Fabulous Philly Friends

Wed, Dec 3 · 5:00 PM EST

Meet and Greet Happy Hour at Spasso

Spasso Italian Grill, 34 S Front Street, Philadelphia, PA, US

Get ready to unwind and connect at our upcoming Happy Hour Meet & Greet at Spasso Italian Grill! It's the perfect opportunity for new members to mingle with our friendly group and for long-time friends in a low-pressure environment.

What's the Plan?
We're heading to Spasso Italian Grill for a casual happy hour in their beautiful lounge. Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, Spasso offers a warm atmosphere and a great happy hour menu, perfect for kicking back, chatting, and making new friends. You can enjoy classic Italian small plates, such as their bruschetta, arancini, and mussels, perfectly paired with one of their house cocktails or an imported beer. This is a low-key, come-as-you-are event designed for mingling and good conversation.

When:
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Feel free to drop in whenever you can make it!

Where:
Spasso Italian Grill, 34 S Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. This is in the heart of Old City.
The Deets:

• Atmosphere: Expect a warm, casual dining room and a beautiful lounge area.
• Food: Spasso offers a great happy hour menu with small plates like Tomato Bruschetta ($4.00), Fried Calamari ($6.00), and Meatballs with Marinara ($7.00).
• Drinks: Happy Hour drink specials include Domestic Beers ($3.00), Imported Beers ($5.00), House Wine by the Glass ($8.00), and select Martinis ($7.50).
• Purpose: This is a relaxed meet and greet, perfect for new members to get acquainted with our group and for all of us to enjoy a fun, pre-weekend evening.
• Parking: Street parking can be available in the area as well as several parking lots, but public transportation (including the 2nd Street Market-Frankford Line station nearby) is a great option.

Why You Should Be There:

• Meet new people and expand your social circle.
• Enjoy delicious, authentic Italian appetizers and drink specials.
• Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Old City.
• It's a low-pressure way to get involved with our Fabulous Philly Friends community!

We're looking forward to seeing you there for a fun and relaxed evening!
I will arrive early to find an area for us, and I will post in the group where you can find me before the event.

Sat, Dec 6 · 10:30 AM EST

🎄 Annual NY Xmas Trip🚂 ADVANCE TIMED TICKET REQ. TO MOVE OFF THE WAITLIST

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, US

Our annual NYC Christmas trip is back, and this year we're heading to the vibrant heart of The Bronx for an unforgettable day of wildlife, authentic Italian market dining, and holiday magic! (You must confirm your NYBG ticket purchase with time in the comments to be moved off the waitlist.)

Read Thoroughly
Attraction Details & Tickets (Must Purchase in Advance! The longer you wait, the greater the chance of it selling out!!)

STOP 1: The Amazing Bronx Zoo
Get ready for an incredible wildlife adventure at one of the world's premier zoological parks! Spanning 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is home to thousands of animals from across the globe, housed in immersive, naturalistic habitats. You'll have 2.5 hours to explore some of its most famous exhibits:

• Congo Gorilla Forest: Trek through a lush rainforest to observe a lowland gorilla family, mandrills, and other fascinating African species.
• Tiger Mountain: Come face-to-face with majestic Siberian (Amur) Tigers through large glass viewing areas.
• JungleWorld: An indoor Asian rainforest teeming with gibbons, tapirs, colorful birds, and ancient ruins.
• Madagascar!: Discover the unique wildlife of the 'Eighth Continent,' including ring-tailed lemurs and fossa.
• Your Entry Time: 12:00 PM (Please purchase a ticket for this time)
• Cost: $28.95 (Adult Admission)
• Tickets: MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.
• Link to Purchase: https://bronxzoo.com/shop/catalogs/bronx-zoo-admission/...

STOP 2: Arthur Avenue Retail Market (Dinner & Exploration)
After our wild adventures, we'll take a short walk to the heart of the "Real Little Italy" of New York City, and dive straight into the historic Arthur Avenue Retail Market for dinner! This bustling indoor market is a true gem, offering a sensory overload of Italian culinary delights. It’s like a smaller, distinctly Italian version of Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market.

• What to Expect for Dinner: Inside, you'll find several fantastic counter-service eateries and delis. This is your chance to grab an authentic and delicious dinner, choosing from options like legendary slices of pizza, incredible hot sandwiches piled high with cured meats and fresh mozzarella (e.g., from Mike's Deli), or classic pasta dishes. Don't forget to explore the other stalls brimming with fresh produce, olives, cheeses, imported Italian goods, and freshly baked bread! It's a fantastic spot to pick up a souvenir or a gourmet treat to take home.

