Each year more than 50,000 people converge on Walnut Street from Broad to 19^th Streets, for Philadelphia’s most upscale festival. The event features food, entertainment, shopping and family fun. This is the only event where Walnut Street is closed to automotive traffic. Pedestrians stroll Walnut and 18^th Streets and explore 120 booths.  

Saturday, May 18, from noon to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine, on Walnut Street from Broad to 19^th, 18^th Street from Locust to Sansom.  

The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival features:

Affordably priced cuisine from Rittenhouse Row’s restaurants: 500 Degrees, a. Bar, a. Kitchen, Alfa, Alma de Cuba, Applebees, Barclay Prime, Ben and Jerry’s, Butcher and Singer, Capogiro Gelato, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Continental Mid-town, Corner Bakery Café,  The Corner Foodery, The Dandelion, Devon Seafood Grill, Di Bruno Bros., El Rey, Happy Rooster, Hip City Veg, Honeygrow, Il Pittore, Lacroix, Le Bec Fin, Marathon Grill, Oyster House, Parc, The Prime Rib, Pub and Kitchen, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Rotisseur, Rouge, Sbraga, Schlesinger’s, Shake Shack, Smith and Wollensky, Square 1682, Tavern 17, Termini Brothers Bakery,  Underdogs, Vernick, Village Whiskey, Wok, and XIX.

Spring fashion booths: Joan Shepp, South Moon Under, Knit Wit, Town Home, Kembrel, Hope Chest, Born Yesterday, Heads and Tails, Duke and Winston, The Children’s Boutique, Tumi, The Shops at the Bellevue and more.  

The Infiniti Lounge on the 1500 Block. Hope Cohen, author of Fast, Fresh + Simple and culinary show host will be in the Infiniti Lounge sampling one of her refreshing recipes

The Starr Culinary Demonstration Stage at 19^th and Walnut will host live food and beverage demonstrations and segments from renowned balloon twister and storyteller Allyn Gordon. Drop-off non-perishable food items or a monetary donation (10 cans, $10, or both) for Philabundance and you’ll be entered to win one of three prizes from STARR Restaurants. Drop locations are at 15th Street, between 16th and 17^th Streets, and 18th Street. Visit the Starr Smallwares Sidewalk Sale to purchase discounted china, glassware and other tabletop accessories from STARR Restaurants. (all proceeds benefit Philabundance.)

Family Fun: On 18^th Street between Walnut and Sansom, The Center City District Craft Pavilion will feature make-and-take crafts and activities led by Philadelphia’s finest cultural organizations including: Arden Theatre Company, Please Touch Museum, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Historic Philadelphia, Philadelphia Art Alliance, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Walnut Street Theatre, and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. KYW Newsradio will host the Kidcasting Tent, where kids can create their own mock-radio interview newscast. Also join Beneficial Bank, Capital One 360 Café and TD Bank for Family Fun stations.

Tasting areas of 20 of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s Chairman’s Selection wines with a concierge and on-site store, Peroni beer, Rex Goliath wines, Cintron and festive cocktails.  

The Whisper Outdoor Lounge on the 1700 block. Enjoy the DJ and lounge with specialty cocktails from G Lounge, Whisper and The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., and food from the Corner Foodery.

Tickets are still on sale for the 2013 Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party honoring Meryl Levitz, President and CEO of GPTMC.

On Monday, May 13th from 6-9PM at The Rittenhouse Hotel, get a sneak peek of the best of the 2013 Spring Festival with delectable cuisine and cocktails from: a.bar, a.kitchen, Alma de Cuba, Barclay Prime, Butcher and Singer, C19 cicheterria venezia, Capogiro, Continental Mid-town, The Corner Foodery, The Dandelion, D’Angelo’s Ristorante Italiano and Lounge, Devon, Di Bruno Bros., El Rey, Elixr, Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company, G Lounge, Lacroix, Le Bec-Fin, Le Castagne, Le Pain Quotidien, Marathon Grill, Metropolitan Bakery, Metropolitan Cafe, Parc, Ranstead Room, Ten Six Club, Termini Bros. Bakery, Rouge, Sbraga, Shake Shack, Square 1682, Village Whiskey, Whisper and Zama.

