Winter has a nasty habit of slowing down our drive for social engagement but when you live so close to Philadelphia’s best cultural and entertainment offerings, it takes more than snow to keep you inside. Winter weather can be a hindrance, but with a little help from our fine city, it can be overcome.
The Sweet Life
Much like fine wines, a true appreciation of chocolates demands a sophisticated palate, and an intimate understanding of stories and processes that yield the highest quality product. The brain trust at the Academy of Natural Sciences agrees and has introduced Chocolate: The Exhibition, featuring events ranging from hot chocolate bars and chocolate beer tastings to cocktail hours and chocolate cooking classes. Running now through January 24th, 2015, Chocolate: The Exhibition offers a stimulating and indulgent experience.
For Film Buffs
Once you’ve seen your fill of films at The Ritz, make your way over to the Academy of Fine Arts and check out David Lynch: The Unified Field, running now through January 11th, 2015. Get inside the head of the famed experimental filmmaker with the first ever exhibit on David Lynch. The Unified Field paints a picture of Lynch as a visual artist and largely skips his better-known work as a filmmaker. Lynch studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in the late 60s. His time in Philadelphia coincided with an economic downturn, and Lynch was fascinated by Philadelphia’s blue collar grit and its dying infrastructure. Whether you have seen Lynch’s complete catalogue many times through or are just discovering his work, spending a day with David Lynch will give you a new appreciation not only for his genius, but for how far Philadelphia has come.
Enjoy a Show
If you prefer live arts and entertainment, then you’re in luck – the music never stops in Philadelphia. The Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music have winter schedules that will satisfy those with the most eclectic of tastes. Bob Dylan is in the lineup for November, as well as Broadway Philadelphia’s production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Yet the real prize is The Nutcracker. Running from December 6th to New Year’s Eve, The Nutcracker is a winter tradition and a tremendous way to keep your spirits up and enjoy the holiday season.
Visual Wonders
Philly lights up the long winter nights with captivating optical displays. The Comcast Holiday Spectacular, running from November 27th to January 1th is a must-see event, as is the Macy’s Christmas Light Show, which will be on display from November 28th to December 31st. Take a date and lose yourself in the simple, childhood wonder of sensory thrills. If you find yourself too busy with winter activities to make it to a light show, then you can enjoy the sparkling Broad Street lights as you make your way home from the Academy of Music, humming Dylan and appreciating the density of Philly’s cultural offerings.document.currentScript.parentNode.insertBefore(s, document.currentScript);