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News Release Philadelphia, PA: Tuesday, December 19 was the most wonderful time of the year for more than 370 merrymakers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That's how many people showed up for this year's 4th Annual Christmas Celebration. Ardmore Toyota and Central City Toyota hosted this year's event with the help of the Enterprise Center. The celebration drew hundreds of University City and West Philadelphia residents to a winter wonderland at Max Paul Park. Event-goers partook in everything from presents and prizes to food and refreshments. Younger attendees got a chance to meet Santa Claus. This year's Annual Christmas Celebration could not have happened without the support of its guests. But Ardmore Toyota and Central City Toyota would also like to thank its partners: TD Bank, Bryn Mawr Trust, Chick-fil-A, eForce Recycling, and Five Below. Ardmore Toyota in the Community: At Ardmore Toyota, we pride ourselves on our outstanding cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs — but people come first. That’s why community involvement is an integral aspect of who we are. Follow us on Facebook for news on causes we’re supporting. Next year's Annual Christmas Celebration will be here before you know it.

Giving back goes a long way any time of the year, but even more so during the holiday season. At Ardmore Toyota, we pride ourselves on being so much more than an auto dealer. Every fall for the last 14 years, we’ve partnered with the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP) to provide support for our community’s underprivileged youth. Winter can be a tough time for families who can’t afford a winter coat for their kids. That’s why the mission of the Driving Away the Cold fundraising campaign has always been to deliver the gift of warmth and confidence. To see how it’s made a difference in the lives of thousands of children, check out our infographic below. If you would like to support the good work we’re doing, please click here or contact us today.

If you're searching for the perfect summer activity for you and your family in Philadelphia, head off to its beautiful Historic District. Rich in history and culture, its attractions offer the perfect combination of summer fun and education. Visit these five popular attractions in the Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia. 1. Tour Independence Hall Independence Hall is the site of the signing and the adoption of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. It's also the site in 1915 where former President William Taft announced the formation of the League to Enforce Peace, which was a forerunner of the League of Nations. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is free, but tickets are required to enter. Guided tours are available to enrich your knowledge about this important American landmark. more 2. Visit The Liberty Bell The bell that used to ring in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as the Liberty Bell, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pennsylvania. It got its name from the message it bears, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." It has become a symbol of freedom and liberty and has served as an inspiration for human and civil rights activists. It's open throughout the summer from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is an exhibit area in the Liberty Bell Center, along with a video presentation about the bell's history. Admission is free, and no tickets are required to enter. 3. Stroll Through Washington Square Washington Square is a beautiful open-space park. It has a rich history; it was the location of the first human flight (via air balloon). Take a moment to pause at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier to pay tribute to those who risked their lives for our freedom during the Revolutionary War. The park is open to everyone 24/7. 4. Explore History at the President's House The first executive mansion housed both President George Washington and President John Adams. The house is no longer standing, but the foundations can still be seen and an outdoor exhibit center has been set up on the site. The exhibits at the President's House focus on the paradox of the house's history: Washington and Adams both fought for freedom and liberty, but at the same time, they held slaves at the house. Admission is free, and no tickets are required to enter. The exhibit is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 5. Discover Ben Franklin in Franklin Court Franklin Court is the site of Benjamin Franklin's residence from 1763 until his death in 1790. Archaeological remnants of some of the original buildings can still be seen, and ghost buildings that display the outline of the original buildings were constructed in the 1970s. The Benjamin Franklin Museum is located underground and showcases the life and history of this great patriot, as well as his inventions. In addition, you can visit the United States Postal Service Museum, along with an operating post office. This post office is the only one in the country that does not have a U.S. flag because it didn't yet exist when the post office opened in 1775. The Independence National Historic Park has many more important landmarks. It's filled with the history of our nation's birth. There is a lot to learn there; these five places are just a start. Image via Pixabay