Featuring butlered hors d’oeuvres from Chef John Marinelli and the culinary team of the Banquets Department at The Rittenhouse Hotel.

Tunes will be spun by DJ Adrian Hardy and Norma Michaels Entertainment. The evening will also feature a silent auction with wonderful items and experiences from Ritt Row members and friends.

Proceeds benefit Rittenhouse Row, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.

The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival will be held on Saturday, May 18, from noon to 5pm, rain or shine. Held on Walnut Street from Broad to 19th, the annual event showcases Philadelphia’s finest fashions, cusine and entertainment and attracts more than 50,000 people to enjoy the best of Rittenhouse Row.

We all have a “last minute Louie” in our lives. The ultimate procrastinator, a guy who waits until right before the deadline to get his shopping done. Luckily, The Bellevue has everything your love is looking for, all under one roof.

Nothing says, “I love you” quite like chocolate, especially Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland, VOTED THE #1 CHOCOLATE IN THE WORLD by National Geographic. Satisfy your sweet tooth and sip complimentary champagne while picking up a beautiful heart shaped box for your valentine.

Everyone knows diamonds are a girls best friend – but, if you want that signature Tiffany blue box without breaking the bank, check out the Tiffany & Co. “Yours” bangles, pre-engraved with adorning phrases like “Love makes the world go ’round” and “Close to my heart” starting at $375.

It’s inevitable – You’re already 10 minutes late for your dinner reservation, and she texts: “But I have nothing to wear!”  Alleviate the dress distress with the help of the city’s most sought after fashion experts at *Nicole Miller Philadelphia. *With an incredible selection of affordable designer sportswear, cocktail, evening, and more, she’ll think of you every time she pulls that special Nicole Miller piece out of her closet. But, that’s not all. Make a purchase of $150 or more on Valentine’s Day only and receive a free gift at VOLT Salon.

Who doesn’t love being pampered? The newest addition to the Bellevue property, VOLT, a full service, state of the art salon, is the perfect place to pick up a quick gift certificate and check out the new home of acclaimed stylists Francis and Joseph. Don’t forget to bring your Nicole Miller receipt for a special free gift!

Grab a quick heart healthy bite for lunch in the Food Court, take the edge off with a cocktail at Tavern on Broad, or receive TWO hot Chocolates for the price of one at Starbucks.

Your shopping is almost done.. But with a big meal ahead of you, you can’t neglect your workout! Head upstairs to The Sporting Club, and prepare to fall in love with the most incredible 93,000 sq ft. fitness club in Philadelphia. Hit the showers and head down to Ralph Lauren, where you’ll be suited up in style for your big night out.

Opt for a delicious Surf & Turf meal at The Palm, ora special four course pre-fixe dinner at Bliss Restaurant.

If you’d rather show off your own culinary skills, make it easy on yourself with the gourmet foods and professional quality cookware available at Williams-Sonoma. We promise not to tell!

Last but not least, create a Valentine’s Day precedent you may have to live up to again next year at XIX (Nineteen) Cafe and Restaurant at Hyatt at The Bellevue. Impress your valentine with a 3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner for $55 per person from Thursday, February 14 through Saturday, February 16 and the romantic ambience of XIX (Nineteen).  To make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable, take advantage of the Romance Package and spend the night. The package includes overnight accommodation, champagne and chocolates, breakfast for two and a 2:00 pm check out. For reservations in XIX call 215-719-1919 and for our Romance Package go to www.phladelphia.bellevue.hyatt.com

Ardmore’s popular outdoor antique and handmade market, The Clover Market, will be heading indoors on Sunday January 27th when 55 vendors will be setting up for a one day show at the historic 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia. The event will take place from 10 am-5 pm, with ticketed VIP early entry at 9 am.

