I Volunteered at the Opening of ArtPhilly: What Now: 2026 — Here's What I Saw
I volunteered at the opening day of ArtPhilly: What Now: 2026 — and I didn't expect to be as moved as I was. Here's what happened when a community marched from the Liberty Bell to the Delaware River, and why this festival is the most important thing happening in Philadelphia this summer.
What I’ve Learned About People by Planning Their Perfect Days
Planning a Philadelphia trip can feel overwhelming — everyone tells you to see the historical sites, but what most travelers really want is a personalized Philadelphia itinerary that goes beyond the obvious. That’s where I come in.
People reach out asking for the “best restaurants” or the “must‑see attractions,” but what they’re actually looking for is a way to experience Philadelphia like they belong here. They want to walk into a restaurant and feel like a regular, wander into a neighborhood they never would’ve found on their own, and come home with stories instead of checklists.
Philadelphia has a way of surprising people who think they already know what it is. My job is to put you in the right place at the right moment — the mural you didn’t expect, the neighborhood that shifts your perspective, the meal that becomes the highlight of your trip — and build a day that feels effortless, meaningful, and unmistakably you.
If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for yet, that’s the perfect place to start. Tell me what you think you want. I’ll help you find what you actually need with a custom Philadelphia itinerary designed just for you.
Remembering Isaiah Zagar and the Art He Left Behind
Philadelphia is remembering mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, whose passing at 86 marks the end of an era but not the end of his presence. More than 50,000 square feet of city walls carry his mosaics, and over 200 of his public works appear throughout Philadelphia and across the Western Hemisphere. His art is woven into the everyday rhythm of Queen Village, Bella Vista, and South Street, where tiles, mirrors, and folk art still catch the light on rowhomes, garages, and alley walls. This piece explores how he created, how the Magic Gardens came to be, and where you can find the mosaics that continue to shape the look and feel of our neighborhoods
The Ultimate 2026 Philadelphia Festival & Event Guide
Philadelphia comes alive through its festivals, events, and neighborhood happenings and 2026 is packed. From iconic traditions to hidden‑gem block parties, I’ve curated a full year of what’s worth experiencing across the city. Below, you’ll find a clean, easy‑to‑scan list, and you can download the complete spreadsheet for every date, link, and detail in one place.