A Flavor for Every Appetite

At least a dozen, if not more. 

That's how many neighborhoods comprise the city of Philadelphia.  Actually, that may be a conservative estimate, given the "sub" groups nestled within the more well-known areas.  South Philly, West Philly, the Great Northeast, Germantown, Fairmount, Center City, and inside of those, Mayfair, Strawberry Mansion, Society Hill and of course, the Italian, Irish and Polish neighborhoods still deeper in the mix, to name but a few.

Philadelphia is the Baskin Robbins of cities, offering flavors to suit all tastes.  And few things fit the bill on a summer weekend like a Philadelphia neighborhood steeped in history and culture, and a celebration of books.

This weekend, July 10-12, in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, the local literary scene celebrates its own, with the first annual Chestnut Hill Book Festival.

Featuring book signings by local authors, panel discussions, dramatic readings, workshops, a book character kids parade, and even a Green Eggs and Ham Brunch, the latest Philly street party toasts all things literary and invites lovers of books to one of the city's most historic neighborhoods for a weekend bash.

Stroll the area's cobblestone streets, browse the shops, dine in the fabulous restaurants and most important, affirm that the written word is powerful and still a vital force in our lives, bringing joy, thoughtful debate and richness into our all too often frenetic lives.

Take some time this weekend to visit Chestnut Hill, meet an author (Yes, I'll be there, along with my author friends Chrysa Smith  and  Carmen Ferreiro Esteban.) and share your love of books and our fair city with your kids.  There's something for everyone--in true Philadelphia tradition.

This is an original post to Philly Moms Blog.  Mary Fran Bontempo also writes at www.maryfranbontempo.com and  EsspressoLatteMocha.