What To Do: ‘Conversations with birds’

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times

Birds are all around us. Need proof — look at your car’s windshield after you park in an outdoor location.

But, for the most part, birds are pretty cool.

As they move through the sky and land on tree branches, telephone wires and roof eaves, they provide a momentary sense of delight — an accessible way for everyone to connect with the natural world, even in highly urbanized areas such as Philadelphia.

Beginning February 18, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, ansp.org) celebrates the remarkable diversity of birds, their important role in ecosystems, and people’s relationships with our avian friends with a special exhibition, “Conversations With Birds.”

The exhibition, which runs through May 21, spotlights familiar local birds, such as house sparrows and cardinals, and goes beyond to introduce the variety of migrators that pass through on astounding epic journeys across the globe.

“The love of birds by casual observers, passionate enthusiasts and scientist experts alike is truly inspiring and can lead us all to deeper insights about nature and our environment,” said Academy President and CEO Scott Cooper. “This enlightening exhibition addresses the challenges birds face and how we can work as a community to address them.”

“Conversations With Birds” features amazing avian photography and video by local birders and wildlife photographers, including Anwar Abdul-Qawi, an Academy educator, and Tom Johnsonof Cape May, N.J., a Field Guides birding tour leader; nest cam video footage of a peregrine falcon nest from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and of a bald eagle nest courtesy of HDOnTap.com and the Pennsylvania Game Commission; hands-on activities that explain the body architecture that enables birds to do what they do; gorgeous taxidermy mounts of familiar local birds and also migrators that visit the area; and BirdCast animations from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology showing live bird migration forecasts

Also featured will be bird-tracking products by Cellular Tracking Technologies that use cell towers, GPS, big birds, small birds, and what’s being used in research projects; an interactive media exhibit that shows five migratory birds that pass through the Philadelphia region on their seasonal passage between North and South America; live or video demonstrations (depending on the day) of Academy ornithologists and volunteers preparing specimens from the Bird Safe Philly project for research and storage in the Academy’s world-renowned Ornithology Collection; and informal presentations by a diverse range of regional birding groups and participatory poetry workshops by Drexel’s Writer’s Room on select Saturday afternoons.

“Conversations With Birds” opens just ahead of spring migration when millions of birds will wing through the Atlantic Flyway north to their breeding grounds. During this period, April 1–May 31, the partnership of Bird Safe Philly asks communities to participate in “Lights Out Philly” to minimize unnecessary lights by turning off, blocking or dimming artificial lights from midnight-6 a.m. to help keep birds from becoming confused by the lights and colliding with buildings.

The exhibition shows that there are engineering solutions that can go a long way to helping prevent window strikes. Visitors also will learn about local birding groups such as In Color Birding and Bird Philly, as well as birding app options for the adventurous birder and the backyard kitchen-table pigeon watcher alike.

“Conversations With Birds,” which is on view through May 21,” is free with general museum admission – adults, $25; seniors, military and students, $22; and children, $21.

Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org) will have two special events this weekend.

The first will be “The Great Backyard Bird Count” from 9-11 a.m.

This will be a free global birding event with guided walks at Laurel Hill West and Laurel Hill East.

Every February globally, countless people spend time in their favorite outdoor spaces watching, identifying, and counting the birds they see to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world.

Visitors to Laurel Hill can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count this year by joining the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club for guided walks to count, identify, and learn about the birds of Laurel Hill East and Laurel Hill West.

The second will be “All Thorns, No Roses: Love Gone Wrong” on February 18 from 1-3 p.m.

With more than a century of burial records, biographies, letters, and press clippings of those buried at Laurel Hill West, there is a wealth of stories about love lost, betrayed, or gotten with guise.

On this walking tour, participants will hear more about love and abandonment, affairs and revenge, and all the stories of love gone wrong that put the bitter in bittersweet.

Each participant will take home specialty chocolate from Mueller Chocolate Company

Tour Guide will be Sarah Hamill. Tickets are $20, general admission; $18, seniors; and $10, youth.

The focus will also be on birds this weekend at Peace Valley Nature Center (170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, http://www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org).

