Harrisburg's Latest Community News

D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty - -who has been under fire for a host of issues – may have ignited another controversy.

This time the mayor has angered some residents by supporting legislation that lifted the District's smoking ban for two area events on St. Patrick's Day.

Mayor Fenty was a leading sponsor of the 2006 legislation that enacted the ban.

D.C. Council Member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) sponsored the bill, which gave two groups exemptions from the law. The groups are the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and Fight for Children. The F

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Philadelphia’s The Franklin Fountain is a hidden treat. Though it is frequented by tour groups, many of Philadelphia’s visitors don’t know about it. Also functioning as a rare treat and guilty pleasure for professionals working nearby, The Franklin Fountain offers an old-time, old-fashioned hospitality and pleasant service perhaps only equaled by the nearby Shane Candies.

As you enter the ice cream shop, you’ll find an expansive menu with updated ice cream flavor listings. Aside from the multitude of available flavors (there are also hand-held menus available), The Franklin Fountain offers seasonal and holiday specials.

The shop’s ambiance alone makes the visit worthwhile. It features an old-time radio, mosaic floor, ‘tonics’ and &lsqu

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There’s a method to shopping at Kam Sam Supermarket, and you don’t have to be Chinese to master this method. All it requires is patience, some elbowing, expert cart navigation through skinny aisles and no expectancy for great customer service unless you have small Chinese children: you’re on your own here. Located in Rockville, oftentimes tenderly referred to as “Wokville” for its suburban (and better) alternative to Chinatown, Kam Sam is where all Chinese people and Chinese food lovers flock, regardless where they were born and raised.

Craving potstickers or wontons for lunch? The store sells a wide variety of frozen brands. Your children begging for egg custard pastries? Kam Sam’s bakery counter sells those, along with other prepared Chinese favorites: lions’ head meatballs, pork-filled bao, noodles, red-bean cake, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.

There’s a wide variety of Chinese produce (bok choy, soybeans, Asi

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Zipf’s Candies is an oasis of chocolate. Located in a modest-sized building just off of Germantown Avenue, Zipf’s offers a variety of delicious tidbits served up by friendly and knowledgeable staff. The main entrance to Zipf’s is located just down an alley off Germantown Avenue, making the short journey feel like a step back in time amidst the shops in older buildings.

Zipf’s frequently places a chalkboard sign out on the street to direct customer traffic to the main entrance. It’s located right next to a cigar shop in the same alley. While Zipf’s offers multiple types of candy, chocolate is their specialty. As customers enter, they will find an old-fashioned “Pennsylvania” scale, a clean, expansive display case filled mostly with chocolate and colorful, sugary delights on all other sides.

Of the chocolates, you should definitely experience the butter creams. Like Ol

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If you’re looking for a unique piece of furniture that will last, and you don’t want to find that all your neighbors bought the same one at Pottery Barn, go no further than Woodcraft Artisans shop in Annapolis, Md. The owner travels to Indonesia a few times a year to hand-pick and ship pieces back to his bright, quaint shop for sale.

Most of his furniture is hand-made from teak, which is hard and durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions, major usage, small children and pets.

The Woodcraft Artisans shop fits perfectly with the Annapolis feel: unique stores, boutiques and no major chains (except for a Ben & Jerry’s). Even if visitors didn’t go to Indonesia themselves, a purchase from Woodcraft Artisans is a major find.

Upon entering the store, many visitors have the same “Wow!” reaction – each piece is really quite beautiful, a glowing, rich brown wood and obviously strong craftsmanship throughout. Though a co

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No child or adult can miss the bright and inviting O’Doodle’s storefront along Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. You can find O’Doodles because it has a painted toy block cube flower pot and a matching purple crayon next to the parking meter. The store itself is painted in bright but inviting colors and O’Doodle’s often has a street sign advertising the latest specials.

What makes O’Doodle’s unique is the store’s commitment to providing “unplugged” enrichment for children—that is, O’Doodle’s focuses on the non-video game segment of the toy industry. If you want to know what to give your child to promote outdoor play or activities involving other children instead of the television or computer, check out O’Doodle’s. Their storefront and online store have hundreds of selections divided by age group and activity type.