STOP 3: NYBG Holiday Train Nights (If 7:30 PM fills up, purchase 8:00 PM. We will wait 30 minutes for anyone with an 8:00 PM ticket 7:00 PM is already sold out.)
Our grand finale is a magical evening at the New York Botanical Garden's most anticipated holiday event! With a 7:30 PM timed ticket, we'll have ample time to enjoy the beautiful gardens and surrounding areas before stepping into the main show.

• What to Expect: The Holiday Train Nights transforms the stunning Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into an enchanting wonderland. Delight in an exhibition of model trains and trolleys that chug along over bridges and through a miniature cityscape of nearly 200 iconic New York landmarks—including the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The incredible twist? All landmarks are meticulously crafted entirely from natural plant parts like bark, leaves, seeds, and branches! This special evening event features seasonal cocktails, delicious food available for purchase, and live music, all under a blanket of twinkling lights. It's truly an immersive and joyful experience that captures the spirit of the season.
• Your Entry Time: 7:30 PM (Please purchase a ticket for this time)
• Estimated Cost: Tickets typically are $46 for this special evening event.
• Tickets: MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.
• Link to Purchase: https://feverup.com/m/453578?srsltid=AfmBOopEJ3-TgQWqMwNI-QSSBTDZKYgJl-Wo5CVsYhmJFP_LRWnN17za

Full Day Itinerary

• 11:04 AM (2hr 8 min) OUTBOUND TRANSIT: Depart Hamilton Station (NJT → Subway)
• 1:15 PM: Arrive at Bronx Zoo Asia Gate area. We'll head straight in!
• 1:15 PM (2hr 30 min): STOP 1: The Amazing Bronx Zoo ( Purchase entry at 12:00 PM)
• 3:45 PM (15 min) Walk from Zoo to Arthur Avenue Retail Market (approx. 0.5 miles)
• 4:00 PM (2 hours) STOP 2: Arthur Avenue Retail Market (Dinner & Exploration)
• 6:00 PM (30 min): Travel to New York Botanical Garden (approx. 0.9 miles)
• 6:30 PM (1 hour): NYBG Gardens & Pre-Show Exploration (Enjoy the grounds before your ticket time!)
• 7:30 PM (1hr 30 min): STOP 3: NYBG Holiday Train Nights (Show Entry at 7:30 PM)
• 9:30 PM - 9:45 PM (2 hrs 30 min): RETURN TRANSIT: Depart NYBG (Metro-North → NJT)
• 12:00 AM - 12:15 AM:

***

Detailed Transportation Plan & Costs
Total Estimated Transit Cost: $53.20 (Round-Trip)
1. Morning Outbound (Hamilton → Bronx Zoo)

• Departs: 11:04 AM from Hamilton Station.
• Route: This is a two-step journey:
• NJ Transit Train: Hamilton → New York Penn Station (Arrive 12:32 PM).
• NYC Subway: Transfer at Penn Station to the Uptown 2 train (12:38) → West Farms Sq-E Tremont Ave (Arrive 1:12 PM).
• Walk: A short 5-minute walk from the station to the Zoo's Asia Gate entrance.
• Required Fare: $38.40 (NJT Round-Trip) + $2.90 (Subway Outbound)

2. Evening Return (NYBG → Hamilton)

• Departs: 9:30 PM - 10:00 PM from the Botanical Garden Station.
• Route: The most convenient route for a late night: Metro-North (across from NYBG) to Grand Central, Subway to Penn Station, then NJ Transit back to Hamilton.
• Required Fare: $9.00 (Metro-North One-Way) + $2.90 (Subway Inbound)

Mobile Ticketing Apps (Highly Recommended)

• NJ Transit (Round-trip ticket (Hamilton ↔ Penn Station) NJ TRANSIT Mobile App
• Metro-North (One-way ticket for the return trip (Time will be confirmed closer to the trip) (Botanical Garden → Grand Central) MTA TrainTime App
• Subway (OMNY (tap-to-pay with credit/debit/smartphone) or a MetroCard. Each ride is $2.90. You'll use this twice in Manhattan (once to the Bronx, once from Grand Central to Penn Station). OMNY or MetroCard

Please arrive at Hamilton Station no later than 11:00 AM!

Wed, Dec 10 · 6:30 PM EST

World Food Tour: Comfort Food at Jong Ka Jib! 🌶️ (Korean)

Jong Ka Jib, 6600 N 5th St Philadelphia, PA 19120, Philadelphia, PA, US

If you are craving the ultimate bowl of Korean comfort, join us for a meal at Jong Ka Jib! Tucked away in Olney, this is a beloved, authentic spot famous throughout the city for one thing in particular: the sizzling, spicy, and satisfying Soon Du Bu (soft tofu stew).