The site is presenting its “Great Backyard Bird Count” on February 18 at 11 a.m.

The center is inviting visitors of all ages to join in on a free, global event and help it count birds at its feeders for science.

The data collected helps create a real-time snapshot of where birds are across the continent. Binoculars aren’t necessary, but helpful.

The Nature Center will also present a “Snow Moon Walk” on February 21 at 6 p.m.

The following post is on the center’s website – “What lies in the woods on moonless night? Join us and find out! Please be prepared for less than perfect trail conditions.”

Tickets are $10 and advance registration required.

“The 12th Annual Ribstock,” an all-day benefit music event, will be held on February 19 at Bridgeport Ribhouse (1049 Ford Street, Bridgeport, 610-278-8066, http://ribhouse.net/).

The festivities kick off at 2 p.m. and will feature performances by some of the top local artists.

This popular event was created by the Bridgeport Ribhouse staff, Philadelphia musicians Brian Quinn and Paul Hammond, sound engineer Dave Anderson, and dmk Publicity owner Denise Kovalevich as a way to give back to the community.

The 2023 “Ribstock” will feature performances by Camille K, Basic Cable, Former Strangers, Nat Attack, Hot Sauce Junkies, Pawnshop Roses, Right Swipes, and Paul Hammond & Friends (featuring Paul Hammond and Eddie Kurek from Get The Led Out and Brian Quinn from Candlebox).

Affectionally known as the “Day Of Peace And Music,” this much-anticipated event will benefit the Bridgeport Little League, Upper Merion Cupboard, and Norristown’s Expressive Path, a non-profit organization committed to enriching, educating, and inspiring adolescents by providing resources in the areas of theater, dance, music, humanities and the visual arts.

The Ribhouse is also organizing a collection of gently-used musical instruments, which will be donated to the Eisenhower Middle School Music Program in Norristown.

In addition to the live music located inside the bar, sandwiches and other food items will be served outside in the tented area in the Ribhouse parking lot. A $10 entry fee is required for the event and specials will be offered throughout the day and evening.

On February 20, Valley Forge National Historical Park (1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, www.nps.gov) is hosting “George Washington’s Birthday Party” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The site of one of the most storied struggles of the American Revolution pays tribute to Gen. George Washington with a fun-filled birthday party. Indoor and outdoor activities at Valley Forge National Historical Park take place around the visitor center and include games and crafts for kids, as well as a chance for the little ones to join the Continental Army. Washington stops by for a visit, and all guests can enjoy a celebratory birthday cupcake.

The first public celebration of Washington’s Birthday was at Valley Forge in 1778. Now in 2023, you can join Mrs. Washington, members of the Continental Army, and others to celebrate His Excellency’s 290th birthday.

George and Martha Washington will meet the public for pictures in the main tent and kids can show their appreciation to the General by creating a birthday card for him in the main tent.

Volunteers will be distributing free cupcakes at the pavilion just outside the Visitor Center. Cupcakes are courtesy of the faculty and students of the Culinary School at Montgomery County Community College.

In case of inclement weather on February 20, event will be held on February 19 or cancelled.

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, 484-754-3976, www.phillyexpocenter.com) is hosting the “Philly Fishing Show” on February 17, 18 and 19.

The event will feature free seminars — saltwater, freshwater and fly – and a wide array of vendor booths.

Special attractions include the “Hawg Trough”, a 5000-gallon aquarium full of local freshwater gamefish, a trout fishing pond, a fly-fishing pond and the “3000-Pound Great White Shark Mount and Fighting Chair Challenge.”

There will be professional anglers and lure makers sharing the stage on the tank giving seminars and demonstrating different lures. Tournament Anglers such as George Bucci, Gabe Farina and Khoa Nguyenwill be sharing secrets that have put them in the money.

Hours are noon-7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children (6-12) and free for children (five and under).

The Expo Center will also host the Philly Chocolate Wine & Whiskey Festival on February 18.

Visitors can enjoy chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations – from sweet hand-rolled truffles to goooey, melted chocolate fondue and an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates.

