{"id":42524,"date":"2024-03-01T09:10:20","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T14:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=42524"},"modified":"2024-03-01T09:10:21","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T14:10:21","slug":"what-to-do-philadelphia-flower-show-is-a-harbinger-of-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=42524","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Philadelphia Flower Show is a harbinger of Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"

Philadelphia Flower Show<\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re in the mood for flowers \u2013 lots and lots of flowers \u2013 all you need do is make a visit to this year\u2019s Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia, 215-988-8899,\u00a0phsonline.org\/the-flower-show<\/a>)\u00a0which runs through March 12.<\/p>\n

The PHS (Philadelphia Horticultural Society) Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation\u2019s largest and longest-running horticultural event and features stunning displays by the world\u2019s premier floral and landscape designers. Started in 1829, the Show introduces diverse plant varieties and sustainable garden and design concepts.<\/p>\n

Usually, when events have to be moved, they move indoors because of inclement weather. In 2021 and 2022, the Philadelphia Flower Show had to move \u2013 outdoors because of COVID restraints.<\/p>\n

Held indoors once again after two years in FDR Park, the\u00a0Philadelphia Flower Show\u00a0returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center with the theme \u201cUnited by Flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visitors can expect breathtaking displays by the world\u2019s premier floral and landscape designers, as well as musical performances from a slate of hand-picked artists.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s event also features some of the largest gardens in its history, with floral scapes that range in size from 2,200 to 2,900 square feet.<\/p>\n

The show, which is presented every year by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and celebrates its 194th anniversary in 20233, treats visitors to a spectacle of floral displays in every size, style and shape imaginable.<\/p>\n

The show will feature 10 acres of exhibition halls with floral displays and vendors and provide visitors with all new interactive experiences. This inviting part of the show will feature garden trends, chats with experts, and hands-on learning sessions for gardeners to become even greener.<\/p>\n

Guests are encouraged to enhance their Flower Show visit each day with other popular experiences, including Flower Show Guided Tours in the early morning. The Flower Show also features an exciting competition that brings together thousands of plant lovers who compete in hundreds of categories.<\/p>\n

The show\u2019s biggest attraction each year is the massive \u201cMarketplace\u201d featuring over 150 vendors from all over America and several European nations. They will be selling flowers, orchids, floral-inspired furniture, sheds, artwork and unique garden-related crafts and supplies.<\/p>\n

Throughout the week, hundreds of gardening experts will provide learning opportunities in the Lecture Series.<\/p>\n

Be prepared for large crowds during the weekend hours. If you want a more leisurely visit, plan to visit the show during the week. Also, take public transportation if possible. Vehicular traffic in the area is frequently a nightmare and parking lots tend to fill up early even though they are charging exorbitant fees.<\/p>\n

Tickets for the Philadelphia Flower Show start at $29.99.<\/p>\n

\"\"

2024 Philadelphia Flute Day<\/p><\/div>\n

On March 2, West Chester University will host the 2024 Philadelphia Flute Day Fair (https:\/\/www.philaflutesociety.org\/fairevents<\/a>). The event will be held at Swope Music Building and the Performing Arts Center, which is located at 817 South High Street in West Chester.<\/p>\n

The Flute Day Fair will be filled with a variety of events including concerts, flute choirs, master classes, exhibits, workshops and presentations.<\/p>\n

The \u201cHeadline Guest Artist\u201d will be Mimi Stillman <\/a>.<\/p>\n

The 2024 Flute Fair will celebrate the Flute Choir Music of Jonathan Cohen.<\/p>\n

Cohen\u00a0was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1954.\u00a0 After passing through Palo Alto, California and undergraduate school in Akron Ohio, he settled in Maryland, where he received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering.\u00a0 Cohen has worked as a researcher in information retrieval and visualization, optical and signal processing, and related fields, for four decades. His resulting trophies include more than a dozen patents.<\/p>\n

