Exploring Our City

We have really loved having the opportunity to travel as much as we have this summer but I realized on the flight home this afternoon that because we are never in Philly, we don’t know the city! 

US Airways Magazine

I try to read the US Airways magazine every month because it does a nice job of highlighting cities and I am always looking to plan our next trip. I was excited to see that the October magazine includes a ten page spread highlighting “Philly’s cool neighborhoods.” Not only did the article feature Graduate Hospital and all the great things to see and do, it also featured the other South Philly neighborhoods that we have yet to explore! The article also included a link to Visit Philly, which breaks down each neighborhood and everything there is to see and do.

I have to be honest with myself and admit that this goal will be hard for me since I eat out all week and want nothing more than a home cooked meal on the weekends. In an attempt to find a balance, I will try to switch out the weekends by choosing between a new restaurant, exploring a new neighborhood, getting drinks at a new bar, going to a museum, and, the easiest, shopping. Below are a few highlights from each of the neighborhoods I would like to try:

 

Resurrection Ale House for the famous twice fried chicken and 12 beers on Tap

Grace Tavern for the craft beer and spinach and feta sausage sandwich

Bob and Barbara's for the $3.50 Citywide Special - a shot of Jim Beam and a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon

The Igloo for a salted caramel gelato

Ultimo for a coffee ranked No. 1 by the Daily Meal

Bloktoberfest is in two weeks, with proceeds supporting local charities and programs!

And after we have done all that eating, take a stroll in Madison Square or St. Alban's Place.

Urban Jungle will inspire me to deck out our house with balcony-, roof-, and window-friendly containers and plants.

Green Aisle Grocery for local produce and home-made jellies

Marra's Cucina Italiana for brick-oven pizza

Pat's and Geno's for my very first Philadelphia cheesesteak

Cantina Los Caballitos for mahi-mahi tacos and a tequila flight

Will BYOB to reminisce about my time in Paris

The Pub on Passyunk East (P.O.P.E.) to sample their 70-beer list

Finally, every second Saturday of every month East Passyunk Avenue businesses host sales, specials, openings and exhibits.

The ten block Italian Market is one of the largest and oldest open-air market in the nation

Ralph's is the oldest family-owned restaurant in the U.S.

Villa Di Roma won't disappoint for some old-school Italian fare

Bibou and Cochon for a French BYOB experience

Isgro Pastries for rum cake and cannoli

Hawthorne's for a 64oz growler of craft beer to go

Claudio Specialty Foods for gourmet fromaggio and cured meat

Fante's Kitchen Shop for a toy for my new kitchen :)

Bus Stop Boutique for beautiful shoes

Decades Vintage to get my thrift shopping on

Bistrot La Minette for dinner around a farmhouse dining table created from the building's 130 year old beams

Southwark for seasonal fare of artisan cheeses, house-made charcuterie, fruit, nuts, olives and bread

Famous Fourth Street Delicatessen for mammoth-size omelets and matzo balls

Home to the Mummer's museum, dedicated to the 10,000 mummers that strut down Broad Street on New Year's Day

Federal Donuts for the infamous dozen donuts or twice-fried chicken

A picnic in Dickinson Square which is three acres of greens, trees, basketball courts, and a playground

Gooey Looie's for a hoagie to go

Front Street's Rizzo rink for ice skating with my lova

All of these wonderful places all within a 15 minute walk of our house! This is why I love living in a city.. I can't wait to explore!