They will also be able to quench their thirst with Champagne, Prosecco, premium wines and fine whiskies.

And they can gorge themselves on tasty treats such as cupcakes, cookies, cakes, candies, macarons, cake pops, bean-to-bar chocolates, popcorn, donuts, pretzels and artisan cheeses.

The “Philly Chocolate, Wine and Whiskey Festival” will have a varied selection of craft beers, ciders and non-alcoholic beverages. Included in your ticket price is A tasting glass to enjoy unlimited wine and whiskey is included in the ticket price.

There will be two sessions — 12:30-3:30 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $65.

On February 18, Fort Mifflin (Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, www.fortmifflin.us) will host a special event called “Family Fire Pit Festival.”

Visitors are invited to gather around the fire pit and enjoy a wintertime adventure. They’ll be able to explore the whole site to discover unique activities at each of the fort’s special fire pits and fireplaces.

Participants can also listen to a ghost story and meet a Revolutionary War or Civil War soldier.

Guests can bring their own camp chairs and refreshments or visit our Hot Chocolate Bar in the Cannonball Tavern for coffee, cocoa and s’mores kits.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and veterans and $8 for children (ages 6-12).

Throughout the month of February, the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, historicphiladelphia.org) will offer free programming on weekends celebrating the contributions Black Americans have made throughout our nation’s history.

On February 18 and 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, the program will be “Meet the History Makers.”

Each Saturday in February, visitors can meet Black residents of Colonial Philadelphia and learn about their lives, times and the contributions they made to our nation in its early days.

The events on February 19 and 26 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., a free event each day will be “Once Upon A Nation Storytelling.”

The Betsy Ross House’s award-winning storytellers will share short, interactive and little-known tales about Black Americans through history.

Now through February 26, the town of Lititz is hosting its annual Fire & Ice Festival (lititzfireandice.com).

Featured attractions will be live ice carvings around town and sculptures out for view all over Broad Street and Main Street (which will be closed to vehicular traffic).

Food trucks will be located around town and retailers will be open late for shopping.

Ice sculptures are available for viewing from dawn to dusk in the Lititz Springs Park and throughout downtown Lititz.

Guests are invited to walk around downtown Lititz and enjoy the ice sculptures, dine at local restaurants, and shop at the local stores.

Hagley Museum and Library (Route 141, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, has just opened a new attraction – “Nation of Inventors.”

“Nation of Inventors” celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the “golden age” of American invention, in the late 1800s. The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley’s unique collection highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.

Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years. “Nation of Inventors” showcases patent models representing innovations in a variety of industries from transportation and manufacturing to food preservation and medical devices.

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

The patent models in “Nation of Inventors” were created between 1833 and 1886. “Nation of Inventors” 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’s intellectual property system.

“Nation of Inventors” 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.

“Nation of Inventors” is located on the first two floors of Hagley’s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.

In February, all guest areas are open Fridays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last admission is at 3 p.m.  On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, only Hagley’s new exhibition, Nation of Inventors, is open.  All other guest areas (the historic powder yard, the historic home and garden, etc.) are closed.  Reduced admission is offered on days when only Nation of Inventors is open.

Beginning March 1, all guest areas (Nation of Inventors, the historic powder yard, the historic home and garden, etc.) are open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Last admission is at 3 p.m.

Admission to Hagley Museum is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $6 for children (ages 6-14). Victorine’s Valentine activities are included with regular admission.

The newest exhibition at the Brandywine Museum of Art (1 Hoffman Mill Road, Chadds Ford, brandywine.org), “Andrew Wyeth: Home Places,” opened last weekend and will run through July 13.

This exhibition is a presentation of nearly 50 paintings and drawings of local buildings that inspired Wyeth time and again over seven decades of his career.

The artworks in this exhibition are drawn exclusively from the nearly 7,000-object Andrew and Betsy Wyeth Collection of the Wyeth Foundation for American Art, now managed by the Brandywine. Many of these pieces have never before been exhibited, offering a first glimpse at a significant treasure trove that will shed new light on the collaborative creative process of Andrew and Betsy Wyeth.

