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Philly Like a Local
Experience Philadelphia as its residents know and love it
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Delicacies abound at Di Bruno Bros.
Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
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Location:
Center City Philadelphia: Rittenhouse Square, Old City, Bella Vista and beyond
Transportation:
Foot, Cab, or Public Transit
Duration:
Two days and two nights
Every city has its hidden gems, but without a local guide, it can be tough to find them. Philly is no exception — in fact, this city is full of surprises you won’t find in the official guidebooks, like the vintage stores in Northern Liberties or the authentic Polish eateries of Port Richmond.
With this itinerary, you now have access to Philly as its residents know it: funky neighborhoods layered with hipster hangouts, stylish shops, offbeat galleries and other places to go — that is, if you’re in the know.
Stops on this itinerary were inspired by ideas from bloggers on local Philly blog uwishunu.com. Check it out for more ideas on how to see Philly "like a local."
Friday, Part 1
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First Friday gallery openings often pour out onto the streets of Old City
Photo by Bob Krist for GPTMC
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Old City
You may be a tourist but that doesn't mean you have to feel like one. Your Philly home base should be cozy and personal. Choose from Penn's View Hotel, a quaint inn overlooking the Delaware River, located in the heart of Old City, Washington Square's Morris House, a historic landmark hotel with a chic new restaurant, or the boutique-style Alexander Inn in Center City. All three include breakfast and wireless Internet access.
Once you've stashed your bags and consulted your maps, you'll be ready to explore the city like a local. First stop is First Friday in Old City. During this monthly party, the area's galleries open up their doors to the public beginning at 5 p.m. and offer free snacks and sips, live music and new installations.
You'll want to explore the 'hood by foot, spending most of your time in the blocks between Chestnut and Race and 3rd and Front Streets, where most of the art action is. There's always a good party at the Clay Studio, Temple Gallery and the Painted Bride Arts Center, but you may also want to check out the urban-inspired paintings and vinyl toys at Lineage Gallery.
Friday, Part 2
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Dinner at Lolita is sure to impress
Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
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Midtown Village
Next up is a jaunt through Midtown Village, the trendier-all-the-time neighborhood that consists of the blocks below Broad Street. Dinner is at Lolita, a contemporary Mexican bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) hotspot. Before hitting the restaurant, stop by the Wine & Spirit Store at 1218 Chestnut to pick up some tequila, which you can mix with fresh margarita mix provided by the restaurant.
Not feeling spicy? You can opt for delicious light fare and try out a new varietal at Vintage wine bar or chow down on sushi and sake-tinis at 1225 Raw.
Save room, though, because there’s great dessert to be had at Capogiro (artisanal gelato and sorbet made from local ingredients) and Naked Chocolate Café (just about anything you’d need to satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth cravings).
Saturday, Part 1
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Find foodie heaven at South Philadelphia's famous Italian Market
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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Bella Vista, Italian Market
Get your day of localness started with breakfast in Bella Vista, a neighborhood that’s pretty much redefined brunch in Philly. Morning Glory Diner’s biscuits and stewed apples are the stuff of foodie legend, while the unusual French toast and omelet specials at Sabrina's Café have people clamoring for a table every weekend.
If you’re looking for something even more exotic, go south to Carman’s Country Kitchen. This quirky hole-in-the-wall’s gracious hostess and namesake serves up off-road eats like alligator sausage and acorn squash pancakes.
With a full stomach, it will be much easier to browse the Italian Market and not drool over the prosciutto (Italian market peeps say pro-zhoot). This historic stretch of 9th Street is packed with outdoor produce stalls, sidewalk tables and full-scale shops.
Not to be missed are chowhound treasures like Fante’s Cookware, DiBruno Brothers’ cheese and specialty foods, Isgro’s cannolis and Talluto’s fresh pasta. Before you leave, stop into Anthony’s Italian Coffeehouse for a Gilda’s Biscotti (made locally) and a cappuccino to dunk it in.
