It’s winter, it’s freezing outside, and the last thing you want to do is leave your house and explore what Philly has to offer. While the temptation to stay indoors until things thaw out in spring might be high, if you do so, you’ll end up missing out on a lot of fun opportunities. So bundle up and head out to enjoy plenty of events, from a budget-priced dinner during Philadelphia restaurant week to an educational and free evening at a well-known museum.
Attend Restaurant Week
During Philadelphia Restaurant Week, a bevy of restaurants in Center City offer three-course dinners for $35. Participating restaurants include a few steakhouses, classic Italian eateries, and sushi restaurants, among others. A few of the establishments will also offer a $20 three-course lunch option. If you’re planning on giving it a go, it’s a good idea to review the menu offerings for a few places before making your pick. The three courses are usually limited to a few options. A few places do offer vegetarian options, but not every establishment does, so if you’re looking to leave meat out of your meal, checking the menu before booking a table is particularly important. It’s also worth noting that the $35 price doesn’t include tax or tip, nor does it include beverages.
See a Show
The winter is an ideal time to see a play at one of Philly’s renowned local theaters. This season, the Wilma Theater is making theatergoing a bit more affordable. Tickets for all seats at all its plays are just $25, thanks to a grant from the Wyncote Foundation. The theater’s production of The Body of an American by Dan O’Brien runs through the beginning of February, followed by Hamlet in March. The theater also hosts a number of special events to coincide with its performances, such as post-show discussions, documentary screenings, and beer tastings.
Learn Something New
On the third Wednesday of every month, you can attend the Franklin Institute for free, thanks to Target Community Nights, which start at 5 p.m. Each month, the community night has a different theme — February’s is heart health, for example. During the event, there will be the opportunity to find out more about the theme and to explore the museum on your own.
Make Something
If the cold weather and lack of sunlight is starting to get you down, a Date Night at the Clay Studio in Old City might be just what you need. Get the creative juices flowing as you work on a clay project, either with a special someone, your close friends, or by yourself. Advanced registration is required and the studio’s Date Nights tend to fill up quickly, so sign up for one sooner rather than later.
Take a Trip to St. Petersburg …
… without even leaving Philadelphia. In late January, the Philadelphia Orchestra hosts its St. Petersburg Festival, a three-week musical series that celebrates the legendary composers Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich. Later, in February, you can also catch their “Russian Masterworks” concert.
Philly doesn’t go into hibernation during the winter. It continues to be full of exciting things to do. Get your new year of to a great start by trying something new in the city or by visiting a new-to-you restaurant during Restaurant Week.
Image Source: Flickr/Tom Ipri
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