Confined to his house for several snow days in 2003, Cohen began to compose, and has resisted all calls to desist. Nine of his compositions have been First Prize Winners of the National Flute Association’s Newly Published Music Awards.<\/p>\n

Cohen plays flute in the Montgomery Village Community Band (Maryland). He also plays \u201cTiny\u201d (his contrabass flute) in Flutes on the Brink, Flute Cocktail, and The Metropolitan Flute Orchestra.<\/p>\n

A Reading Session with Cohen and \u201cTiny\u201d will be conducted by Daniel Dorff at 9:45 a.m.<\/p>\n

\"\"West Chester\u2019s \u201cRestaurant Week\u201d for 2023 (www.downtownwestchester.com\/event\/west-chesters-restaurant-week<\/a>) will start on February 24 and run through March 3.<\/p>\n

This fun filled week is the perfect opportunity for area residents to support your favorite restaurants or explore something new.<\/p>\n

West Chester\u2019s culinary masters will be creating special multi-course prix fixe menus that will be featured for one week only.\u00a0 There will be dine-in and takeout options available.<\/p>\n

Participating restaurants are Barnaby\u2019s of West Chester, Dolce Zola, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Manj\u00e9 Caribbean Cuisine, Kildare\u2019s Irish Pub, Mae\u2019s West Chester, Mas Mexicali Cantina, Pietro\u2019s Prime, Saloon 151 Whiskey Bar & Grill, Santino\u2019s Tap & Table and Slow Hand Restaurant and Bar.<\/p>\n

Also participating will be Sterling Pig Brewery, Stove & Tap, Mediterranean, Taco Mar, The Social, Sedona Taphouse, Side Bar & Restaurant, Spence Caf\u00e9, Ryan\u2019s Pub & Restaurant, Greystone Oyster Bar, Mercato Ristorante and Bar, Limoncello Restaurant, Bar Avalon and Opa Taverna.<\/p>\n

March 1 is the day for First Friday happenings around the area.<\/p>\n

\"\"Visitors can head to Downtown West Chester (www.downtownwestchester.com<\/a>) on March 1 for First Friday activities.<\/p>\n

Along with extended hours, events, and sales at stores, there will be Drum Clinic with Sherrie Maricle, Open Studio at Ginkgo Arts 2024, First Friday Jazz Concert at Windish Studios\u00a0and Karaoke Party at Saloon 151.<\/p>\n

Street-level, metered parking is free after 5 p.m.<\/p>\n

Lancaster\u2019s popular First Friday (http:\/\/www.visitlancastercity.com\/first-friday\/<\/a>) is an arts extravaganza that runs from 5-9 p.m. onMay 6. Visitors to downtown Lancaster will have the opportunity to discover innovative exhibitions, performances and perhaps a few surprises as they walk the streets lined with trees and distinctive architecture.<\/p>\n

Unique boutiques and excellent restaurants complement the art galleries, artisan studios, museums, performing groups, professional theater, symphony orchestra and art college that form Lancaster\u2019s arts community.<\/p>\n

Another First Friday event this weekend will take place in Old City Philadelphia (230 Vine Street and locations throughout Old City Philadelphia, 215- 625-9200,www.oldcitydistrict.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On the first Friday of each month \u2014 year-round \u2014 Old City\u2019s galleries, studios, shops and restaurants open their doors for First Friday, in an epic exhibition of the neighborhood\u2019s vibrant arts scene.<\/p>\n

Old City Arts Association launched First Friday in 1991 to introduce Philadelphia to the improving neighborhood and the artists and designers who were bringing it back to life.<\/p>\n

Two decades later, Old City is a nationally recognized arts destination, named in 2013 as one of the country\u2019s top\u00a0ArtPlaces by the ArtPlace Foundation.<\/p>\n

