The Woodlands is one of the most popular running spots in West Philadelphia and they’re hosting a fun run on Saturday, Nov. 14 to help raise money to maintain trails and add amenities to the site, such as water fountains, and eventually bathrooms! Here’s more information from The Woodlands:

“We love our runners at The Woodlands; they use the grounds more than anyone else. We’re hoping this group of users will help support the future of the site. The Gobble Wobble, our first ever 5K at The Woodlands, is a fun way for everyone to run together to support our mission. All race registrants will receive a 1-year membership to the Woodlands, which will get you invited to several Runner Happy Hours at The Woodlands that are being planned throughout the year. More info on runner level membership benefits can be found here: woodlandsphila.org/becomeamember/runner-membership

About the Run

This individual or team 5K Wobble takes you through the historic grounds of William Hamilton’s 18th century estate, 19th century cemetery and modern day urban oasis. Outrun the West Philly Turkey and support the neighborhood’s best running spot. Compete to win the first prize, a Thanksgiving turkey or tofurkey from Mariposa Food Co-Op!

Not sure you’re in good enough shape to run a full 5K? That’s okay! We have an option for you. Join a Team Relay! Register in teams of three, and make sure to designate your team name when registering. Each team member will run one third of the 5K.

The first 100 people to register will receive a limited edition Gobble Wobble pint glass to fill with a post race beer courtesy of Clarkville. Registration also includes a 1-year membership to The Woodlands.

Register for the race here: www.runtheday.com/registration/race_info/woodlands-gobble-wobble.”

Editor’s Note: The event will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on November 14. On-site registration opens at 9 a.m. Registration fee (individual or team) is $35.

West Philly Runners stretching after a run at The Woodlands. Photo by Kyle Cassidy.

Halloween is less than a month away and the Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion (40th and Woodland) is once again presenting a series of fun and spooky events for kids and adults alike. More information is below. Also, Bindlestiff Books (4530 Baltimore Ave.) is accepting donations of children’s books for All Hallow’s Read: a spooky book swap that will be held at the Woodlands on Sunday, Oct. 25, from Noon to 4.

HollyWoodlands Movie Night featuring Ghostbusters
Saturday, Oct. 17
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., film starts at 7 p.m.
Requested donation: $10 for adults, $2 for children under 12yrs
Household Level Members and up: Free entry

The Woodlands will provide the firepits, you bring the s’mores, blankets and chairs. PB & Jams and Happy Hippy will be onsite to provide all your snacking needs.  Continue Reading

Jessica at ease at The Woodlands. She doesn’t like your dog as much as you do. Photo by Lori Waselchuk.

The tension between those who walk their dogs off-leash at The Woodlands and those who wish they wouldn’t is kind of the west-of-the-Schuylkill version of the Hatfields and the McCoys, Liam and Noel Gallagher, Biggie and Tupac. That may be overstating it slightly, but it’s kind of a big deal to many who frequent the cemetery/park.

Jessica, a West Philly yoga instructor and blogger, has had it. In “An Open Letter to People Who Let Their Dogs Off-Leash at Woodlands Cemetery,” she draws a line in the dirt. “I was once a vicious 13-year old girl,” she writes. “And given the right situation, she can return.”

Jessica originally posted this on her site, but has graciously allowed us to repost it here:  Continue Reading

Apart from tonight’s Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, another big semi-annual event is happening this week in West Philly – Go West! Craft Fest at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland). More than 70 artists and crafters are expected to participate in the Fall edition of this popular event happening on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event also features live music, children’s activities, acrobatic performances by tinycircus, and food by local eateries. Go West! Craft Fest is open to the public and free to attend.

Festival guests can find unique treasures by local makers, including jewelry, ceramics, art, prints, stationery, home wares, children’s items, bags, candles, soaps, and more. Follow @gowestcraftfest on Instagram for sneak peeks of all the Festive finds. Also, visit the Go West! Craft Fest website for more information and performance schedule.

A popular summer event series will return to The Woodlands Cemetery grounds starting this Thursday. People of all ages are invited to spend the evening inside The Woodlands searching for amazing little creatures – fireflies! The Firefly Night will take place from 6 to 9 p.m., and is absolutely free. Here’s more information from The Woodlands:

“Learn about the amazing ways that animals (including fireflies) communicate and attract mates with educators from The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Fancy feathers, crazy calls, and delightful dances make life pretty “colorful” for all kinds of animals during the quest to meet the perfect mate. Investigate how many creatures use special displays and signals to attract the right partner. Dig deeper, and get creative to learn other ways that fireflies and other animals are cool, and make a craft you can take home!”

In addition to fireflies, Mister Softee will be on site this Thursday to offer frozen treats to the visitors. Guests are also welcome to pack a picnic. And don’t forget to bring your flashlight!

Two more Nature Nights will be held at The Woodlands this summer: Bat Night on July 23 and Moth Night on August 20, both from 6 – 9 p.m.  Please visit The Woodlands website for more information.

A good way to get down to what Memorial Day is really about is to take a quiet stroll through The Woodlands today. Over the weekend flags were placed at the dozens and dozens of soldiers’ gravestones, some of which date back to the Revolutionary War (Photo by West Philly Local).