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Category: Things To Do

  • History, hikes, and cider: Spend a weekend in Gettysburg | Field Trip

    History, hikes, and cider: Spend a weekend in Gettysburg | Field Trip

    From July 1 to 3, 1863, the Confederate and Union armies faced off in the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. The South’s defeat at Gettysburg became a turning point in the conflict, and an entire tourism economy has grown around the town’s significance.

    This Field Trip gives that history its due, but Gettysburg isn’t a one-trick pony. Expect battlefield landmarks and ranger talks alongside viral doughnuts, lake swims, craft cider, and Syrian food; all about 140 miles west of Philadelphia.

    Start the car.

    Fuel: Devil’s Den Doughnuts

    It’s worth timing your trip to arrive in Gettysburg for Fritter Friday, the weekly tradition that has turned Devil’s Den Doughnuts into a viral sensation. Lately, the little bakeshop on the outskirts of downtown Gettysburg has been running a berry version cloaked in a magenta glaze. If it’s sold out by the time you arrive, don’t worry. The bakery is still packed with chocolate-iced, cinnamon-sugared, and honey-drenched options; plus over-the-top cold brews to wash them down.

    📍 16 Deatrick Dr., Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

    Stay: Union Hotel

    From its beginnings as an 18th-century stop for westbound travelers to today’s best boutique stay in downtown Gettysburg, the Union Hotel has history in abundance. Its four-story brick facade, striped awnings, and gold marquee give it the look of a classic Main Street landmark. Inside, the 12 suites offer kitchenettes, full-size sofas, and beds wrapped in Brooklinen sheets.

    📍 27 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

    Learn: Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

    No surprise the 1863 Civil War battle of Gettysburg is the area’s main tourism driver. Even visitors who are typically snoozy on history need to do the circuit when they come here, and that starts at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Doing this first sets the context for the entire historical gravitas of Gettysburg and its pivotal role in the war, and a standard admission ticket includes the museum galleries, filled with battlefield artifacts; the iconic 360-degree Cyclorama painting of Pickett’s Charge; and A New Birth of Freedom, the introductory film. You can add on the bus tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield, but it’s unnecessary since that site will be covered separately in this itinerary.

    📍 1195 Baltimore Pike, Ste. 100, Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

    Reset: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

    About 20 minutes north of Gettysburg, Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers a welcome change of pace once the weight of Civil War history starts to settle in. Nearly 700 acres of forest feature more than a dozen hiking trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, along with mountain biking, bird-watching, swimming at Fuller Lake (lifeguards in season), and kayaking on Laurel Lake.

    📍 1100 Pine Grove Rd., Gardners, Pa. 17324

    Drink: Ploughman Cider

    The Three Springs Fruit Farm apples you love at the Headhouse Square Farmers Market? Farmer Ben Wenk’s generational orchards grow them right outside Gettysburg in the Adams County countryside. While his Jonagolds and Nittanys make great fresh eating, many of the more arcane heirlooms get fermented into Wenk’s liquid spinoff, Ploughman Cider. He tends a cozy taproom right in downtown Gettysburg, where you can try the whole cider portfolio, along with seasonals and limited-edition runs that might not even make it to the city. Hillbilly Banana blends Stayman Winesaps with our native “tropical” fruit, the pawpaw.

    📍 14 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

    Dine: Jamilie Syrian Kitchen

    Syrian cooking in Gettysburg? Yes, please. Jamilie Syrian Kitchen, with its exposed brick walls, hand-painted plates, and full cocktail menu, is open all day, making it an ideal spot for the early dinner you need in order to get to your nighttime plans. The extensive menu ranges from hot and cold mezze — including tangy muhammara and za’atar-and-cheese flatbreads — to kebabs, hearty entrees, and excellent pistachio ice cream.

    📍 28 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

    Visit: Gettysburg National Military Park

    Aim to reach Gettysburg National Military Park around 6 p.m., when the lowering light lends the battlefield an especially powerful atmosphere. Access to the park is free, and there are both free and paid apps to download that correspond with the self-guided Auto Route, which follows the battle’s timeline from McPherson Ridge to the National Cemetery as it covers 24 miles. If you’re visiting on a forthcoming Saturday, plan your drive to end at Pitzer Woods Amphitheater for the free Campfire with a Ranger program at 8:30 p.m. The hourlong talks blend military history with local lore, all beside a crackling campfire.

    📍 Auto Tour begins at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Ste. 100, Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

  • 🏝️ Exploring our islands | Outdoorsy Newsletter

    Step outside, take a deep breath, and enjoy the fresh air this week, friends. In today’s edition:

    • A view from above: Fly up the Delaware on a tour of the river’s most intriguing islands.
    • Chicken fight: A retired nurse has helped dozens of towns legalize backyard birds.
    • Your outdoorsy experience: A moment of peace among the butterflies.

    ☀️ Your weekend weather outlook: Mainly sunny skies during the days and deliciously cooler nights in the sixties.

    — Paola Pérez and Alyssa Passeggio (outdoorsy@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    A ride up the Delaware

    There is a string of more than 100 islands where visitors might find birds nesting, unusual plants, and old military forts.

    The 330 miles of Delaware River from Wilmington, Del., to New York state are home to shoals, sandbars, or hundreds of acres of uninhabited islands.

    Some were playgrounds for the wealthy. Others are owned by industrial giants. There are even tales of pirates.