On the first Friday evening of every month, the streets of Old City fill with art lovers of all kinds who wander among the neighborhood\u2019s 40-plus galleries, most of which are open from 5-9 p.m.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re thinking about getting an RV — or any type from a home-away-from-home on wheels — then you should check out the Greater Philadelphia RV Show & Sale which is running now through March 3 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, 800-290-6886, www.phillyrvshow.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Visitors to the show will be able to shop at exhibits by many of the top dealers of Southeastern Pennsylvania without having to drive all around the\u00a0area to do so.\u00a0The dealers will all be assembled together under one roof allowing comparison shopping to be an easy task.<\/p>\n

In addition to exhibits displaying all types of RVs, the show will also feature supplier booths, camping information and dealers specializing in parts and accessories.<\/p>\n

The roster of participating dealers includes Stoltzfus RV & Marine (West Chester), RV Value Mart, Shady Maple RV, and Colton RV Pocono.<\/p>\n

The line-up also includes Hitch RV, Fretz Enterprises, Indian Valley Camping Center, Miller Trailer Sales, Campers Inn and RV One Superstores.<\/p>\n

Show hours are noon-8 p.m. on March 1, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on March 2 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 3.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $13 with children (under 12) admitted free with a paying adult.<\/p>\n

On March 2, Fort\u00a0Mifflin\u00a0(Fort\u00a0Mifflin\u00a0and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, www.fortmifflin.us<\/a>) will host a special event called \u201cOpen Investigation Evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Haunted Fort\u00a0Mifflin\u00a0invites guests to Experience a paranormal investigation in one of the most haunted locations in the country.<\/p>\n

Participants can bring their own equipment or just a cell phone flashlight. They will learn tips from experienced investigators from Prism Paranormal who will be on hand to assist newcomers.<\/p>\n

Guests will be able to enjoy exploring areas that are not open to the visiting public and to learn the historic background of the site\u2019s most famous hauntings. This event is suitable for novice and experienced investigators alike and students from young teens and up.<\/p>\n

The event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $49.<\/p>\n

The Philadelphia Comic-Con, which is scheduled to run from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on March 3 at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center (76 Industrial Highway, Essington, 856-217-5737, www.philadelphiacomic-con.com<\/a>), features comic books, trading cards and other collectibles \u2014 both modern and vintage.<\/p>\n

The event, which has an admission fee of $4, also features a number of special autograph guests.<\/p>\n

The popular collectibles event, which is the area\u2019s longest running comic convention, will host dealers from all over the Northeast with sales booths featuring Gold & Silver Age comics, action figures, non-sport cards (including Topps \u201cJourney to Star Wars: The Force Awakens\u201d).<\/p>\n

Also featured will be Japanese Manga, gaming cards such as Pokemon and Magic the Gathering, original artwork and all the latest issues of today\u2019s popular comic book series.<\/p>\n

The roster of top-flight vendors includes veteran dealers and relative newcomers.<\/p>\n

As an added attraction, there will be hourly door prizes beginning at 11 a.m. with $100 in show cash to be given away.<\/p>\n

The Annual Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show will be held March 2 and 3 at Doubletree by Hilton (4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, www.dmsrocks.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Activities include interesting and educational exhibits of mineral, lapidary and fossil specimens, a \u201cFluorescent Mineral Room\u201d with brightly glowing, illuminated specimens, displays of minerals from the Iron Hill Museum, display of regional Native American stone artifacts.<\/p>\n

Demonstrations by members of the Delaware Mineral Society and the Tuscarora Lapidary Society may include: Gem Faceting, Cabbing, Wirewrapping, Pearl Knotting, Viking Wire Weaving, Gem Tree Making, Bead-Wire Ringmaking, Fossil Fish Specimen Preparing, and more.
\nThe show will also feature a large roster of outstanding dealers of minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry and lapidary supplies along with the \u201cClub Members Booth\u201d where show attendees can purchase self-collected specimens and self-made jewelry items at low cost and a \u201cChildren\u2019s Booth\u201d where youngsters of all ages can purchase inexpensive minerals and fossils from $1 and up.<\/p>\n

Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and juniors (12-16) and free for children (under 12). There will also be a large specimen raffle with one free raffle ticket per paid admission.<\/p>\n

The Kalmar\u00a0Nyckel Shipyard (1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.kalmarrnyckel.org<\/a>) is hosting the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation\u2019s \u201cNinth Annual LEGO Brick Shipbuilding Day\u201d on March 2.<\/p>\n

The Brick Shipbuilding Day is fun for all ages and skill levels. Build STEM ship models or design your own incredible creation for our annual contests. The event culminates with prizes for ships built on site and at home.<\/p>\n

Participants will be able to build their own imaginary ships — with masts, wings, wheels or whatever they desire. They can bring one from home or build one on-site with the site\u2019s free-play LEGOs to enter into our contests.<\/p>\n

They can also learn to build STEM-based LEGO models of historic and naval vessels including Kalmar Nyckel,\u00a0USS\u00a0Gettysburg,\u00a0CSS\u00a0Virginia,\u00a0USS\u00a0Monitor\u00a0and many more.<\/p>\n

Shipbuilding kits are organized by skill level so that all ages can participate.<\/p>\n

The fun family event will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org<\/a>) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.<\/p>\n

On March 1, Historic Odessa reopens for spring tours and celebrates the beginning of its 2024 season.<\/p>\n

Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell\u2019s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.<\/p>\n

Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware. They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.<\/p>\n

Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.\u00a0 The site is also open Monday by reservation.<\/p>\n

March 2 is also a special day in Odessa for another reason.<\/p>\n

Visitors are invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss\u2019s birthday with Historic Odessa Foundation.<\/p>\n

Guests will have the opportunity to party with their favorite Dr. Suess readings followed by family friendly arts and crafts.<\/p>\n

The celebration will run from 1-3 p.m. in the Bank Building (201 Main Street, Odessa).<\/p>\n

Additionally, from March 1-31, Historic Odessa presents \u201cWomen of Courage, Independence and Perseverance,\u201d as it celebrates Women’s History Month.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen of Courage, Independence and Perseverance,\u201d a\u00a0special petite case exhibit in the Wilson-Warner House will be offered as part of the general tour. It will explore the lives of four extraordinary Wilson and Corbit women who exemplified perseverance and courage at a time when women faced many barriers to their independence.<\/p>\n

If one of your hobbies is fishing, you should check out the \u201cFly Fishing Show\u201d which is being held March 2 and 3 at the Lancaster Convention Center Lancaster Convention Center (3 East Vine Street, Lancaster, 866-481-2393, www.flyfishingshow.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The list of special attractions at the 2024 show includes seminars and demonstrations presented by many of Pennsylvania\u2019s finest fly-fishing celebrities along with several national celebrities. There also will be a huge vendors\u2019 area with an array of fishing-related products on sale.<\/p>\n

The International Federation of Fly Fishers will be offering free fly-fishing instruction at the FFF Learning Center located at the FFF booth.\u00a0Basic fly casting, fly tying and knot tying will be taught throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival will be held on March 2 starting at 6 p.m. Tickets for the film fest are $15.<\/p>\n

There will also be booths featuring fly fishing celebrities with a roster that includes Joe Humphreys, George Daniel, Dianne Tidy, Dusty Wissmath, Thomas E. Baltz, Tim Flagler, Rob Giannino and Luong Tam.<\/p>\n

The show will be open from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Adult tickets are $20 for one day or $35 for a two-day pass. Tickets for children (under 12) are $5.<\/p>\n

On March 3, the Lancaster County Park Environmental Center (1 Nature\u2019s Way, Lancaster, https:\/\/apm.activecommunities.com\/LancasterCountyParks<\/a>, 717-295-2055) will present a special program titled \u201cMaple Sugaring.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visitors can join County Park Naturalists for ongoing maple sugaring demonstrations in the sugar bush of Lancaster County Central Park.<\/p>\n

