It felt like an endless summer, one I thoroughly enjoyed spending about 6 weeks at the shore, mostly Margate & Longport. I spent every day with friends and family, really engaging in conversations and moments. I went bird watching, a lot. I ate too much. I spent at least a day in each of the beach towns from AC to Cape May – there are family exhibitions in both Sea Isle, where my mom grew up, and in Stone Harbor, where we summered as kids. Mike and I celebrated our birthdays in Wildwood Crest at Madison Resorts for a week in July, it was perfect despite the rain. I was so checked out I forgot to acknowledge the 17th anniversary of this blog, 07/07/07. I usually do a big fanfare here, but I was away.
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the blow out Sweet 16th Party Steak 48 threw for me and 250 Philly folks.
It was great summer. BUT
I am ready to get back to work, covering Philly, shooting all kinds of events, and posting on a more regular basis on PhillyChitChat. I know, I promised before and broke that promise, but I’ve run into you, many readers telling me you missed my posts. (I will commit to 3 posts a week. And of course will be continuing with my three outlets Philly Mag, Philly Style and Main Line Today. The dailies CBSPhilly, Metro Philly and Philly Tribune. )
Speaking of Readers: I ran into a long time reader who mentioned he missed the blog, we were at The Happy Rooster , we were both supporting the iconic watering hole which suffered a lot of damage through a water main/steam break underground at 16th and Sansom. They need our support. Currently just the back bar is open, but they have tables set up on the sidewalk and street. There isn’t any food at this time, but I see people bring food while enjoying their favorite cocktail on the property. Hopefully the street construction will be done by December, in time for the new year and a newly renovated Happy Rooster. In the meantime please go out and support them.
Speaking of renovations: (I’ve been reporting on this story for the past 6 years.) Coming along beautifully is The Bellevue renovation. The hotel rooms are nearly complete, residents are moving in https://thebellevuephl.com/ and the new bridal suites on the second floor are currently under construction. The ballroom looks amazing on the 2nd floor.
I noticed the other day that the area where the Starbucks used to be housed has been returned to it’s 1912 splendor, and will now be part of of the entrance way to the new restaurant.
Mr. Edison coming soon. Couldn’t find any info on the internet, but it looks to be a restaurant and lounge located in the old Ralph Lauren store. (Definitely a swanky feel) A perfect location as it wraps around the NE corner of the building, and will have an entrance off of Walnut Street as well as a hotel lobby entrance.
The lobby is coming along nicely as well. (It’s beautiful) I am told that behind this wall is where the new hotel check in will be located. To the left is the old Palm restaurant, with some of Philly’s notable mugs still on the wall. I wonder if that will be the location of the hip, happening lounge the hotel is hoping to create when the renovations are complete. It’d be perfect, especially if they keep the caricatures of Jerry Blavat, Bradley Cooper, Mike Jerrick, Patti LaBelle, Nicole Miller, Geoff Gordon, Ron Rubin and moi overlooking the seating area.
If you lease at The Residences at the Bellevue you receive a membership to the Sporting Club at the Bellevue. I’ll be there. I’m excited to be back. I really looked into a lot of the local gyms, and you can’t beat what the Sporting Club has to offer. I am not sponsored by the Sporting Club, I’m just excited to belong there. It’s a little pricey, but they have 190 classes, lots of weight training equipment, a pool and pickleball. Right now I am not in shape enough to play, but I hope by December. Also right now at the Sporting Club they’re having a special
Join this August and enjoy $280+ in new member savings!
- $100 off Club OR $200 off Executive membership initiation fees
- $50 Sporting Club Gift Card (Cannot apply to dues or guest passes)
- One personal training Session OR one athletics lesson ($105 value)
- One 30-minute golf simulator session ($25 value)
** Available August 1-31, 2024. Cannot be combined with other offers. This offer is not retroactive.**
I do have this partnership with them, if you use the code HughE, you will receive an additional $25 in Sporting Club Gift Card (see above) . That is ongoing and not tied to the monthly specials. I mean if I’m going to talk about my journey, why not.
I’ll also be returning to wishing locals well wishes for milestones I come across. Happy Birthday to Dee Durgin!! We feted her at Almyra tonight celebrate the milestone birthday ❤️
Congratulations EK & Anne Marie MacPherson, long time PCC readers and IG followers. 4 year old Lincoln is excited to be a big brother to Louisa.
Friday The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (“the Visitor Center”) and Independence Historical Trust (“the Trust”) will host the first “Movies On The Mall, event,” an outdoor movie series celebrating the themes and history of Independence National Historical Park.
On Friday, August 30, 2024, “National Treasure” will be screened at 7:30 p.m.
The beloved Disney classic features scenes set and filmed in Old City and throughout Philadelphia, including at Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, City Hall, Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, and the Franklin Institute. ;
Friday, August 30, 2024
5:00 p.m.: Family-friendly activities
7:30 p.m.: “National Treasure” screening begins
ALSO Make sure you see the Chinese Lateran Festival
At Franklin Squre. It runs through this weekend. A must see if you haven’t yet.
Socially Yours, xoxo HughE
