4 Indoor Water Parks to Visit With the Family This Winter

Photo courtesy of Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort. Erie, PA

It’s not all about sledding when winter arrives. If your kids (and, ahem, you) can’t stand the cold or kick the urge to splash around poolside, you’re in luck. Pennsylvania and New Jersey are home to an array of luxe indoor water parks that are ideal for winter weekend getaways. We promise: the prospect of a warm, beach-y oasis will have your little ones racing to the car.

Sahara Sam’s Oasis // This free-standing, indoor water park packs 68,000 square feet worth of aquatic attractions. Inside, you’ll find the Congo Bongo Adventure River, a surf simulator, toddler-friendly spaces, obstacle courses, an adventure playground and a labyrinth of slides. They also offer special-needs-specific events with modified programming like quiet rooms and reduced crowds. Here’s a tip from Delaware Valley Honda Dealers: The annual pass rings in at a surprisingly affordable $99.95. The upfront investment means you and your family have unlimited admission and free parking all year long. 535 NJ-73, West Berlin, NJ.

Toting a group to this winter respite? Don’t fret. The Honda Odyssey comfortably seats eight passengers and, of course, their floaties thanks to an extra second-row seat that can move forward to create extra space. The Odyssey also features lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), meaning it supports up to five child seats, three in the second row and two in the third row.

Great Wolf Lodge // Heated to a balmy 84 degrees, the Great Wolf Lodge water park is a tried-and-true favorite, catering to all age groups. Toddlers will favor Raccoon Lagoon, a zero-depth-entry mini-water park that features geysers and fountains. Meanwhile, children and teens can tackle Hydro Plunge, an impressively steep slide with a 52-foot vertical drop. 1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun.

Before you begin your trek, ensure your ride is spic and span by utilizing the Honda Odyssey’s HondaVAC, a built-in vacuum with long reach and a removable waste bin. Honda LaneWatch and the Blind Spot Information System both ensure you get to your destination safely.

Splash Lagoon // Part adventure park, part aquatic oasis, Splash Lagoon is the perfect weekend outing when the temperature outside plummets. In addition to the array of slides, pools and extreme rides, they also house several eateries onsite so your group can fuel up before a day of swimming and splashing. Even better, there are 20 to 25 lifeguards on duty at all times, so you can feel safe knowing there’s a trained health professional on the premises. 8091 Peach Street, Erie.

Because its Erie locale is slightly farther from Philadelphia, you can utilize the Honda Odyssey’s souped-up entertainment system. Boasting a 16.2-inch television, the vehicle is equipped to entertain kids on even the longest drives.

Camelback Resort’s Aquatopia // As close to being outdoors as you can get, this lodge-exclusive destination is housed inside Camelback Resort. The super-interactive, 125,000-square-foot facility counts 7 pools, 13 slides and the longest indoor watercoaster in the United States amongst its ranks. Visitors can even hang ten on a surfing simulator. 193 Resort Drive, Tannersville.

Beat the cold-weather blues this winter and explore your city with your Delaware Valley Honda Dealers. Click here to enter to win a sweet winter getaway prize package (think: ski passes, museum tickets, a luxe dinner and more) for you and your crew.

Your Official Philadelphia Hot Chocolate Guide

Come winter, you’d be hard pressed to find us with something other than hot chocolate in hand. (Sorry, cider.) And after years of sampling all of the cocoa Philadelphia has to offer (read: a lot), we’ve finally compiled our top picks. So whether you’re looking for sit-down coziness courtesy of the Rittenhouse Hotel or the chocolate-y creations concocted at RIM Cafe, there’s an iteration for even the pickiest prospects.

For a spin on the classic: RIM Cafe // Folks practically make pilgrimages to try RIM Cafe’s legendary hot chocolate. Their signature sip, the Volcano, is whisked together in a saucepan until thick and cream, then topped with chocolate shavings and chopped pistachios. The result: one heavenly sugar rush. Sneak a peek at their beverage photo gallery to see just how seriously they take their cocoa. 1172 South 9th Street, East Passyunk.

For the atmosphere: The Rittenhouse Hotel // Inside the luxurious and historic Mary Cassatt Tea Room, guests can enjoy an expertly crafted, seasonal cup of cocoa. 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse.

For a local mainstay: Capogiro // With outposts all over the city, Capogiro serves up Italian-inspired mugs of ultra-rich, silky smooth hot chocolate. We love their gelato, but by December, it’s cocoa or bust. 117 South 20th Street, Rittenhouse; 119 South 13th Street, Midtown Village; 3925 Walnut Street, University City.

For a non-dairy option: Hip City Veg // People wait all year to grab themselves a cup of Hip City Veg’s vegan hot chocolate. Topped with coconut whipped cream, it’s the perfect thing to sip while strolling through Rittenhouse Square. 127 South 18th Street, Rittenhouse; 214 South 40th Street, University City.

For cocoa in its most natural form: La Colombe // Served unsweetened, La Colombe’s take on the cold-weather cup is perfectly bitter and calls to mind your favorite dark chocolate. 1335 Frankford Avenue, Fishtown; 1414 South Penn Square, Rittenhouse; 130 South 19th Street, Rittenhouse; 100 South Independence Mall West, Old City.

