Beans, Bikes and Blooms

04/04/2024

America's Garden Capital keeps growing.

03/04/2024

🚴‍♂️Gear up for an unforgettable journey from Center City Philadelphia to Philadelphia's Garden District of Chestnut Hill.

Pedal from the Rocky Steps past picturesque Boathouse Row, along serene trails that weave through tranquil parks. Stop at charming cafes and scenic spots along the way. Bike through Chestnut Hill's captivating avenues lined with historic homes as you escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Get ready to ride into the heart of one of Philly's most enchanting neighborhoods? Click the link for your guide to biking from Philadelphia to Chestnut Hill. 🚴‍♀️

Enjoy biking from Philadelphia to Chestnut Hil, passing Boathouse Row, and through the Wissahickon Valley. Click now for directions and details.

01/04/2024

🌷🌆 Uncover Philadelphia’s Best-Kept Secret: The Garden District! 🌆🌷

Journey into the heart of Philadelphia’s Garden District, a vibrant enclave brimming with lush suburban gardens and floral delights that transform the cityscape into a canvas of colors and fragrances.

A serene retreat from the hustle and bustle, the Garden District promises an experience unlike any other.
Don’t let this urban oasis remain a secret! Click the link to the blog post and learn why Philadelphia’s Garden District is a must-visit.

👉 Discover the Philadelphia Garden District

https://beansbikesandblooms.com/philadelphia-garden-district/

30/03/2024

🌳✨ Ready for an escape that refreshes both mind and spirit? Dig into the Penn State Arboretum, a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility that promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Pennsylvania's Happy Valley.

Whether you're an avid gardener, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to relax, the Arboretum offers a diverse landscape of gardens, woodlands, and trails waiting to be discovered.

🌺🌲 Don't miss out on this gem in State College. Click the link for our guide to the Penn State Arboretum.

Explore Now👉

Ignite your curiosity at the Penn State Arboretum: A 350-acre oasis of diverse flora perfect for families, nature lovers, and researchers seeking an enriching experience.

28/03/2024

🌿 🌷Spring into the season with our guide to Philadelphia's most stunning botanical gardens! 🌸The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) has designated 38 of the best botanical gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes near Philadelphia as must-sees in "America's Garden Capital."
The region's botanical gardens are waiting to be explored, offering more than just a visual delight—they're a forum for relaxation, learning, and inspiration. Click the link to discover the region's best botanical gardens! 🌺🍃

From vibrant flowers to serene walking paths discover the beauty of Philadelphia's best botanical gardens and arboretums.

26/03/2024

Spring has sprung and the Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC is one of the early trees to herald the coming season. Cherry Blossom Watch (CBW) announced peak season had arrived on March 17th. This may have you thinking it's too late for a trip this year. But CBW announced yesterday that the blooms are holding up well.
Also, there are more than the famous Yoshino Cherry trees in the Capitol. There are 12 different types of trees including the Kwanzan Cherry Trees which bloom about two weeks later. Plus, the Cherry Blossom Festival continues until April 14th giving you plenty of time to visit the nation's Capital. Here's what you should know about the history of the Cherry trees in DC, what to expect, and the details on the festival.

Peak cherry blossom season in Washington DC can be hectic. Look here for help planning a day trip to see the cherry tree blooms in DC

03/03/2024

If you're planning to visit the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show (and you should) check out my tips for a successful visit. And if you can't make it but want to see what you're missing, read the article too. https://beansbikesandblooms.com/2024-philadelphia-flower-show/

Top tips for visiting the Philadelphia flower show and what to expect from the 2024 show "United by Flowers."

29/02/2024

🌸🎉 Discover a world "United by Flowers" at the 195th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show! 🌼🌿

📆Join us March 2-10 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for an unforgettable celebration🎉 of gardening, community, and creativity. This year, we're bringing together the most innovative minds in horticulture for stunning displays, educational sessions, and hands-on activities that showcase the beauty and impact of plants on our lives.

🎟 Tickets available now: starting at just $29.99.

Exciting New educational sessions and fun hands-on activities for all?

Introducing Know to Grow Educational Sessions: Elevate your gardening game with our new speaker series, covering everything from garden design to PHS programs. Free with admission!

Artisan Row: Create alongside artisans with expanded offerings including floral crowns, candles, handbags, and more. Purchase required.

🦋Butterflies Live!: Get up close with exotic butterflies in a vibrant, flowering habitat. Purchase required.

Kids Cocoon: A playful, educational space for our youngest guests with activities and a special Flower Show coloring book! Free with admission.

Don’t Miss Out On:

Bloom Bar & Cart: Snag a fresh floral crown and flaunt your floral best. Purchase required.

Potting Parties: Join Grammy® Artist Tu Bloom in fun, interactive gardening workshops. Purchase required.

Special Events: Enjoy Family Frolic, Fido Friday, and the glamorous Flowers After Hours dance party.

Exclusive Tours:
🌸🪷Behind the Blooms & Early Morning Tours: Get insider access to the making of the Flower Show and enjoy guided tours. Purchase required.

📷Guided Photography Tours: Capture the beauty of the show with expert tips from professional photographers. Purchase required.