Additionally, O’Doodl

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Known for its prominent place along the Avenue of the Arts and its 150 year-old chandelier, the Academy of Music brings distinguished music and performance art to the public. The Academy of Music and the organizations that inhabit it have tailored opera, classical music, Broadway and ballet performances to entertain and educate.

Inside, the Academy of Music exudes a romantic air of culture. Opened in the late 1850s, its famous chandelier was magnificently renovated from 2007-2008 and again sits directly above audiences “Phantom of the Opera”-style in period fashion. This was part of an overall restoration of the building. Originally, the chandelier included gas burners matching those still functioning on the exterior of the building.

Don’t overlook the Academy of Music as a viable venue in fe

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Located in Southampton, New Jersey, SnapDragon Stables aims to make horseback riding an affordable and enjoyable hobby for riders of all ages. SnapDragon is an encouraging, non-judgmental environment in which new and experienced riders can learn and grow without the costs and pressure associated with more competitive stables. SnapDragon Stables offers individual and group lessons, trail rides, pony parties and a July summer camp.

The stables, trail and farm are exceptionally clean. Despite the presence of multiple horses, the overwhelming “horse smell” typically experienced on farms and in stables is barely detectable here. Stable staff sweep and clean immediately after grooming and grounds maintenance crews are frequently present.

A beginner lesson starts with instruction on care of the horse. This allows horse and rider to become acquainted and at ease with one another. As the lesson pace is not rushed, a rider is enc

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The Bone Appetite has more than just a creative name. This Chestnut Hill dog store has become a dog-friendly mainstay on Germantown Avenue. Billing itself as “the store for the serious dog owner,” The Bone Appetite focuses on all-natural pet foods, gourmet dog treats and fashionable clothing and accessories.

The Bone Appetite is imbued with the philosophy that health and happiness shouldn’t be reserved for humans. For this reason, The Bone Appetite’s food and treat selection is entirely all-natural.

The Bone Appetite offers gift cards. Consider this a fabulous idea if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the dog owner and enthusiast.

This store encourages pet parents to bring dogs to the store. If you’re thinking about purchasing clothing or a collar for your dog, it’s best to bring your pet to the store for sizing. The Bone Appetite will also special order item

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Philadelphia has a diverse job market based on small and large business, tourism and retail. If you’re about to run out of unemployment, just out of college or are looking for an entry-level position, don’t overlook these types of jobs—or what they can do for your resume.

National Park Service

What You Do

In some locations, working for the National Park Service means that you’re a ranger in a remote location. If you work for the National Park Service in Philadelphia, this isn’t so. Independence National Historical Park exists entirely in an urban landscape. A ranger in Philadelphia gets paid to learn about history and assist tourists. The park service also employs administrative professionals aside from docents.

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Picture the perfect place in a movie for two intellectuals who meet in a bookshop and then debate philosophy over a cup of coffee, and you would choose Kramerbooks and Afterwords café for your setting. Except that this popular Dupont Circle bookshop is filled with actual literati and bookworms, and anyone who just loves spending an afternoon browsing among the shelves.

This is no ordinary bookshop, and that’s not just from the collection of books it holds. It's easily one of THE late-night spots where you can spot your favorite congressional rep or Obama administration appointee. It’s probably the only bookstore for hundreds of miles that opens at 7:30am and closes at 1:00am, or is open all night on Fridays and Saturdays. All night? Yes, all day and night on the weekend. Its hours makes Kramerbooks a great place to rendezvous with friends before dinner, or to visit after dinner to browse and share favorite titles with a friend.

It’s so typica

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Tabletop is a small breath of fresh air among the District's Ikea-laden apartments.

The little Dupont shop, tucked in the garden level of a brownstone, features whimsical home accessories and gifts that always make it a fun trip to visit, even if you don't buy anything. It’s the kind of store you wander into out of curiosity, and leave with a giant pendant lamp shaped like a flying bird, or a dishtowel that reads I AM NOT A PAPER TOWEL, or a colander that folds up to store nicely in your tiny Washington kitchen. Truth is, you'll either be a frequent visitor who buys each time, or one who never buys at all.

Tabletop was started in 2003 by a couple who thought similarly about Dupont Circle (“No retail oasis to quench our thirst for brightly colored, well designed and affordable home accessories slash gifts”). And then, voila! A fun answer to Dupont’s missing piece was created.