For an indulgence: Max Brenner // We’ll admit this is an obvious pick, but it’d be a disservice not to include an eatery with an entire hot chocolate menu. Choose from quirky flavors like Mexican Spicy Hot Chocolate, Swiss Whipped, Marshmallow, Peanut Butter and Hazelnut. 1500 Walnut Street, Rittenhouse.

Gather your group and tackle all of these cocoa outposts together this winter. Honda CR-V’s all wheel drive will keep you moving — even in the snow! — while the ‘push to start’ engine nixes the need for keys. With many of the above spots located on busy Center City streets, Honda Sensing helps you sense things you might miss while driving, while Power Tailgate and extra cargo area make sure you have enough space for post-adventure errands in town.

5 Family-Friendly Indoor Attractions for When
It’s Freezing Outside

Photo courtesy of Volt Collection/Shutterstock

Come winter, there are only so many thousand-piece puzzles you can tackle before cabin fever sets in. Break free from cold-weather doldrums by gathering your little ones and visiting one of the Philadelphia area’s many indoor attractions. From a high-energy trampoline facility to IQ-boosting museum exhibits, those puzzles don’t stand a chance. We promise: It’s so much better than watching another rerun of Law & Order: SVU.

For the budding thespian: Little Theatre // Targeted for tots (think: infants through age six), this sweet space focuses on storytelling and fostering early literacy with song, reading and games. Their jam-packed calendar means there are lots of options for storyplay. 2227 Grey’s Ferry Avenue.

For the intellectually curious: Please Touch Museum // No surprises here. The Please Touch Museum is a fan favorite for a reason. With interactive exhibits, a friendly staff and that darn carousel, it remains the perfect place to tote the seven-and-under set. 4231 Avenue of the Republic.

For the science buff: The Franklin Institute // Even with their impressive KidScience exhibit, we’d be lying if we didn’t say this selection wasn’t made for the parents. Housing theaters, a planetarium and tons of super-cool live science exhibits, The Franklin Institute caters to children and grownups alike. 222 North 20th Street.

For the adrenaline junkie: Go Vertical // For tikes and teens that need to burn off excess energy, Go Vertical offers 13,500 square feet of climbing surfaces, as well as a separate beginner’s learning area (read: for you) and a wall for kids. The friendly staff encourages walk-ins for supervised climbing for all ages. Coming with a group bigger than three? Just book a climbing party. 950 Penn Street.

For the sport enthusiast: Everybody Hits // Softball and baseball fans, rejoice. Everybody Hits is open all year long, allowing young athletes and adults to have a go in their three-stall, automatic batting cages. Go on, channel your inner Jeter. 529 West Girard Avenue.

Need enough seats to transport an entire team? The Honda Pilot comfortably seats eight while still having room to store a squad’s worth of gear. It’s also the ideal vehicle for families on the go, boasting all wheel drive, Honda Sensing and Intelligent Traction. That way, it’ll react to various road surfaces and avoid potential collisions, ensuring your family arrives to its destination safe and sound.

The 8 Top Cozy Restaurants in Philly

Pub and Kitchen. Photo courtesy of Michael Persico.

When kale doesn’t cut it and the thought of downing a green juice sends chills down your spine, the search for comforting, hearty fare is on. Luckily, Philadelphia is home to a bevy of cozy restaurants that boast tufted couches, stick-to-your-ribs plates and, yes, fireplaces. And even better? We’ve done all the legwork. (Psst: Many of these charming eateries double as super-romantic date spots. Bookmark this post for February 14th reservations, and you could have a very happy significant other.)

Pub and Kitchen // If the idea of eating lamb neck and white bean chili along with rock cornish chicken doesn’t have you dashing to OpenTable to make a reservation, we’re not sure we can help you. Pub and Kitchen serves up some of the most comforting eats around. 1946 Lombard Street.

Valley Green Inn // Standing right on the Wissahickon, Valley Green Inn ups the ante on the cozy factor with its historic charm. Nab a table in the Fireplace Room for the full experience. Valley Green Road at Wissahickon.

The Dandelion // With British staples like bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie in addition to Stephen Starr — need we say more? 18th and Sansom streets.

Sabrina’s Cafe Powelton // Even though there are three separate outposts of Sabrina’s Cafe, there’s something about its Powelton location on Drexel University’s campus. Outfitted inside an old Victorian home, the restaurant is adorned with twinkly lights which add to the cozy atmosphere. 227 North 34th Street.

Monk’s Cafe // This bustling Belgian restaurant has earned legions of devoted fans thanks to its tall booths and standout comfort food. Our picks: the macaroni and cheese made with weissebeir braised French ham, asparagus, goat, cheddar, swiss and sottocenerre truffle cheese, along with the seitan cheese steak topped with St. Nectaire cheese. 246 South 16th Street.