    Our latest interactive will take you for a ride over the islands of the Delaware.

    News worth knowing

    🦋 Your outdoorsy experience

    My colleague Lizzy Ravitch wants to put us on to a natural respite that seems to be hiding in plain sight:

    In Whitemarsh Township, just minutes away from bustling suburban shopping centers in any direction, a stretch of road runs past the Erdenheim Farm, and nestled among it is the Dixon Meadow Preserve & Boardwalk.

    That’s where I have found myself on quite a few occasions, including the recent sultry Sunday after the Fourth, with my husband and two young kids. The morning promised too much heat for a long walk or hike, but at the preserve, with less than a mile of walking trail to tread, we didn’t have to worry about that.

    It may not seem like an escape into nature, given that cars passing by on Flourtown Road are in view from most of the area. Yet somehow, while walking the paved path and a raised boardwalk, one can feel as if a bubble has been created around the preserved space. It’s surprisingly quiet — well, except for the birdsong and occasional quack from a marsh-dwelling duck.

    The 14-acre preserve is home to native plants, and it’s frequented by a variety of colorful birds — and binocular-toting birders. Monarch butterflies also hang out there this time of year, and they were our favorite friends to see on that recent Sunday.

    After about 30 minutes of wandering, covered in sweat, we headed back home. We didn’t get in many steps, but that wasn’t the point. On a weekend when air conditioning and shade were the responsible choice, it had been nice to spend a moment among the butterflies.

    Beautiful! Thank you, Lizzy.

    📧 What are you enjoying out there? This is your spot to shine. Send your special stories and moments in an email — with a picture, if you have one. You may see it featured here.

    Fighting for Jersey’s backyard chickens

    🎤 Now we’re passing the microphone to South Jersey reporter Sarah Nicell.

    Any Collingswood resident over the last 18 years can remember the fight to legalize backyard chickens. Or the second attempt. Or the third.

    Gwenne Baile, 77, knows the efforts well. A Haddon Township resident and the unofficial “Chicken Lady of South Jersey,” Baile initially became interested when she saw Martha Stewart showing off her chickens on TV. After retiring in 2009 from a long career as an ob-gyn nurse, Baile decided she needed a hobby.

    “I started looking into it,” Baile said, “but it was illegal here.”

    Since then, Baile said, she has played some part in changing the ordinances in 35 municipalities across South Jersey, including in her hometown. She keeps a list of places with pro-chicken zoning rules, including the 19 municipalities in Camden County that allow them. Baile now has five hens, taken in as fosters, including those injured by predators or forced from owners whose municipalities do not allow coops. — Sarah Nicell

    Keep reading on the push for residential hens.

    Paola’s picks

    🐺 A win: There’s hope for the future of the most endangered species on the planet.

    🌡️ A song: “I feel like summer.”

    🐉 An activity: Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square.

    🐻 A read: “I watched a bear eat from a bear-proof trash can.”

    An oceanic view

    Breathe in…and breathe out. Paola took this at Decatur Street beach in Cape May.Paola Pérez

    There’s something about bodies of water…

    👋🏽 Happy trails.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • ⚽ Post-World Cup blues? Fill that soccer-shaped void | Things to do

    ⚽ Post-World Cup blues? Fill that soccer-shaped void | Things to do

    I’m not going to lie, I’m still recovering from Argentina’s loss and the end of the FIFA World Cup.

    I watched Spain shutout the Lionel Messi-led team on the world stage, right next to five Spain fans at Old City Beer Garden. Their La Roja jerseys flew into the air, as they leaped from their seats like a weight-absorbed spring.

    In the days that have seemed empty since, I’ve barely mustered up the energy to go looking for events and attractions happening in the region this weekend.

    But like Spain’s late-game rally, I fought through the heart ache and delivered anyway. (I can at least get a point for that, right?). Let me know how you’re coping with your World Cup blues.

    Read below to see what’s happening in the region.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Jill Scott takes over the Met starting Friday

    Jill Scott takes to the stage for One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Jilly from Philly is coming home! After a brief but riveting performance at the One Philly Unity Concert for America stage on Independence Day, Jill Scott is coming home to North Philly.

    In support of her new album, To Whom This May Concern, the iconic singer will headline four shows at the Met Philadelphia.

    Her run begins Friday night, followed by a show on Saturday, July 27, and July 29.

    Learn more from about her upcoming performances here.

    The best things to do this week

    Anchor, a beloved hammerhead shark from Camden’s Adventure Aquarium, passed away on Sunday.Photo Courtesy of Adventure Aquarium

    🎵 The orchestra strikes a chord: Watch the classic, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, but with the Philadelphia Orchestra playing the soundtrack to the space epic at the Highmark Mann Center.

    🎭 A love story across time: Experience the best-selling novel, turned beloved romance flick, on the theater stage. The Notebook is playing at the Academy of Music through Aug. 2.

    👣 Do like the Romans: Walk the streets of South Philly before you dine. The Passyunk Passeggiata, inspired by the Roman tradition, invites folks to an evening stroll before they enjoy speciality food and drink deals.

    🦈 Sip with the sharks: Head to the other side of the Delaware River for an undersea exploration, with a cocktail in hand. Adventure Aquarium’s Sunset with the Sharks offers views of the Philly skyline and the ocean’s apex predator.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Jazzing on Ridge Festival, Liberty Flea Market, and Arte en Las Calles. Here’s our full list for the week.

