Ice skating used to be so simple. You waited for the cold winter temps to freeze a pond of lake, strapped some steel blades to your feet and, wham-o, ice skating! The same used to be said for the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing, a 21-year tradition of ice skating next to the Delaware River. Now, stemming from their wildly popular pop-up park at Spruce Street Harbor Park, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is once again kicking it up a notch with this year's Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. It's currently under construction and officially opens on Nov. 28 and runs through March.
DRWC teamed up with David Fieraband of Groundswell Design Group to create a winter garden and forest around the ice skating rink. This way, you won't be able to notice the enormous Market/Chestnut St. interchange that surrounds the area. Instead, you'll be in immersed rustic landscape offering amazing views of the river and Ben Franklin Bridge.
The Lodge itself will be two "chalet-style" heated tents featuring fire places, couches, for rent arcade games and even free oversized board games. New this year is the wraparound "porch" that gussies up the lodge area with rocking chairs and heating lamps to really drive home that getaway ski trip vibe.
Like at Spruce Street Harbor Park, Garces Events with Chef Adam DeLosso holds down the food scene at Winterfest. You'll be able to grab some great casual dining option as well as coffee-shop style hot drinks. Be on the lookout for craft beers, cocktails and spiked hot beverage options as well. You can now drink outside in the winter time, too!
NoLibs boutique Art Star will be housing their "second" pop-up location within The Lodge as well. So you can eat, drink and grab some uniquely-styled gifts while you enjoy your day of ice skating.
Did you like those cool lights you saw at Spruce Street Harbor Park? Well, they'll be featured prominently at Winterfest also by way of a "festive" light show that plays on the hour and half hour after dusk.
· Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Official [DRWC]
· Spruce Street Harbor Park Coverage [Curbed Philly
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