Philadelphia

International Women’s Day: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by Joanne Jordan

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For us, this is a day of reflection. We look back at all the women who sacrificed to make the progress needed to get to today. This day is inspirational. We think about those strides and how each step, no matter the size, propelled us as a planet in a forward motion. Finally, for us, the day is a hefty dose of continued responsibility. To paraphrase a popular 70’s ad campaign, we feel although we have come a long way (baby), it’s not even close to where we should be. Incidentally that campaign was created by an agency owned by Leo Burnett … who, last time we checked, presented as male and whose agency brazenly pointed out our biological differences in an attempt to sell more cigarettes continually. 

 As two fearless, unapologetic and opinionated women who own a small business and help raise the next generation, we feel our work has just begun. We honor those fierce pioneers before us by creating a more inclusive, diverse, and equal future.  

 We love the idea of expanding beyond a mere day and gladly accept the challenge of helping create a more inclusive world every day.  Professionally, we challenge the gender pay gap. It should never have existed, to begin with, and we are dismayed it still does. Personally, we would like to challenge gender reveal parties. We’ve learned that a body part cannot define a baby, and gender is far from binary.

 Both perpetuate a world that needs women like us to trailblaze with the same tenacity using different mediums and platforms. We need more change.  Starting with us. Starting today. Feeding minds now to build a more accepting, fair, and just world. 

#IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge #FSPR

 

A Twist on Your Next Philly Date Night by Guest User

Date night in the city can fall into a normal routine: choosing a restaurant, sitting at the bar for a drink ahead of your reservation, and getting extra crazy by walking home a different way than you came. Soon enough, the excitement of date night might become another routine event. It’s time to mix it up! 

Kick One (Or Two) Back

Start your night in the center of it all – a few steps past City Hall brings you to the front doors of Aqimero, a pan-Latin restaurant from the mind of Chef Richard Sandoval, nestled under The Ritz-Carlton. Sit in the vibrant, spacious lounge or snag a seat at the bar for pre-dinner cocktails; the Dragon Fruit Margarita is a huge hit. 

45 Likes, 1 Comments - Aqimero (@aqimero) on Instagram: "Soak up the last of summer 🍹 #SipsinStyle * * * #ccdsips #aqimerophiladelphia #centercitysips..."

The Main Course

After drinks, walk five minutes up and over to Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, where you’ll find a wide selection of food and beer options without breaking the bank. If you’re into craft beer, go for a flight to pair with your dinner. It’s a totally different atmosphere from Aqimero and makes this stop a new experience. 

81 Likes, 2 Comments - Iron Hill Brewery (@ironhillbrewery) on Instagram: "Take some scratch kitchen tacos, add in some delicious craft beer, and what do you get? A pretty..."

Roll the Dice

Literally. Fairmount Ave has been home to Thirsty Dice, the city’s first board game café, for about a year now. Bookshelves with over 800 games cover the walls, and their menus are filled with boozy shakes and game-themed cocktails. Take the Broad Street Line to Fairmount Station and walk a couple blocks to add some friendly competition to your date. Join the waitlist or call ahead for reservations to secure your spot.

Get Some Fresh Air

Unload from the night and take a walk through one of Philly’s many parks. Head east to Spruce Street Harbor Park through the end of September for their floating gardens and bright hammocks, or opt to go south for the quieter Rittenhouse Square. If you’re really trying to extend your date, go west from Thirsty Dice over to Kelly Drive, where you’ll see the Art Museum, Boathouse Row, and other sights for miles. 

Philly is an amazing city with hidden gems around every corner. Get out of your comfort zone and leave your date night bubble – all while getting your steps in.