They will be able to see trees tapped, sap boiled to syrup, and candy made from the syrup. Maple products will be on sale. Guests can drop in anytime during the program hours for an educational tour of the maple syrup making process.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaple Sugaring at Peter Wentz Farmstead\u201d (2030 Shearer Road, Lansdale, pe*****************<\/span>@****************<\/span>pa.gov<\/span><\/a>) will take place on February 24 from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Visitors can join the site\u2019s farmers as they create maple sugar from trees right here at the Farmstead.<\/p>\n

Guests can watch as they tap the trees, collect the sap, and create the syrup.<\/p>\n

They can also learn about the Indigenous origins of maple sugaring and how the process has continued through to today.<\/p>\n

Waffles and syrup will be available at Philly Waffle Cabin<\/a>\u2019s food truck.<\/p>\n

This free all-ages event is weather dependent — if the temperature isn\u2019t just right the sap may not flow.<\/p>\n

Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org<\/a>), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, has a popular attraction \u2013 \u201cNation of Inventors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the \u201cgolden age\u201d of American invention, in the late 1800s. The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley\u2019s unique collection highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.<\/p>\n

Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years.\u00a0\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0showcases patent models representing innovations in a variety of industries from transportation and manufacturing to food preservation and medical devices.<\/p>\n

In the exhibition, visitors will enjoy engaging experiences around every corner, testing their knowledge of innovation and hearing personal accounts from inventors.<\/p>\n

The patent models in\u00a0\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0were created between 1833 and 1886. \u201cNation of Inventors\u201d not only features patent models submitted by inventors from the United States, but also models from inventors in England, France, Ireland, Russia, and Spain, demonstrating an international interest in America\u2019s intellectual property system.<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d includes patent models from well-known inventors and companies like Ball (Mason Jars), Jim Beam, Bissell, Corliss, Steinway, and Westinghouse. The exhibit presents important topics and timely themes including women inventors, Black inventors, immigrant inventors, improvements in urban living, and the ways Americans learn about and understand progress and change.<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d is located on the first two floors of Hagley\u2019s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.<\/p>\n

Admission to Hagley is $20 for adults, $16 for students and seniors (62+) and $10 for children (6-14).<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest,\u201d which will run now through September 2 at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, ansp.org<\/a>),\u00a0is an immersive exhibition introducing visitors to the fascinating world of rainforests and the animals that inhabit them.<\/p>\n

You can learn about unique plants and rainforest ecology as you encounter a live sloth, boa constrictor and other animals that call these habitats home. You will see the importance of rainforests to the planet as you explore interactive discovery stations, dynamic displays and engaging programming.<\/p>\n

Presented in English and Spanish,\u00a0\u201cUnder the Canopy\u201d\u00a0will engage students of all ages, with accompanying curriculums on rainforests, water cycles, the science of diversity, deforestation and soil, how kids can save the planet and so much more. Hands-on interactives are complemented by life-size, climbable animal sculptures, including a gorilla, tortoise, crocodile, red-eye tree frog and Banyan tree.<\/p>\n

All exhibits are included with the purchase of a general admission ticket.<\/p>\n

Admission prices are — Adults (Age 13 and above), $22; Children (Age 2 – 12), $18.<\/p>\n

The \u201cWine & Cupcake Pairings at Penns Woods\u201d at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808, http:\/\/www.pennswoodswinery.com<\/a>) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.<\/p>\n

Penns Woods Winery is featuring a pairing which includes a tasting of four wines perfectly paired with\u00a0out-of-the-box custom flavors developed in partnership with the Food Network\u2019s Cupcake Wars winning shop Dia Doce.<\/p>\n

