Do the Tango to Philly’s Whiskey Tango Tavern

Whiskey Tango lends itself to all kinds of evening entertainment. As a popular nightclub and music venue, visitors are treated to a well-worn space that accommodates eager crowds of dancers and revelers. There’s always something different going on, however, so don’t shy away if you’re not the clubbing type. Sunday and Monday nights play host to sports, while the rest of the week wavers between tango trivia, live performers, battle of the bands showdowns, and plenty of other nocturnal entertainment. With specials on food and drink throughout the week and plenty of alternating activity, Whiskey Tango Tavern always has something to offer.

The Whiskey Tango
14000 Bustleton Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19116
www.whiskeytangotavern.com

Victory Brewing Company: Tap A Tradition

Founded in 1996 in a former Pepperidge Farm bakery in Philly’s Downingtown district, Victory Brewing Company has grown by hops, leaps, and bounds on the strength of their excellent, boldly flavored beers. Some of their most notable beers include the tart Hop Devil and the Prima Pils. If you want to see where the magic happens, Victory offers free tours Wednesday through Sunday. The brewery employs a cunning blend of traditional German beercraft with the latest environmentally-friendly technology: they recently installed 345 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, offsetting their power consumption by a massive amount and making them one of the greenest major microbreweries in the country. Tour veterans rave about the experience, which ends with three extremely generous samples of any of Victory’s beers on tap. If you get peckish, the attached restaurant is surprisingly good. Victory Brewery Company also hosts a number of events and participates in Philly’s awesome Beer Week each June.

Victory Brewing Company
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335-3040
(610) 873-0881
www.victorybeer.com

Norristown Public Library: A Library of Riches

There’s plenty to check out at the Norristown Public Library—and it’s not just all the books. This literary hub is the go-to destination for lovers of all things cultural in the Montgomery County area. With a busy calendar of events—from holiday-themed activities and children’s storytime readings to clubs for anime, Scrabble, and even knitting—the library is a center of activity for community members and eager imaginations alike.

Not sure what books to check out? Maybe one of Amazon's Picks for the Best Books of 2010 or one of the many Pulitzer Prize-winning novels of our time.

Norristown Public Library
1001 Powell St.
Norristown, PA 19401
610) 278-5100
www.mnl.mclinc.org

Montgomery County Cultural Center: More than Shakespeare & Shaw

Save that gas money, don’t stress about the parking space, and tell the babysitter you’ll be home early. Glitzy, hard-hitting theatre has come to the burbs. Two professional theatre companies share the intimate 75-seat Centre Theatre at the Montgomery Country Cultural Center; the Iron Age Company produces a new play and a classic in the fall, while the Centre Company produces a musical in the spring. Along with the annual Independent Voices Festival, in which 11 visiting companies present cutting-edge work, the MCCC hosts a uniquely rich and diverse theatrical experience that’s unknown outside Philly. The rest of the historic building is devoted to arts education for all ages. The curriculum is still new and it’s currently heavy on theatre, dance, and visual arts, but the program will eventually expand to include music and other specialties. Why go to the city when you can get challenged in your own backyard?

Montgomery County Cultural Center
208 DeKalb Street
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 279-1013
www.artscc.org

Academy of Natural Sciences: America’s Oldest Natural History Museum

As America’s oldest natural history museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences has had nearly 200 years to build a collection of exhibits as diverse as our natural world. With a staff dedicated to researching biodiversity and the environment, the Academy is constantly building upon its permanent collections and bringing in revolving exhibits. Live animals populate the Butterflies exhibit, the Live Animal exhibit, and Outside In. The Academy also simulates various exotic environments in dioramas, puts ancient bones and bodies on display in their dinosaur and mummies exhibits, and portrays vivid examples of the food chain. Changing exhibits often pay homage to famous scientists and discoveries or examine different species and environments in greater detail. The Academy is best to explore with a child guide who will delight in the hands-on activities and live animals! Adults may also want to return solo for scientific lectures, field studies, or monthly group discussions.

Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 299-1000

Wissahickon Valley Historical Society

The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and maintaining the unique history of the Wissahickon Valley and its surrounding region. Focusing on local historical buildings and artifacts—from the 1895 Whitpain Public School in which it’s housed to screenings of antique, locally shot films—the society has been serving the area since 1975. With various exhibits on display and plenty of resources for research or curious perusal, there’s no question too small or large that the Society’s dedicated members will not be happy to help answer. There are also tours, collector shows, lectures, holiday parties, and a monthly newsletter.

Wissahickon Valley Historical Society
799 Skippack Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422
www.wvalleyhs.org

Sample the Best of Philly’s Bars and Restaurants at Center City Sips

Want to try Philadelphia’s hottest bars and restaurants without breaking the bank? Then check out the city’s happiest happy hour, Center City Sips—which is back in action for the summer season. Every Wednesday from now until August 25, btween 5 and 7 p.m, take advantage of $4 cocktails, $3 wine, $2 beers and half-price appetizers at some of the city's most talked about restaurants—like Caribou Café, Jose Pistola’s, Noble American Cookery, Rum Bar, Union Trust, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, and more. For a full list of participants, and new additions to the list, click here. And keep an eye out—some restaurants are even offering a 15% dinner discount after 7 p.m.! Make sure to follow Center City Sips on Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest event information.

Sundaes & Magic Show in the Park

Wednesday, August 3^rd
6:00 pm
Limerick Community Park

Rain Location: Limerick Township Building.

FREE Family Event! Bring the whole family out for some good old fashion fun. Enjoy a kid’s magic show by the hilarious Sam Sandler and make your own sundaes!

Also, enjoy an Art Show by our 2011 Summer Shamrock Campers. Various arts and crafts projects will be on display in the Main Pavilion for the public to view.

North Bowl: A Strikingly Different Twist on Bowling

If bowling alleys make you think of sallow plastic seating and greasy old men, head over to North Bowl, a “strikingly different” twist on the traditional facility. Billing itself as a combination of lounge and lanes, the 21,000-square-foot converted mechanics garage boasts nightlife highlights and entertainment options in a lush, welcoming setting. From retro décor (think, benches from ‘50s-era bowling alleys) to arcade games and an overlooking lounge that peeks out onto the lanes, North Bowl combines sophistication with atmospheric fun. Menu items feature familiar fried favorites (eggplant parmesan bites, six varieties of tater-tots, cheesesteak skins), lighter options (blackened tofu sandwich, tomato soup), and all-American classics like corn dogs, sliders, and mac ’n’ cheese, while any drink of your choice is available at the sculptural, fully stocked bar. Come by with friends or a date for a classy take on a classic experience.

North Bowl
909 N. Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-BOWL
www.northbowlphilly.com

Catch the Top Music Acts in Philly at The Electric Factory

The Electric Factory is one of America’s most well regarded indoor music venues and a center for Philadelphia’s own music scene. Opened in 1968, the venue moved from its original converted tire warehouse to a more appropriate converted electric factory in the mid-90s, where it remains a beacon for lovers of widespread musical genres. With a standing capacity of nearly 3,000 people (including a second-floor area overlooking the stage), this is one venue where you’ll want to be on your feet—whether that means dancing, head-banging, or scuffing along to the beat. The space is available for private functions and corporate events, but mostly it’s just a great place to go catch a live performance by local, national, or global acts.

The Electric Factory
421 N. 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 627-1332 (tickets)
www.electricfactory.info

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