The long days of winter are on their way, bringing the season’s holidays along with the kind of chill that makes you grateful for a roaring fire. 

So our winter issue brings you plenty of ideas – and inspiration – for celebrating the season right here at home, and making the most of what our region has to offer. 

We can help whisk you away to any number of places to visit – starting with our own garden railway at Morris Arboretum, which is celebrating a milestone this year and winding up at FDR Park’s Tinseltown in Center City Philadelphia. Further afield, Winterthur is celebrating fashion with its holiday events this year while Longwood Gardens plans to summon memories of decades past. 

For those looking to spice up their usual winter workout routine, we present the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, where you can take on anything from learning how to swing in an aerial trapeze to walking a tightrope – whether or not you consider yourself an athlete. 

We take you inside architect Louis Kahn's magnificent Esherick House with owners Dan Macey and Paul Savidge. You’ll learn the story behind their fateful decision to buy this iconic property – and everything that came along with it. 

Artist Kiki Gaffney’s newest work, inspired by her long hikes in the Wissahickon, brings fresh focus to fungi – an overlooked yet fundamental part of our “beautifully chaotic” world. 

 For a delicious dose of history, we serve up the origins of a forgotten Philadelphia specialty - catfish and waffles. This now obscure dish was once so popular that eateries like the Old Catfish and Coffee House were named after it. Transport yourself back to the era when catfish from the Schuylkill River could be caught and cooked within hours.

Finally, we give you some distinctive holiday shopping ideas with a round-up of craft exhibits that feature local artisans. 

As 2023 draws to a close, we hope this issue provides some holiday cheer and fresh perspectives to brighten the days ahead.

Carla Robinson