The mouth-watering tastings will be held every weekend in March.<\/p>\n

Tickets cost $36 per person and reservations are required.<\/p>\n

Harvest Ridge Winery (1140 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, harvestridgewinery.com<\/a>) is hosting PA Soup Pairing On March 3 at its Pennsylvania Location.<\/p>\n

Visitors are invited to enjoy wine tastings and then warm up from the cold with the winery\u2019s \u201cSunday Soup Pairing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tickets are $25.<\/p>\n

Harvest Ridge Winery will also present live music to accompany its tastings on March 2.<\/p>\n

AJ Love will perform favorite tunes from 4:30-7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>) is celebrating the new year with one of its annual special events \u2013 \u201cWinter Wonder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWinter Wonder,\u201d which runs now through March 24, celebrates the beauty of winter. It\u2019s all about outdoor spacious, indoor oasis, and the power of story.<\/p>\n

Outside, visitors can find a sense of peace and tranquility as they walk past textural grasses, seed heads and the dramatic silhouettes of trees that stretch up into the sky.<\/p>\n

Inside, they can bask in a world of warmth that features an overhead garden of hanging baskets adorned with such vibrant beauties as jasmine, cape-primrose, and lipstick-plant.<\/p>\n

Visitors will be able to enjoy a paradise of flowers and foliage, bursting with color — all in a beautiful indoor winter wonderland with a tropical twist.<\/p>\n

Inside Longwood\u2019s Conservatory, visitors can check out nearly 300 blooming orchids on display in the site\u2019s Orchid House. There will also be rare blue poppies blooming in March but for only about 10 to 15 days.<\/p>\n

Another popular attraction this year is Longwood Gardens\u2019 \u201cScience Saturdays\u201d series.<\/p>\n

Topics for Science Saturday events are \u201cManaging Our Natural Lands\u201d on March 9 and \u201cSeed Science\u201d on April 20.<\/p>\n

Longwood custom grows a staggering 1,300 (and counting) types of plants each year for seasonal indoor displays and outdoor gardens \u2026 and each type has its own needs.<\/p>\n

While Longwood\u2019s team utilizes its horticulture expertise to grow this diverse palette of plants, its innovative greenhouses further the capabilities to grow them precisely and efficiently, all while attending to each plant type\u2019s individual needs.<\/p>\n

The gardens are open from Wednesdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Friday, March 31. Hours change in the spring.<\/p>\n

As always, admission by \u201cTimed Ticket\u201d — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience.<\/p>\n

You may enter the Gardens up to 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your designated time. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.<\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and college students, $18 for active military and veterans and $13 for youth (ages 5-18).<\/p>\n

The Philadelphia Zoo has been a habitat for an amazing array of animals ever since its opening day in July 1874. Now, for the next two-and-one-half months, the Zoo will be home to a sextet of Trolls.<\/p>\n

Now through April 15, the Philadelphia Zoo (3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia) is hosting the East Coast debut of Thomas Dambo\u2019s \u201cTROLLS: Save the Humans,\u201d produced by Imagine Exhibitions. This represents the first-ever winter feature experience at Philadelphia Zoo.<\/p>\n

The world\u2019s leading \u201crecycle\u201d artist has created these six, folklore-inspired Trolls using repurposed wood. The Trolls are on a mission to inspire humans to take better care of nature. The Trolls, ranging up to 15 feet tall, will be located throughout the Zoo\u2019s 42-acre campus.<\/p>\n

\u201cTROLLS\u201d were created by artist Thomas Dambo, who currently lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark.\u00a0 Born in Odense, Denmark in 1979, Dambo\u2019s mission is to create art that inspires people to explore, have adventures in nature, and show that recycled goods can be turned into something beautiful.<\/p>\n

Dambo\u2019s colossal troll sculptures range in height from 16-50 feet and \u2018live\u2019 as permanent or semi-permanent installations in parks, greenspaces, industrial parks, and in other site-specific locations around the world. Each folklore-inspired sculpture is imbued with expression and character and is built entirely from reclaimed materials.<\/p>\n

