By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Spring is here with flowers in bloom everywhere. Winter is now in the rear-view mirror (hopefully) and COVID restrictions are beginning to fade away.
Not surprisingly, the area’s schedule of special things is filled to the brim.
Three of the area’s popular events have returned this year – a film festival and a pair of art shows – and there a lot of attractive Earth Day events on tap.
If you’re looking for something different in films, you’ll be able to it at this weekend’s 16th Annual West Chester Film Festival (484-639-9237, www.westchesterfilmfestival.com).
The highly respected film festival will run from April 22-24 at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts (226 North High Street, West Chester).
Tickets are $12 per two-hour block of films — $9 with Senior Citizen or valid Student I.D.
There is also a “Festival Pass” for $63 which lets you into as many film blocks as you can handle.
The mission of the West Chester Film Festival is “to entertain, enlighten and educate the public through the presentation of global independent and innovative short film and interactive workshops by hosting an annual International Short Film Festival.”
The organizers’ short-term goal is to present a self-sustaining annual film festival.
The festival will feature works in a variety of film genres, including comedy, documentary, experimental/art, animation and drama. Entries have been submitted from all over the world, including works by filmmakers from Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States.
The 2022 edition of the festival will present approximately 100 independent short films — all of which are 30 minutes or less in length. The three-day event will include film screenings, interactive workshops and social events.
Activity gets underway at 5 p.m. on April 22 with the “Opening Night Party.”
The WCFF will also present Pop Up Films will be shown at locations around the borough of West Chester. The West Chester Film Festival holds informative and free filmmaker workshops on April 23, followed by our Filmmaker Meet & Greet. The Festival wraps up on Sunday with more screenings and the not-to-be-missed “Closing Night Party” where the coveted “Chester” awards (the WCFF version of Oscar) are presented to the top films in each film genre.
The well-attended annual event will be screening short films and hosting festival events – mostly at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts (226 North High Street).
The Yellow Springs Art Show got its start back in 1973 as a free event featuring a variety of artists displaying their work on clotheslines.
It has changed immeasurably since then and has become one of the largest and most prestigious annual art shows in the Delaware Valley.
The Yellow Springs Art Show, which is still free and open to the public, is celebrating its 49th anniversary this year. The popular annual event now features more than 185 participating artists — including more than 20 artists who are new to the show this year.
The show is running April 27 through May 15 in Historic Yellow Springs Lincoln Building (Art School Road, Chester Springs, 610-827-7414 or www.yellowsprings.org). Show hours are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
The 2022 Yellow Springs Art Show will have on display more than 3,000 pieces of fine art in a wide range of media and styles – oils, watercolors, bronze sculptures, pastels, landscapes, still life, three-dimensional works, seascapes and abstract.
All proceeds benefit arts education, environmental protection and historic preservation of the 300-year-old village of Historic Yellow Springs.
This weekend, more than 25 artists from around the Mid-Atlantic region, will participate in the Artists Circle’s “Annual Art Show and Sale” at Saint Luke Lutheran Church (203 North Valley Forge Road, Devon, 610-688-0122, www.theartistscircle.net). The event opens at 1 p.m. on April 22 and runs through 4 p.m. on April 24.
The popular annual show, which is free and open to the public, will showcase hundreds of original works by members. The artwork will be displayed in the church’s Schlack Hall and will include ongoing demonstrations of painting styles and media.
Earth Day is a worldwide environmental movement that takes place every year on April 22. The goal with this celebration is to raise awareness about sustainability and clean living, and to educate people on the importance of preserving our planet.
The Earth Day 2022 theme is focused on engaging the more than 1 billion people, governments, institutions, and businesses who participate in Earth Day to recognize our collective responsibility and to help accelerate the transition to an equitable, prosperous green economy for all.
From everyday green living ideas, to spending time outdoors, or even picking up litter to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean, there are many activities for Earth Day 2022 you can participate in to support the movement.