Filled with everything home-related from fun a

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Philadelphia is the perfect city for Segways. Segways are two-wheeled machines built for carrying standing passengers. Their advanced technology creates a unique balancing system and a smooth ride, even allowing users to transition from road to sidewalk or sidewalk to grass. A company called I Glide offers comprehensive Segway tours beginning near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As an eco-friendly city boasting wheelchair-accessible areas and less foot traffic than New York, Philadelphia is the ideal urban zone for the Segway.

The Segway tour begins with a safety instruction. While riding, you’re required to wear a helmet for safety. I Glide offers helmets in several sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. You may find it helpful to request a larger size if you would like to keep a cap on beneath the helmet. In Philadelphia, Segways are permitted on sidewalks and in handicap-accessible areas; riders, however, should remain aware and create space for b

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Domo origato, yogurt fans. It's like the Pinkberry craze that took over the West coast and made its way East – though its origins really are from the far East. The tangy, low-fat dessert has become so popular thanks to Mr. Yogato's prime location on 17th Street in Dupont. Here, the line usually goes out the door of the brightly lit, no-frills, basement shop on hot summer evenings. It's a great place to stop after dinner, with friends, or with a first date to play old-school Nintendo games while enjoying a refreshing alternative to ice cream.

There are usually around four flavors of yogurt available (tangy, original, and then a couple flavors of the week like chocolate, mango, kiwi, strawberry, mojito, etc), but it's the mixing-and-matching of toppings that bring the dessert to life. Will it be raspberries and mango chunks, or strawberries with granola? Oreos or sprinkles? Captain Crunch or brownie bits? The possibilities are endless.

There are some free topping

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Premium Steap is a harmonious storefront nestled among other shops on South 18th Street in Philadelphia. Located in the downtown Center City shopping district, Premium Steap aims to bring health and balance to tea tasters, demystifying the process of making tea without a teabag in the process.

Premium Steap is perfect for all seasons, educating consumers on how to use loose tea leaves to prepare both hot and iced tea. Tea of any variety prepared in accordance with Premium Steap’s instructions does not produce any sediment or loose tea in the beverage. According to proprietor Peggy Stephens, many people allow their tea to steep too long, resulting in a flat, unpleasant, bitter taste.

The teas at Premium Steap are contained in large tins lining the walls on shelves. Customers are permitted to smell the teas to get an idea of the flavor. While Premium Steap does not have a seating area or a café atmosphere, it is extremel

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Scoop DeVille stands out. The storefront and store interior include shades of vibrant pinks supported by white and black. If you’re looking to ignore the frozen yogurt trend and consume a rich ice cream treat, head to Scoop DeVille. It’s centrally located along Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, right near the shopping district.

Scoop DeVille is a pleasant relief on a stagnant summer day. Though the storefront is relatively small, the store maximizes the space, which includes a few tables. The vintage-style interior is also worth noting. Aside from being pink, it’s got a 1950s theme. The building also houses Maron’s Chocolates, which has its own counter. (These delectables are used as ingredients in some of the specialty Scoop DeVille ice cream selections.)

Adults are amused with this shop because it’s a complete break from modern stress and the busy neighborhood that contains it. Kids stop crying when t

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The Shops at Liberty Place is located in Center City Philadelphia on Chestnut Street. Known as an efficient lunch and shopping destination, shoppers and diners can walk here from nearby office locations or take the Market Frankford El. The shops include Victoria’s Secret and H&M; the architecture features a beautiful rotunda. The food court here specializes in quick and efficient lunch service at affordable prices.

This is a recommended lunch stop for professionals working in the area or for tourists. During summer or winter, visitors can escape from extreme outdoor conditions without sacrificing a view of falling snow or invigorating sunlight—thanks to the large dome atop the rotunda area.

The design of the Shops at Liberty Place allows for a high volume of foot traffic. You won’t find the congestion here that you find over at The Gall

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At Club Joola, ping pong reigns. This isn't your parents' basement anymore. This is where the pros come to play this vicious game, and where others come to become pros. The private, full-time table tennis club in Rockville, Md., features several regulation tables in a well-lit gymnasium strewn with orange balls across its red floor, and is complete with pro shop selling Joola-brand shirts, paddles, equipment and even special shoes.