“Andrew Wyeth: Home Places” shares the story of a remarkable immersive and intensive artistic practice that ranged across the full array of media Andrew Wyeth practiced. Over the course of a long and diverse career of many chapters, Wyeth repeatedly depicted a small group of historic houses in the vicinity of his hometown of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

In these weathered buildings others might have overlooked or even scorned in the face of gentrification and commercial development of the region, Wyeth found layers of emotion and association. These structures—both venerable and vulnerable in a changing Brandywine Valley—served as a means of pursuing his abiding attention to that which lies beneath the surface of things.

Through living in this landscape his whole life, he engaged in an artistic practice of uncommon focus over an extended timescale, coming to know deeply the evocative buildings in a radius of just a few square miles and rendering them in an astonishing variety of compositions, handlings and approaches. As Wyeth said, “You can be in a place for years and years and not see something, and then when it dawns, all sorts of nuggets of richness start popping all over the place. You’ve gotten below the obvious.”

Among the previously unexhibited works on view are the charming early oil “The Miller’s Son,” painted when Wyeth was just 17 years old, and the stunning watercolor “Noah’s Ark Study” made at age 87—both depicting the same property, Brinton’s Mill.

That the Wyeths came to own and restore this property for use as their primary residence is among the many contributions of Betsy James Wyeth, whose distinct role in stewarding historic properties in Pennsylvania and Maine, which informed her husband’s painting practice, is a key context of this exhibition.

Museum admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors (65+), $6 children (ages 6-18) and students with ID and free for children (ages five and under).

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) is now featuring one of its popular annual special events – “Winter Wonder.”

“Winter Wonder,” which runs from January 21-March 26, celebrates the beauty of winter. It’s all about outdoor spacious, indoor oasis, and the power of story.

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.

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.

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.

“Winter Wonder” exists on two levels.

Both outdoors and in, they can embark on a poignant journey with “Voices in the Landscape: Deeply Rooted with Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston” Beginning on March 11. This is a series of 10 stops throughout the Gardens which honor the contributions of the African American community through the lens of horticulture and the power of story.

Participants will follow along as storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston honors and celebrates the strength, resilience, and contributions of the African American community through the lens of horticulture and the power of story.

Those taking the tour can hear an ancient Zulu creation myth paired with the oldest plant on Earth in the Conservatory; make their way to the Lookout Loft Treehouse and learn the story of the significance and symbolism of woods and meadows; and call out the name of an ancestor in remembrance at the Large Lake while a traditional spiritual soothes your soul.

“Voices in the Landscape” signage is at each stop. Each audio recording ranges between three and eight minutes in length. The estimated time to experience the entire Voices in the Landscape exhibit is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Inside Longwood’s Conservatory, visitors can check out the towering Clerodendrum schmidtii (chains of glory) as well as nearly 300 blooming orchids on display in the site’s newly renovated Orchid House. There will also be rare blue poppies blooming in March but for only about 10 to 15 days.

A new attraction this year is Longwood Gardens’ “Science Saturdays series.

Beyond the boundaries of the formal gardens, Longwood stewards a rich variety of natural habitats. The rolling terrain of the Pennsylvania piedmont and changing ways people have used land over time provide us with diverse conditions for plant and animal life. Dr. Lea Johnson, Associate Director, Land Stewardship and Ecology, will reveal how patterns in the landscape reveal both history and potential futures for biodiversity.

The topics for Science Saturday events are “Plant Exploration Around the World” on February 18 and “Plant Collections: Clivia” on March 18.

There also will be another series called “Sweet Floral Treats”—a make-and-take floral design class where the designer draws inspiration from a sweet treat. Classes will be presented on February 23 and March 22.

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.

As always, admission by “Timed Ticket” — 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.

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.

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).

Delaware Museum of Art (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware, delart.org) has an impressive exhibition that is in its final two weeks — “A Marriage of Arts & Crafts: Evelyn & William De Morgan.”

