Top 10 winter activities

By Lisa Angelucci
Collegian Editor
February 14, 2007

Gone are the 60 degree January days we all loved to complain about. The cold winter temperatures we’re accustomed to in this city have finally arrived. Students cross their fingers at the mere mention of winter precipitation, while struggling to regulate the temperature of their dorm rooms to avoid the extremes of frostbite and suffocation. There’s little appeal in venturing downtown at this time of year, especially when the wind is roaring. Resist the temptation to stay holed up in your cramped dorm room or drafty townhouse by taking advantage of any of Philly File’s top 10 winter activities.

1. Of Mice and Men at the Walnut Street Theatre—Now through March 4, John Steinbeck’s novel will be performed on stage at the Walnut Street Theatre, located at Eighth and Walnut Streets. Tickets to see this American classic range in price from $10 to $57.50. Reviews for the show have been positive, so the story of two migrant workers’ (George and Lennie) dreams of having a place of their own to call home is worth checking out.

2. Fairmount Park—With over 9,200 acres of land, the Fairmount Park System claims 10 percent of the land in Philadelphia County. There are 62 neighborhood parks where Philadelphia residents can enjoy the weather – even if it’s winter. There’s nothing wrong with a snowball fight on the quad, but if you’re looking for even more space, get out and enjoy the many park areas that the city has to offer.

3. Snow is Falling—No, this isn’t the Collegian’s weather report – it’s a part of the Philadelphia New Play Festival at the Wilma Theater on Monday, Feb. 19. The show is at 7 p.m. and features the work of a student writer from the Philadelphia Young Playwrights’ Annual Playwriting Festival. This play is written by Gabe Bloomfield, a student at Friends’ Central. Check it out to support the efforts of K-12 playwrights throughout the city.

4. Butterflies! at the Academy of Natural Sciences—This exhibit is the newest permanent exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences, so there’s no reason to hurry, but the subject matter will make anyone think spring. Actually, you’re more likely to think summer as you stroll through the tropical garden to see colorful plants and exotic butterflies. Entrance to the garden will cost an extra $2 in addition to regular admission, but students with school ID can get into the Academy for only $8.

5. Look Again! African-American History IS American History—The Rosenbach Museum and Library is sponsoring this exhibit through Feb. 25. It coincides perfectly with Black History Month and consists of various artifacts that demonstrate how African-American history is inseparable from the rest of American history. Selections include the first book published by an African-American, abolititionist materials and sugar bowls and tobacco boxes whose original contents were the products of slave labor. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday and student admission is only $5.

6. Greening your Home Seminar: Creating a Healthier Home—Participants in this March 20 seminar at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education will receive information on community resources and tips to making their home environment better for themselves and for the environment. For $20, participants will be able to listen to Jim Quigley of Healthy Spaces as he addresses important issues like air and water quality.

7. Naked Chocolate Café— Nothing says winter quite like a good cup of hot chocolate. While there are plenty of places in the city where you can get hot chocolate, including the Union and probably any dorm room on campus, the Naked Chocolate Café has been recognized by nearly all of the city’s media organizations for the quality of their cocoa. The dessert menu includes no fewer than four types of hot chocolate, but also includes sipping chocolates and frozen drinking chocolates. The café is open seven days a week and is located at 13th and Walnut Streets.

8. Please Touch Museum— Take comfort in a trip back to your childhood by taking some time to visit the Please Touch Museum on 21st Street. The exhibits are intended for children ages one to seven, but are designed so that adults and kids can learn together. If you’re not comfortable visiting with your friends, find a brother, sister, niece, nephew, cousin or other to borrow for a fun afternoon. Through Feb. 28, the museum is holding its 15th Annual Junior Jazz Festival, a month-long celebration of the art of jazz music.

9. Goals for Giving—We all know that the Flyers are a terrible hockey team, but at least they’re still doing something for charity. This event actually consists of former team members playing an exhibition game at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 to benefit children in the Philadelphia community. The game will be played at the Polonia Bank Flyers Skate Zone in the Northeast, and tickets will cost $20 for adults. Participants include Joe Watson, Bob “The Hound” Kelly and Larry “Issy” Goodenough.

10. The Rolling Stones in Gimme Shelter— Curling up to a good movie is a great way to survive the cold, but sometimes it’s good to get out and see a movie on the big screen. This 1970 film was originally intended as a documentary about the legendary band’s 1969 tour but instead became an account of the violent events that took place after the band hired Hell’s Angels as security guards and one concert attendee wound up dead. The Bryn Mawr Film Institute will screen the film at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, and tickets are $8.75. The screening is a part of the Institute’s February Film Education course on documentary films.

angeluccil1@lasalle.edu