Joola is a German manufacturer of table tennis equipment and opened the club in the neighborhood known for its strong Chinese presence. One of its coaches, Amy Feng, is a former Olympian. The gym is a contrast to its other competitors, which are either municipalities who offer table tennis space or a club that is open only a few hours a day. Club Joola offers classes for various levels, including beginner, intermediate, advanced and senior training.

Table tennis, which is the proper and official name for the game (Ping-pong was trademarked

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Delaware Theatre Company is the original landmark of culture in Wilmington, Delaware. Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) provided a central location for the redevelopment of the Christina River waterfront area, now frequented by tourists and residents. The theatre and its resident cast offer enrichment programs for children and regular programming with five scheduled productions per season.

Delaware Theatre Company aims to make theatre accessible to everyone through community service and high-quality diverse theatrical performances. The company performs both traditional and contemporary, occasionally accepting original scripts from playwrights represented by literary agents. This vibrant mix of perennial favorites (such as plays by Shakespeare and Moliére) and new repertoire from local and international contemporaries.

The theatre company was established before it had residency here. After the conception of the waterfront redeve

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The Chase Center on the Riverfront is an expansive, versatile venue. The Chase Center holds events of varying sizes, sometimes simultaneously. This innovative use of space displays the forward-thinking, eco-conscious design of Wilmington’s renovated waterfront area.

The Chase Center was designed with versatility in mind. It’s a frequent venue for trade shows, small conventions, business functions and weddings, specifically for those hosting guests from both New York City and Washington, D.C. (the center is halfway between the two locations). Vendors for shows and conventions taking place at this center appreciate the loading docks available here.

Several small rooms and the center’s dynamic design facilitate mini-conferences and breakout sessions taking place at larger events while the auditorium functions to host small musical performances or lectures. Many businesses hoping to sa

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Tucked away into Symphony Woods, nestled in a forest in Columbia, Md., between Washington and Baltimore, lies a sleeping giant otherwise known as Merriweather Post Pavilion. When it awakes, great recording artists brings it to a whole new electric level of performance. Legends have played here: The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, the Who, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and more continue to travel through to one of the country's most beuatiful and well-designed outdoor sound stages.

Spaced across 40 acres, many musicians have left their mark on the outdoor setting over the past 40 years. Green Day had the first 15 rows ripped out to create a mosh pit. Tom Jones had loge sections added, with a re-grading of the lawn to allow for a slope that provided better stage views. Jack Johnson inspired Merriweather to add solar panels, composting and LEED-certified structures.

Merriweather was originally built to be the home of the National Symphony Orc

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Beauty doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Just a hand and a foot – or all, if you're going for the Q-West “mani-pedi” special. The neighborhood nail salon is one of those where people who just want nice nails for a nice price will find themselves, happily buzzing away in a massage chair while having their feet and hands smoothed into silk. Though the price isn't as dirt-cheap as some may have experienced in cities like Los Angeles or New York, it's fairly decent for Washington, D.C., and clients come back often.

Q-West is Dupont's answer to bargain nail care. The large, bright and airy salon is decorated sparsely with random faux flowers, posters of hands and feet, and with old magazines. For $30 you can get a pedicure, or $16 for a manicure (or $44 for both). Catch up on old celebrity gossip while relaxing for a pedicure or manicure. The salon's clean, friendly and professional staff is cheery and tries to make conversation with you, or will leave you

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If you’re searching for a truly relaxing Gettysburg getaway, consider Brierfield II Country Guest Cottages. This bed and breakfast and its gracious hostess epitomize the true spirit of welcome and comfort associated with top-quality lodgings.

The two available guest cottages are self-contained units ideal for those seeking privacy during a short stay. Guests are welcome to store snacks and beverages in the cottages, each including a functional kitchen. The cozy units also contain television sets carefully concealed in elegant cupboard furniture pieces. The privacy available here make the Brierfield II’s cottages perfect for a romantic weekend away from the tourist-ridden, semi-commercial bustle of downtown Gettysburg.

The cottages are also enjoyable for those seeking short-term housing for business travel due to the seclusion it offers. Writers and poets-at-heart alike will find a large dose of inspiration here.

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The Doubleday Inn is Gettysburg’s best bed and breakfast for history lovers. Located directly on the battlefield, it’s the most convenient stay for anyone interested in the park. The inn’s owners facilitate learning by providing maps, an audio tour and local advice for anyone wishing to explore the park. Dog lovers will also feel at home here because of the inn’s third permanent resident, an affectionate dog named Molly.

