High-End Happenings: Own a Piece of Rittenhouse

In its latest fundraising initiative, The Friends of Rittenhouse Square are offering a piece of the park to take home. New to the park's many statues include bronze cast animals. The sculptures were made by Eric Berg, a resident of the Rittenhouse neighborhood. They were unveiled in November 2010, and adorn the Patty Hogan Gates around the Gardener's Cottage.

Fourteen individual bronze cast animals, are now available. The casts are detailed on one side, hollow on the other, and great for wall decor or garden art.

Buyers can choose from an owl, robin, woodpecker, pigeon, blue jay, little wren, praying mantis, toad, snail, salamander, chipmunk, two versions of a squirrel and a dog, ranging in price from $750 - $1,600 each.

No word on how much of the proceeds benefit the park, but I think my favorite is the snail.

Join the Crowds During the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival

This Saturday, May 21, friends and families will converge on Center City for the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival. From 12pm – 5pm, rain or shine, the city’s most prestigious addresses will head to the curb enticing wanderers with their wears, snacks and entertainment.

There will be wine tastings, beer samplings, a fashion show and even a craft pavilion for the kids. This is always a highly attended event and don’t forget to bring your patience and good attitude, or it’s sure to be a very long afternoon.

While wandering the tents, tables and attractions this Saturday, try to remember what goes into an event such as this. As with other Center City associations, it’s all about how much you put in to be a part. Active neighborhoods don’t come cheap and being allowed to participate in outdoor events like the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival comes at a cost for to the bars, restaurants and stores involved.

So when standing shoulder to shoulder trying to get close to the liquor sponsored tents, take a step back and look for the little guy; the smaller proprietor who tries hard to compete – not the one who’s a hair away from being its own franchise.

I know – the shiny, sparkly lure of starr-light is nearly unavoidable in the city of Philadelphia, but it’s possible. Really try to consider what it takes to run with the big boys in the urban jungle of Rittenhouse and patronize the underdog.