The first Earth Day took place in 1970 in the United States, when the country’s economy was doing exceptionally well, but the side effects were air pollution and waste. At that time, environment preservation was not a priority, and there wasn’t much awareness on sustainable practices, even though the planet was starting to suffer. The devastating oil spill that took place in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 was the tip of the iceberg, and the government launched a campaign to promote Earth Day and its concept across the United States.
On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day took place and more than 20 million Americans participated in activities to support new sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Earth Day has been celebrated ever since, and it has spread worldwide since the 90s
“Elmwood Park Zoo” (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is hosting a “Party for the Planet” on April 23 and 24 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Zoo’s annual celebration of Earth Day and all things eco-friendly is a family fun filled day that emphasizes the importance of conservation and the environment. Guests can enjoy demonstrations and education stations featuring animals, recycling, sustainable living and more. Eco-friendly items will also be available to purchase from vendors throughout the zoo.
The Zoo is hosting several of its ultra-popular “Dog Days” over the next week.
The Zoo’s “Dog Days” event will be held on April 22, 24 and 27 from noon-4 p.m. each day.
All guests visiting the zoo with a furry friend must complete an online waiver and submit required documents before visiting the zoo. You must upload a copy of your most recent veterinary visit, including proof of vaccine and heartworm test here. All items will be required for you to attend “Dog Days.”
Pricing is $10.95 per dog with each additional dog at $9.95. Regular zoo admission is required for all humans.
This year’s Pottstown EcoFest & Pottstown Climate March will be held on April 23 from noon-5 p.m. at Smith Family Plaza Park (100 East High Street, Pottstown,www.PottstownEcoFest.com).
The “Vegan Friendly Event” is hosted by Mobilization for Animals “In loving memory of our co-founder Bill “The Cat Guy” Sharon.”
Attractions include a “Dance Party with Rocky the Recycling Pup” at 1 and 4 p.m., a kissing pig picture booth, kids’ crafts, Bruster’s Ice Cream (delicious plant-based flavors) and lots of great food.
Visitors are encouraged to bring pet food donations for Animal House Project (cat and dog food, dry or wet).
This weekend, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, www.ansp.org) will present a special “Earth Day Festival” on April 22 from 4-8 p.m.
Guests are invited to celebrate life on Earth and the systems that support it with a wild night of science programming and conservation conversations.
Participants can sip a craft beer or snack on a locally sourced treat while they ponder the clean water that went into making them. They can also meet Academy scientists as well as local sustainability experts from around the city to talk about how to get involved at home and afar.
Another special event at the Academy this weekend will be “Naturepalooza” on April 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education’s signature Earth Day event returns with live music, activity tables, nature hikes, food trucks and more, all centered around their Year of Restoration.
As the Billy Jonas Band performs their energetic percussive music on recycled and found objects, guests can engage in a participatory art project and help the Academy unveil the new Restoration Station Loop, a self-guided educational hike along our trails.
The Sixth Annual Downtown Glenside Arts Festival (Easton Road between Waverly Road & Glenside Avenue, Glenside) will be held on April 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Arts Festival incorporates Earth Day in the activities of the Festival, providing fun and educational activities for kids and families. Highlighting Earth Day and the important issues that accompany it, the festival also supports the efforts of Cheltenham Township’s sustainability programs.
This year’s festival features more than 70 regional and local artists and crafters selling a variety of unique items. The festival also features local artists: New and Wesley Images, Sue’s Scents, Flamingo Shores, and Redirected Wood Company.
The family-friendly festival offers a variety of activities including a Make & Take craft activity, a Qigong demonstration and the Cheltenham High School acapella groups, along with other entertainment, including Arcadia Dancers, Cassidy Dancers, Cedarbrook Middle School Musical, Cheltenham High School drumline, Fencing Academy of Philadelphia demonstrations, and others.