Breakfast at the Doubleday Inn is planned in advance but prepared fresh each morning. The Pennsylvania Dutch-style meal includes fresh fruit, a sweet desert and an egg-based entrée. If you have special dietary restrictions, be sure to include more information when you make your reservation. Breakfast also includes coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Early risers will appreciate the 7:00 a.m. serving time for these beverages and an 8:30 a.m. start for breakfast. Guests can also stop

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Holmdel’s PNC Bank Arts Center accommodates a range of musical acts and is considered the home of one of the nation’s most acoustically-correct amphitheatres. Able to hold more than 10,000 people, LiveNation uses the mostly-outdoor venue for concerts each year between May and September.

Parking prices depend upon the concert and ticket price. VIP packages at this venue often include special parking privileges. Those requiring handicap-accessible parking must arrive in a vehicle with handicap tags.

Upon entry to the center, staff members search your bags. You are allowed to bring bottled water in with you as long as the bottle is unopened. The policy is one bottle per person, though on extremely hot days the staff do allow reasonable amounts due to health and safety concerns.

Underage drinking has been a big problem at this venue in recent years. As a result, tailgating (or drinking and eating i

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When even laid-back Baltimore needs to relax and stretch out, local yogis head to Charm City Yoga in the downtown neighborhood of Fells Point. The center actually has four locations, but Fells Point offers a calming water view from its wall of windows off Thames Street.

Charm City Yoga specializes in hot vinyasa, in which the room is heated to 100 degrees to allow the fullest range of body motion. It takes a couple of classes to adjust to the sweltering temperature, but soon students can’t live without it, making Charm City Yoga a literal hot spot.

Unless you sign up for hatha yoga, the vinyasa classes tend to be more rigorous than what a newcomer might expect, and you will sweat, especially in the hot classes. You’ll likely feel your muscles recuperating the next day, but you’ll leave feeling energized, stretched out and calmer than when you went in. Some teachers may preach a little New Age philosophy or read poetry while you’re in

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If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun without a huge price tag, check out an event at Frawley Stadium. Located in Wilmington, the stadium is best known as the home stadium of the Blue Rocks, Wilmington’s minor league baseball team. The Blue Rocks play about 70 home games at this stadium each year.

Major league baseball is a fun experience—but it can get pretty costly, especially if you take the whole family. Individual Blue Rocks tickets go from $4.00 per child to $10.00 per box seats—making the games much more affordable. You may purchase season or individual tickets in phone, in person or online.

The website of the Blue Rocks also offers ticket specials (such as $3 Ticket Fest) and information about upcoming deals like Dollar Dog Day ($1.00 hot dogs)

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The Valley Forge Convention Center is the largest and most accessible expo area in Philadelphia’s suburbs. This building and its attached hotels frequently undergo renovations and updates to ensure a versatile environment for tech-savvy conventions and guests.

Because it’s connected to both the Radisson and the Scanticon, the Valley Forge Convention Center can host one or multiple events over a given week or weekend. The center also caters to local businesses needing event space of any size. At times, the confluence of such a diversity of events is particularly interesting and has resulted in convention-goers dressed as zombies mingling with teens dressed in Armani for the prom.

The convention center and attached hotels offer shuttle transportation to nearby locations such as the King of Prussia Mall, America’s second-largest retail shopping venue. Situated just near I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway), I-276 (Pennsylvan

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Washington's children are some of the best-educated in the country. Perhaps it's because they only play with educational, organic toys, none of which are noisy enough to deafen them, painted with lead paint, or passive video-watching. Washington's elite offspring play with mind-stimulating, safe but challenging, expensive toys, and many of them are purchased none other than at Tugooh Toys, a specialist in such products.

The toy store, located fittingly in two locations of Bethesda and Georgetown, is a bright, cheerful, welcoming and happy store that makes even the most cynical of Hillers and the frattiest of university boys feel warm and comforted, like a step back in time when life was so easy. Bright mobiles decorate the ceiling while shelves of toys, books, games and stuffed animals line the aisles. Of course, little ones gravitate to the store like magnets, eager to play with all the colorful toys and wheedling their parents into buying at least one.