🛍 Shopping Galore: Explore nearly 200 vendors at the Marketplace and meet local artists at the expanded Makers Market.

Experience the unity and beauty of the gardening world, learn from the experts, and enjoy activities that bring us all closer to nature. Let’s celebrate the power of flowers together! 🌺💫

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24/02/2024

🌺🎉 Get ready to explore the wonders of the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, "United by Flowers"? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has unveiled the top 11 must-see attractions that promise a day packed with floral splendor and family fun!

Here’s what you absolutely can't miss:

1. The PHS Entrance Garden: Step into a world of aquatic beauty and reflection, featuring the show's largest water display and aerial floral sculptures.

2. Celebrate the Region: Discover gardens inspired by local neighborhoods, showcasing the unique spirit of our community.

3. Burpee’s Pop-Up Shop: Chat with the experts, grab your free Burpee catalog, and shop exclusive seeds like the ‘United By Zinnias.’

4. Penn Museum – Ancient Food & Flavor: Get a taste of history with fascinating insights into ancient food and flavors.

5. Know to Grow: Elevate your gardening skills with free talks on a wide range of topics from design to houseplants.

6. PHS Hamilton Horticourt: Marvel at rare plants competing for blue ribbons in the nation's largest plant competition.

7. Botanical Art and Jewelry: Be inspired by the beauty of botanical-inspired artwork and jewelry.

8. The Plant People Place: Get answers to all your plant questions from gardening experts.

9. Kids Cocoon & Family Frolic: A haven of fun for the little ones with activities, story reading, and a special Flower Show coloring book. Don't miss Family Frolic on March 3rd for even more family-oriented activities!

10. Fido Friday: Bring your furry friend to experience the show together on March 8th, with pet-friendly activities and floral attire.

11. Shop Local: Support local artisans at Artisan Row and the Makers Market, featuring unique, handmade items perfect for gardening enthusiasts.

Plan your visit now by securing tickets at tickets.phsonline.org and immerse yourself in a world united by the love of flowers! 🌸💖

22/02/2024

🌸🌿 Discover the Uniting Power of Flowers at the 2024 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show! 🌿🌸

This year's "United by Flowers" theme brings together top landscape architects, garden designers, horticulturists, and florists from across the globe to create breathtaking exhibits that capture the essence of unity and connection.

🌊 The PHS Entrance Garden will enchant with its largest-ever water feature, vibrant floral sculptures, and an aerial floral masterpiece, blending bold angles with the colors of a serene tropical sunset.

🏙️ Celebrating local character, educational exhibitors will present exhibits inspired by the unique vibes of regional neighborhoods, from Roxborough's community spirit to South Philly's lively essence.

🌺 Newcomers like Kelly D. Norris with his "A Beautiful Disturbance" exhibit, Tissarose Floral's joyous gathering spaces, and the USGS Team's bee-friendly gardens will showcase innovative and ecological designs.

🔄 Returning favorites include Apiary Studio's unconventional landscapes, Black Girl Florists' community celebration, Jennifer Designs' floral United States map, and Robertson’s Flowers' geometric nature-inspired designs.

Join us to explore these immersive gardens and contribute to a greener, united community.

📍 For a glimpse into the genius behind the gardens, you will find a link in the comments.

15/02/2024

🌸🌿 Dive into a World United by Flowers at the 2024 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show! 🌿🌸

Celebrating its 195th year, the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is not just an event; it's a tradition that blooms with beauty, community, and the power of gardening. Renowned globally for its breathtaking displays, the show is the main fundraiser for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's greening initiatives advancing health and well-being across the region.

📅 Mark your calendars for March 2-10 and join us at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for an experience that promises to unite through the beauty of flowers. With tickets now available (starting at just $29.99), secure your spot to wander through stunning visual displays, participate in world-class plant competitions, and enjoy family activities, artisanal crafts, educational sessions, and curated shopping.

This year's theme "United by Flowers," showcases the ways we build community and celebrate together. According to Seth Pearsoll, the Creative Director and Vice President of the Flower Show, this year's event is all about shared experiences and creating celebratory spaces that bring us closer. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, a lover of beauty, or simply looking for a unique day out with loved ones, there's something for everyone.

🌺 By attending the Flower Show, you're not just witnessing the splendor of horticulture; you're actively contributing to a cause that touches lives. Each ticket helps PHS in its mission to plant trees, support neighborhood greening, improve access to fresh food, provide job training, manage public gardens, and connect people with the transformative power of gardening.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a community united by the love for flowers and gardening. Grab your tickets now and be part of a movement that grows beauty, health, and connection. Link in comments.

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07/12/2023

Places to go, Things to Do and people to see to find the Christmas Magic. Santa Trains, light displays, weekend getaways

07/12/2023

Sharing my latest article for Extended Weekend Getaways. https://issuu.com/weekendermagazine/docs/wkrext-december2023
Jump to page 110 for my article "Old-Fashioned Christmas in Whitehaven"

If you like this monthly publication and want to read more from me and other top-notch travel writers then subscribe to Extended Weekend Getaways using the button on top right of website's home page. Include the code SUFE in the last line marked “favorite topic.”