Saturday, Part 2
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Closet Fever boutique and salon in Northern Liberties
Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
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Northern Liberties
Next, head north and, if you haven’t already done so, hit the ATM and get ready for some shopping in Northern Liberties. Many of the area’s stores are clustered along 2nd and 3rd Streets. You’ll find mid-century furniture at Vintage Modern, high-steppin’ footwear at Cheree Amour, fancy jeans at Denim Society, indie designer clothes and hipster accoutrements at the boutique/salon Closet Fever, Craft Mafia clothing and jewelry at Conspiracy Showroom, funky housewares and gifts at P.A.D. and vintage and retooled threads at Tolou.
Further north, in the Liberties Walk complex, are a slew of other spending possibilities: original handmade corsets, clothing and accessories at Delicious Boutique, chic jeans and tops at Zoey Boutique, new and used CDs and DVDs at Think Music, plus treats for your furriest friends at Chic Petique. At Art Star, a hybrid gallery-shop, browse the highbrow crafts, cute sweaters and one-of-a kind art objects, and before you leave the area, stop into the Brown Betty Dessert Boutique for a freshly baked cupcake. (The red velvet will blow your mind.)
When the stomach rumbles and all the price tags become a dizzying blur, it’s time for a lunch break. Fortunately, there are plenty of options nearby, like Deuce Restaurant and Bar, which has a full menu of gastropub sandwiches and salads, A Full Plate Cafe, a charming cafe with hearty American comfort food, Las Cazuelas, a top-notch Mexican restaurant on Girard Avenue, or Honey’s Sit ’n’ Eat, home to Southern Jewish comfort food (imagine the genius combination of latkes and chicken-fried steak).
Spend the rest of your afternoon a few blocks away at Yards Brewery, the city’s oldest brewery facility. Tour the facility and sample the liquid wares — all in the name of authentic Philly living.
Saturday, Part 3
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Visit Tacconelli's in Port Richmond for delicious brick-oven pizza
Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC
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Port Richmond, Fishtown
For dinner, keep it simple and hail a cab to Port Richmond’s famed Tacconelli’s, a BYOB serving what many consider the city’s best pizza. (Tip #1: It’s best to reserve your dough in advance. Tip #2: It’s cash only. Tip #3: Tacs sells pizza and pizza only.)
If you’re not in the mood for pizza, get a taste of the neighborhood’s local flavor at New Wave Café, a Polish bar and restaurant that cooks up authentic dishes like pierogi and stuffed cabbage.
After dinner, head back to Fishtown’s buzzing new rock venue Johnny Brenda’s for a few beers and the sounds of local and indie bands and DJs. From there, you can work your way south through Northern Liberties and conduct your own little bar crawl.
You can’t go wrong at Bar Ferdinand, a tapas spot with great cocktails and sangrias, N. 3rd, a cozy neighborhood hangout, and Standard Tap, a pub serving up a long list of local microbrews.
If you feel like shooting a little stick, ask a local how to get to Ministry of Information, a dive bar with two pool tables and a nostalgically ’90s jukebox. Or, settle into a couch at the 700 Club, a living room-like bar with indie and hip-hop DJs.
Sunday
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The Green Line Cafe is a charming stop on Baltimore Avenue
Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
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University City
After a long night on the town, there’s just enough time for one last great meal in Philly — this time in University City. The longstanding neighborhood favorite is the White Dog Café, known equally for its social activism and its mean Bloody Mary — which is the best way we can think of to bite the hair of last night’s dog.
Further out toward Clark Park and located in a recently restored historic storefront, the charming Green Line Café features organic gourmet coffee and tea, fresh baked goods, bagels and pastries, as well as sandwiches, salads and their own line of bottled sodas.
Or try an even better insiders' choice, Rx, a former pharmacy turned bistro that cooks up seasonal meals with ingredients from nearby farms. An omelet with Lancaster eggs and bacon will end your Philly weekend on the perfect note — it doesn’t get any more local than that.
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