Running through February 19, “A Marriage of Arts & Crafts: Evelyn & William De Morgan” focuses on the work of Arts and Crafts pottery maker William De Morgan (1839-1917) and Pre-Raphaelite painter Evelyn De Morgan (1855-1919) who lived in harmony as married artists in Victorian England.

A power couple, they encouraged one another’s creative pursuits and engaged in the social issues of their day. William De Morgan created brilliantly colored tiles, pots, and plates with distinctive, shimmering lustre-ware surfaces. Evelyn De Morgan took inspiration from Botticelli to create richly symbolic paintings of modern subjects. This visually stunning exhibition is making its American debut at the Delaware Art Museum.

Admission to the Museum is $14 for adults, $7 for students and $6 for youth (ages 7-18). Children (6 and under) are admitted free.

The American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-389-1776, www.americanswedish.org)

is presenting an exhibit “Art for All: The Swedish Experience in Mid-America,” which will run through February 19.

“Art for All: The Swedish Experience in Mid-America” is an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Swedish American artists in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.

This colorful and emotive impressionist art reflects its own time, interprets nature and landscape, and is independent of artificial conventions while keeping Swedish folk traditions alive.

The American Swedish Historical Museum is proud to present Art for All: The Swedish Experience in Mid-America, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Swedish American artists in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. This colorful and emotive impressionist art reflects its own time, interprets nature and landscape, and is independent of artificial conventions while keeping Swedish folk traditions alive.

This exhibition features many Swedish artists who studied and absorbed the democratic philosophies of “art for all,” espoused by Anders Zorn and the Artist’s League. These young artists immigrated to America to forge new career paths. “Art for all” became a catchphrase in Kansas by the 1930s, stemming from efforts of local artists to offer affordable paintings and prints so that every citizen could have original art in their own homes for a richly cultured way of life.

“Art for All: The Swedish Experience in Mid-America” was conceived and developed by the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery and the Hillstrom Museum of Art.

“Banksy Was Here” was scheduled to run until January 31 at a location in Fashion District Philadelphia (901 Market Street, Philadelphia, banksyexpo.com/philadelphia/).

Fortunately, the exhibition’s stay in Philadelphia has now been extended until April 17.

“Banksy Was Here” features the work of elusive, anonymous street artist Banksy. It is an immersive, multisensory exhibit featuring original works, projections, virtual reality and more to plunge you into Banksy’s world.

“Banksy Was Here,” the “unauthorized exhibition” features a plethora of original works and installations, as well as interactivity, in galleries that pay homage to the artist’s themes, works, and sense of chaos, satire and controversy.

Banksy, the British artist whose identity is still unknown, is considered one of the main contemporary street art icons. In Philadelphia, an “unauthorized” Banksy’s exhibition lets visitors dive into the controversial artistic universe of the most influential creator of present time.

The exhibition will include over 80 original works, sculptures, installations, videos and photos including the now classics of the artist (presumed to be British). These pieces come from private collections and – with the collaboration of Lilley Fine Art / Contemporary Art Gallery – will be exhibited in Philadelphia for the first time.

Banksy is a pseudonymous England based street artist, political activist and film director whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation. Active since the 1990s, his satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humor with graffiti executed in a distinctive stenciling technique. His works of political and social commentary have appeared on streets, walls and bridges throughout the world.

Banksy’s work grew out of the Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. Much of his work can be classified as temporary art.

“Banksy Was Here” is running now through April 17 in Fashion District Philadelphia. Timed tickets are $37.90 for adults (ages 13 and up), $28.90 for seniors, students and military and $22.90 for kids (ages 4-12).

There is also another popular destination in the Fashion District.

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.

Every Saturday and Sunday in February, the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http://www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Reserve Tastings – Wine & Chocolate.”

Guests will join the CFW Crew for an intimate and educational 60-minute experience in the Barrel Room. The trained staff will guide them through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across our portfolio. The selections will be paired alongside seasonal local cheeses and other accoutrements to enhance your tasting experience.

The staff will also discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at our partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.