Each Troll has a unique name and story. There are six Trolls who will be taking up residence at the Philadelphia Zoo through April 15.<\/p>\n

They all believe rethinking how we live our daily lives will help save the planet for all animals, including humans, and they want to share their ideas. They want all humans to reduce trash, reuse everything, and recycle when they can. The Trolls believe that these actions and others to protect wildlife and wild places are important steps to help save the planet for all animals, including humans.
\nThe exhibition is included in admission to the Zoo. Admission prices start at $19 for adults and children. Tickets are now available on philadelphiazoo.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a fun family activity \u2013 an indoor activity unaffected by the weather — Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com<\/a>) has something just for you — the\u00a0miniature golf course \u201cFore! the Planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linvilla Orchard\u2019s\u00a0\u201cFore! The Planet\u201d\u00a0is a highly interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. This exhibition pairs important environmental issues with the fun of miniature golf.<\/p>\n

It features nine unique educational holes — explore butterfly metamorphosis, a tropical rain forest, evolution, dinosaur extinction, food chains, and more. It\u2019s perfect for kids of all ages. The entire family will enjoy playing miniature golf while learning about our environment \u2013 every step of the way.<\/p>\n

The mini-course is open daily from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. through April 1. Tickets are $8.<\/p>\n

\u201cTreeTrails Adventures Trevose\u201d (301 West Bristol Pike, Trevose, treetrails.com\/trevose-pa<\/a>) is an adventure park\u00a0full of fun challenges for outdoor adventurers of all ages.<\/p>\n

Participants can experience the rush of TreeTrails Adventures\u00a0as they swing through the trees of the new adventure park.\u00a0They will be able to discover the\u00a0excitement of climbing and zip lining above the forest floor\u00a0with family, friends, co-workers, or teammates.<\/p>\n

The park, which is based at Phoenix Sport Club in Bucks County, offers two ways to experience climbing \u2013 TreeTrails Adventure Park and KidTrails Park. Young explorers can enjoy miniaturized courses in the adjacent KidTrails Park.<\/p>\n

General Park Admission prices are: Main Park Adult Tickets (Ages 12+), $59; Main Park Youth Tickets (Ages 7\u201311), $51; KidTrails Tickets (Ages 4\u20137), $12.<\/p>\n

On February 23, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822\u00a0Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org<\/a>) will present \u201cDuffy\u2019s Cut Ceremony\u201d from 2-4 p.m.<\/p>\n

At Duffy\u2019s Cut, a railroad construction site in Chester County, 57 Irish immigrant railroad workers died amid an 1832 cholera epidemic and were buried in a mass grave.<\/p>\n

In 2004, an excavation led by the Duffy\u2019s Cut Project<\/a>\u00a0at Immaculata University and others uncovered archaeological evidence showing several of the workers had been murdered, now widely believed due to anti-immigrant violence.<\/p>\n

Visitors to Laurel Hill will be able to visit the Duffy\u2019s Cut Project to learn more about this history, and honor those who died with a procession and memorial ceremony at the site where the remains of five of the workers were reburied at Laurel Hill West.<\/p>\n

Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com<\/a>) may be closed for park rides and activities but there\u2019s still furry fun to be had.<\/p>\n

This weekend\u2019s special event will be \u201cMardi Gras Celebration,\u201d which will be now through March 17.<\/p>\n

Visitors can let the good times roll at Sesame Place\u2019s family-friendly Mardi Gras Celebration.<\/p>\n

Guests can join in the festivities and celebrate by dancing along with special strolling entertainment, participating in the Mardi Gras Mask Scavenger Hunt, and much more. They also can enjoy Sesame Street-themed rides and attractions for guests of all ages.<\/p>\n