The carefully selected group of vendors will offer antiques and architectural salvage, finely crafted handmade items, vintage clothing and jewelry, and original art and photography.  Attendees will find talented handmade items and shop for affordable antiques in one venue

The Winter Market will also feature an assortment of Philly-based food trucks, hands on DIY workshops with some of Philly’s finest makers including Art in the Age (handcrafted spirits), chez-sucre-chez (modern cross stitch), Sullivan Owen Floral Design (Philly Mag’s Best of Florist) and more. 

VIP tickets are $20 each and are being sold online prior to the event. Ticketholders will be allowed entry at 9 am before doors open to the public and will be treated to a swag bag full of vendor goodies (first 50 entrants), “spirited” coffee drinks from Art in the Age, and first dibs on all of the goods. General admission tickets are $5 at the door or can be purchased in advance in a special 2 for 1 deal (two tickets for $5).

At the event make sure to grab a Rittenhouse Row map with special offers and discounts from our members.

Click here for a complete vendor list, information and ticket links.

Congratulations to The Rittenhouse Hotel’s Frank Marandino, named Concierge of the Year by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report.

One block of Walnut Street may be closed, but the sidewalks are open.

Come Shop and Dine Rittenhouse Row Philadelphia’s best holiday shopping with world-class service.

Featuring Town Home, Apple, Joan Shepp, Free People, Urban Outfitters, Bankwerx by Conestoga, Lucky Jeans, L’Occitane, City Sports, Cole Haan, ING Direct Cafe, Body Restoration, Works on Paper Gallery, BCBG, Destination Maternity, American Apparel, Urban Enoteca, Paper Source, Jack Wills, Betty Paige, Bubbles, True Religion, Wok, Alma de Cuba, For Eyes…all open for your shopping and dining enjoyment.

Working with Mayor Michael Nutter and city tourism and hospitality officials, Philadelphia Parking Authority Executive Director Vince Fenerty has announced that, “to support holiday shopping, meter parking city wide will be free every Saturday between November 24 and December 29, after 11 a.m. All other parking violations will be enforced.”

Fenerty also announced discounted $8 parking every Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the following Parking Authority parking facilities:

AutoPark @ Olde City (2nd & Sansom)

AutoPark @ Independence Mall (5th & Market)

AutoPark @ 8th & Filbert

AutoPark @ the Gallery (10th & Filbert)

AutoPark @ Jefferson (10th & Ludlow)

AutoPark @ JFK Plaza (underground garage 16th & Ben Franklin Parkway)

If the patron stays or enters after 5 p.m., the regular posted rates will apply.

 “The Philadelphia Parking Authority is pleased to join with Mayor Michael Nutter and be a part of spreading the holiday joy and encouraging shoppers to patronize local merchants during this festive season,” Fenerty said.

CLICK HERE for the full map of Ritt Row holiday activities.

Philly Power Yoga & THRIVE Pilates will be an Official “Restore the Shore” Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort Drop-Off Location.

They will have collection boxes at both studios this week until Friday 11/9 as part of an ongoing effort to provide relief to the devastated families and businesses along the beloved Jersey Shore and other affected areas.

If you are looking for a place to volunteer or donate, please check out the group on Facebook: Restore the Shore Volunteer.

They will be collecting items in the following categories:

Food and Serving- cups, juices, coffee, trash bags, sandwich bags, non-perishable food items and canned foods, rice, chips, snacks…

Clothing Men/Women/Children- Socks, underwear, sweatpants, sweatshirts, coats, gloves, books, board games

Supplies – Blankets, pillows, toiletries, razors, soap

Baby Needs – Diapers, wipes, formulas, jars, onesies, footed pajamas

Pet Needs- Dry Food, canned food, brushes, bowls, blankets

Click here to view the 2012 Rittenhouse Row Halloween Trick or Treat map.

…And see everyone tomorrow morning at the Halloween Celebration.

CLICK HERE to see an interview with restaurateur Audrey Claire Taichman of Audrey Claire, Twenty Manning Grill and COOK.

Learn more about your favorite vino by CLIKING HERE to view a video with Keith Wallace, founder of The Wine School of Philadelphia.