Looking for something to do with the family during the autumn season? Philadelphia and its surrounding areas have many fall harvests and festivals. Enjoy these six fall festivals for days of nature and fun.   Enjoy a hayride, pick your own pumpkins, watch the pig races, and try to find your way out of the corn maze at the annual Fallfest at Freddy Hill Farms. Get fresh on-site milk, milkshakes, ice cream, and ice cream cakes at Freddy's Dairy Store. Choose your favorite flavor; there's a wide selection of them, ranging from cookies 'n cream to eggnog! Pet the animals at the animal zoo, and get some exercise at the batting cages and miniature golf courses. Fox Chase Farm Applefest This historic farm, established by the Wistar family, is now an educational farm that serves to educate the community about farming. Paint pumpkins, make apple butter, enjoy hayrides and games, and try some cider pressing. Buy fresh pumpkins, apples, apple cider, and apple butter to take home with you. more Harry Potter Weekend in Chestnut Hill Harry Potter fans, mark your calendars! Taste some Butter Beer, don the Sorting Hat, watch a Quidditch match, shop at Harry Potter themed shops, ride on the Knight Bus and on Thestral rides, eat at Harry Potter themed restaurants, visit Hogsmeade Station, and stroll down Diagon Alley at the annual Harry Potter Weekend in Chestnut Hill. You can even take Potions and Defense against the Arts classes. You can also participate in the Harry Potter Conference, which is an annual academic conference at Chestnut Hill College that focuses on scholarly works arising out of the Harry Potter series. Quakertown Autumn Alive! The Autumn Alive! festival is all about fun and pets. Take your pet to the Broad Street Pet Parade. Crafters, businesses and pet rescue organizations will line Broad Street. There will be plenty of fun for the kids: Cupcake contests, a Food Court, an Author's Corner, and live on-stage entertainment all day for two days. Adults can enjoy some fresh beer samples at the Beer Garden. Apple Butter Frolic at the Mennonite Heritage Center This festival has been going on for over 40 years. It focuses on the Mennonites, their heritage, and their way of life. It also serves as a fundraiser for the Mennonite Heritage Center. There are plenty of traditional foods to enjoy. There will be a pancake and apple sausage breakfast, an apple foods tent, an apple baking contest, German Pennsylvanian food, farming demonstrations, and plenty of fun for the kids, including horse and wagon rides. Bucks County Wine Trail Harvest Celebration If you're a wine lover, you'll love this day at the wineries during the annual Bucks County Wine Trail Harvest Celebration. You'll get to taste fresh wine and freshly pressed grape juice. There will be a number of wineries offering activities and services such as live music, picnic tables, wine pairing, doughnuts, and much more. There is always something to do in Philadelphia. Whether you're going with your spouse, with friends, or with your kids, these festivals will delight and educate you. Image via Flickr by Mike Mozart is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Over the weekend, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) announced its best performing Main Street Programs of 2016 at the PDC gala dinner in Harrisburg.  The National Main Street program has been going on for more than 30 years and has helped rehabilitate more than 246,000 buildings, generated almost $60 billion in new investments, and created more than 500,000 new jobs. The PDC’s award recognizes programs that have demonstrated an “across the board” ability to generate new jobs, new businesses, public and private investment and volunteer hours. The Ardmore Initiative was recognized as the third best performing Main Street program in PA! Check out the full press release below, along with other nine programs recognized! more Pennsylvania Downtowns Awarded Best Performing Programs HARRISBURG, PA - Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) has named its best performing Main Street Programs of 2016. This award recognizes those programs that have demonstrated an “across the board” capacity to generate new jobs, new businesses, public and private investment and volunteer hours. The top performing Main Street Programs across the Commonwealth for 2017 are: . 1 st - Easton Main Street Initiative, 2 nd – Ebensburg Borough, 3 rd – The Ardmore Initiative, 4 th – Historic Kennett Square, 5 th – Oil City Main Street Program, 6 th – Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, 7 th – Building A Better Boyertown, 8 th – Kutztown Community Partnership, 9 th – Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp., and 10 th – Allentown-7 th Street.   The determining criteria measures program activity as reported annually by local Main Street Managers. Community revitalization organizations are then ranked from top to bottom, with the top performing program in each of the sixteen evaluated categories receiving a score of 1. This year there were 40+ community organizations eligible to be evaluated. The rankings across all of the categories are then tabulated and the organization with the lowest total number is the top performing program.   PDC, the coordinating program to the National Main Street Center for Main Street programs in Pennsylvania, is honored to see these downtowns acknowledged for the goals they have set, accomplished and in many cases, exceeded. Each community has also met the ten performance standards established by National Main Street Center to be a nationally accredited Main Street Program. These standards include topics such as training requirements, planning methods, and community involvement.   Founded in 1987, the mission of Pennsylvania Downtown Center is to build and support the capacity of local nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and individuals to enhance the overall well-being and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s communities. For more information about the accredited communities or the Main Street program, contact Maria Wherley at (717) 233-4675 ext. 116 or email.   Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Inc. PO Box 1265 Harrisburg, PA 17108 (717) 233-4675