    Make the World Better Weekend at the Dell Music Center

    Twisted Tens will open for Kurt Vile & the Violators and They Are Gutting A Body of Water at Connor Barwin’s Make The World Better Concert Weekend at the Dell Music Center in Strawberry Mansion on July 25.Courtesy of the Artist

    Former Philadelphia Eagle Connor Barwin’s two-night fundraising concert, Make The World Better Concert Weekend, launches at Dell Music Center on Friday.

    The annual festival’s lineup includes acts such as Pavement and Ratboys on Friday, and Kurt Vile and the Violators on Saturday.

    The proceeds will go toward Barwin’s Make the World Better Foundation, dedicated to improving local parks, rec centers, and playgrounds.

    Learn more about MTWB Concert Weekend here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    At the Colored Girls Museum, vanessa german stands next to “The Oracle” and “The Table,” two characters in her exhibit “The House, The Oracle and The Table.” She built and curated the exhibit for the Colored Girls Museum.Zamani Feelings

    🧵 A thread of history: Franklin Thread, a new 375-foot-long art installation, explores Benjamin Franklin’s foray into early agriculture. The flax-based thread was developed by Temple University professor Jeff Richards. It’s on view beginning this Thursday at Maya Park.

    🎨 Colored Girls Museum is transformed: Renowned artist vanessa german’s new art show, “The House, The Oracle and the Table,” adorns the Colored Girls Museum’s first floor. It’s a three-piece exhibit in honor of the museum’s 10th birthday.

    📚 From ‘micro bookshop’ to storefront: Little Yenta Books started as a pop-up shop at South Philly bars, but its new, expanded storefront boasts triple the number of titles – which means all the more fun for us book nerds.

    🍲 South Philly bites: Feast on specialty bites and dining deals at 20 restaurants during Queen Village Restaurant Week. If you miss this week’s opening, don’t fret. The South Philly celebration lasts until Aug. 9.

    Staffer picks

    Shakira performs during halftime during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)Matt Slocum

    Here’s pop music critic Dan Deluca’s list of the best concerts this weekend.

    🪕 Thursday: Country star Tim McGraw, fresh off performing at Taylor Swift’s wedding (or so we think), will perform his timeless classics and recent singles at Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

    🎸 Friday: Hannah Cohen, who released 2025’s Earthstar Mountain, is bringing her dreamy, pastoral collection to Wayne’s 118 North on Friday.

    💃 Saturday: The Colombian superstar Shakira, who performed her global hit “Dai Dai” at the FIFA World Cup final, is dropping into the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Saturday.

    🎤 Saturday and Sunday: Electro-jam band Disco Biscuits is set to perform at King of Prussia’s Heuser Park Saturday and Sunday.

    Check out the full concert list here.

    ❓Pop quiz

    North Philly’s Jill Scott says her favorite cheesesteak is at Ishkabibbles. How does she take it? (Here’s a hint: Fried onions is a must, and the rest is a delicious mess.)

    A) Fried onions, whiz, mayo, hot sauce

    B) Fried onions, provolone, relish

    C) Fried onions, marinera, mozzarella, mustard and mayo

    d) Fried onions, hot sauce, hot peppers, mayo

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: DJ and record producer Diplo largely grew up in Miami, but what local university did he graduate from? Answer: Temple University

    Ask Earl anything

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I got you. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    That’s all for this week’s edition, folks. Enjoy another weekend of theater, music festivals, restaurant specials, and interesting art installations.

    – Earl Hopkins

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of G
  • Strathmere’s free beaches may soon require a beach tag

    Strathmere’s free beaches may soon require a beach tag

    The beaches of tiny, quirky Strathmere may be in their last tag-free season.

    The Upper Township Committee, the governmental body that includes Strathmere and its mainland counterpart, is considering beach tags that would cost as much as $45 for the season, said administrator James Van Zlike.

    Strathmere’s possible move to a paid beach will leave only Atlantic City, Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest as free oceanfront beaches in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

    “We didn’t want to do it,” Van Zlike said. He said beach patrol personnel costs alone were over $500,000 per season, and the township was responsible for $2.1 million for the current beach replenishment project. “Beaches are expensive to run and maintain and operate.”

    Proposed pricing for the tags would be $10 daily, $20 weekly, and a seasonal tag of $45 with a pre-season discounted rate of $30, he said, which would generate about $320,000. Veterans and active duty military would be exempt.

    The beach patrol’s headquarters had to be demolished in March after bad weather and beach erosion left it in a precarious state. The township has yet to rebuild it.

    Although ending the free beach status is anathema to many, Mayor Curtis T. Corson Jr., said at the July committee meeting that it came down to beaches or parking, both of which are currently free in Strathmere.

    The township determined it would be more cost effective to hire two roaming beach tag checkers than to retrofit the town’s narrow streets for parking meters, and create a parking enforcement bureaucracy.

    “We don’t have parking meters, we don’t have a parking authority, we don’t have any of that,” the mayor said at the July 13 meeting. “We would actually, because of the narrow streets, lose parking spots.”

    Neighboring Sea Isle’s beach tags max out at $30 for the season, but Corson noted the city takes in $1.7 million in parking meter fees.

    “We take in zero for parking fees,” he said.

