All Things PHILLY PEN SHOW - Jan 2023

[Kolagnostos]

The Philly Pen Show is only five weeks away and I'm thinking of going. Have attended once before. A novice, but am due to enjoy the buzz of show. —Are you attending the show? January 13-15th

 

Show:

https://phillypenshow.com/

 

Exhibitors:

https://phillypenshow.com/exhibitors/

 

Schedule:

https://phillypenshow.com/info/schedule/

 

Tickets:

https://phillypenshow.com/attendee-info/

 

Location:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sheraton+Philadelphia+Downtown/@39.9549701,-75.175521,14.91z/data=!4m16!1m7!3m6!1s0x89c6c632880cc80d:0x822a9fbfdcd7a946!2s201+N+17th+St,+Philadelphia,+PA+19103!3b1!8m2!3d39.9570991!4d-75.1670329!3m7!1s0x89c6c63287d90f09:0xfd16cfb6dbdc275b!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d39.957391!4d-75.1672683

 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/phillypenshow/?hl=en

(They need to beef this up...)

 

Images are from Jan 2020, before the craziness....

[inkstainedruth]

I've never been to that show.  For me, the issue would be driving across the PA Turnpike in January, with the potential of bad weather (and the other option, US 30, is even MORE treacherous in bad weather).  The other option would be to take the train, which is MUCH longer time-wise, and I'd still have to figure out how to get to the site from the Philly Amtrak station.  Plus, I hate and despise Amtrak with a passion, from experiences I've had in the past (we actually looked into Amtrak one time a few years ago, when I wasn't supposed to do car trips with a bad back -- and it wasn't any cheaper than FLYING to the East Coast).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[whichwatch]

I would think seriously about it, but their site shows less than 24 dealers confirmed.  Unless that grows appreciably, I'm afraid it's not worth the trip for me.

[Tripletrouble]

I am seriously considering going, especially since I didn't make it to a single show in 2022.  I'm in NYC so its 90 minutes either by Amtrak or driving.  Even if the number of vendors don't increase significantly over the next few weeks, I'm def in a bit of w/d and would look to go for at least one day, barring any significant weather that would make it unsafe. 

[Kolagnostos]

The temps for Philly Pen Show tell to be 40ºish. Partly sunny. That's an improvement from a week ago that told of a total weekend-washout. My thoughts are to get out while one can before snow forces us all indoors.

[alkman]

On 12/8/2022 at 5:48 PM, inkstainedruth said:

I've never been to that show.  For me, the issue would be driving across the PA Turnpike in January, with the potential of bad weather (and the other option, US 30, is even MORE treacherous in bad weather).  The other option would be to take the train, which is MUCH longer time-wise, and I'd still have to figure out how to get to the site from the Philly Amtrak station.  Plus, I hate and despise Amtrak with a passion, from experiences I've had in the past (we actually looked into Amtrak one time a few years ago, when I wasn't supposed to do car trips with a bad back -- and it wasn't any cheaper than FLYING to the East Coast).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

Ruth, depending on where you are coming from, Greyhound does a tolerable job of getting folks around the state. My daughter trekked home from State College using the buses over the holiday break. It's been a long time since I drove the turnpike...and I share your distaste for it

 

Unfortunately the buses from 30th Street Station are few to the Pen Show venue. The closest is the 49 bus which will drop a few blocks away near the Barnes Museum/Free Library. Otherwise there are always cabs and rideshares. The cabs are often cheaper than the app-based rides. And if you get a cabbie who claims to take only cash they are BSing you--get their number and call the Philadelphia Parking Authority who oversees the cabs.

 

Cheers and I hope you make it!

[inkstainedruth]

It's unlikely I'm going to make it.  Even if I DID take Greyhound, it's still a many hour trip to Philly from Pittsburgh, and in the wintertime.  

I've driven on the Turnpike and US 30 (and, for that matter, I-80 -- and, most recently -- on US 22) in the wintertime, and in bad weather at that. And having almost been involved in a major accident on black ice in the Laurel Highlands just a couple of weeks ago (where, fortunately, the person who learned to drive in Albany, NY was behind the wheel)? I'll pass....  

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Kolagnostos]

Philly weather is looking good for this weekend. For those who make it, enjoy it!

[inkstainedruth]

Oh it's this weekend?  No, definitely not going.  Prior commitment (including my choir performing -- which is going to be fun in a room full of people in masks -- including us....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Kolagnostos]

Realized today that I’m off for Dr Martin Luther King Jr day on Monday, making a Sunday visit a superb idea. 

[JCC123]

Went on Saturday from NYC. Took the Flixbus which was inexpensive as well as speedy. Got there in under 2 hours. I made a day trip and returned in the evening. I would do it again next year.

 

The crowd definitely peaked around early afternoon. There were plenty of sellers/displays as well as nib misters around to work on any new acquisitions. I almost bought some pens but held back as I'm trying to maintain my collection size. 

 

There were 2 large rooms of equal size. I took 2 photos. The first one was the entrance close to noon. The second one is of the other room at almost 4 when the crowd died down. Again, there were plenty of tables full of pens.