Exploring Old City

This week, one of my best friends from college, Sharyn is visiting me. So far, we've had a blast exploring my neighborhood. As the weather has gotten nicer, I've found myself getting out more often and exploring all of the great things Old City has to offer. So in honor of the wonderful neighborhood I've come to love, I've decided to post my top ten favorite spots in Old City. In no particular order because that would involve WAY too much thought.

The Book Trader- This is possibly the most awesome used book shop ever. It has long been a Philly favorite for me. I recently discovered that the wonderful store down the street from me was previously located on South Street, where it was probably one of my favorite stores to visit in the city. I just rediscovered a classic. The Book Trader is filled to overwhelming with books making it both thrilling and frightening at times. Check it out for yourself in Lauren Graham's upcoming movie, The Dream of the Romans.

Franklin Fountain- This ice cream shop is my new favorite place to take friends and visitors. It's decked out like a classic soda fountain, right down to the working old style phone and cash register. Best of all, the ice cream is delicious and unique (yay for green tea!). They also have all the old classics like malts, egg creams, and phosphates. And they're open till midnight on the weekends. Everything the discerning urban ice cream eater could ever want.

Christ Church- Founded in 1695, this church is well...old. The current building was begun in 1744. I can see the steeple, which made Christ Church the tallest building in America for something like 60 years, from the windows in my apartment. Christ Church is like living history. See the pews of Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, George Washington, or one of countless other historical figures who attended here. Touch the almost 600 year old baptismal font where William Penn was baptized which is still in use today. Or just attend a Sunday service to take in the beauty of the colonial architecture while listening to the majestic sounds of the organ and congregational singing. Every time I see this building, it makes my heart feel light.

Kabul Restaurant- Now that I've tried Afghan cuisine, I can't get enough! With an extensive menu, quiet dining room, and decent service, Kabul keeps me coming back for more. So far, I've eaten here 4 times and everything I've tried has been amazing. If you haven't tried Afghan food, go out and find some today!

Old City Cheese Shop- After walking by this place at least a 100 times, I finally stopped in today for lunch. To my utter delight, we entered down a strange indoor hallway only to arrive in the most lovely little courtyard in Old City. It's located behind the shop with its own street entrance so you have to keep your eyes out for it. But if you do, a treasure awaits you. The patio is completely shaded by a beautiful, tall tree. The courtyard is further enhanced by a softly trickling fountain and some potted plants. If that wasn't enough to convince, the food was fabulous. And they have something like 70 varieties of cheese for your post-lunch shopping pleasure. They also do brunch on the weekends, an all-you-can-eat pasta night, and late night movies in the courtyard.

The Ritz Theaters- Listing this as one is kind of cheating because there are actually 3 Ritz Theaters within 3 blocks of my apartment. But they are generally the same idea. Small theaters show indie and art films for significantly less then the nearby megaplex. Can't beat it. Another thing I've been meaning to do forever and finally did today. We saw In Brogues, which I highly recommend anyway. I think I'll definitely be making more frequent visits.

Scarlett Alley- Despite its pushy sales people, this quirky little shop is a must see. It's full of interesting home goods, accessories, kids stuff, clothing, jewelery, and toiletry items. I would be thrilled to own everything and anything from the store. My all time favorite items in the store are the Bamboo Dreams collection. You've got to feel it to believe it.

Tartes- A pink concrete box never held such delectable goodness. This bakery is probably one of the smallest structures in Old City but somehow still manages to whip out pastries that could make your knees quiver. Just step up to the window, reminiscent of an ice cream stand at the shore, and place your order. In no time, your mouth will be watering. There is no inside and no seating outside which is disappointing, but since it's only half a block away, I don't have far to go before I can dig into my dessert.

F.U.E.L. Collection- This gallery is the easiest place to find a hipster in the city of Philadelphia. It's my favorite gallery to visit during First Friday, the monthly Old City art gallery hop. Located in the historic Corn Exchange Bank building, which was also the site of the Philadelphia Real World house, this gallery is expansive. It hosts some of the hippest, cutting edge art produced by undergraduate students and is a mecca for cool people, hanging out and well...looking cool. It's a great place to soak up some awesome.

Lucy's Hat Shop- Despite many other options, Lucy's is probably my favorite place in Old City to grab a drink. Unassuming, unpretentious, and cheap. You can wear what you want and you'll fit in. With amazing always on special drinks and snacks, you really can't go wrong at Lucy's plus, it's huge so you can usually find a table or an uncrowded corner to stand in. And at only a block away, there's no need to worry about a designated driver.

So there you have it! My ultimate list of places to eat, drink, shop, and visit in Old City. I could easily do a top 20 list, but these are the places I find myself going back to and wanting to show to others. So visit one, visit all and fall in love with my wonderful neighborhood, Old City Philadelphia.