Life in Suburbia: Fun Beyond the City Limits

We here at Phillyist know that a good portion of our readers may not reside within the limits of the City of Brotherly Love, and instead retreat to the pleasant confines of suburbia after a hard day's work. Rest assured, suburbanites! You are not alone, and Phillyist cares about your entertainment needs, too.

That's why we've decided to start a new weekly feature here at Phillyist, focusing on fun to be had outside city lines. We know the suburban music scene is thriving, and that some of the best dining in the region can be found where you least expect it. (Phoenixville's own Majolica, for example.)

The truth is that the Philadelphia suburbs are bustling with activity, and we believe that it's only fair to citydwellers and suburbanites alike, to tell you 'what's doing' in the suburbs. Come on. It's not that bad. Trust us. Some of us live there.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Keswick Theatre, Dec. 22, 8 PM.

Okay, okay, we know. It's not 1996 anymore, and we know Vince Vaughn looks like he's spent the intervening years doubling down on Quarter Pounders instead of elevens in Blackjack (and don't even start us wondering what happened to Jon Favreau), but just admit it—there was a time when you liked Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and their brand of a swinging good time. Join them at the Keswick for their Holiday show—at the very least, it has to be less scarring than Billy Idol's Christmas album.

Blue Friday at Vincent's in West Chester, Dec. 22 with Steve Guyger.

There can be blues in the suburbs, believe it or not, and every Friday, Vincent's in West Chester brings it to the masses. Join them for live blues and good food.

SONiA and disappear fear, Dec. 22, Steel City Coffeehouse, Phoenixville.

The Baltimore-based folk band comes to the Steel City Coffeehouse for a set of songs spanning more than sixteen years of material. $15 advance, $18 at the door.

Ice Skating at Longwood Gardens, Dec. 23, 5:45, 6:45 and 7:45 PM.

Amateur and professional figure skaters perform near Longwood's Chimes Tower. What more do you want? It's figure skating, and it's free with the price of admission. (Rabid fans of NBC's The Office/fans of a capella music take note: 'Here Comes Treble' will, no joke, be performing at Longwood at 7 and 8 PM. Fortunately or unfortunately, Ed Helms won't be along for the ride.)

Finally, Phoenixville will soon say goodbye to the historic Vale-Rio Diner, (pictured) as the land on it has been sold. Soon enough, the diner will be replaced by a Walgreen's and a Starbucks. We may live in suburbia, but suburban progress doesn't always make us happy.

As with every other feature on Phillyist, we expect 'Life in Suburbia' to evolve and change. Let us know what you'd like to see included, or if you'd like to suggest some suburban hotspots in your neck of the woods for us to check out. We're always interested in hearing from you.

Photo by Flickr user MikeWebKist