For the Dawgma team, it is on to Seneca, NJ in two weeks and then hopefully off to the Mid-Atlantic Robot Championships Recently they performed in the Westtown Competition. Dawgma went on to place 11th in overall ranking, and captained the 7th alliance into the Quarterfinals. Thanks to the efforts of their Safety Captain, they were awarded the Industrial Safety Award for  safety practices at the competition. more They also won the Engineering Inspiration award, the second most prestigious award in FIRST, given to teams that inspire STEM in their community in innovative ways, for outreach programs including a robotics class at Judith Creed Homes for Adult Independence (JCHAI) that teaches adults with developmental disabilities, and their partnership with ProjectHOME, which serves homeless youth in an effort to break the cycle of poverty. We are proud to support Dawgma! Dawgma and its parent organization of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) share the goal of changing the culture that surrounds STEM. By attending their competitions like you would any sports event, you are helping them create a culture that loves and respects science. Their mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Learn more about FIRST Robotics here: http://www.midatlanticrobotics.com Image via Pixabay

Ardmore, Pennsylvania, one of the towns that make up the Philadelphia countryside, is a charming community with love for art, music, and culture. Given that fact, it's no surprise that the Ardmore Music Hall is a draw for Philadelphia residents, Ardmore natives, and visitors from all up and down the east coast. At any given time, there are tons of exciting, interesting, or fun shows taking place — finding an act that's worth traveling for isn't difficult. See Splintered Sunlight in February The Ardmore Music Hall often attracts cover bands or tribute bands, and the locals love it. Splintered Sunlight is a Grateful Dead tribute band, and Deadheads from all over are sure to descend on the venue. If you're eager to hear the whimsical but meaningful lyrics and riffs made famous by Jerry Garcia, you'd better plan your trip while tickets are still available. more Come See Control for Smilers Toward the end of February, Control for Smilers has plans to roll into Ardmore. As any Phish fan already knows, this is a Phish tribute band well-known for singing the iconic band's biggest hits, as well as their sleeper favorites. This is a fun three-for-one show, as the opening acts include both The Space Cats and Bazmati Vice. Pay Homage to the Allman Brothers In late March, Butch Trucks intends to rock Ardmore's socks off. Butch Trucks was the drummer for the Allman Brothers. He's coming to town with his new band, The Freight Train, and the scuttlebutt says that they intend to play all of your favorite Allman Brothers songs, not to mention tons of other favorite covers from similar bands. Midnight North featuring Grahame Lesh is the opener. Join the Ardmore Music Club If you're a music-lover, maybe it's in your best interest to join the music hall's official Music Club. As a member, you receive discounts on tickets, advance announcements about new lineups, alerts for approaching sellouts, and even Ardmore Music Hall merchandise. The level of membership you choose offers special deals, as well. For example, Ambassador Level members have the chance to snag autographed posters and complimentary seating, plus they don't have to pay ticket fees. Host Your Own Event The Ardmore Music Hall opens its doors for private events, too. It's an excellent venue for events such as bat mitzvahs and bar mitzvahs, birthday parties, weddings, galas and fundraisers, corporate events, and film screenings. You can even throw parties before or during concerts that are already taking place, but you don't have to plan your event in conjunction with a planned event. The hall also offers optional amenities, such as catering and access to event staff, including lighting technicians and security. Since the venue has two floors, a stage, and a full bar, it goes without saying that you can host a massive event. Ardmore Music Hall is practically a one-stop shop for local events, concerts, and private parties. This is a place where the community can come together for fun and enjoyment, not to mention its ability to draw visitors from nearby cities and even other states. What concert are you dying to see? Image via pixabay