The Sesame Street Mardi Gras Parade is a celebration with everyone\u2019s favorite Sesame Street friends dressed up and ready to shine, and features lively tunes, fancy dancing, and floats decked out in Mardi Gras colors of sparkly purple, green, and gold.<\/p>\n

Visitors to Sesame Place can enjoy mouth-watering menu items made famous by the city of New Orleans like beignets and jambalaya.<\/p>\n

Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>),\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) and\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true\u00a0ghost\u00a0stories and real haunted houses.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,\u201d is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where\u00a0ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.<\/p>\n

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America\u2019s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn\u2019s colony to present-day hauntings.<\/p>\n

The activity is open year-round \u2013 weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Lancaster, PA.\u201d<\/p>\n

Participants in the\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America\u2019s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The\u00a0tour\u00a0provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City\u2019s thorny past. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed\u00a0tour\u00a0guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night \u2026 in a town lost in time. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

Grim\u00a0Philly\u2019s \u201cDark Philly History Tour\u201d (www.grimphilly.com<\/a>) will be held every evening throughout the winter.<\/p>\n

Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers. The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way. This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $35.<\/p>\n

Blue Cross RiverRink (Market Street at the Delaware River, Philadelphia, www.riverrink.com<\/a>) is a great place to enjoy a pleasant winter skate.<\/p>\n

Unlike most of the suburban ice rinks,\u00a0RiverRink\u00a0features public skating. Ice skating is the only use of this ice rink.<\/p>\n

This winter,\u00a0RiverRink\u00a0takes the ice-skating experience on the Delaware River waterfront to another level by once again transforming the annual rink into a bona fide winter wonderland.<\/p>\n

For three decades, Winterfest has been Philadelphia\u2019s favorite Winter tradition on the Delaware River Waterfront, inviting\u00a0visitors for a chance to indulge in flights of fancy under\u00a0thousands of sparkling lights in a\u00a0winter wonderland with spectacular views of the Delaware River, complete with comforting warming cabins, physically distanced fire pit stations, games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and refreshing drinks, the signature holiday tree and \u2014 of course \u2014 ice skating on an NHL-sized rink.<\/p>\n

Another ice-skating option in downtown Philadelphia is Center City Parks District\u2019s Rothman Orthopaedics Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, http:\/\/ccdparks.org\/dilworth-park<\/a>).<\/p>\n

It is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia\u2019s center stage in a wonderfully urban and unique setting. Open seven days a week, the rink offers wintery fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0at the Fashion District (27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, philadelphia.wonderspaces.com<\/a>) is an experiential, interactive arts venue.<\/p>\n

Building on the success of annual pop-up shows in San Diego, and its first permanent location in Scottsdale, Arizona,\u00a0Wonderspaces\u00a0opened a 24,000 square foot gallery space in Philly a year ago.<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0features 14 art installations that all play with the idea of perspective.\u00a0 The artwork ranges from award-winning virtual reality short film about a dinner party-turned-alien abduction, to a room where visitors digitally paint the walls with the movement of their bodies.<\/p>\n

New artworks rotate in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show.<\/p>\n

Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours.\u00a0The average time spent experiencing the show is 90 minutes.<\/p>\n

A few installations contain flashing lights, images, and patterns that may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. All visitors must sign a waiver prior to being admitted into the space. Adult supervision is required for visitors under 16.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times If you\u2019re in the mood for flowers \u2013 lots and lots of flowers \u2013 all you need do is make a visit to this year\u2019s Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia, 215-988-8899,\u00a0phsonline.org\/the-flower-show)\u00a0which runs through March 12. The PHS (Philadelphia Horticultural Society) […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42520,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[14606,6518,462,5933,13436],"class_list":["post-42524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-2024-philadelphia-flute-day","tag-featured","tag-first-friday","tag-philadelphia-flower-show","tag-west-chester-restaurant-week"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=42524"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42524\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42525,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42524\/revisions\/42525"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/42520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=42524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=42524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=42524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}