XIX Nineteen // Inside The Bellevue on the 19th floor, XIX Nineteen is an American Brasserie serving up a variety of seafood dishes. The dining room is filled with oversized chairs and long tables, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely gastronomic experience. Hyatt at The Bellevue, 19th Floor, Broad and Walnut streets.

Devil’s Den // With its massive roaring fire, we almost don’t care what’s on the menu at Devil’s Den. Lucky for us, it’s delicious anyway. Tip: Try the mussels. 11th and Ellsworth streets.

Frankford Hall // Sure, retreating indoors is usually the smartest maneuver when navigating cold weather. But at Frankford Hall, a wide-open beer garden in Northern Liberties, they light up the fire pits so you can enjoy some fresh air with that bratwurst. 1210 Frankford Avenue.

If you’re trekking to NoLibs, you might want to drive yourself, and that means also having to park. Sometimes in the rain. Because, ya know, winter. However with the Honda Accord, drivers needn’t worry because it comes equipped with parking sensors, rain sensing and Honda Sensing. To top it all off, you can get easy-to-follow directions and have car-wide singalongs with Apple Carplay.

5 Philly Concert Venues for Every Type of Music Fan

There’s no denying that the Philadelphia area is Pennsylvania’s concert hub. Whether you’re looking for indie rock at the Electric Factory, jazz at the Annenberg Center or a casual dinner-and-music combo at World Cafe Live, there’s something for everyone, no matter what your musical taste. As such, we’ve decided to call out our favorite outposts for live music in Philadelphia, according to genre and recent and upcoming performances.

What: Kimmel Center
Where: 1500 Walnut Street
Recent acts: Philadelphia Orchestra The Complete Firebird, The Book of Mormon (psst: See the review here!), Philadelphia Chamber Music Society Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Don’t miss: Shen Yun, Broadway Philadelphia Once, Pennsylvania Ballet Strength and Longing
Tip: Consult their calendar of free events to see talent on the rise.

What: Electric Factory
Where: 421 North 7th Street
Recent acts: Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz, The Neighbourhood, Marina and the Diamonds
Don’t miss: Vance Joy, St. Germain, Hoodie Allen
Tip: Subscribe to their email listserv so you’re the first to know when tickets go on sale for popular acts.

What: Annenberg Center
Where: 3680 Walnut Street
Recent acts: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Papo Vázquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours & Sofia Rei, Jon Batiste & Stay Human
Don’t miss: Ballet Hispanico, Cyrille Aimée, Twelfth Night
Tip: Make a reservation at nearby White Dog Cafe before or after your show to round out your night on the town.

What: World Cafe Live
Where: 3025 Walnut Street
Recent acts: Leigh Nash and Gabe Dixon, Vanessa Carlton, Carbon Leaf
Don’t miss: Bobby Long, Vaud and The Villains, Ben Kessler
Tip: Check the concert calendars for both upstairs and downstairs. The varying sizes of the venues mean they attract different acts.

What: The Tower Theater
Where: South 69th Street
Recent acts: City and Colour, Beirut, Billy Idol
Don’t miss: CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Gregg Allman
Tip: Comedy fans should keep an eye on the venue’s calendar to catch when major comedians are in town. Past acts have included John Oliver, Adam Devine and Patton Oswalt.

The Honda Civic’s standout audio features like Pandora compatibility let you play your favorite tunes en route to the concert. Meanwhile, Apple Carplay allows you to make calls, get directions and send and receive messages, all without taking your attention from the road. That way, you and your pals can get to the venue safely.

Once you’re there, utilize the vehicle’s rearview cameras. (You don’t want to cause a fender bender in the parking lot, do you?) On the way home, appease your eco-friendly buds, by using Eco Assist, which helps enhance your fuel efficiency when driving.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Next Ski Trip

Photo courtesy of Camelback Resort. Pocono Mountains, PA

Once snow flurries touch down, Philadelphians pack their gear, load up their cars and caravan in droves to visit the city’s nearby skiing destinations. But it doesn’t matter if you’re a practiced pro or a rookie, there are always ways to streamline and improve your ski trip. Here, a few tips to get you started.

When to go: Always consult the weather prior to your skiing trip. Over at the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association, they feature a handy snow report tool which allows you to check the weather, new snow, surface and open terrain at all of the Pennsylvania ski areas.

As far as day and are concerned, reference Trace Snow’s Resort Guides. You can check multiple ski resorts to determine which days and times are busiest for the respective resorts. At Bear Creek Mountain Resort, for instance, it’s busiest on Sunday and least busy on Monday. Additionally, its high activity hours are between 10am and 11am. Meanwhile, Camelback is busiest on Saturday and least busy on Wednesday.

What to wear: Get realistic when it comes to your gear. Think you’ll be hitting slopes every weekend? Then it’s best to invest in your own equipment. (Those rentals can add up!) Otherwise, if you’re someone who only favors infrequent jaunts to the mountain, rentals should suffice. When determining which gear is best for you, be sure to communicate your experience level to the rental associate.

What to buy: Before ski season begins, consider how often you’ll go skiing at the same mountain. Establishing this now could save you tons of money later down the line. At Camelback, for example, you can purchase lift passes in varying increments, like three for $129