Appropriately dubbed the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia is the perfect place to rekindle romance. From cultural sites to intimate and cozy eateries to outdoor attractions to other swoon-worthy places, if you're looking to put a little spark back into your relationship this Valentine's Day, look no farther than Philadelphia. And we're here to help. You can plan to have the ultimate romantic day by following our guide below. Explore the City Philadelphia is home to a variety of romantic excursions that are perfect for you to explore with your Valentine. Here you can spend a sunset evening at a waterfront attraction, ice skate underneath the stars at one of the city's pop-up winter skating rinks, or take a guided tour throughout the city. No matter what you choose to do, capture the moment with pictures (they do say a picture is more worth a thousand words). If you're planning on a whole day excursion, try creating a scavenger hunt and have your Valentine "guess" what activity you'll do next. Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Dining There is nothing wrong with celebrating the most romantic day of the year at one of the city's most intimate and romantic restaurants. From French fare to Mexican to Italian to tapas, Philadelphia is home to over 35 restaurants all serving up romantic meals on Valentine's Day. So whether you're a brunch or lunch couple, tantalize your senses by sharing a meal together. Get in Touch With Your Wild Side Who doesn't love a trip to the zoo? This Valentine's Day weekend, celebrate your love with love-themed, family friendly activities at the Philadelphia Zoo. It's during this weekend that guests can take a tour to see all of the zoo's famous animal couples. Discover Your Inner van Gogh Philadelphia's Art After 5 weekly Friday after-hours party gets romantic for February 14 th. At this exclusive event you'll hear the Calabash Quartet serenade you and your sweetheart with a variety of love songs. To top off this romantic evening at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Granite Hill will offer a fixed price mouth-watering French menu that's—of course—romance inspired. Following that cultural event, you can choose to spend your Saturday at the Penn Museum, which offers Valentine-related programming for guests of all ages. Spend your lunch listening to an all-flute pop-up concert or create love notes using Egyptian hieroglyphs. For an experience that's a little more intimate, stop by the provocative SEX exhibit which showcases the history of sex in 30 objects. Chocolate and Pottery Kick off Valentine's Day weekend at The Clay Studio. Hosting a chocolate tasting on Thursday, it's here where couples can sample sweets and learn all about the making of chocolate. Friday's event features champagne, wine, mood music, and light fares. And there you have it: some of our top picks for Valentine's Day events in Philadelphia. Tell us: What are you planning for this Valentine's Day? Image via Pixabay

Psychology Today says shopping is an effective way to reduce stress and build confidence. Dressing for success is often suggested among professionals. For many others, outward appearance correlates with internal harmony and happiness. Shoppers can meet friends and connect while browsing through stores and may even burn a few calories along the way. No matter which way you look at it, shopping is a good thing if the funds are available. Those who are looking to test out these age-old theories can find plenty of popular shopping destinations in the Ardmore area. Doctor's Orders One popular destination well aligned to evaluate this theory is Suburban Square. It is a popular space located at Anderson and Coulter Avenue. This diverse space features top retailers like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Sephora, and the GAP. It also offers an assortment of fresh foods within its Farmers Market. Visitors can enjoy seafood, produce, baked goods, and sushi in this authentic market. There's nothing like a few hours of shopping coupled with a pleasant lunch nearby. In fact, Suburban Square has been in the business of delivering retail therapy for quite some time. It opened in 1928 as one of the earliest shopping centers in the country. It is a unique space that also includes several businesses and boutiques, in addition to Soul Cycle's indoor bicycling facility. The hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Sunday. Hours are extended to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. more Soothing Design Shoppers who are interested in an awe-inspiring experience and creative wear might enjoy Past Present Future. This shop located at 15 W Lancaster Avenue features frames, jewelry, ceramics, wearable art, and glass works. They can even design custom pieces for those who are looking for a way to stay stress-free. What better relief than a one of a kind necklace personalized for that special someone? The store hours are Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Prescription for Fun One visit to PucciManula and visitors will surely feel uplifted and contented. Upon entering this retail destination, shoppers will be astounded by dangling Giraffes and massive Teddy Bears. This is not your average toy store. It is a fun way to shop, while sparking the kid within. Classic books, timeless toys, and handcrafted jewelry items are just a few of the great things shoppers might find here. Only Scrooge himself would find a reason to be unenthusiastic about this form of retail therapy. Beat the Blues Whether browsing for top brands or attempting to find inspiration, it is all readily available in Ardmore. The Suburban Square offers a dynamic architectural setting and retailers that are widely popular. Shoppers can also catch a workout or a lunch afterward. Past Present Future might temp a little craftiness and rouse creativity, which are both ways to beat the blues. In the event of an emotional catastrophe, PucciManula can surely transform a bad day. Ardmore offers plenty of options for shoppers looking to test these theories. There are many great retailers in the area. Image via Pixabay

