Short on time? Just a hop, skip and a jump from campus, the Schuylkill River trail is perfect for a relaxing walk, jog or bike ride if upcoming midterms have you stressed. Walk down Walnut or Chestnut just over the bridge, but instead of continuing to Center City, take the stairs leading down to the river. It’s a popular trail and you’ll be in good company with others enjoying the fall weather. Stroll up to the Art Museum and back, or if you’re really ambitious, you can continue all the way up to Manayunk. If you have time, take a side-trip into Fairmount Park, and if you get all the way to Manayunk, check out Main Street for shopping and restaurants.
Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival Traditionally part of the annual Duanwu Festival in China, dragon boat racing has become an international sport in the past few decades. A dragon boat is a type of canoe with a colorful dragon figurehead at the bow. About 20 paddlers are needed to get the boat moving while a drummer leads the crew with a continual beat. One of the fastest-growing water sports, last year’s annual Philadelphia festival had over 150 participating teams. This event is the largest of its kind in North America — think of it as the Penn Relays of international paddling sports, complete with live music from the Dixie Land Band and dragon boat paraphernalia for sale. With the action going on so close to home, you have every reason to check it out for yourself.
Where: Schuylkill River, along Kelly Drive When: Saturday, October 3, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