The shop sel

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As time goes on, it seems as though more driving ranges and golf centers are closing. This is particularly difficult for those in the Philadelphia area who sometimes feel like a good round of mini-golf means a drive all the way to the Jersey Shore. However, entertaining mini-golf is not nearly that far—it’s just over the bridge at Fox Meadow Golf Center in Maple Shade, New Jersey.

Fox Meadow Golf Center is located next to the Fox Meadow Apartments. Golf Range Magazine included Fox Meadow Golf Center in their Top 100 Ranges in America list for four consecutive years. The golf center is accessible for just about anyone, offering family-friendly mini-golf.

While the center has the look and feel of a private facility, it is public. The staff in the pro shop are just as friendly and helpful to casual mini-golfers as they are to those with a serious focus on the game of golf.

This center inspects, fi

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As the summer season makes its way around the corner, Washingtonians, too, like to head to the great outdoors and relax on a hot night under the stars. Throw in a picnic, a bottle of wine, and some live music, and you’ve got the perfect evening – right at Wolf Trap in Northern Virginia.

This open-air music venue is THE summer activity for people of all ages. A full summer calendar begins Memorial Day weekend with concerts almost every single night through Labor Day, hosted at the Filene Center concert stage. After that, there are year-round concerts indoors at the Barns, another section of the Wolf Trap National Park.

People can purchase tickets to sit on real seats within the roofed Filene Center, or pay less for lawn seats outside the Center. Lawn seats are incredibly popular for spreading a blanket and having a picnic, rain or shine (bring umbrellas!), and there’s no limit how much space a person can take. If you’d like to see the artists o

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Funplex is an indoor and outdoor amusement park focusing on entertainment for all ages. Funplex includes electric go carts, bumper cars, two miniature golf courses, bowling, arcade games and outdoor rides. The Funplex also provides other conveniences such as food.

Funplex is an excellent spot for a family adventure or a date. Most of the activities have different levels for adults and children. The electric go carts, for example, run on two speeds. When small children are present in the cars, the ride operator runs the carts on a lower speed. For bigger kids, teens and adults, the ride operator moves to top speed. The carts are racecar-style new electric cars. They run quietly, efficiently and indoors—producing no odorous gas smell.

In the track area, visitors can also ride adult bumper cars, kiddie bumper cars and the motion machine. The track area contains its own bathroom. This is particularly helpful for parents who need

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South Street is a lively and engaging location at any time of the day. During the weekdays, office workers and students populate the area during lunch time. At night, the office crowd often heads to South Street pub locations for drinks. Weekend days see a large influx of tourists including teens from the suburbs. Weekend nights have always existed as hang out nights in classic freak tradition—from the hippie era to the punk scene to the contemporary mish-mash.

South Street exists south of Independence Hall and other historical landmarks of the American Revolution. Its scene is no less revolutionary, however—South Street has always served as a haven (if not a capital) for young counter-culture.

At the right time, the street itself is a tourist destination. Suburban families sometimes cruise down the street to gander wide-eyed at the diverse counter-culture population. Diversity primarily extends to hai

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Chinatown is a thriving community just north of Broad Street near Market East in Philadelphia. Its enduring proximity to the transportation center as well as the Gallery and Pennsylvania Convention Center make it an ideal dining destination for tourists. Chinatown provides a unique mix of Chinese-influenced architecture on storefronts, neon restaurant signs and traditionally Philadelphian architecture. You can see William Penn (as a statue atop City Hall) from many locations in Chinatown.

Chinese and other Asian cultures dominate the area. Visitors have the opportunity to hear Mandarin spoken frequently while still being able to use English. Restaurants, laundry stores, groceries and Asian specialty shops line the streets of Chinatown. Aside from Chinese food and culture, visitors can experience Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian and Japanese culture and cuisine in the area as well. Many restaurants in Chinatown make a specific effort to offer vegetarian-friendly

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If you're into independent bookstores, private art galleries, ethnic restaurants and the kind of chic yet friendly neighborhood where everyone knows your name – or wants to, anyway – then Dupont Circle is the place to go.

The hub is Dupont Park which attracts families with kids, singles sipping Lattes, office workers chatting amiably among themselves while munching sandwiches and bicycle couriers taking breaks from their routes.