Having burgers & bourbon at Village Whiskey on Father’s Day? Check out this interview with the restaurant’s bartender Lindsey Krueger.

Find out what Danielle Grimm, Sales Manager at The Palm Restaurant wishes you would do this weekend.

Want picture perfect summer skin? We suggest watching this interview with Ursula Augustine of Ursula’s About PHace.

Click here and let Frank Marandino Head Concierge at The Rittenhouse Hotel tell you where to eat in Philly…besides Lacroix and Smith & Wollensky, of course.

Meet Jessie Harris, Director of Retail at Metropolitan Bakery and find out what she wishes people knew more about in Philly. Warning: Don’t watch while hungry.

Colin Shearn is the award winning, master mixologist behind the cocktails at Franklin Mortgage & Investment, Co. Need we say more to entice you to watch this interview with him?

Kileeo Wideman is the Front Desk Supervisor at The Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel. Find out what wisdom he would like to give to his guests, staying one block from Rittenhouse Square.

Watch and listen to Emilio Mignucci, the third generation owner of Di Bruno Bros., give his thoughts on Philadelphia beers at the market’s upstairs cafe on Chestnut Street.

Meet Chef Guillermo Tellez of Square 1682 at The Hotel Palomar. We are taking our favorite pup to his BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Dog) Brunch this Saturday.

Click here to see Philly.com’s front page coverage of the 2012 Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival.

ARCADIA BOUTIQUE

Revamp your wardrobe this year with eco-friendly fashion from Arcadia Boutique. Enjoy 20% off everything, including new arrivals until tomorrow. Use the code “BUBBLY” online, www.arcadiaboutique.com.

265 South 20^th Street

URBANFRONT PILATES

Work out on your lunch break this year at Urbanfront Pilates with mat classes everyday at 12:15PM. New clients can also take advantage of their one-time offer: three mat classes for $30.

1700 Sansom Street, 2^nd Floor

PURE FARE

Pure Fare has new items on their dinner menu:

Vegan and gluten free sushi, Steak Salad with brie, tomato, onions, figs and a honey balsamic dressing, Vegan kale salad with sunflower seeds, raisins, chickpeas, onions and a lemon mint tahini dressing and Shredded Cabbage salad with chicken in a peanut cilantro dressing.

Click the link to see how they make all of your favorite healthy food http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s97jzyjVwQ.

119 South 21^st Street

SPORTING CLUB AT THE BELLEVUE

Pilates Special Offer: Invite 3 friends and receive your first class for free.  You can create your own group class on any day and time that works best for you. Take advantage of their introductory price for new participants at $25 per person. For more information contact Pilates Director, Bernadette Giorig, 856.278.8217.

Hannah’s Fitness Insanity: Starting January 18^th, take your fitness to the next level with this 7-week program. Meet every Wednesday and Friday at 6AM for an intense workout designed to burn off those holiday pounds. This program is for intermediate/advanced levels of fitness.

For more information contact, Hannah at hpurbe@sportingclubbellevue.com.

224 South Broad Street, 8^th Floor

SALON VANITY

Salon Vanity is now open on Sundays, which means you can get an appointment 7 days a week throughout the winter season.  They will also be confirming appointments via email and text so give the salon coordinators your mobile number and email address during your next visit.

Salon owner Edmondo Blando and Heather, stylist and head of Vanity’s Texture Department, were featured in the December 2011/January 2012 edition of Philadelphia Style Magazine in an article about Keratin Treatments. Read below:

http://vanityphilly.com/press/20111201_Philadelphia%20Style_Eddie%20and%20Heather_24n0fn.pdf

1701 Walnut Street, 3^rd Floor

LITHE METHOD

New Lithe Foods are on the way for the New Year. Check out Lithe Pho, their signature low-sodium version of the winter season staple, chicken soup. Perfectly filling, without the bloat.

http://www.fithiphealthy.com/fithiphealthy/2012/01/lithe-pho.html. And for those of you with a sweet tooth, be sure to try their Skinny Cacao, a healthy hot chocolate recipe under 50 calories. http://www.fithiphealthy.com/fithiphealthy/2012/01/lithe-chocolate.html.