Some of the Shops of Glenside will offer sidewalk sales, and there will be an Outdoor Vintage Market. A variety of food and beverages from restaurants will be available for seated dining and takeout. Wine, beer, and cocktails will be available in select locations.
Other attractive Earth Day celebrations are: Fishtown Neighbors Association Earth Day April 23, 9 a.m.-noon, Fishtown Rec Center, 1235 East Palmer Street, Philadelphia; Naturepalooza at the Schuylkill Center April 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia; Earth Day Open House and Tree Planting at RiverbendApril 23, 10 a.m.-noon, Riverbend Environmental Education Center, 1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne; Earth Day Activities at Tyler Arboretum April 23, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media; Penn State Master Gardener Plant Sale and Garden Day, April 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, 100 North Horticultural Drive, Philadelphia; Earth Day at the Meadows April 24, 1-3 p.m., The Meadows at FDR Park, 1954 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia; and Earth Day Storytelling
April 24, 2-3:30 p.m., The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.
This Saturday and every Saturday during the winter and early spring, the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard (1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.kalmarnyckel.org) is hosting “Winter Ship Tours” of the Kalmar Nyckel.
April 26 will be a very special day – “Tall Ship of Delaware Day.”
On Tuesday, visitors can join in the Kalmar Nyckel’s “25th Anniversary Celebration” with a salute by the crew in full display aloft, the 287th Army Band Chamber Ensemble, and the presentation of an Official Resolution by the State of Delaware Legislature.
Special guests include Governor Carney, Delaware State Legislators, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, Mayor Michael Purzycki, Consulate of Sweden Lauren Swartz, Consulate of the Netherlands Wilfred Muskins, Finnish Consulate envoy Bill Eaton.
The event will feature refreshments, free admission and 2 p.m. tours of the ship and the Copeland Maritime Center.
The ship is a beautiful recreation of the original Kalmar Nyckel, which was built in Holland in the 1620s. Her mainmast is taller than a 10-story building, and she carries 7,600 square feet of sail area and six miles of rigging.
The original Kalmar Nyckel was a Swedish-owned, three-masted armed pinnace that sailed from Goteborg, Sweden in November of 1637 and brought the first permanent European settlers to the Delaware Valley.
In 1986 a group of citizens established the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation to design, build and launch a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel at a shipyard adjacent to the original landing site.
The new Kalmar Nyckel was constructed there and was launched on September 28, 1997. She was commissioned on May 9, 1998, and now serves as Delaware’s sea-going Ambassador of Good Will. She is a fully functional sail training vessel and has represented Delaware all over the country.
“Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection” will be on exhibition at the Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware, delart.org) now through June 5.
A celebration of beauty, “Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection” features more than 60 objects, spanning over 30 years of Tiffany’s prolific career. The exhibition showcases Tiffany’s innovative work in leaded and blown glass, including stellar examples of his famous windows, lamps, and vases.
His work was enthusiastically collected by art museums and private collectors throughout his lifetime and continues to be highly sought after today. This exhibition revels in the artistry and craftsmanship of the Tiffany artworks from Chicago’s distinguished Richard H. Driehaus Collection, highlighting masterworks in a comprehensive exhibition.
One of America’s most renowned artists, Louis Comfort Tiffany worked in nearly all of the media available to artists and designers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries — glass, ceramic, metalwork, jewelry, and painting. His love of the natural world inspired floral-themed vases and lamps, delicate vegetal candlesticks, and dramatic landscape windows.
Tiffany earned international acclaim, receiving prestigious awards in exhibitions across Europe and the United States, and his busy studios produced a range of objects, from common household items to one-of-a-kind masterpieces. His work was enthusiastically collected by art museums and private collectors throughout his lifetime and continues to be highly sought after today.
Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org) is presenting a special “Cannon Firing Demonstration” on April 24 at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. in the Machine Shop area.
The family-oriented event is fun, loud, exciting and educational.
Cannon firings in the Hagley Powder Yards demonstrate how black powder was made and used.