Those that like to stroll around city streets to clear their heads or just get the blood flowing arguably won't find a more scenic area 'hood in D.C. The vibe here is young and professional but with a healthy respect for the area's history. You'll likely see that as soon as you see the architecture. Embassies and institutions are housed in former, formidable mansions that are well tended, including the Embassy of Iraq.

That's not to say the area is stuffy. The neighborhood -- long a Mecca for the gay and artistic communiti

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When it’s summertime in Philadelphia, Penn’s Landing is the place to be. For locals, Penn’s Landing also offers a safe and scenic area for physical fitness as well as high-end residential locations. Visitors can dine at one of the many local restaurants, take a boat tour, enjoy a summer concert or tour the seaport museum. Penn’s Landing is generally a family-oriented destination by day and a party location at night.

Independence Seaport Museum is an excellent starting destination for Penn’s Landing visitors. The museum also offers an air-conditioned, educational sanctuary on hot summer days. With many activities geared towards children, the Independence Seaport Museum covers both the history of Philadelphia (and the Jersey Shore) and modern maritime life. The museum also offers tours of docked ships and submarines depending on which are docked and available at the time of your visit.

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Friendship Heights was always a destination for Washingtonians’ favorite department stores clustered in a one-block radius. But only in recent years has it suddenly sprouted into a luxury shopping mecca for the well-heeled. Situated on the Washington-Maryland border at Chevy Chase, along Wisconsin Avenue and bisecting Western Avenue, Friendship Heights boasts the wealthiest spread of stores per square foot. Aside from Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus and the more budget-friendly Filene’s Basement, the neighborhood added Cartier, Barney’s Co-Op, and Louis Vuitton, among others.

There are, in fact, three main shopping malls at Friendship Heights: the wood-paneled, Mazza Gallerie for the pearl-and-fur-donning political wives featuring Neiman Marcus, Versace and Saks; the Chevy Chase Pavilion for professionals and their teenage kids with JCrew , Pottery Barn and World Market; and  the brand-new Shops at Wisconsin Place for mothers and their

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Once the stepsibling of the much-desired Dupont Circle and once a popular site for drug deals and prostitution, Logan Circle has since risen quite high above its previous standards and has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city.

The area is sought after by young working professionals, younger gay couples and and young straight families for its less costly rent than neighboring Dupont and flocked by locals for its eclectic restaurants and nightlife. In other words, it’s the hipper, more youthful, less vanilla Dupont.

The opening of a popular Whole Foods on P Street pummeled Logan Circle into the upper echelon of Washington society, making it an acceptable, safe and welcoming part of town. Bordered by the grungier, too-cool-for-school U Street scene, Logan Circle serves to balance between that and the well-heeled upper crusted Dupont.

Signs of the old Logan Circle are vanishing, as restauranteurs, boutique owne

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Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Chestnut Hill serves as a point between the urban and the suburban. Technically part of the City of Philadelphia, this northwesternly neighborhood rests between Montgomery County and Germantown. Chestnut Hill is known for its many estates and presumed affluence, though now members of all socioeconomic statuses reside there though housing remains comparatively high in price.

Chestnut Hill is a convenient center of commerce and travel for visitors, local residents and commuters. Germantown Avenue functions as Chestnut Hill’s main street—a road made of cobble. Though the trolley service is suspended, the South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers regional rail service to and from the city, much as it does for most suburbs.

Chestnut Hill also features local events such as the Chestnut Hill Book Festival. This festival showcases local authors.
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Jenkintown’s business district remains popular among upscale diners. Major throughways York Road and Route 611 pass through Jenkintown, making it an ideal suburban stop for anyone heading to or from the city.

Jenkintown has a vital, vibrant business atmosphere just off of York Road. Many visitors are often surprised to discover this aspect of Jenkintown. Some local residents consider Jenkintown a commuter area due to the proximity of the SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) station and neglect to browse the stores in the shopping district during the weekend.

Visitors can safely navigate the business district, which includes restaurants, boutiques and specialty stores. The ubiquitous combination of upscale shopping stops and traditional business service centers provides Jenkintown with a very forward-thinking, businesslike image.

Over time, the Jenkintown business district did l

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Keswick Village is a charming shopping and cultural area located in central Glenside, PA. The village receives a great deal of foot traffic and tourism dollars due to its close proximity to Philadelphia. Glenside visitors and residents can commute to and from Philadelphia readily—the commute only takes about 20 minutes by SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) train.

