feature photo: Martorano’s Sicilian Slice, by Amanda Barr (@phillyfoodandbarrs)
Did you get caught in the rain this week? With so many restaurants, shops and museums in Philly, it’s easy to pop in somewhere and wait it out. Save this post for the next time you need a place to dry off or something to do on a rainy day.
Philadelphia Museum of Arts Culinary Pop Ups
On select weekends, look for the museum’s chefs in residency series where local chefs highlight some of their dishes at the museum’s cafe. This weekend, 6/30 to 7/2 (11:30 am – 2:30 pm), dishes from Chef Diana Widjojo are pay as you go. Chef Diana, the former chef of acclaimed Indonesian restaurant, Hardena (where she was nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Mid-Atlantic Award), has recently embarked on a new culinary journey- she launched Rice & Sambal which offers an array of Indonesian cuisine through catering, pop-ups, and events. Admission to the museum must be purchased, but every first Sunday of the month (10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) and every Friday night (5:00–8:45 p.m.) are pay what you wish! So jump on that this weekend!
Wawa Welcome America (this weekend)!
This weekend also has a chance of rain and thunderstorms. Good thing we are currently celebrating 4th of July with 16 days of activities courtesy of Wawa Welcome America. Check out their website for upcoming free museum days, including the Arch Street Meeting House, Fireman’s Hall, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, and the Barnes Foundation. Full calendar and info here. You can also stay dry at this weekend’s block party at the Kimmel Cultural Campus, though many activities are outside you’ll still find plenty of performances to enjoy in the venue too.
Ride the Philly PHLASH Bus
This is an affordable way to wander around the city and see some Philly attractions. 2023 marks 29 years of the PHLASH service, so you know you’re in good hands. Attractions are pay as you go, but you can enjoy the PHLASH for $5 all day, or $2 per ride. SEPTA Key card and pass holders, children age four and under, and seniors ride FREE for the entire season. You can also park at a discounted daily parking rates at five PPA garages, so you can conveniently leave your car in one spot and PHLASH around the city. This is a great way to avoid running through the rain- don’t let the weather ruin your “day out”. New this year are stops at the Penn Museum and the Comcast Center Campus (another great rainy day spot, mentioned below). For the PHLASH season schedule and routes, visit the website here.
Universal Sphere and Lunch at the Comcast Center Campus
This is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon with or without kids. The sphere- from Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Animation, Universal Destinations & Experiences, and Comcast Labs- is a free, cinematic experience presented in a 360 degree dome theatre. The Sphere is located in the Comcast Technology Center, it’s free and tickets must be reserved in advance. Even better, it’s a Certified Autism Center™️ through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). You can turn the experience into an afternoon of fun by popping next door to the Concourse for lunch at one of the new vendors like Shaq’s Big Chicken and Di Bruno Brother’s Focacceria.
Sunday Brunch and a round at Libertee Grounds
Mini golf paired with the new brunch offerings is always a win! Don’t skip out on Asian-influenced brunch staples like the Chicken & Waffles with a Thai bird’s eye chili-infused maple syrup. Add on a latte featuring Vibrant Coffee Roasters and the crabmeat eggs benedict with Lost Bread Co. Japanese milk bread that is incredible. Brunch cocktails are also an option, of course. Sundays only, from 10am to 2pm. After, head downstairs to play some mini-golf and order another espresso martini. Libertee Grounds is mostly a 21+ spot, but minors can hang out at the beer garden anytime and the golf course ONLY on Sundays from 10am to 4pm with adult supervision.
Solve a Murder Mystery with Without a Cue Productions
Philly’s only theater dedicated to murder mystery performances, The Red Rūm Theater, and their production company, Without A Cue Productions, has five brand new shows this summer. You can experience them at The Red Rūm Theater in Philadelphia, or at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Golden Girls, Murder at the Moulin, and Who Cracked the Liberty Bell (family friendly!) are just a few of the options. Full details here.
Eats and Entertainment at Rivers Casino
Even if you aren’t a gambler, the casinos in Philly and Atlantic City are a great way to pass the time. Book a reservation at one of the many restaurants or pick up something fast and casual, like a slice of pizza at the new Martorano’s Sicilian Slice. There’s entertainment throughout the casino and event center almost daily too- from the upcoming Sinatra tribute to Thunder From Down Under, boxing, comedy, sports and music. It’s easy to plan a night out or a couple hours until the rain clears.
Did your plans shift due to the recent rain? How did you spend the day? We’d love to hear about your last minute ideas! Email rowhomebrenda@gmail.com
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