    Reaction was mostly negative on Facebook groups, with many questioning why any of the beaches in New Jersey required a beach tag. “Terrible idea,” said one poster. “Residents already pay high taxes.”

    Corson said state law would not allow them to give a discounted price to residents of Upper Township.

    A beach tag ordinance will likely be introduced at an August meeting, Van Zlike said. The township last considered instituting beach tags in 2021.

  • Taylor Swift rumors aside, Westerly is Rhode Island’s perfect coastal getaway | Field Trip

    Taylor Swift rumors aside, Westerly is Rhode Island’s perfect coastal getaway | Field Trip

    Maybe you’ve heard: Some singer and a tight end got married earlier this month.

    The Swift-Kelce wedding (allegedly?) took place at Madison Square Garden, a venue with all the whimsy and romance of a Forman Mills. For a while, though, there was plenty of speculation the celebration would happen in idyllic Westerly, R.I., where Taylor Swift owns a beachfront mansion.

    This patchwork of villages, coves, and carousel-dotted shoreline borders Block Island Sound and somehow manages to feel quiet despite its celebrity cachet. It’s a little Gilded Age, a little Jaws’ Amity Island, and a whole lot of money if you’re staying at the area’s marquee hotels.

    This itinerary takes you to both — just not to sleep — along with lighthouses, diners, and beaches. It’s pushing Field Trip’s self-imposed five-hour driving limit from Philly, but it’s worth the haul. Better yet, pair it with our Newport or Mystic itineraries for a longer New England getaway. Start the car.

    Fuel: The Cooked Goose

    A devastating fire in 2025 nearly cooked the Cooked Goose for good. Thankfully, by March the beloved Watch Hill breakfast spot had reopened, with owners Andrew Nathan and Jennifer Gibson once again serving mortadella egg-and-cheese sandwiches, buttermilk biscuits and gravy, and cinnamon roll pancakes in a powder-blue dining room lined with local art.

    Go, Bird.

    📍 92 Watch Hill Rd., Westerly, R.I. 02891

    Stay: Shelter Harbor Inn

    If money is no object, stay at Ocean House or Weekapaug Inn. The rest of us should look at Shelter Harbor Inn. Built in 1800 and renovated in 2019, the 22-room property feels more like a refined country estate than a beach hotel, with exposed rafters, fireplaces, mature gardens, and a peaceful setting that’s still less than 10 minutes from the shoreline. Summer rooms can still dip into the low $200s, leaving enough in the budget for a treatment at the on-site spa.

    📍 10 Wagner Rd., Westerly, R.I. 02891

    Visit: Westerly Museum of American Impressionism

    Housed in a low-slung, cerulean-blue building along the river, the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism is a must-visit for art hounds. The private collection features works from the 1880s to the 1920s by John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, and other impressionists displayed in naturally lit galleries. Wilson Henry Irvine’s A Summer Afternoon seems an appropriate place to start.

    📍 79 Watch Hill Rd., Westerly, R.I. 02891

    Play: Atlantic Beach

    Atlantic Beach stretches like a long hammock between the residential neighborhoods of Weekapaug and Misquamicut, with one main street, Atlantic Avenue, running through. The gentle surf of the sound rolls up to the golden-tan sand, and if you’re visiting with kids, circa-1921 Atlantic Beach Park gives vintage amusement vibes with its carousel and arcade. The park also operates Windjammer Surf Bar, serving lobster rolls (mayo or butter), coconut shrimp, and banana splits right on the beach.

    📍 321 Atlantic Ave., Westerly, R.I. 02891

    See: Watch Hill Lighthouse

    Watch Hill is a pretty good name for a place to put a lighthouse. There’s been a beacon on this finger of land pointing toward the maritime nexus of Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut since before the Revolution, with the current Watch Hill Lighthouse standing since 1856. While you can’t climb the gray granite tower, the breakwater-bordered grounds offer lovely views of Block Island Sound, and there’s a small, free museum packed with history about the lighthouse, shipwrecks, and storms.

    📍 14 Lighthouse Rd., Westerly, R.I. 02891

    Drink: Ocean House

    From the Civil War until 2003, Ocean House watched over Block Island Sound from its blufftop perch. After decades of decline, the iconic resort was painstakingly demolished and rebuilt board for board into the elegant butter-yellow landmark that stands today. Even if you’re not staying overnight, stop by the Verandah Raw Bar for oysters and cocktails overlooking the water.

    📍 1 Bluff Ave., Westerly, R.I. 02891

    Dine: Weekapaug Inn

    Every Sunday through Aug. 23, Weekapaug Inn transforms its sweeping waterfront lawn into the Coastal Grille Series. Guests and locals gather in Adirondack chairs overlooking Quonochontaug Pond while feasting on buffet favorites like clam chowder, tomato-and-peach panzanella, brisket sliders, smoked baby back ribs, s’mores tarts, and cupcakes inspired by Rhode Island’s beloved Del’s Lemonade. Advance reservations are required.

    📍 25 Spray Rock Rd., Westerly, R.I. 02891

  • It’s peak tick season | Outdoorsy Newsletter

    Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: We should avoid long or intense outdoor activities today. Wildfire smoke in our region is making it hard and unhealthy to do so.

