Think there's not much to do this winter season now that the holiday season is over? Think again! Here are five great Philadelphia-area happenings still going on this winter that must not be missed.
Body Worlds
This first-of-its-kind exhibit gives guests the chance to view real human bodies, preserved through a method called "plastination." Learn about the inner workings of the human body; see how muscles expand and contract when suspended in motion or compare the striking physical differences between healthy and unhealthy organs. With more than 200 authentic human specimens, this eye-opening exhibit is one that more than 17 million people across the globe have already experienced.
Daily, 9:30am - 9pm, $21.50 - $24.75, The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., 215.448.1200; www.fi.edu
Benjamin Franklin's 300th Birthday Celebration
Learn about the life and legacy of one of our most remarkable founding fathers during a series of special events planned in honor of Franklin's 300th birthday. Participating museums, galleries, libraries and other venues across the city are hosting everything from book lectures to culinary events to mark the occasion. On January 17, the date of Franklin's actual birthday, the National Constitution Center will celebrate with an enormous cake holding 300 candles, each one lit by 300 individuals who embody the spirit of this influential man in some way.
Through April 30, $8.50 - $14, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., 215.409.6700; www.benfranklin300.org
Wednesday Night Dinner Parties at Fork: etc
A weekly four-course dinner based on seasonal ingredients and the whims of a chef make Wednesday night dinner parties at Fork: etc one of the most exciting culinary events in town. Set inside the hip and stylish specialty market, Chef Ngo thrills guests with fresh and inventive creations based on Fork's nationally acclaimed New American bistro menu. Get there right on time because reservations are not accepted - first come, first serve!
Bob and Barbara's Drag Night
Philadelphia's longest-running drag show presents the best in female impersonation every Thursday night. But it's not just the performers that will catch your eye - this dive bar is populated by a diverse crowd of regulars, from seasoned martini drinkers to the just-turned-21 beer drinkers. The show starts at midnight, but it's recommended you get there by 10pm if you want a good seat.
Thursdays, 10pm, $5 cover with first drink free, Bob & Barbara's, 1509 South Street, 215.545.4511
New Black Hollywood Sunday Afternoon Movie Series
Every Sunday in January, sit back and relax for carefully selected screenings of African American movies, presented by the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the material and intellectual culture of African Americans. An opening reception kicks off the event on January 6 from 5:30pm - 8pm. Screenings include Bamboozled on January 8; Brother From Another Planet on Jan. 15; The Making of Sweetback on Jan. 22; and She's Gotta Have It on Jan. 29.
Tues - Sat, 10am - 5pm; Sun, Noon - 5pm; $6 - $8, African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., 215.574.0380; www.aampmuseum.org
