On the first Friday of each month, the more than 40 Old City area art galleries keep their doors open late (and free) to the public. There is a wide assortment of receptions and exhibitions to see and be seen. Local boutiques and restaurants also participate, some offering unique specials. Started in 1991 by a small group of galleries, First Friday has since become a fashionable arts event in the city.

Mingle with artists, art lovers and those just browsing. Stroll the streets; wander in and out of diverse galleries, enjoying complimentary snacks and drinks along the way. There are usually street performances and independent artists selling their items on the sidewalks. You never know what you’ll come across, but it’s guaranteed to be a new and different experience. There is a ton of energy and an overall positive vibe in the air, as well as plenty of art to admire and people to watch.

Most galleries are found between 2nd and 4th and Race to Market Streets and are generally open from 5-9pm. Simply follow the crowds or wander off course, you’re sure to find something artistic and innovative during your travels. Best of all it’s free, even the parking rules are not enforced during First Fridays!

For a complete and memorable evening, First Friday, followed by dinner or drinks with friends never fails. Visit the website below for a description and links to participating galleries and area boutiques and restaurants.

Old City Arts Association
230 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.625.9200 or 800.555.5191

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A perfect date location, or just to catch-up with friends, Tria is an ideal place to unwind. Serving a sophisticated selection of wine, beer and cheese, Tria specializes in this “fermentation trio” and the rest is just a bonus.

Unpronounced, as if it simply belongs there, Tria is located on the corner of 18th and Sansom. Enter through the dark velvet curtain (no, you’re not intruding on a private party) into a welcoming atmosphere of class and comfort. It’s a warm restaurant, a place where the night will easily pass and allow you to get lost in endless conversation. Muted plum walls and moss green shades, long banquette seating, tables line the windows and a spacious bar in back. Hardwood floors, numerous candles and hanging paper lanterns add to the warmth and intimate feeling. The background music varies, but is always enjoyable and fresh. Weekends do tend to be more crowded.

Their food selection is mainly tapas, smaller servings and sandwiches. Tria offers some unique combinations, like brie with marinated cranberries bruschetta or their Autumn salad with butternut squash, pear, mascarpone, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and balsamic. Everything I’ve tried has been full of flavor and I welcome the smaller servings - all the more I can sample when sharing with friends!

The attentive staff is knowledgeable on menu items, particularly the wine and beer selections. I am certainly not a connoisseur, so am thankful they can explain the flavors and offer choices based on what I like. On the drink list, they teasingly categorize the wines as zippy, luscious, sociable, funky and bold, offering detailed descriptions to match. Glasses are cleverly engraved with “Tria” at the appropriate fill level. My standby favorite is the Insolia Cusumano ‘04 (Sicily). Tria gives you a chance to try something you normally wouldn’t and at a reasonable price too. Their selections change daily, so be sure to check back for new drinks to enjoy.

Tip: Tria offers “Sunday School” weekly. Learn about a chosen wine, beer and cheese for 50% or more reduced. See their website for details.

Tria
123 S. 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.972.TRIA

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