South Philly

Top 5 Cheap Date New Year’s Eve Events for 2012

Photo from NakedPhilly.com

Ahhh, New Year’s Eve – a night of resolutions and countdowns, champagne, good cheer and midnight kisses.  Alas, it’s also a night where most clubs and restaurants plan elaborate RSVP events with expensive eats and costly covers.  For those who prefer to party on the cheap, here are Cheap Date Philadelphia’s top picks for New Year’s events that will help you ring in 2013 with a smile, and within budget! 1. Bring a Flask and Friends to see Free Fireworks on the Delaware! New Year’s Eve draws thousands of people to Penn’s Landing and the Delaware River Waterfront every year for the festive fireworks display.  In addition to a family-friendly first show at 6pm, there is also a second show at midnight, “Pop’n on the Delaware,” which will be set to a soundtrack of dance hits.  The show itself only lasts about 15 minutes, so make sure you arrive early…

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For me? You shouldn’t have! Trading Treasures from Flea Markets

For me? You shouldn’t have! Trading Treasures from Flea Markets

On a recent Saturday, my date and I went to the Philadelphia Flea Market held that weekend in Headhouse Square, near the east end of South Street. Dozens of vendors were crowded under the covered walkway between Lombard and Spruce, spilling out onto the sidewalk on both sides. We started at one end and worked our way slowly through the teeming treasure trove of vintage toys, retro clothes and shoes, ceramics, jewelry, watches, furniture, antique cameras, handmade quilts, faded photographs, and every imaginable kind of trinket.

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Street Fairs & Fests

Street Fairs & Fests

Last year, I recommended going to one of Philly’s many street fairs and festivals, as a great cheap date idea: There’s (usually) no cost for entry, there’s (almost always) live music or entertainment to enjoy, and there’s lots of cool stuff to look at and fun foods to try! Of course, if you don’t want to spend date money at the food stands you can always bring your own and dine picnic style – and bringing your own water anyway is a smart (and cost-saving) move. In short, Philly’s festivals come in all shapes and sizes, and they are a great opportunity to venture out to a different park or neighborhood, mingle with a new crowd, get some sun and some exercise, see some great live music, meet up with friends, or just enjoy the company of your date. Like last year, I’ve again compiled a list of upcoming street fairs…

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THANK GOODNESS ITS FIRST FRIDAY!

THANK GOODNESS ITS FIRST FRIDAY!

On the first Friday of every month, Philadelphia’s art galleries stay open late and welcome everyone — from casual passerby to serious collectors — to come in and peruse their current curations.  The aptly dubbed “First Friday” has been happening, rain or shine, since 1991, and has become one of the city’s most visible and popular events.  Although historically focused on the 40+ galleries between Front and Vine and Market and 3rd streets in Old City, First Friday open houses are now hosted by galleries all over the city, from Space 1026 in Chinatown to the Projects Gallery in Northern Liberties to Highwire in Fishtown.  The best thing about this expansion is that, even though every First Friday shares the same core elements, depending on who’s showing what where, you can have a radically different experience every single time. How cheap we talkin’: FREE! Why this will impress your date: Because you can show you…

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Let’s Go to PEP Bowl!

Let’s Go to PEP Bowl!

    The bowling date is a classic, and one of my personal favorites. While not generally recommended for a first date (it can be a bit stilted trying to get to know someone in alternating 30 second increments while the pins reset) it is great for a group date, or for couples who enjoy a little friendly competition every now and again. “Social bowling” has experienced a resurgence in popularity recently, giving rise to slick and cavernous enterprises which seem to cater to large parties or corporate events, complete with fancy finger food, flashing lights, and frenetic music. That’s fine, but for a date it can be a little overwhelming, not to mention expensive. That’s why I was so thrilled to discover PEP Bowl at 1200 Broad street in South Philly. Small and laid-back, this six-lane establishment opened in 2009, but dates back to the 1950′s and maintains a retro-ambiance…

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I’m Seeing Other Blogs #2: Claire Folkman takes me to the Comix Jam

I’m Seeing Other Blogs #2: Claire Folkman takes me to the Comix Jam

My date’s stats:  Blog: Claire Folkman: A Web Comic Age: Started blogging in September 2008. Likes: Beef, noodle soup, word bubbles, young love. Dislikes: Superheros. Little Known Fact: Ms. Folkman is a vociferous reader of dime-store romance novels.  She likes them for the happy endings. Favorite Cheap Date:  Free Student Recitals at the Curtis Institute Claire Folkman is a self-described mid-twenties art hipster who writes an autobiographical comic about a mid-twenties art hipster named Claire Folkman.  But that is by no means all.  She is also a conceptual artist, a memoir comic web-blogger, and a most charming date. She has an art show coming up May 6-July 7, 2011 at the DCCA in Wilmington (accessible by SEPTA!) featuring her captivating video work that transforms life’s absurdities into one profound comic strip (or transforms life’s profundities into one absurd comic strip). Meanwhile her blog contains wry and insightful comics, reflections on art school classes…

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