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August 18, 2023
Inside this edition: Summer hurrah, mini world series, rock skipping, more movies, horse gazing, TikTok teacher, train rides, and hip-hop at 50. |
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How soon did tickets for Philadelphia Union's match against Inter Miami CF in the Leagues Cup semifinals sell out?
A. Five hours
B. A day
C. An hour
D. Eight minutes
(Keep scrolling for the answer, but don't miss all the good stuff in between. Like what you read? Forward this email to a friend.) |
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» One fact worth learning: Bubblegum has a special place in Pennsylvania history considering the sticky confection was invented in Philadelphia, via Billy Penn.
» One video worth watching: This Bethlehem teacher has become a viral sensation on TikTok (paywall) for his fun lessons based on top hit songs, including a few from Pennsylvania’s own Taylor Swift.
» One drink (maybe) worth trying: Folks who like a pick-me-up during a night out may be intrigued by a new alcohol-infused brew from Dunkin'. The concoction will be available in 12 states including Pennsylvania.
» One story worth reading: Here’s everything you need to know about Media, the town whose little league team has made it to the World Series.
» One festival worth visiting: The popular Little Italy Days in Bloomfield is back! Enjoy Italian heritage and festivities through Aug. 20. |
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| I-80 at the Delaware Water Gap. (Nicholas_T/Flickr) |
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Folks, I have just returned from the back-to-school aisle at my local emporium to tell you it’s time: Summer 2023 is coming to an end.
The aisle was still mostly intact though, meaning we’ve got a few weeks of sun and fun left before the brutalist cloud cover of Pennsylvania autumn arrives. It’s been a good run.
This summer we Oppenheimer-ed. We Barbie-d. Some of us Barbenheimer-ed. We Swift-ed. We Beyoncé-d. We set records in bologna and film. We over-engineered potato chips.
Our best days are not behind us yet. Here are 10 things to do before the clock strikes fall.
Head to the city to experience nature Take the train More movies (this time outside) Learn pickleball I’ve never played but I’ve seen otherwise mild-mannered people nearly come to blows over court time, so it must be good. There are pickleball camps, including in Boiling Springs Sept. 14-15. And Pittsburgh just opened a pickleball mecca on an island in the Allegheny River.
Toss rocks ‘Hillbilly mangoes’ Strike out in search of pawpaws, Pennsylvania’s native tropical fruit with a short season that starts in late summer and ends in a matter of weeks. Chef and author Sara Bir told us what to look for and what to expect: “I like to say that it is most like a mango and a banana and yet something completely unfamiliar.” There are pawpaw festivals in Ohio and York next month.
Secret beach Small ball Wild horses Wawa bots - If you’re passing through Philadelphia on your way to the Jersey Shore or Rehoboth Beach, try Wawa’s new all-digital store in University City.
- Or read this Inquirer takedown calling it “the 'Stepford Wives' of Wawas, the 'Rosemary's Baby' of convenience stores, the 'Get Out' of retail experiences,” and spend your money at Breezewood instead.
- Bonus: Race to the Jersey Shore on one of these routes.
—Colin Deppen, newsletter editor |
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“There were so many naysayers that thought hip-hop was a fad, that it would be here today and gone tomorrow. No one had confidence. I did. I can say I honestly believed that hip-hop would be here forever. And look at it now.”
—Philadelphia rap pioneer Lady B on the recent 50th anniversary of hip-hop |
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| A natural fisher at Gifford Pinchot State Park, via Ed G. Have a photo to share? Send it to us by email, use #PAGems on Instagram, or tag us @spotlightpennsylvania. |
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D. 8 minutes.
The match sold out in eight minutes when tickets went on sale at 2 p.m. on Aug. 12, WPVI reported. Fans were excited to watch global superstar Lionel Messi play in his first away game for Inter Miami CF in Chester, Pa.
Thanks for reading PA Local. We'll see you back here next week. But first ... send us your feedback. What did you like? What didn't you like? |
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