Here are some Thanksgiving items we spotted at airports this week. If you’re on the road or in the air, please travel safely.
Philadelphia International Airport
Museum Monday: PHL celebrates The Sound of Philadelphia
PHL exhibit honors Philadelphia International Records (PIR)
An exhibit celebrating and highlighting the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records (PIR), a record label dubbed āThe Sound of Philadelphia,ā is now on view at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), near Terminal A-East.
The label created by songwriting duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, along with collaborator Thom Bell, released hits by artists such as Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, The O’Jays, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.
Chuck Gamble, the nephew of PIR co-founder Kenny Gamble (first photo), was on hand for the ribbon-cutting, as was co-founder Leon Huff (below, in the checked shirt).
ROAM Fitness Beefing up with PHL Branch
Passengers at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) with extra time on their hands will soon be able to work out at the newest branch of ROAM Fitness.
The airport gym and shower facility concept currently has a branch at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) post-security by Gate D1.
The new branch at PHL aipport will feature 1,500 square feet of state-of-the-art cardio equipment, free weights and a cable system, and connected fitness machines with on-demand and live classes.
Stretching space with yoga mats and props, an infrared sauna, and private shower rooms with towel service and Malin+Goetz products are also planned.
Travelers will be able to access the gym with a day pass ($25/day) or via an annual membership ($35/month). Day passes can also be purchased in packets of 3 and 5 for $65 and $100, respectively.
Workout gear to borrow or buy
For those who aren’t traveling with workout gear, ROAM Fitness has complimentary loaner gear that includes Lululemon technical athletic apparel and Brooks running shoes. Travelers may also purchase new gear including Lululemon, Girlfriend Collective and Rhone apparel.
And for those who prefer to exercise in their own gear, ROAM will vacuum seal sweaty clothes so odors donāt permeate carry-on items.
Showers
At the BWI outlet, ROAM Fitness offers guests private shower rooms, bookable for 15-minute slots.
Private showers are planned for the PHL branch as well, along with an infrared sauna that uses light to create heat. Those visiting on day passes may book shower time at check-in. Annual members can reserve a shower or sauna 24 hours in advance.
As with its BWI location, flight information display boards at the PHL facility will help travelers can keep an eye flight schedules and changes.
Art scavenger hunt at PHL Airport
This summer, passengers at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) have a fun way to spend their dwell time, engage with art, and maybe win a prize.
In PHL’s Art Puzzle Challenge guests seated at the airportās large B-C food court will find tabletop decals with a scannable QR code. The code is also on B and C info counters and on 4 art exhibition locations.
The code first gives directions to puzzle 1, which is Kiki Aranitaās exhibition of re-created yarned snacks and sauces based on her Korean/Hawaiian heritage.Ā
In that first stop, players will be asked to find an object named after a Hawaiian island. (Hints are provided).
When that piece of the puzzle is completed, passengers are directed to the other three exhibitions and asked to locate an element of the art. When all 4 pieces of the puzzle are solved, passengers may submit their information online and receive a prize from PHL’s exhibition program: 6 artist-made pins that feature PHL and a selection of international destinations.
The art scavenger hunt kicks off Tuesday, May 31, and is designed by Eric Dale, who creates puzzle challenges for Philly street art. As the art exhibitions at PHL change, the puzzle challenge will be updated.Ā (Photos courtesy PHL Airport).
Airport Amenity of the Week: PHL flight pins
The Airport Amenity of the Week is Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) celebration of summer flights marked by a collection of artist-made pins.
We spotted them in a tweet a while back and admired them.
And PHL was kind enough to send a batch to Stuck at the Airport’s headquarters.
The package was larger than we thought. And we were pleased to see that not only are the pins larger than we thought – 2 inches across – but that there’s also a bright poster also celebrating the return of many European flights this summer between Amsterdam, Madrid, Athens, Rome, Dublin, Venice, and many other destinations.
It’s a great way to draw attention to the return of flights. A great new airport collectible. And a great way to support local artists and promote the airport.
So, we’ll declare this art, and the idea, the Airport Amenity of the Week.
Spot a cool new airport event, effort, or amenity? Nominate it for Airport Amenity of the Week by leaving a comment below.