Atlantic City's Latest Community News

Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous and recognizable arenas in the United States. Located next to Penn Station, the Garden is easily accessible to locals and tourists utilizing public transportation. From ticket purchasing to event operations, Madison Square Garden transitions smoothly and seamlessly between concerts and conferences.

As part of Penn Plaza, this fourth incarnation of the entertainment complex is constructed above traveling trains and the train station.

Madison Square Garden is an integral part of politics, entertainment and sport in America. Hosting events on most days of the year, the Garden has housed dog shows, political conventions (for both major parties), the Rangers’ NHL games, the Knicks’ NBA games, national league sports drafts, key boxing and wrestling matches and circuses.

A preferred venue of musical artists such as Billy Joel, Elton John and the late Geo

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The Columbus Farmers Market, located on Route 206 in Columbus, is a trip worth the drive no matter where you are located. This enormous shopping mall/ flea market/ craft bazaar/ produce market/ meat market is the perfect destination for the entire family.

A bargain hunter's paradise, the market is comprised of a vast outdoor flea market, dozens of food vendors, craft kiosks, antique dealers, produce stands, a butcher shop, indoor sales floor and specialty vendors. Whether you're 2 or 102, there is something for you at the Columbus Farmers Market.

Browse through the multiple-acre outdoor flea market, which features new and used items, antiques, produce stands and prepared foods. Picnic areas are available throughout the facility, so bring a lunch (or purchase a hot dog, French fries or other "fair"-style foods) to enjoy during your excursion.

The inside shopping mall features more than 60 retailers who sell everything from cosmetics to collectib

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The Federal Reserve Bank

Are you interested in learning about money and banking? Then the Federal Reserve Bank will be the right place for you.

Be aware though, that the New York fed can close to the public at any time if security is needed so check ahead first.

The tours which last about an hour will give you a chance to learn about the banking system of the United States and the role of "The Fed" in the U.S. economy, as well as a chance to visit the Gold Vault located five stories below street level.

The Gold Vault contains roughly 540,000 gold bars belonging to 48 foreign countries and 12 international organizations in the Federal Reserve's subterranean gold vault and contains about 25 percent of the world's gold reserves.

If coins are your thing, then visit the exhibit co-sponsored by the American Numismatic Society that shows the most valuable coins and medals.  There are more than 800 e

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Cherry Hill Mall is an upscale retail location located just minutes from Philadelphia. Though it’s in New Jersey, it takes less time to reach the mall from Philadelphia compared to upscale shopping areas located in Pennsylvania.

The mall houses three department stores; the rest of the outlying space is consumed by restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen and Maggiano’s. Many of the retail stores within the mall offer specialty products and personalized experiences—Teavana, for example, services customers with a taste for tea.

Many of the retail clothing stores at Cherry Hill Mall reflect a trendy, upscale style. You’ll primarily find stores like Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch and Forever 21 here. There are some discount retailers such as Easy Pickins, Payless Shoe Source and Old Navy; most of them are located on the second floor.
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Moorestown Mall is a standalone retail location offering variety to shoppers. At this mall, a diverse group congregates. Due to its location close to Philadelphia and public transportation access, urban residents head to the mall along with suburbanites living nearby.

The mall contains major outlying department stores including Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Sears and Boscov’s. The inner area contains clothing from Abercrombie to Zumiez, making it an ideal place to shop for people with very different tastes in fashion. The mall also includes conveniently-located offices for county services, market research and tax preparation.

If you’ve ever gone to Montgomeryville’s Montgomery Mall before, you may notice a similarity in feel and layout. Like Montgomery Mall, it rests close to other businesses in the parking lot an

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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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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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Canal Street is an experience as well as a destination. Canal Street runs through Chinatown and provides a border separating Chinatown and Little Italy. Because Chinatown encompasses much of the area surrounding the Canal Street subway stop, visitors can find a large selection of Chinese restaurants and Asian imports. Some of the signs in the area list information in both English and Mandarin.

Many tourists visit Canal Street to shop. The location is bustling in the afternoon. To avoid difficulty navigating and to get first pick at merchandise, visitors should consider arriving around 10 a.m. By lunch time, the streets are crowded, the office crowd is out for a meal and lines grow longer.

Canal Street shops offer clothing, watches, jewelry, electronics and accessories. Most famously, Canal Street offers counterfeit and grey market items. If you are a female tourist walking along the street, vendors will approach you. They’ll

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Little Italy is located next to Chinatown and Canal Street on Manhattan. Though Chinatown has largely absorbed what was formerly Little Italy, one section does remain. This area is located primarily along Mulberry Street.

Populated by vibrant displays of Italian American pride, you can smell the famous food of Little Italy as you arrive.

Seasonally, Little Italy is famous for the Feast of San Gennaro, taking place in September. During this time, many of the restaurants on the street offer specials. However, the festival makes the area extremely crowded, so it’s sometimes difficult to grab a seat. Over a million attendees crowd into the four blocks comprising Little Italy. While the festival is primarily religious and intended to reflect the spirit and heritage of the residents of Little Italy, it is also a festival including food and drink, drawing many visitors.