    As we prepare to venture back outside safely again, here’s what we’re getting up to:

    😶‍🌫️ Your weekend weather outlook: Hot and smoky. Good air quality is not expected to return till Saturday, and it’s expected to rain then, too. Sunday should be mostly sunny.

    — Paola Pérez (outdoorsy@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Mind the uptick

    I’m sorry for the mildly horrifying photo.

    But given that the Northeast is usually hit hardest by ticks — and it’s peak tick season — it’s important to recognize these pesky creatures so we can avoid them at all costs.

    Here are some quick anti-tick reminders:

    🌾 Cut tall grasses.

    🧦 If you must go into dense vegetation, wear long pants and closed shoes.

    🔍 Perform routine checks for ticks on yourself and pets.

    Get the rundown on all things ticks.

    News worth knowing

    🌳 Your outdoorsy experience

    My colleague Michaelle Bond and I recently got to talking about our shared enjoyment of kayaking. Here’s what she told me about the activity:

    I love kayaking. And every year, I make at least one trip to the Pine Barrens to paddle on one of the rivers there. I’ve gone in the spring to see the foliage waking up, the summer when everything’s green and lush, and the fall to see the leaves putting on their colorful show. I rent a kayak from the folks at Pinelands Adventures, who drop me off in the river in the morning and pick me up when I reach the end of the route. I spend a few hours on the water, alternating between floating gently and working to navigate obstacles and tight turns. I enjoy the tranquility and relative silence – just the wind in the trees and chirping birds – before getting in my car and heading back home to Philly.

    Sounds like total bliss. Thanks for sharing.

    📥 Now it’s your turn: Tell me about what you like to do outdoors. We love pictures if you have them. You may see your memories and stories featured in this spot.

    Showgirls of a shrinking industry

    🎤 Now we’re passing the microphone to Jason Nark.

    TOWANDA, Pa. — Her full name was Cashells Jry Shakira-Red-ET — Shakira to keep it simple — and like her namesake, the big red and white Holstein had 6-foot hips that didn’t lie as she hoofed down Main Street.

    Shakira is a showgirl accustomed to winning, one of the few cows that allowed judges to place a floral crown on her head at the Bradford County dairy cow beauty pageant in Towanda on June 20, about 100 years after their last one.

    “The most beautiful dairy cow in Bradford County, folks,” said Duane Naugle, Bradford County’s community planner and the day’s emcee.

    Bradford County, population 59,600, sits about 175 miles northwest of Philadelphia in North Central Pennsylvania. County officials said they found an old, black-and-white photo of a similar beauty pageant from 1926 in the county courthouse recently.

    The purpose of that contest a century ago, organizers said, was to highlight the county’s bustling dairy industry. — Jason Nark

    It’s all in Nark’s full feature story. Keep reading on how the pageant’s meaning has changed over the years.

    Paola’s picks

    👏🏽 A legend: This 91-year-old hiker taking on the Appalachian Trail (again!).

    🥵 A doozy: How Philly-area kitchen professionals keep cool in sizzling hot kitchens.

    🎣 An activity: Free, family-friendly fishing with Friends at Pier 68 on Saturday.

    🌲 A read: The transformation of Centralia, Pennsylvania’s burning ghost town. Nark wrote about it back in 2017.

    😎 A song: “Keeping versed and on my feet (If you steal my sunshine).”

    A sparkling view

    Breathe in…and out. I shot this at the South Garden’s Central Marble Fountain near the Fairmount Park Water Works in Philadelphia.Paola Pérez

    Near the tail end of a recent hike, I took a beat here to enjoy a mango gelati. It was divine.

    👋🏽 Take care, Outdoorsy friends.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • 🎆 The fireworks aren’t over yet | Things to do

    🎆 The fireworks aren’t over yet | Things to do

    While Independence Day has passed, it won’t be the last time fireworks light up the summer sky.

    America’s 250th birthday celebration continues Saturday with the Philly Foodie & Fireworks Festival.

    More than 100 local food vendors, live music, a pop-up beer garden, and a fireworks show will take over Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack.

    Read below to see what else is happening in the region.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Diplo’s Run Club returns to South Philly

    Diplo’s Run Club in San Francisco in 2024. The DJ-producer brings the 5K to FDR Park in South Philly on Saturday, in a Make The World Better Concert Weekend adjacent event.Prscilla Rodriguez

    Lace up your running shoes and don’t forget your headphones: Diplo’s Run Club Philadelphia is back for another sprint in South Philly.

    The 5Kfun begins and ends at Lincoln Financial Field. Once runners cross the finish line, the football field transforms into a concert venue for Diplo’s post-race performance.

    Purchase tickets here.

    The best things to do this week

    Alto saxophonist Sonny Fortune is to headline Saturday at Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival.

    🥘 Wickedly Gluten Free: Drop in to the Wicked Gluten Free Expo this Saturday for allergen free, vegan, and gluten-free vendors. There will also be free product samples, a kid’s play area, and over 100 exhibitors at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

    🎺 Get Jazzy in West Philly: The Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival returns Saturday with live music, food trucks and local vendors at Saunders Park Greene.

    🎺 All Love Block Party: Stop into West Philly for the ninth All Love Block Party, featuring a stacked lineup of local DJs, live performers, and Black-owned vendors.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Philly Youth Music Fest, Summerfest in Northern Liberties, Jewelry Swap with Yam Jewelry. Here’s our full list for the week.