The demonstrations, which take place next to the Millwright Shop, are included with site admission tickets — Adults: $15; Seniors (age 62 and up): $101; Students $8; Children 6-14: $6.
Winterthur
Guided tours are back at Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org).
Some of the featured tours on select days in April are “A Closer Look Tour,” “An Introduction to Winterthur,” “Conservation Tour,” “Discover the Winterthur Garden Tram Tour,” and “Self Paced Introduction to Winterthur.”
A special event on April 22 will be “Spring Fling for Families.”
Families are invited to join the Winterthur staff to celebrate the things that make spring special. They can play games, make crafts, hear stories, and see demonstrations that explore the new life emerging this spring on the estate.
On April, participants can assist a beekeeper and assemble bee boxes.
In May, the “Introductory Tour” will change to “Walking in the Footsteps of Jacqueline Kennedy” with the opening of the exhibition, “Jacqueline Kennedy and Henry Francis du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House”
The tour is a look at the spaces the First Lady explored during her visit to Winterthur while working on her historic restoration of the White House with H. F. du Pont, chair of her Fine Arts Committee. Self-paced and guided options are available.
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org) is inviting visitors to “step into spring.”
Now through May 1, guests at the colorful site can take in the sights and scents of spring at Longwood Gardens with fields of tulips, azaleas, wisteria and more during the annual Spring Blooms event.
Beginning May 5, it’s time for the “Festival of Fountains” to begin. Longwood Gardens’ Open Air Theatre and Italian Water Garden fountains springs to life, as does the Square Fountain, Round Fountain (Flower Garden Walk), Sylvan Fountain (Peirce’s Park), and Children’s Corner fountains.
The season of renewal and growth has started. Millions of tiny geophytes begin the season, blanketing Longwood’s vistas with sweeps of spring-has-sprung color.
As the season unfolds, flowering trees delightfully punctuate the landscape, radiant tulips stretch toward the sun, and the delicious fragrance of wisteria floats along the breeze.
Visitors can also enjoy special exhibits at the Orchid House.
After a major restoration project, the Orchid House has reopened at Longwood Gardens.
The Orchid House, which has a history dating back more than a century, has come back to life with a brand-new glass roof and reimagined gallery-inspired space.
If you’ve been to Longwood Gardens before you’ve probably seen the historic Orchid House. But if you come to see it once it has reopened on February 26 as the first expression of “Longwood Reimagined,” it will be an experience like never before.
The Orchid House has been completely restored in the same way founder Pierre S. du Pont would have done it himself — with excellence.
The original concrete aggregate was matched so well that you’d never even know it wasn’t the original. The bronze window framing was cleaned, repaired, and replaced. The tunnels below the space were reworked and a brand-new floor poured.
The historic bronze cases, first added in 1929 and then restored in 1966 to display the orchid collection, have been returned to their original position at the north end of the house. Before they existed, there was a glass wall in their place, which has now been added to the top of the cases to create a vestibule on the north side of the house, creating the perfect transition from the Acacia Passage now, and the Waterlily Court and West Conservatory in the future.
The cases themselves have had all of their original pieces restored and are now double-sided. You’re now able to see orchids on both sides of the gates — from the main view inside the Orchid House, and from the vestibule. The same wrought iron gates that have always been there stand in the middle of the cases, yet they’ve been completely restored, and their intricate details, once hidden under layers of paint, are appreciable once more.
Brand new gravity rings now hold our orchids in place, allowing the plants to be admired as always, but with better functionality and structural integrity.
Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and college students, $18 for active military and $13 for youth.
There are many other sites where nature’s spring glory is on display.
Sone of the area’s top attractions are Chanticleer (786 Church Street, Wayne, www.chanticleergarden.org), Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum (1237 State Road, Andalusia, www.andalusia house.org), Morris Arboretum (100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-247-5777, morrisarboretum.org), Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, www.nemoursestate.org)
Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com) is presenting its annual “Food Truck Frenzy” on April 23.