Why You Should Join Us:
Jong Ka Jib is a Philly institution, offering a taste of homestyle Korean cooking that feels warm and authentic. It's a fantastic, low-key spot for a cozy group dinner.

• The Signature Dish: You must try the Soon Du Bu (Soft Tofu Soup)! It's served bubbling hot in a stone bowl and comes in several varieties (seafood, beef, kimchi, vegetable) with your choice of spice level. You crack an egg into the soup to cook in the residual heat—pure bliss!
• Endless Banchan: A true sign of a great Korean restaurant is its selection of Banchan (the assortment of small, complimentary side dishes). Jong Ka Jib's are always fresh and delicious, especially their famed cucumber kimchi!
• Beyond Tofu: The menu is extensive! We can also share popular dishes like the savory Jong Ka Jib Gal Bi (BBQ Beef Ribs), Gobdol Bibimbap (mixed rice in a sizzling stone bowl), or a crispy Pa Jeon (Korean Pancake).

The Deets:

• BYOB: Jong Ka Jib is a BYOB restaurant! Feel free to bring your favorite wine, beer, or soju to pair with the meal.
• Cost: Plan for about $30–$40 per person (including shared items, tax, and tip). Please bring cash for easy group splitting.
• Parking: They have a small private parking lot, or you may find street parking in the area.

Come join us for some great food, warm vibes, and even warmer tofu!

Sat, Dec 13 · 5:30 PM EST

THIS WILL SELL OUT TICKET REQ Christmas Zipline Adventure at Refreshing Mountain

Refreshing Mountain, 455 Camp Road, Stevens, PA, US

Get ready for an adventure that will light up your holiday season! The Fabulous Philly Friends are heading to Refreshing Mountain for their incredible Christmas Lights Experience: 3 Ziplines! We're trading the city streets for a thrilling journey high above a forest twinkling with hundreds of thousands of lights.

### Why You Should Join Us: A Thrill with a View!

This isn't just a walk-through; it's a unique, guided aerial tour! Imagine zipping through 1,500 feet of track on three long ziplines, soaring over half a million dazzling Christmas lights. The grand finale is a 40-foot descent through a spectacular column of lights—an experience you truly can't get anywhere else. This is a fantastic chance to embrace your adventurous spirit, enjoy a memorable holiday spectacle, and connect with fellow friends who love a little excitement!

### The Details

• Date: Friday, December 13th
• Location: Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center, 455 Camp Rd, Stevens, PA 17578. Note: This is about a 1.5 - 2 hour drive from Philadelphia.
• Cost: The 3 Ziplines through Christmas Lights experience is $69 per person.
• Time Slots: The experience allows 8 people per 30-minute slot. Our group is primarily targeting the 6:30 PM time slot.

### The Plan: How to Secure Your Spot

Please note that each participant is responsible for purchasing their own ticket directly from Refreshing Mountain.

1. RSVP to the Meetup Event: Please RSVP "Going" on Meetup if you plan to attend. This will place you on the Waitlist initially.
2. Purchase Your Ticket: Go to the Refreshing Mountain website and purchase your ticket for the 3 Zips Through Christmas Lights experience on December 13th.

• Priority Slot: Purchase a ticket for the 6:30 PM time slot.
• Alternative Slots: Once the 6:30 PM slot is full, please purchase a ticket for the next available time slot (7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, etc.). We will still be going as a group, and you'll catch up with everyone before or after your adventure!

3. Confirm Your Spot: After you have purchased your ticket, please post a comment on the Meetup event page stating the time slot you secured (e.g., "Ticket bought for 6:30 PM!"). I will then manually move you from the Waitlist to the "Going" list.

Important: You must have a confirmed ticket to be on the "Going" list. RSVPs on Meetup alone do not guarantee your spot.

### Adventure Notes & Logistics

• Parking: One parking pass is included with each reservation. Additional passes are $10/vehicle. Please consider carpooling to save on parking and have some company for the drive! Post in the comments if you are looking to carpool or can offer a ride.
• Weight Restriction: For your safety, the maximum weight for participants is 280 lbs (including all clothing layers/boots).
• What to Wear: Dress warmly in layers! You will be outside in December, and it will be cold. Think gloves, hats, and warm boots.
• Other Attractions: Our tickets include access to the Christmas Light Walking Path, so there's plenty to enjoy before or after your zipline tour!

This is going to be an absolutely exhilarating and festive night out! Let's make some thrilling new memories together.
Are you ready to fly into the holiday spirit?