Area enjoys April in January

January 8, 2008 Visitors were flocking to the Philadelphia zoo, as bright sunshine and a mild breeze made this January day feel more like early May.

"We've been here when it's cold and freezing, and you have the whole zoo to yourself, but today we have company," Patti Coney of Springfield, Pa said.

"It's real nice out today so we came out to see the zoo," Brian Flory said.

The zoo has been setting its admission according to the weather, 3 dollars, for the 30s, 4 dollars for the 40s, and on Tuesday, it was 6 dollars for the 60s.

It isn't often when one gets to eat lunch outside in January, but that's exactly what was going on in Rittenhouse Square and at restaurants near the square.

"The weather's warm enough [to] come out and have a little lunch," Al Cooper of Yeadon, Pa said.

"It's just great. Next week, it'll be in the 30s and we won't be out here," Bill Algeo of Boothwyn, Pa said.

Anyone who plays golf got a real bonus Tuesday, too.

At Pennsauken Country Club, tee times were booked from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.. Officials say that's unheard of for January.

Brian Kearney got out work early to play around.

"This is beautiful. January 8th, can't be it. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Kearney said.

At the Jersey shore, it was a lot cooler, but still beautiful enough to enjoy Ocean City's boardwalk and even get in some beach time. Some drove down from the Pennsylvania suburbs just to take advantage of the shore in January.

"Our two boys love the beach and it was such a warm, beautiful day, we just couldn't pass up the sunshine," Audrey Hoyt of Coatesville said.

The taste of spring in winter won't last long, however, as there is a whole lot of winter left.