    Fireworks continue to light the summer sky

    Fireworks fill the sky at the One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday, July 5, 2026 in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    The Philly Foodie & Fireworks Festival returns to Harrah’s Philadelphia on Saturday with more than 100 vendors, including local food trucks, a pop-up beer garden, and an antique and general vendor market.

    Mechanical bull rides, live performances, and a family fun zone round out the festivities before a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

    The festival kicks of at 2 p.m.

    Purchase tickets here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    People at the Parks on Tap – Water Works traveling beer garden drink as the setting sun reflects off of the Schuyllkill, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    🍛 Specialty dishes in UCity: Get a taste of specialty discounted dishes for University City Dining Days. Select restaurants will offer three-course meals ranging from $20-40 through July 26.

    🎣 Good catch my friend: Fishing with Friends at Pier 68 offers families a chance to learn the fishing basic – rods, tackle, and instructions provided. Participants ages 5 and older can try their new skills on the Delaware River.

    🍺 Parks on Tap: This week, the traveling beer garden is in East Falls’ McMichael Park through Sunday.

    💐 A second life: Wood recovered from Morris Arboretum & Garden is transformed into beautiful arches and trellises for the new exhibition, Exuberant Blooms.

    Staffer picks

    Earth, Wind & Fire – (from left) Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson – brought a party to The Theater at MGM National Harbor Dec. 12, 2025 at the first of two sold-out shows at the venue.Vickey Ford for Live Nation

    Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week from our music critic Dan DeLuca.

    🎸 Thursday: Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire take over Xfinity Mobile Arena for an all-in-one celebration of R&B, soul, disco, funk, and jazz.

    🎶 Friday: While the FIFA Fan Festival runs through Sunday, the final show in the concert series will feature dance-pop singer Bebe Rexha.

    🎸 Saturday: Philly bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma teams up with Sun Ra Arkestra leader Marshall Allen for a performance at the Grounds for Sculpture stage in Hamilton, N.J.

    🎤 Monday: North Carolina rap star J. Cole says his new album, The Fall Off is his last. That’s to be seen. For now, he’s bringing “The Fall-Off World Tour” to Xfinity Mobile Arena on Monday and Tuesday.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Diplo returns to Philadelphia for his annual 5k run. While the DJ and record producer largely grew up in Miami, what local university did he graduate from?

    A) Drexel University

    B) La Salle University

    C) Thomas Jefferson University

    D) Temple University

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: What Chestnut Hill tavern created the signature Philly sandwich, the Schmitter? Answer: McNally’s Tavern

    Ask Earl anything

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I have you covered. Have a question? Email him for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    Alright folks, that’s it for this week’s edition. Have fun and hydrate. It’s going to be another simmering weekend. But take it from me, it will be well-worth the extra sweat.

    – Earl Hopkins

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of Giphy.com
  • At baseball’s All-Star Village, families hit, pitched, and fielded their way to greatness

    At baseball’s All-Star Village, families hit, pitched, and fielded their way to greatness

    Ten-year-old Owen Villamayor approached the batting box with his bat held high and a determined look on his face.

    As the pitching machine spat bright yellow balls across home plate, Villamayor, who plays Little League baseball in Chalfont, took a few strikes and hit a few fouls before he managed to drive a homer into the netting above left field.

    “It’s a little harder than you think,” Villamayor said afterward. “The balls come in higher and you have to learn how to hit them.”

    Villamayor was one of the dozens of early attendees Saturday morning inside the Convention Center at the Capital One All-Star Village, where the line for the home run derby quickly got as long as a theme park ride on a busy day. Old, young, boys, girls — everybody wanted to hit a dinger.

    “This is so nice for all the families,” said his dad, Chris Villamayor, a 44-year-old nurse anesthetist. He said his family, decked out in Phillies gear, was excited for an All-Star Game where six Phillies were chosen to play.

    A vintage Tug McGraw World Series jersey is seen on display in the Hunt Auction section at the All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, July 11, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Chris Villamayor said he was in middle school in 1996 when the All-Star Game last came to Philadelphia. So his excitement has been building since the league announced Philly would host the annual midsummer classic game that brings together some of its best players.

    “Bryce Harper is definitely our favorite,” Villamayor said.

    John Hoesle of Northeast Philly brought his two teenage sons to the All-Star Village, and they got in line to try their hand at a home run. When it was Hoesle’s turn, he was all business, hitting ball after ball, no big deal.

    “It was fun,” Hoesle said. He said he played baseball with the Police Athletic League when he was a teen, and never lost his love of the game. Now, he coaches his sons’ team in Bensalem. That has given him countless opportunities to talk to his sons about the lessons that come with the game.

    “You’re by yourself when the baseball is hit to you, you feel like you got to make the play, and your teammates are counting on you. It’s just a great feeling for kids to have,” Hoesle said.

    Michael London, of Fort Washington, Pa., is at the “Home Run Robber” with his dad Stephen London, of Ambler, Pa., at the All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, July 11, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    At a nearby scaled-down baseball diamond, an array of children tried their best on the turf, while their parents cheered them on.

    Amber Green, 40, took the train from Deptford with her family so that her 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter could join in the fun.

    “It’s really exciting,” Green said. She and her sister were at Game 5 of the 2008 World Series, when the Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park, winning their first World Series since 1980.

