New York: New York Botanical Gardens www.nybg.org The New York Botanical Gardens is an impressive spectacle. The horticultural experts in the Big Apple claim to have the fourth largest herbarium in the world, and that’s saying something. After a long week of interning in an NYC skyscraper, a large dose of gorgeous plant life might be just what the doctor ordered.
Philadelphia: Bastille Day Celebration July 1-31 Eastern State Penitentiary Whoever thought reenactments were a strictly southern tradition might be surprised to know that our own Philadelphia plays host to the retelling of the storming of the Bastille. The Eastern State Penitentiary, better known for its infamous shit-your-pants haunted house, is the place to be this summer for some cultural enlightenment. Forget that Al Capone was once held in these walls and enjoy dining on wine and cheese with Marie Antoinette. You might even get to see a watermelon “beheaded” before your eyes.
Los Angeles: LA Film Festival June 18-28 www.lafilmfest.com Whether you are one of the hundreds of Penn students who calls LA home, or you plan to venture out to the West Coast, stop by the Los Angeles Film Festival. The best thing about it? You needn’t worry that your meager collection of American Apparel clothing doesn't make you alternative enough for such an event. Take note that The Devil Wears Prada and Hellboy 2 previously premiered here, as well as a myriad of indie flicks. Lineups will be announced May 5.
Chicago: The Museum of Science and Industry Smart Home: Green + Wired Through Jan. 3, 2010 www.msichicago.org Chi-town's Museum of Science and Industry is home to the nation's greenest house. While not literally green, it is eco-friendly and ingeniously constructed. This exhibit also offers a how-to on how to "go green" while spending your summer in the Windy City.
Atlanta: World of Coca-Cola Museum www.worldofcoca-cola.com If you’re heading down South for the summer and Atlanta is your metropolis of choice, you’ll find it pretty difficult to escape the ubiquity of the Coca-Cola company. The World of Coca-Cola museum features a tasting experience of over 60 different Coke products from around the globe. Turned off by high-fructose corn syrup? In Mexico they use cane sugar! Take a break from the Georgia heat and “enjoy Coke” like you’ve never enjoyed it before.