If you’re hoping to enjoy both

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Chinatown is a primary destination for visitors looking to experience different cultures, shop and eat while in New York City. Easily accessible via three subway lines, Chinatown sits next to Little Italy and encompasses a large shopping area including Canal Street.

New York’s Chinatown is home to a large group of people from China or of Chinese descent. Chinatown became roughly established during the 19th century. At that time, some Chinese immigrants were exploited for illegal labor, while others decided to settle in New York City and find work. As a result of exclusionary laws, Chinese immigration was banned from the early 1900s until World War II era. The lack of female immigrants created an imbalanced population proportion in Chinatown at that time.

During this era, undergrou

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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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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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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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Mount Holly has a village of shops owned by creative individuals. At Mill Race village, shoppers will find handmade crafts, shops selling specialty items and the availability of workshops. The village has its own parking and restaurants and it’s small enough to explore on foot.

The shops at Mill Race Village are operated on a cooperative ("co-op") basis. This allows shop owners and artisans to practice their crafts and educate visitors and the surrounding community. Existing in a formerly-blighted part of Mount Holly, the Mill Race Village shops boost the local economy and showcase the best of what the town has to offer.

Mill Race Village is reminiscent of New Hope, Pennsylvania, an artists’ colony—though it’s smaller and more deliberately planned. This is the perfect place to find a quirky gift for someone. At Mill Race Village, you can shop for rare book

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Although the Aqueduct racetrack has been falling short of expectations the past few years, the future is considered bright.  A Malaysian firm called Genting Group (which owns and operates some of the biggest casinos in the world) has been called upon to install and operate 4,500 video slot machines at the track. This will be the fourth time since 2001 that the Aqueduct will undergo renevations.  The estimated one million dollars per day in revenues the slot machines are projected to make will go to help budget shortfall in NYC.  All 4,500 slot machines are set to be installed by next summer. Lottery officals feel really good about this company and project and have praised Genting  by stating that they were "superior in concept, scope, detail and execution" compared to other bids to take on the project. 

Along with the new slots and slot lounge will be a huge dining area, a lavish new chinese restraunt and a climate controled sky b

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Each August the Erasing Borders festival of Indian dance participate in the Downtown Dance Festival.  This festival takes place in downtown New York City and the Indian Dance literally stops people in their tracks.  This year though the performance by Kathakali who came all the way from India are the ones astounding people with their performance. Costumes in these dances are extremely complex and often require hours on make up application. Not only are there amazing, original, and exotic dances but interpretations of plays and stories. 

The Downtown Dance Festival runs through tomorrow with performances at 1 New York Plaza, Water and Whitehall Streets and Lower Manhattan.

Everyone knows just how unpleasant a portable toilet can be.  Well for anyone that uses Riverside Park, you may never have to use one again, at least not at the park between 91st and 103rd streets. The people responsible for this are the Riverside Clay Tennis Association.  The recently proposed a carbon neutral complex that has composting toilets.  The first of its kind in New York City.  The Riverside Clay Tennis Association is planing on using the same architecture firm Cook+Fox.  The bathroom is going to be able to compost sewage to fertalize plants and use solar panels to power the complex.  and several other "green" features.  The plan is to have this project completed by 2012.  Soon people wont have to rush home so they wont have to deal with portable toilets.

On July 28th, New York City's health department adopted a new letter-grade rating system.  So far 250 restraunts have been inspected.  48% of them recieved an A, 31% revcieved a B, 12% got a C, and 8% were closed until changes were made. 

The best rapper ever and the most famous sports team ever are now joining forces.  If you know who Jay-Z is you know of the trademark New York Yankees hat he is famous for so it makes alot of sense that these two would team up.  The co-branded clothes will go on sale only at Yankee Stadium beginning next week.  Every item will have both the Jay-Z and Yankees logo.  This is also a great way to commemorate the first concert at the new Yankee Stadium which will feature both Jay-Z and Eminem. They also happen to be two of  the best to ever do it so you dont want to miss that concert...seriously.  The new merchandise will be sold until September 14th.

If you live in the city im sure you have seen your fair share of public restrooms, both good and not so good.  But two New York City bathrooms are in the top ten finalists for DNAinfo.com's America's best bathroom.  One is Bryant Park's quaint public restrooms, while the other Midtown West's Muse Hotel's restroom, which are seven deadly sins themed.  Bryant Park has about 500 to 1000 users per day and has some unique decorations, bouquets of flowers and sweet smelling aromatic oils.  The Muse Hotel's has just plain wild and crazy decorations, and are appearantly so popular they give tours of the bathroom. The award doesnt go to the biggest or most expensive bathroom but which one makes the best use of the space they have. The ninth year for this award will be voted on and the results will be announced by mid-September.

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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