhouse has changed their hours.
Shakespeare & Co. Booksellers 1632 Walnut Street (formerly Bank Werx ). Publishers. Café shakeandco.com

There’s one in NYC and a recent Google reviewer said: I love wandering through this small, vibrant bookstore. The book selection is impressive given the size, and I especially like the greeting cards. Frequent events with authors and their own book club. Printing services, including consultations, available as well.   The cafe has the best staff, so I always feel welcome. The coffee is delicious, and the vegan chocolate chip cookies actually melt in your mouth. Prices are consistent with other area coffee shops: coffee for 2.25, tea for 2.50, sandwiches ~9, legendary cookies 2.50.

Scotch and Soda is a Dutch fashion retail company founded in 1985. Beginning as a men’s wholesale brand; Scotch & Soda was bought by Eric Bijlsma, Patrick Munsters and Joep Krouwels. It’s opening at 1705 Walnut Street, the former home of Michael Kors

Now Opened Brandy & Melville – The hottest fashion for teens says Business Insider An Italian brand which has people fawning over simple women’s knits, tops, bottoms, bags and accessories just opened at 1527 Walnut Street

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Author Kevin Kwan and stars Gemma Chan and Jimmy O. Yang pose with a fan while buying free mac and cheese for customers at Mac Mart. (provided)

(L to R) Actor Jimmy O. Yang and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ author Kevin Kwan learn how to make Barclay Prime’s $120 Cheesesteak with Executive Chef Mark Twersky. Photo Credit: Marissa Evans, Starr Restaurants
Wish I could have caught the preview on Monday night, looks hysterical
Opens nationwide August 15, 2018

@djkhaled stopped by @GenosSteaks Monday Night after opening for @Beyonce & Jay-Z for their On the Run II tour.
Arriving in his custom white Maybach Landaulet he posed with fans, hung out with @GenoPHL crew & ordered the classic “Whiz With.” 📸@jimmywhispers3 #phillygossip He went to Max’s as well. He must love cheesesteaks

When Mike Masco isn’t reporting on the weather or traffic for Fox 29, he can be found on his dragon. I noticed that Real Housewives of NJ star Melissa Gorga likes what she sees on his instagram. You have to follow Mike on Twitter, his weather forecasting is in-depth, and often quite funny. @MikeMasco

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InBox: Press Releases that Might Be of Interest to You

Speaking about floats: There’s a day to celebrate everything – Monday August 6 is Root Beer Float Day.
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the partnership between Marriott International and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia invites locals and guests alike to partake in a Root Beer Float Day on Monday, August 6, 2018, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 10 Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia PA. The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia will offer complimentary root beer floats to guests in exchange for a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network, which distributes funds to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Guests and locals can enjoy a complimentary Root Beer Float in the main lobby of the hotel property (Broad Street entrance). During the week of August 6, participating Marriott International hotels throughout the United States and Canada will host root beer floats fundraising activities with the proceeds going directly to local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Root Beer Float Day is a nod to Marriott’s beginnings when company founder, Bill Marriott, Sr., and his wife Alice opened two root beer stands in Washington, D.C., in the 1920s. “We wouldn’t be the organization we are today without the support of Marriott as our longest-standing corporate partner,” said John Lauck, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Marriott associates and guests are among the most passionate fundraisers we have.” Marriott associates and guests have raised $120 million in the last 35 years. The company fundraises through a variety of events and activities. “Our hotel is delighted to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with Root Beer Float Day. Who doesn’t love a classic root beer float? Our hotel property will personally make a donation to Children’s Miracle Network on behalf of our Ladies and Gentlemen. These proceeds are distributed locally to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,” said Leonard Buckley, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia.

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City Announces Programming Lineup for Philly Free Streets on North Broad on 8/11/18

PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney today announced the programming highlights for the third Philly Free Streets program happening on August 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During remarks on North Broad Street, City officials touted the community collaboration that has led to this year’s programming.  From free admission to cultural institutions, to a beach on North Broad Streets, to a scavenger hunt on North Broad’s vibrant African American history, Philly Free Streets will have an array of programming available for those who walk, run, play, bike, and explore the route. To view the full listing of programs, visit http://www.phillyfreestreets.com/programming.

See you tomorrow for more PhillyChitChat