It is apparent that the winter season has officially arrived when the temperatures drop and it takes a little more time to warm the car in the mornings. Many families prepare for the season by going coat shopping, winter-proofing their homes, and pulling their sweaters out of storage. For singles, the preparations might involve a few extra blankets and a Netflix subscription. Although the weather change requires certain preparations, cold weather doesn't necessarily mean that everyone is forced to stay in. In fact, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities near Ardmore, Pennsylvania. 1. Say Hello to Santa There is no better way to celebrate the season than a visit with Santa. The Ardmore fire company hosts an annual tree lighting each year. This year's event will take place on Saturday, November 26 th from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can expect an assortment of smiles, holiday cheer, arts and crafts, and entertainment all within the Suburban Square courtyard at Anderson and Coulter Avenue. more 2. Shopping for Unique For those seeking unique items to decorate their homes or one of a kind gifts, the award-winning Clover Market is a top choice. Each year, the market hosts incredible events where authentic vendors can present merchandise. Visitors can find a large variety of cool items like creative art, handmade jewelry, distinctive clothing, and home décor. They can also enjoy a few fun activities for the kids. The winter market takes place in January at the 23 rd Street Armory. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3. Something Brew What better way to warm those cold toes and fingers than beer? The Winter Beer fest happens each year just in time. On November 26, those with an acquired taste for bubbly beverages can enjoy a wide assortment of cold brews for under $50. There's also huge assortment of food and gift items available during two session from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 9 p.m. Last year's list included Weyenbacher, Forgotten Boardwalk brewing, and Susquehanna brewing. 4. The Scenic Route Valley Forge National Historic Park is another great way to kick off the season. Those who love the outdoors can enjoy over 60 miles of terrain fit for bike riding or casual strolls. They can also learn a little history while they are there. One of the parks most memorable events during the winter is the March in of the Continental Army that takes place on December 19. This occasion is marked by a night time camp simulation and a visit by General Washington. The Park is conveniently accessible from I-75 or I-95. Whether visiting the Ardmore area or making long-term relocation plans this winter, everyone can find a reason to get out and enjoy the season. Singles can take a long walk at the historic park nearby or taste test various brews of beer at the Winter Beer Fest. Families can browse unique offerings or take photos with Santa Claus. The list continues. There is always something to do in this town and winter is just the right time to put on a coat, boots and a scarf and head outdoors. Image via pixabay

On October 25 th 2016, Ardmore Toyota, Central City Toyota and the Enterprise Center hosted a Halloween Harvest at the Max Paul Park & Walnut Hill Community Garden. Children from all over the local area came to the Harvest for pumpkin painting, spider making, face painting and fun fall lawn games! Healthy and delicious snacks such as carrots & hummus, ginger snaps, popcorn and green smoothies were available for the kids to try and enjoy. Locals musicians also came around and shared their music with the community. A fun time was had by all! The Halloween Harvest was a great way to initiate autumn! We look forward to the next holiday inspired event at the Max Paul Park & Walnut Hill Community Garden, presented by Ardmore & Central City Toyota and the Enterprise Center and invite you to come around and enjoy the festivities!

Ardmore Toyota is celebrating Show Your Stripes Day! October 14 th is the big Show Your Stripes day - this campaign is a great way to show community goodwill, support an amazing cause, and garner much-needed funds and awareness for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Participating is easy. On Friday, October 14th, wear your red and white striped items in support of the Ronald McDonald House families. Then post your best photos by tagging the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House (@philarmh) and using the hashtags #ShowYourStripes and #MyPRMH. Everyone at our Ardmore Toyota location will be showing our stripes! We also invite you to join us at 12:20pm at the Philadelphia Art Museum for the “largest Show Your Stripes photo ever”! Friends and families are all welcome to join us!