255 South 17^th Street

SA VA

Check out SA VA’s video blog to see how they think you can change your office look in 2012.  http://shop.savafashion.com/blog/2012/looks-to-live-by

1700 Sansom Street

SWEAT FITNESS

Looking to teach your little ones to swim this year? Sweat Fitness offers private lessons for all ages and abilities; Try the Mommy-Daddy and Me class, which is designed to introduce children to water in a fun, safe, and educational environment, as well as the Preschool Instructional Swim Lessons (3-5 Years) and the Youth Instructional Swim Lessons (6-14 years.)

Sweat Fitness is also available to host your child’s birthday party in the pool. Parties are for two hours, time spent either in the pool, on deck or in the studio.
A minimum deposit of $100 is required to reserve the party. The cost per child is $30, payable the day of the party. A certified lifeguard is always on duty and a party coordinator will insure a fun time in the studio, which is included in your child’s birthday party package.
 For more details contact Holly Waters at 215.564.0303 or hollywaters@sweatfitness.com.
Party Schedule: Friday 6-8 pm; Saturday 2-4 pm or 3-5 pm, Sundays 12:30 -2:30 pm or 1:30-3:30 pm.

200 South 24^th Street

RESCUE RITTENHOUSE SPA

Be the 1,000 fan to “Like” Rescue Rittenhouse Spa’s Facebook page and win a free manicure.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/RescueRittenhouseSpa

255 South 17^th Street, 2^nd Floor

The Rittenhouse Row Holiday Cocktail Party and Toy Drive at Whisper is tomorrow from 7-10PM. Along with an open bar sponsored by Pearl Vodka and Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur, partygoers can enter to win any of the following fabulous beauty boxes from Sephora:

The Essentials from Nars, Valued at $118

A “Flawless Face” package from Laura Mercier, Valued at $191

The Perfect Look from Smashbox, Valued $101

The “No-Makeup Feel” Makeup package from Bare Escentuals, Value $92

Happy Spa-lidays from Bliss, $116

A Taste of Luxury from Givenchy, $95

Brilliant Glossy Hair from Alterna, $86

Be sure to also bring a new unwrapped toy for the CBS 3 Joy of Sharing Campaign benefiting the Salvation Army….The first 50 people to donate toys will receive a special gift bag from Sephora. 

Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door, or $25 at the door with a donation of a toy.

Present $250 in receipts from purchases made on December 8th at Rittenhouse Row businesses and your admission is free.

Hosted by the Rittenhouse Row Young Advisory Board:
Jackie Baik, Paige Barrow, Joey Berardi, Melissa Bizzak, Jt Christensen, Lily Cope, Jason Bock, Jen Brown, Toni Cavaliere, Jake Cooper, Tim Duffy, Brian Govberg, Arielle Kerstein, Lars Kerstein, Brett Milstein, Corie Moskow, Danielle Possess, Haley Samsi, Allison Stadd, Ilana Waber

Get dressed in your holiday sparkle and join Rittenhouse Row for a fun cocktail party in celebration of the holiday season.

December 8th from 7-10PM at Whisper, 1712 Walnut Street.

Bring a new unwrapped toy for the CBS 3 Joy of Sharing Campaign benefiting the Salvation Army.

The first 50 people to donate toys will receive a special gift bag from Sephora.

Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door, or $25 at the door with a donation of a toy.

CLICK HERE to purchase advanced tickets.

Present $200 in receipts from purchases made on December 8th at Rittenhouse Row businesses and your admission is free.

Open bar sponsored by Pearl Vodka and Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur.

Hosted by the Rittenhouse Row Young Advisory Board:
Jackie Baik, Paige Barrow, Joey Berardi, Melissa Bizzak, Jt Christensen, Lily Cope, Jason Bock, Jen Brown, Toni Cavaliere, Jake Cooper, Tim Duffy, Brian Govberg, Arielle Kerstein, Lars Kerstein, Brett Milstein, Corie Moskow, Danielle Possess, Haley Samsi, Allison Stadd, Ilana Waber