Keswick Village is located within the Abington Township portion of Glenside. There is a small circle in the center of town. Visitors and residents will find shops containing flowers, antiques, and children’s clothing as well as an Irish shop.

The Keswick Theatre is the centerpiece of this shopping district. The Keswick serves as a venue for a variety of acts, primarily musical. Urban visitors find the commute to the Keswick Theatre simple and inexpensive while suburban concert-goers enjoy attending concerts without having to park in the

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The Chinatown in Washington is a ghost version of its original, which thrived between the 1930s and 1960s. Chinese restaurants and businesses still exist, but the neighborhood has been overshadowed by shopping-mall type stores, chain restaurants, and the Verizon Center. The only reminder of Chinatown is the enormous Friendship Arch and signage in Chinese characters, plus a small handful of Chinese restaurants.

Chinatown is situated between H and I streets and 5th through 8th streets. Chinese signage is required on all store fronts, including Starbucks, Ann Taylor, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Legal Seafoods, though some of the Chinese characters are poorly written, according to Chinese readers. Approximately 20 Chinese-owned restaurants are still operating in the neighborhood.

The most popular are Tony Cheng's, Szechuan Gallery and Eat First. There's also a number of discount long-distance bus services that pick up between Chinatowns along the East Coast and fondly

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Georgetown is the quintissential neighborhood used to envision pictures of Washington, D.C. living. Brick townhouses with colonial shutters and gas lamps on brick-paved sidewalks line the streets, and women in sweater sets and pearls enjoy leisurely lunch and tea while chatting private schools and politics. It's an exclusive part of the District, so exclusive you can't reach it by Metro. Yet so many locals and tourists manage to find their way into the neighborhood, trolling M Street's shops and brunch places by day, bar scene at night. If you're a Georgetown student, then you're already well-trained in the language of polo shirts and rowing crew.

Georgetown was founded in 1751 as a separate municipality and city. In 1871 it was incorporated into the city of Washington. It was originally the fashion and cultural center of the city when the District was first created, but then as wealthy families began moving towards the city center into Victorian homes, the neighborhood beca

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Everyone should be able to cook at least five recipes by heart and prepare one entire meal from appetizer to dessert. If you're lacking those abilities, or want to just learn a new style of cooking, fear not. L'academie de Cuisine, or “Academy of Cooking” for non-francophiles, offers cooking classes for all levels with emphasis in French techniques, whether you're looking to pursue a degree and career, or just to master enough to impress some friends or a date.

Located in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, Md. just a half hour or so from D.C., the school holds courses nearly every day in various areas. Want to master some French pastry skills? There's a class for that. How about Thai foods? You can enroll in an evening of that. There's also New Orleans, Chinese, Italian, seafood, Spanish tapas, Mexican, the works. Some teach wine pairings as well. If you're a couple, you can sign up for date nights in the form of Date Night, Cooking for Two and In Love & Co

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If you’re visiting Philadelphia, consider touring the eco-friendly city without a car. Philadelphia is easy to see without a car and using public transportation will save you money. SEPTA (South Eastern Public Transportation Authority) is the primary provider of transportation within Philadelphia. SEPTA has several transportation hubs throughout the city and features a helpful information desk at the Market East location (11th & Market Streets).

From the Suburbs (Pennsylvania)

If you’re heading into the city from Philadelphia’s suburbs in Pennsylvania, consider taking SEPTA Regional Rail. Regional Rail stations are located in various suburban locations. Some locations have reserved parking only whereas others charge fees on weekdays. In addition to regular train fares, SEPTA now o

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When visiting Philadelphia, many tourists are concerned with safety. Whether visiting from the nearby suburbs or another state or country, visitors wish to stay alert and vigilant in an unfamiliar city without compromising the excitement of exploring a city rich in diverse culture and history.

Common Sense

Above all, use common sense when visiting Philadelphia or any other urban environment. Trust your instinct about a particular neighborhood or area. If you can, avoid traveling alone. If you plan on exploring the city’s nightlife, pick a hot spot close to your hotel to avoid trouble. Consider ditching the purse or travel bag in favor of a thin wallet that fits in your pants pocket or bra if you are concerned about theft or pickpocketing.

The Homeless Epidemic

Some visitors are deterred b

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