The site is partnering with local food trucks to bring guests a “food-tastic event” at Linvilla. Along with delicious treats from the trucks there will be music by In the Mix Light and Sound and fun for the whole family – including hayrides, pony rides and train rides.
Participating food trucks will be Little Sicilian, Nacho Depot, Carmona’s, Barkley’s BBQ, Have a Ball, Mojo Loco, Red Stone Pizza, Plum Pit, Turk’s Head, Albie’s Burgers, Napoletano Brothers, A Taste of Philly, 22BBQ, Papermill, Fiesta Churros, Crepe Truck, Gotta Lotta Gelato, and Cupcake Carnival.
The Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, www.chaddsford.com) will host “Reserve Tastings – Spring Sippers” on Saturdays and Sundays in April.
Visitors can welcome the warm weather and sunshine with an intimate, 60-minute classroom-style tasting in the winery’s Barrel Room.
The site’s trained staff will guide guests through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across its portfolio. The selections will be paired alongside a unique offering from local artisans to enhance your tasting experience.
The staff will also discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.
Reserve Tastings are $35/person and offered only on select Saturdays and Sundays. There are three seatings per day – noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required and are non-refundable.
Guests under 21 years old are not permitted to attend a Reserve Tasting. Outside food is not permitted during this program.
The “Pairing Line Up” is — Greeting Wine: 2019 Sparkling White; 2021 Vidal Blanc with Birchrun Farm’s Fat Cat; 2021 Dry Rosé: Redux with prosciutto; 2020 The Red Standard with Birchrun Farm’s Equinox; and 2021 Vignoles with OsoSweet cookie.
There will also be a special event this weekend – “Dog Days at Chaddsford” on April 23 and 24.
The winery is welcoming dog owners and wine lovers alike to take in a weekend of tail-waggin’ treats.
Participating pet vendors will be Black Sheep Dog Treats, Centreville Veterinary Hospital, All 4 Paws Rescue and Brandywine Valley SPCA.
Live Music will be provided by Ryan Shubert and Acoustic Keys on April 23 and Sam C and Emily Drinker on April 24.
Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http://www.pennswoodsevents.com) will present “Live Music on the Lawn” every weekend in April.
The schedule for this month features Jerry Lee Watkins on April 23, Bill Hake on April 24, and Hailey & Nero on April 20.
Hope Lodge (553 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 215-343-0965, http://www.ushistory.org/hope/) will be presenting a “Guided Mansion Tour” on April 10.
Hope Lodge was built between 1743 and 1748 by Samuel Morris, a prosperous Quaker entrepreneur. Morris acted as a farmer, shipowner, miller, iron master, shop owner, and owner of the mill now known as Mather Mill. Hope Lodge is an excellent example of early Georgian architecture, and it is possible that Edmund Woolley, architect of Independence Hall, offered advice in building. Samuel Morris owned the estate until his death in 1770.
Visitors can participate by watching a short film and then taking a tour. Guided tours of the mansion will depart at 1 and 2:30 p.m. all three days.
Tour admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (age 65+) and for youth age 6-17, and fee for children under 5. Hope Lodge is a Blue Star Museum which means that active-duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families, are admitted free for regular tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) will be presenting “Elmo’s Springtacular” every weekend now through June 19.
“Elmo’s Springtacular” at Sesame Place is filled with furry fun and exciting events – including an exciting line up of meet & greets, music, magic, pirate adventures, and fireworks.
This weekend will be “Baby Shark Weekend” on April 23 and 24.
Guests can join in with Pinkfong and Baby Shark for an interactive song and dance performance. This high energy, colorful mini-show features the mega hit song “Baby Shark” and more favorite Pinkfong hits.
Kids will be able to get a special, up-close meet & greet with the characters from the Baby Shark Mini Show – including the chance to meet and take a photo with Baby Shark and Pinkfong.