    Her 4-year-old son has little connection to that generation, Green said, but he recently got to meet Phillies All-Star pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, and now he’s a fan.

    “The season is so long, and they can start at such a young age,” Green said. “And to live so close to a major league team, we feel lucky.”

    Green said her son had turned to YouTube to prepare for the “Home Run Robber,” a fan event that puts participants in a Velcro suit and lets them jump into a Velcro wall that looks like an outfield wall, simulating what it would be like to rob a batter of a home run.

    “You just jump right up there,” said Walt Diamond, a 14-year-old high school baseball player who came to the All-Star Village with his parents.

    The All-Star Village, which is broken into five sections named for areas of Philadelphia, includes tons of other activities. One of the more moving displays charts the history of the Negro Leagues from baseball’s segregated past through the mid-20th century, when Jackie Robinson became the first Black player in MLB.

    The MLB All Star Brass Band provided by BD Entertainment is seen performing at the All Star Village near the South Philly section at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, July 11, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    One big draw is the autograph area and clubhouse, where retired Phillies greats Cole Hamels, Bobby Abreu, and John Kruk are set to make appearances, along with other pro players and even some mascots. With events and autograph signings scheduled through Tuesday, when the All-Star Game starts at 8 p.m., baseball fans still have plenty of time to take in the experience.

  • Sea Isle and Strathmere make the perfect Jersey Shore weekend | Field Trip

    Sea Isle and Strathmere make the perfect Jersey Shore weekend | Field Trip

    Painted on the tank of a powder-blue water tower, an anthropomorphic sun (wearing sunglasses, no less) greets drivers as they cross the bay onto the island. Next to the sun, the confident sans serif capitals of the town motto come into focus the closer you get to the beach: SMILE YOU’RE IN SEA ISLE.

    Sure, it could use a comma, but at least they got the right “you’re.” No one’s debating grammar when six miles of beautiful beaches unspool from Townsend’s Inlet to Corson’s Inlet.

    Technically, this is Ludlam Island, but nobody calls it that. People say they’re headed to Sea Isle, and fewer still say they’re going to Strathmere, the quiet enclave at the island’s northern tip. Together, they offer a pleasing one-two punch of barefoot luxury and blue-collar Shore shenanigans, perhaps best embodied by Shoobie emeritus Jason Kelce.

    Time the traffic right and you can get there from Philly in about an hour and a half. Start the car.

    Fuel: Sidney’s Coffee and Eats

    After landing in Sea Isle, hang a left and point the car north toward Strathmere for breakfast. This quick drive really gives you a sense of how wispy the northern end of this island is, revealing just how narrow the island becomes, at points barely wide enough for Commonwealth Avenue. Here you’ll find Sidney’s Coffee and Eats, a beach-block bungalow slinging Liege-style waffles, protein smoothies, and egg-and-cheese croissants. After breakfast, take your cappuccino down to the beach and get those toes in the sand.

    📍 705 Commonwealth Ave., Strathmere, N.J. 08248

    Stay: Colonnade Inn

    Unlike many Shore towns, Sea Isle has only a handful of hotels, while Strathmere has none. Most visitors rent houses or stay in nearby campgrounds before commuting onto the island. Fortunately, the Colonnade Inn, a circa-1883 Victorian that sits in the center of town, just a block and half from the beach, still has availability in July and August for its cute cream-and-turquoise rooms — some for less than $300 a night.

    📍 4600 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City, N.J. 08243

    Jason Kelce with the cofounders of Hank Sauce: Matt Pittaluga (from left), Brian “Hank” Ruxton, and Josh Jaspan. Hank Sauce was founded in 2011 and is based in Sea Isle City. Kelce announced a partnership with the local brand and his family’s Winnie Capital.Courtesy of Hank Sauce

    Sweat: Hank Sauce

    You might recognize the square-edged bottles of Hank Sauce from the shelves of your local Acme or ShopRite, but the brand was created by a trio of friends right here in Sea Isle. Jason Kelce joined as an investor last year. Their casual restaurant serves Buffalo chicken cheesesteaks topped with blue cheese crumbles and baked wings glazed in your favorite Hank’s sauce. The tangy, herb-packed Cilanktro remains a standout. Order lunch to-go and head straight for the beach.

    📍 8605 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City, N.J. 08243

    Relax: Townsend’s Inlet Waterfront Park

    A few blocks from Hank’s, Sea Isle comes to a rounded point where the ocean meets the bay at Townsend’s Inlet Waterfront Park. At low tide, the ocean beach fans outward into a broad stretch of sand that feels surprisingly secluded. If you can’t find a spot on the street, there’s a lot at 94th Street and Roberts Avenue. And remember: Sea Isle requires beach tags, so have $10 on hand.

    📍 Beach access at 93rd Street and Pleasure Avenue, Sea Isle City, N.J. 08243

    The scallop entree is shown at the Deauville Inn, in Strathmere, N.J. Friday, July 3, 2020JOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer

    Dine: Deauville Inn

    Near Strathmere’s northern tip, where the bridge crosses into Ocean City, the Deauville Inn has been welcoming travelers since 1881, when it was known as the Whelen Hotel. The establishment has been through a lot — nor’easters, ownership changes, neighborhood disputes — but remains a historic fixture of the island. (Just count the people wearing Deauville Inn hoodies on a chilly night.) Bought and renovated by Tim Fox in 2019, the waterfront restaurant, under chef T.J. Ricciardi, serves lobster rolls, broiled Cape May scallops, and Friday- and Saturday-night prime rib in “lady of the inn” and “innkeeper” cuts. Don’t forget to grab one of those hoodies on the way out.

