While not known for its steakhouses, Philadelphia does have a number of fine restaurants that serve excellent steaks. In fact, several of these restaurants are as good as you're likely to find in cities such as Chicago, Kansas City or New York. Check out our picks for the Top Philadelphia Steakhouses. Do you agree with our picks? Let me hear from you in our comments section.

Philadelphia's Kelly Drive stretching from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the Twin Bridges near Manayunk, is one of the most scenic spots in the Greater Philadelphia / South Jersey area. On one side it is bordered by the Schuylkill River where, on any day, you can see crew teams practicing on the water. On the other side it is bordered by Philadelphia's beautiful Fairmount Park. This is the perfect time of year to take a walk along the river and see all of the beautiful plants and trees in bloom. View our Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River Photos.

By the end of the week all of the local schools we be off for the summer. There's no better time than summer to spend time with the whole family in the U.S.A.'s most historic city, Philadelphia. Parents are sure to have lots of questions. What are the best things to see and do? When is the best time to avoid the crowds? What is there to do in the evening? What’s the best way to stay cool? Are there any good hotel deals? In this feature we offer some answers to common questions about visiting Philadelphia in the summer. Get our Insider Tips For Family Fun In Philadelphia This Summer.

Schools are out and summer officially arrives next week. For thousands of residents of the Greater Philadelphia / South Jersey area that means it's time for the shore. From Barnegat Light to Cape May, locals will be flocking to the beach for a quick weekend away from home or a week's vacation. Each town has its own personality, but all share the same things - the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches and that salty air that reminds us all of childhood summers at the shore.Everybody has their favorite South Jersey seashore. What's yours? Cast you vote for your favorite South Jersey Seashore and then, please, tell us why you like your choice in our comments section.

So what's your favorite South Jersey Seashore?

• Long Beach Island
• Brigantine
• Atlantic City
• Ventnor/Margate/Longport
• Somers Point
• Ocean City
• Sea Isle City
• Avalon/Stone Harbor
• The Wildwoods
• Cape May

View Poll Results

Remember to tell us what you like so much about your choice in our comments section.

Lights of Liberty, producers of the Lights of Liberty Show and a variety of historical and patriotic events, is putting out a regional All Points Bulletin for this year’s Teen Idol Search for the Greatest God Bless America. An audition for amateur singers between the ages of 13 and 17 is being held on Saturday, June 24th at the PECO Energy Liberty Center at 6th and Chestnut Streets. The registration deadline is June 21st at 5:00 p.m.

I covered last year's final competition at Independence Mall and the quality of the finalists was fantastic. Last year's winner was Ariadni Sade Lopez, then 17. The runner-up was Luis Figueroa-Roig, then 15. You can read all about last year's competition and then find out more about how to enter for this year. Read more...

I'm sure we all remember the nights when one of our parents told us a story as we laid in bed. Most of us remember sitting with a grandparent or elderly aunt or uncle hearing stories from the family's past when he or she was young. Storytelling has always been an important part of our lives and now the art of storytelling has returned for a second year to Philadelphia's historic district with the Memorial Day weekend start of Once Upon a Nation. Find out more about Once Upon a Nation and see what's new for the summer of 2006.

Photo: Storyteller K. Ciapa with a Group of People
Photo Courtesy of Once Upon a Nation

The 31st annual Odunde (pronounced oh-dune-day) Festival takes place this weekend in Philadelphia. Odunde is a celebration of traditional African-American culture, and this year the festival expands from a one day to become a three-day series of events.

The festival, whose concept originates from the Yorba people of Nigeria, West Africa, celebrates the coming of another year for African Americans and Africanized people around the world. Read more...

Those of you, like my wife Eileen, can revel in your "Swissness" and reconnect with your Swiss roots at the National Constitution Center from Saturday, June 10, 2006 - Friday, June 30, 2006. The Swiss Federal Charter - the Bundesbrief - the Swiss Confederation's 715-year-old founding document, will be displayed outside Switzerland for the first time in history. The Bundesbrief of 1291 is Switzerland's declaration of Independence. It is being brought to the United States by Swiss Roots.

The official Opening Celebration is at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10th and will be attended by Swiss President Arnold Koller. There will be lots of attractions and activities all day long. Read more...

Mary Wilson, Damon Wayans, the O'Jays, Frank Sinatra Jr, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin and Johnny Mathis are just a few of the great entertainers who will be headlining shows at the Atlantic City Casinos in June 2006. Find out who's performing, where and when in our Guide to Atlantic City Casino Headliners in June 2006.

As most of you have probably heard, Eric Gregg died last night at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood. He had suffered a massive stroke at his Ardmore home on Sunday morning and the prognosis was not good. Gregg was only 55 year old. Most of us will remember Eric for his time as a Major League umpire. I'll also remember Eric for the other ways that he reached out and touched the people of his hometown, Philadelphia. Read my Memories of Eric Gregg.

Photo: Eric Gregg at Wing Bowl 14, January 2006.
Photo by John Fischer

Share your thoughts and memories of Eric Gregg in our Comments.