The Bucks & Montgomery County Home Show will be held from April 22-24 at the Newtown Sports Training Center (202 Penns Trail, Newtown, www.bucksmontcohomeshow.com).
The well-received annual springtime event is geared for homeowners who are interested in remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. It features hundreds of exhibits with merchandise, product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes.
Visitors to the show will be able to check out new products and receive expert advice from professionals. The event is a prime source of information to help people enhance the comfort, functionality, aesthetic appeal and overall value of their homes
The list of exhibitors includes contractors, landscapers, architects and interior designers. There will also be manufacturers’ representatives who will be presenting samples of products and offering ideas to spark inspiration.
Exhibitor categories include kitchens, bathrooms, windows, roofing, siding, general contractors, landscaping, gutters, solar decks, dormers, sunrooms, awnings. basement systems, countertops, doors, flooring, and pavers.
The expansive list also includes waterproofing, generators, HVC, outdoor lighting, plumbing, garage doors, painting, tile and marble, security systems, appliances, electrical services, energy conservation, fireplaces, insulation, and hot tubs.
The show, which features free admission and free parking, will be open from 11 a.m-8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., on Sunday.
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (Station Avenue, Oaks, www.phillyexpocenter.com) is hosting “Super Billiards Expo” now through April 24.
The Allen Hopkins Super Billiards Expo is the largest consumer-oriented billiards trade show in the world!
Introduced in 1993, this show has grown every year and thousands of pool players from around the world reunite every year to enjoy this extravaganza.
The time is quickly approaching for the Annual Super Billiards Expo, brought to you by Allen Hopkins Productions. The SBX brings the industry to the people; it’s open to the public so that everyone can meet and mingle with the World’s top players and Billiards Industry movers and shakers!
If you’re up to the challenge, take you best shot in one of our Amateur Players Championship events. All contests are battled out playing 9-Ball on barbox-size Diamond Smart Tables covered with beautiful Simonis 860 Cloth, the best equipment available on the market.
April 24 will be the final day to check out the “Third Annual PEEPS® in the Village” display at Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, peddlersvillage.com).
Housed in an indoor area in the Village Courtyard, this colorful display includes more than 90 creations of wall art, dioramas, and sculpture, all prominently featuring PEEPS® — the popular Pennsylvania-made bunnies, chicks, and other candies.
The event will also feature PEEP-themed food and drink specials in the site’s varied restaurants.
Safety measures are in place. A limit of 10 guests is admitted into the space for 10 minutes to view the display. Guests must wear masks covering mouths and noses and are asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Admission to the display is free.
There will also be “Spring FunFest at Peddler’s Village” on April 23 and 24 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.
It will be a weekend of family fun at Peddler’s Village with sidewalk sales, live entertainment, and plenty of food and drink. There will be Family Fun Walks, and Petting Zoo and pony rides.
Live entertainment will be provided by YoYo & Friends, Dwayne Dunlevy, Painted Oak Nature School, BC Discoveries, Bucks County Arts and Dance, Galena Brass Band, and Lolly & Friends.
A comfortable way to sit back and enjoy the colrs of spring is to take a ride on a tourist rail line train.
Wilmington and Western Railroad (Greenbank Station, 2201 Newport-Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, www.wwrr.com) is running its “Yorktown Limited” on April 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Passengers can take a leisurely 1.5-hour round-trip ride up the Red Clay Valley to our Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove, where they can de-train to enjoy a half-hour layover along the banks of the Red Clay Creek to have a picnic or simply admire the natural surroundings.
Those who don’t want to get off the train at Mt. Cuba can remain onboard and travel further up the line through the communities of Ashland and Yorklyn.
The “Yorklyn Limited” excursion is a relaxing and fun way to spend an afternoon with family or friends. This is the re-branded name of the “Mt. Cuba Meteor” excursion.
