If you live in the Philadelphia area or are traveling to it anytime this winter, one thing you should definitely do is stop by Winterfest at the Blue Cross River Rink. In addition to ice skating, there are a variety of other activities to take part in. “The Lodge” has cozy fireplaces and couches to warm you up. The Garces Group runs the Fireside Cafe and the Lodge Bar, as well as the The Distrito Cantina Truck out by the rink, in case you get hungry or have a hankering for a heated cocktail or craft brew. You can also play arcade games, including skiball and air hockey (my personal favorite). Along the outside of the Lodge you can find chairs with thick wool blankets so you can sit outside and take in all the outdoor goings-on at Winterfest. In the Winter Garden you’ll find fire pits to warm your hands or to make your own s’mores. And if you visit during the evening hours, you can also enjoy the light show that takes place on the rink every half hour.
On New Year’s Day I shot some promotional video for Visit Philadelphia at the Mummers’s Parade and at the River Rink. It was a beautiful day and we got to Winterfest just in time for a crisp dusk sky. Thanks to Gustavo Garcia for assisting on this shoot.
The Blue Cross River Rink is located along Penn’s Landing just south of Market Street. Winterfest runs through March 1, 2015.
Voices of Philadelphia’s Historic District – Visit Philadelphia 
Visit Philadelphia – Stock Reel