The 2023 Pairing Line Up is – Greeting Wine: 2021 Sparkling White; ’21 Chardonnay with Passion Fruit Truffle, ’21 Dry Rosé: Redux with Desert Rose Spice Chocolate Bar, ’20 Cabernet Sauvignon with Coffee Vanilla Cube and Sunset Blush with Strawberry Pate de Fruite.

Reserve seatings are $35 per person.

Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808, http://www.pennswoodsevents.com) will also pair chocolate and wine this month.

Each weekend in February, the winery will be offering its Wine & Chocolate pairing which includes a tasting of five wines perfectly paired with five hand-crafted chocolates from Good Good Chocolates. The pairing is $38 per person and reservations are required.

The Berks County Wine Trail (www.berkscountywinetrail.com) will present “Chocolate & Wine Pairing Event Weekends” to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The event is scheduled for February 18 and 19 from noon-5 p.m. each day.

Visitors can toast Valentines’ Day during two sweet weekends on the wine trail sampling sumptuous chocolates and confections paired with featured wines of the region. They can visit each of the 10 participating wineries along the Berks County Wine Trail to determine their favorite pairing combo.

The list of wineries and featured tastings includes: Deerfoot Winery (Shoemakersville); Manatawny Creek Winery (Douglassville); Kog Hill Winery (Morgantown); Long Trout Winery (Auburn); Stoudt’s Winery (Shartlesville); Setter Ridge Vineyards (Kutztown); Stonekeep Meadery (Fleetwood); Lily’s Winery & Vineyard (Reading); Blue Mountain Winery (New Tripoli) and Ridgewood Winery (Birdsboro).

Tickets are $15 and are good for both event days.

Blue Cross RiverRink (Market Street at the Delaware River, Philadelphia, www.riverrink.com).

Unlike most of the suburban ice rinks, RiverRink features public skating. Ice skating is the only use of the ice. This winter, RiverRink takes 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.

For 28 seasons, Winterfest has been Philadelphia’s favorite Winter tradition on the Delaware River Waterfront, inviting visitors for a chance to indulge in flights of fancy under thousands of sparkling lights in a winter 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 — of course — ice skating on an NHL-sized rink.

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

It is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia’s 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.

The New Hope Railroad (32 West Bridge St, New Hope, 215- 862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) offers its traditional excursion ride on February 18 and 19.
Passengers can enjoy a traditional American railroading experience aboard a vintage 1900s train. Departing from the historic witch’s hat train station (which was built in 1891) in downtown New Hope, riders will experience a round-trip excursion through historic Bucks County.

The route they will travel over was once part of the massive Reading Company system and served as a vital passageway to connect New Hope and the surrounding rural communities with Philadelphia and the rest of the nation.

Riders can take a step back in time and experience the romantic luxury of America’s railroads in premium turn-of-the-century Parlor cars for an intimate excursion through the foothills of beautiful Bucks County.

The excursions will run at 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 3 p.m. on February 18 and 19.

Tickets are $28.99 (12 and over), $26.99 (ages 3-11) and $4.99 (age 0-2).

If you’re looking for a fun family activity – an indoor activity unaffected by the weather — Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com) has something just for you — the miniature golf course “Fore! the Planet.”

Linvilla Orchard’s “Fore! The Planet” is 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.

It features nine unique educational holes explore butterfly metamorphosis, a tropical rain forest, evolution, dinosaur extinction, food chains, and more. It’s perfect for kids of all ages. The entire family will enjoy playing miniature golf while learning about our environment – every step of the way.

The mini-course is open daily from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. through March 26. Tickets are $5.

Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) may be closed for park rides and activities but there’s still furry fun to be had.

The amusement park in Bucks County will celebrate Mardi Gras from February 17-March 19.

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.

There will also be Sesame Street-themed rides and attractions for guests of all ages.

The Sesame Street Mardi Gras Parade is a celebration with everyone’s 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.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy mouth-watering menu items made famous by the city of New Orleans like beignets and jambalaya.

Theme park admission and parking fees are not required for entry.

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 $20.

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 $20.

Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the winter.

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.

Tickets are $35.