Places to go, Things to Do and people to see to find the Christmas Magic. Santa Trains, light displays, weekend getaways

07/09/2023

Enjoy a self-guided bike ride along the Potomac River and through the streets of Arlington VA. Follow this itinerary and map to see the city's top sites as you've never seen them before.

Enjoy a delghtful self-guided bike tour along the Potomac River and through the streets of Arlington Virginia. Map included.

04/09/2023

Philadelphia is known as "America's Garden Capital." As such, any visit to Philly is not complete without a visit to at least one of these delightful garden venues. Here are some of the city's best gardens and arboretums to add to your itinerary.

From vibrant flowers to serene walking paths discover the beauty of Philadelphia's best botanical gardens and arboretums.

31/08/2023

Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the C and D Canal, a 14-mile waterway connecting the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. This recreational path parallels the shipping channel between the historic cities of Chesapeake City in Maryland and Delaware City in the First State. Read about these two great cities and plan a ride today.

Biking the C&D Canal Trail between the historic cities of Chesapeake City, MD and Delaware City, DE takes riders along the north side of the canal.

27/08/2023

Gardening can be frustrating, fun, hard, and humbling, But keep a sense of humor with this collection of funny quotes about gardening and gardeners, garden wisdom, and inspirational garden verses.

From quotes about weeds and deer to garden puns and jokes, we've gathered the funniest gardening quotes to get you through your next weeding session.

24/08/2023

Learning any new sport can be overwhelming and mountain biking is no exception. But with some basic skills and practice, you will be confidently shredding the gnar in no time. Look at these beginner-friendly tips to get started.

Unleash the thrill of mountain biking with these essential tips for beginners that will have you riding the trails with confidence in no time.

21/08/2023

Wilmington Delaware may not be on your radar but perhaps it should be. After all, Conde Nast Travel has it on their list of "23 Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2023." This delightful city offers arts and culture, outdoor adventures, kid-friendly activities, world-renowned garden estates, and more. See what makes Wilmington a place you need to visit.

Discover the best things to do in Wilmington, Delaware. From historic landmarks to outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone!

25/07/2023

Most people think New Jersey is an extension of New York City But if that's the case then why is it known as the "Garden State"? Learn why here and also find out why you should be visiting the "other" New Jersey.

New Jersey, the Garden State grows amazing fruits and vegetables supplying more than roadside farm stands. Click to discover the nickname's origin.

18/07/2023

The 14-mile (each way) C and D Canal Trail connecting the historic cities of Chesapeake City in MD and Delaware City in Delaware makes for a scenic ride.

Biking the C&D Canal Trail between the historic cities of Chesapeake City, MD and Delaware City, DE takes riders along the north side of the canal.

14/07/2023

For the Central PA parents raising strong girls.

14/07/2023

The Havre de Grace Promenade packs, history, culture, art, environmental learning, outdoor activities, and more into just under a mile set along the Susquehanna River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. Oh, and the views can't be beaten.

The Havre de Grace Promenade packs tons of things to do in under one-mile. Museums, history, wildlife and spectacular views are just the start.

11/07/2023

Regardless of what kind of riding you do, protecting your brain is critical. Don't let pulling your hair into a ponytail be your reason for not wearing a helmet. And don't let the cost be an excuse either. Today and Tomorrow are Amazon Prime Days. Use this guide to help you find the perfect helmet. It just might save your life.

If you wear a ponytail when biking then buying a ponytail-friendly bike helmet is the way to go. Here are the best ponytail bike helmets on the market .

11/07/2023

I'm looking at Prime Day Deals and as always there are some good ones. If I see any that I think might interest you lovely BBB enthusiasts, I will post them in the comments here.

Photo for attention

11/07/2023

If you've dreamed of owning an espresso machine but thought that they are a luxury you can do without, you might not realize that home machines are available in nearly every price range. And now (Amazon Prime Days, July 11 & 12) may be the perfect time to buy one.

Looking for the perfect espresso machine without breaking the bank? Check out our list of the best 13 espresso machines under $2000 for 2023!

11/07/2023

It's the first day of Amazon Prime Days. If you've been waiting to buy a smartwatch, today and tomorrow might be your opportunity to get a great deal. Here's our review of the 14 best smartwatches for MTB (or really any activity).

We've reviewed the best smartwatch for mountain biking at every price point, including Garmin, Polar, Samsung, Apple, and some you've never heard of.

10/07/2023

Amazon Prime Days start tomorrow. If you are in the market for a new Bike Pad for your Tailgate you might want to take a look at this article. I've done the research for you and with any luck what you need will be on sale July 11th and 12th.

Don't settle for a subpar tailgate pad for your bike. Check out our comprehensive review of the top 11 options available now.

10/07/2023

Join us where it all began in 1973 for the RAGBRAI Expo! Sioux City RAGBRAI

The RAGBRAI Expo features over 60 industry vendors, the RAGBRAI outlet tent, RAGBRAI official bike shops, food vendors, beer garden, and live entertainment! Kick-off the 50th with a day of entertainment capped off by the Spin Doctors!

More info: https://ragbrai.com/ragbrai-l-updates/