Take Your Mind Off Politics With These Things to Do in PA: Nov. 13-15

There are things to do inside or outside. If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Weekends in Pennsylvania have no shortage of things to do. While events might look different during the coronavirus pandemic, there are plenty of ways to have fun on your own, or with the family or friends in your quarantine bubble.

Here’s a roundup of activities to participate in the weekend of Nov. 13-15.

If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Philadelphia 

Flavors of Philly Food Tour: If you’re looking to get your pre-Thanksgiving feast on, head over to the Flavors of Philly Food Tour this weekend. Get a taste of Philly’s most popular foods and a lesson on the city’s rich history and vibrant culture at the same time. The tour will stop at five different spots, where you will try a classic cheesesteak and cheese whiz fries, tomato pie, soft pretzels, and two sweet treats from Reading Terminal Market. 

Masks are required for all guests.

Tours run from 12 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $44 per adult at Eventbrite.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens After Dark: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens’ glittering mosaic labyrinth dazzles under the glow of colorful lights as you explore the outdoor sculpture space and the indoor galleries after dark.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is open to visitors from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Nov. 20. Tickets, which are available online, are $20 per non-member adult, $10 per adult. 

Southeastern PA

Annual Holiday Festival of the Trees: The 42nd Annual Holiday Festival of the Trees begins Saturday. The rooms of the Pearl S. Buck House in Bucks County come alive with the festive glow of holiday lights and decorations made by local artists, decorators, and community groups.

Tours are available Tuesdays through Sundays. Tour groups are limited to five people. Tickets are required, and cost $16 per adult. for more information.

Brandywine River Museum of Art Holiday Showcase: The magic of the holiday season is at the Brandywine River Museum once again. The museum has a holiday train display, dollhouses, dozens of miniature objects, and Christmas trees on display.

Set your ticket times when you order them. The holiday display will be open for viewing until Jan. 10.

Northeastern PA

Experiencing Veterans & Artist Collaborations Exhibit: Tiffin University (in Ohio) paired veterans from all branches of the military from World War II to present with artists who interpreted their stories as artistic prints. See the prints and read the veterans’ stories while the exhibit is on display at the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University.

For more information, visit the exhibit page.

South Central PA

“The World I Love” online creative workshop: Take part in a one-of-a-kind collage workshop via Zoom. Children ages 8-10 can create a collage celebrating the world they love. The class opens up a discussion for students as well as offers time for working and questions, ending with a chance to share for whomever feels comfortable doing so!

The class is from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday. The cost to join is $20, and you can sign up here.

North Central PA

Bordeamos por la paz exhibition: Learn more about “disappeared” women in Cuidad Juárez, Mexico, by visiting the Bordeamos por la Paz exhibition at Lycoming College. Art history students at the college “adopted” Mexican women who have disappeared or been murdered, and embroidered cloth panels to memorialize them. The project is part of a greater campus community effort to raise awareness of domestic violence.

The installation will be on display from Nov. 2-23 on the main floor of Snowden Library. 

Basket-weaving class: Learn how to make your own cornucopia basket in a class at the Potter County Artisan Center. Basket maker Cathy Snyder is teaching classes on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 13 to 21.

The class is for intermediate students (those who previously have made baskets). The cost is $25, and it includes all materials. For more information, call (814) 274-9339, or e-mail [email protected]. 

Southwestern PA

Virtual Brushes & Birds: Pittsburgh-area artist Maria DeSimone Prascak teaches participants in this Zoom class how to paint a flamingo.

The class is from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Tickets are $23 for members of the National Aviary, $25 for non-members.

Harvest Candlelight Tours of the Compass Inn Museum: Learn about life in the 1800s, and open hearth and beehive oven cookery during a cozy candlelit tour of the Compass Inn Museum in Laughlintown. At the end of your tour, relax by the warm crackling fire. 

The tour will be available on Nov. 14 and 21. Tickets cost $10 per adult. Learn more or book a tour.

Northwestern PA 

Learn about owls virtually: A certified naturalist from Presque Isle State Park will teach you about owls, owl biology, and owl pellets in an online class. You’ll even have the chance to dissect an owl pellet, which will be provided, live with your instructor.

The class is from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, and it is open to all ages. There is no fee to sign up. Register by sending an email to [email protected]. 

Drive-thru food give-away: Jubilee Ministries International (JMI), Nourishing Others Well-being Project (NOW), and The Christian Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania (CCCWP) are sponsoring a massive drive-thru food giveaway for up to 2,500 families on Saturday.

The give-away begins at 11 a.m. at the Cascade Galleria (AKA Town Mall), 200 South Jefferson St., New Castle. The city has more information.