🚆 Philly-area day trips, by train and by car

🎤 Philly Back in the Presidential Spotlight

On Friday, it was announced that the ABC News Presidential Debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take place at the National Constitution Center on Sept. 10. [6ABC]

🦧 Welcome, Baby Jambi!

A male Sumatran orangutan baby named Jambi made his first public appearance at the Philadelphia Zoo last week. Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered, and Jambi’s birth marked the first successful delivery of his species at the Philly Zoo in 15 years. [CBS3]

• ICYMI: Check out our chat from last month with Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, the zoo’s CEO and president, about the historic institution’s milestones and future. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🚶 Want To Be a Walk Leader?

The We Walk PHL program is seeking volunteers to lead weekly neighborhood walks between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. If you’re interested, fill out this form. [Fairmount Park Conservancy/Google Forms]

🧊 A/C Struggles at Philly’s Public Schools

Ten schools are set to have air-conditioned classrooms for the first time this school year, but there are still 63 district schools that lack sufficient cooling. This problem has previously led to learning disruptions, like early dismissals, on hot days. [WHYY]

Want to get out of Philly for the weekend, but you’re not sure yet where exactly you want to go?

Worry not! Here are some ideas for adventuring around this region of the country, by train or by car. They’re all within two hours of Philadelphia, so you can leave in the morning, return home by nightfall, and sleep in your own bed 😴

🍷 For a Chill Wine-Tasting Experience: Penns Woods Winery

~45 minutes from Philly (driving)

Head out to this Delco winery for a vineyard tour, live music, and local beers, wines, ciders, and light bites.

• 🍇 Find even more PA and New Jersey vineyard and winery recommendations here.

😋 If You’re in a Foodie Mood: Lancaster, PA

~1 hour, 15 minutes from Philly (Amtrak)

While there’s lots to love about this small Central Pennsylvania city, the vibrance and diversity of Lancaster’s food scene stands out. Make sure you visit on a Saturday to check out the historic Central Market. If you opt to drive there, you can also feast on PA Dutch goodies at the country’s largest buffet, located a half-hour away from the city.

🏡 For Small-Town Vibes: Doylestown, PA

~1 hour, 20 minutes from Philly (SEPTA Regional Rail)

Surprisingly enough, this Bucks County town of less than 10,000 people can be your oyster, whether you’d like to get lost in a quirky museum, hunt down little treats, or shop ’til you drop.

🏙️ If It’s a Lively Concrete Jungle You Seek: New York City

~1 hour, 30 min from Philly (Amtrak)

There’s just so much to do in the Big Apple. Explore neighborhoods! Eat your heart out! See a Broadway show! Planning a day trip here is really about choosing your own adventure.

⭐ To Celebrate Your Home State: Harrisburg, PA

~1 hour, 50 minutes from Philly (Amtrak)

Spend a day exploring Harrisburg, and you’ll likely come away with some fun Pennsylvania facts to share with your friends. If you go, send me your favorite new commonwealth knowledge 🤓

⛰️ For a Rocky Climb: Mt. Tammany, NJ

~2 hours from Philly (driving)

Are you seeking a strenuous but rewarding journey? This steep, 3.5-mile trek offers some beautiful views of the Delaware Water Gap.

• Want to stay in PA, or looking for a less challenging hike? We’ve got Pennsylvania day hike and nature walk recommendations, too!

🏛️ For Free Museums and Monuments: Washington, D.C.

~2 hours from Philly (Amtrak)

Speaking as a bargain lover, I can very much confirm that a day in Washington is a penny pincher’s paradise. Spend the day exploring the Smithsonian to give your wallet a break, or stroll through scenic parks and neighborhoods.