    📍 201 W. Willard Rd., Strathmere, N.J. 08248

    Sunset: Strathmere Point

    So far this summer, the sunsets have been particularly showy, with epic displays of hot-pink, tangerine, and lavender. Certainly, you can catch sundown from Deauville Inn, but if you wrap up dinner before dark, it’s worth walking a few blocks to the beach at the island’s north point — a huge expanse of sand shaped like a dolphin’s dorsal fin pushing into the water. Walking out there feels somewhat otherworldly, as the surf of the inlet reshapes the sands. Take a seat and enjoy the show.

    📍 Beach access at Commonwealth and Seaview Avenues, Strathmere, N.J. 08248

    Jason Kelce takes a selfie with fans at his sixth annual Ocean Drive fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation.Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles

    Drink: Ocean Drive

    Just weeks ago, Kylie and Jason Kelce’s annual celebrity-bartending benefit at Ocean Drive raised $1.26 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation. While this juggernaut event brings peak crowds to the O.D., the bar and restaurant is no stranger to packing people in from day-load to no-shower happy hour to late-night dancing. Catch a local act like Secret Service or Fat Mezz, order a Sea Isle Iced Tea, and watch the hours melt away like a rocket pop on the beach.

    📍 3915 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City, N.J. 08243

  • 🌊 Where flood risks rise | Outdoorsy Newsletter

    How are we doing, Outdoorsy friends?

    The atmosphere has been quite in flux, with dangerous steaminess and sogginess over the July Fourth weekend. Just over the bridge, Camden experienced what local officials called the worst flooding they have ever seen in the city.

    On the heels of yet another flood watch for parts of our region, we’re taking a look at the Philadelphia area’s most flood-prone waterways.

    Plus:

    • Rowing abroad: A team of local breast cancer survivors are taking their oars across seas.
    • It’s getting hotter: Climate change is pushing summers in July to new heights.
    • Your outdoorsy experience: We missed a good farmers market! A reader tells us about her favorite.

    ☂️ Saturday showers are possible, but we should be otherwise dry, though our soils need more moisture.

    — Paola Pérez (outdoorsy@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Flood zones

    Flooding is a perennial threat in the Philadelphia region, so we set out to pinpoint where they happen most often, and therefore are most likely to happen.

    According to an Inquirer analysis, the top two in the last 20 years are:

    🌊 The East Branch Brandywine Creek below Downingtown, which registered 33 major and moderate floods.

    🌊 The Delaware River at Burlington, which saw seven major and 19 moderate floods.

    Explore our map to see more of our area’s most flood-prone waterways, and learn how funding plays a role in monitoring and operating the tools that track this information.

    News worth knowing

    🌳 Your outdoorsy experience

    We recently talked about the area’s best farmers markets. Clare Cosenza wrote in to tell us about one that we missed:

    In your list of best farmers markets, I didn’t see any Bucks County markets represented. I would like to introduce you to one that many consider a gem.

    It’s Wrightstown Farmer’s Market, located at the Middletown Grange Fairgrounds in Wrightstown. Supported by the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance, these dedicated volunteers organize not only vendors but music entertainment, activities for the kids, and donations for local food banks.

    Thanks, Clare!

    📥 I want to hear from the rest of you: What are you doing outside this summer? Is there a fun trail we should check out? Do you have a favorite swimming spot? Tell me about it. You may see your memories and stories featured here. (Pictures, if you have them, are always welcome.)

    Rowing ‘like an athlete’

    🎤 Now we’re passing the microphone to sports editor Isabella DiAmore.

    It was Valentine’s Day 2022 when Shannan McConnell found a rash near her neck that felt like a lump. Then, everything went awry. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and quickly began her treatment.

    There wasn’t much time to process what was happening to her, she says.

    McConnell is no longer in active treatment, and even though her doctors have told her, “you’re cancer free — you can put this behind you,” she can’t. Many cancer survivors can’t, she says. However, for the past three years, McConnell has found an outlet that has given her strength and community. It’s paddling in a boat with a group of women.

    WeCanRow-Philadelphia is a rowing program through Whitemarsh Boat Club for breast cancer survivors. The Philly chapter is supported through the Survivor Rowing Network, which has more than 30 participating programs around the nation. It came to Philly in 2018 and currently has 46 members. — Isabella DiAmore

    Go, WeCanRow! They’re traveling to the United Kingdom for a competition this weekend. Keep reading their story here.

    Paola’s picks

    🥵 A song: “Too Hot” by Kool & The Gang.

    💡 A set of tips: Know the symptoms and treatment for dehydration and heat exhaustion.

    📱 A text service: The Shore Line is a fun bite-size dispatch from down the Shore.

    👟 An inspiration: This Philly man’s record-setting run across Pennsylvania.

    🫐 An activity: Blueberry Festival at Linvilla Orchards (Saturday, $11), and visit Calder Gardens (Philly residents get free admission through July).

    A flowing view

    Breathe in…and breathe out. I caught this small pond at the Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing.Paola Pérez

    👋🏽 Stay safe out there, and I’ll catch up with you again soon.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.