This departure is powered by one of the rail line’s historic first-generation diesel locomotives.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $16 for children (ages 2-12).
The Northern Central Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com) is running its “Glen Rock Express” on April 23 and 24 at 11:30 a.m. and its “Hanover Junction Flyer” on April 23 at 1 p.m.
The “Glen Rock Express” will travel to Glen Rock and back with the historic PRR GP9 Diesel Locomotive built-in 1959. The ride will be on a former Pennsylvania Railroad mainline that has been in operation since 1838.
Tickets are $26 Adult and $18 Child (age 2-12).
The “Hanover Junction Flyer” will run through the beautiful Heritage Rail Trail County Park and southern York County countryside on this trip to Hanover Junction. The excursion includes a 20-minute stopover at the Hanover Junction Museum.
Tickets are $36 Adult and $26 Child (age 2-12).
The New Hope Railroad (32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its “Traditional Excursion” on April 23 and 24.
The rides, which are billed as a “Traditional American Railroad Experience,” will be powered by a diesel locomotive.
Excursions will depart at 11 a.m., noon, 1,2 and 3 p.m.
The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is running a special train on April 22 and 23 – the “Wine & Cheese Train.”
Passengers can enjoy the luxurious, climate-controlled first-class accommodations and a tasting of select wine, cheese, and crackers as they travel in style down the tracks from Strasburg to Paradise and back. The train departs at 6 p.m. and the total trip time is 45 minutes.
“Wine & Cheese Train” boarding is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Riders must be 21 or older and have their photo ID ready when they board.
Featured wines are carefully selected from Waltz Vineyards, and cheeses are paired accordingly. Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request. Riders can purchase a souvenir wine glass on board the train if desired. Glasses are $7 each.
In accordance with Pennsylvania law, alcohol is only served during the train ride. The rail line is not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages while the train is berthed in the station.
This popular train is available on select Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the season. Tickets are $50.
The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.colebrookdalerailroad.com) is running its “Secret Valley Expedition” on April 23 and 24.
The Colebrookdale ride is billed as “your ticket to a verdant land lost in time.”
Passengers board one of the railroad’s meticulously restored century-old rail cars for a two-hour expedition into one of the most scenic and historic regions in the northeast.
Deluxe coach fares are $36 for adults (13-64), $29 for children (2-12), $31 for seniors (65 and older) and $6 for toddlers.
National Liberty Museum (321 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, www.libertymuseum.org) is presenting “Family Day: Celebrating Puerto Rican Culture” on April 23 from noon-4 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy a day of family fun inspired by the museum’s new “La Brega: Art for Reimagining the World” exhibition.
Featured activities include drop-in jewelry workshops led by local artisan and frequent Taller Puertorriqueño instructor Aida DeVine, a performance from University of Pennsylvania music and dance group Fuerza, games including dominoes facilitated by #1 rated gaming café Queen & Rook, Vejigante mask making with Johnny Irizarry, and more.
Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the summer.
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.
Grim Philly will also be presenting “Serial Killers & Cemetery Tour” every Saturday at 2 p.m.
Participants will have the opportunity to experience unconventional sightseeing off the beaten path. They can enjoy Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Elfreth’s Alley, and Benjamin Franklin’s Grave, together with tales of serial slayings and psychopathic killers like the Corpse Collector, Frankfort Slasher, and H.H. Holmes.
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.
The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.
Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.
The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.
The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”
Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $18.
The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $18.
If you’re looking to do some walking indoors, consider Wonderspaces.
Wonderspaces at the Fashion District (27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, philadelphia.wonderspaces.com) is an experiential, interactive arts venue.
Building on the success of annual pop-up shows in San Diego, and its first permanent location in Scottsdale, Arizona, Wonderspaces opened a 24,000 square foot gallery space in Philly a year ago.
Wonderspaces features 14 art installations that all play with the idea of perspective. 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.
New artworks rotate in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show.
Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours. The average time spent experiencing the show is 90 minutes.
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.
