Saturday, In the Park

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Bailey Fountain, Brooklyn Farmer's Market, Cafe regular, Cafe Regular Brooklyn, Cafe Regular Du Nord, Calexico bk, Grand's Army Plaza, Grands Market, Park Slope farmer's market, Park Slope Market, prospect market bk, Prospect Park Market

“You are now arriving at Grand Army Plaza” crackles over the intercom. A resounding “Deee-DONG” whizes through the air as the train doors open to greet the sweltering stench of summer heat- a story every subway and train station will feature over the next three months. It’s summer in the city, which (regardless the toxic heat + trash stench) means so many wonderful things: free concerts in Central Park and in the Prospect Park bandshell, outdoor movie nights scattered across the city, a Mister Softee on every corner, and an electric enthusiasm humming throughout the city. Summer according to SRB is a recipe comprised of farmer’s market excursions and cool (in both the AC and pleasing uses of the word) museums and libraries.

High Street on Market, Philadelphia

As I mentioned yesterday, High Street on Market is just around the corner from Independence Hall and is a block away from Christ Church (and the Franklin Fountain. Thank God for summer and ice cream!). This tasty farm-to-table spot is not meant to confuse! It’s called High Street but can be found on Market Street. It reminds me a bit of Taylors, one of my favorite sandwich shops in Oxford.

My parents came to Philly for the John Jay Commissioning ceremony last weekend. Of course, we had to spend a day exploring the city’s abundant history and delicacies. Our first stop to refuel after Independence Hall, Carpenter’s Hall, and the Portrait Gallery was High Street on Market. The weather was beautiful, and the music inside was obnoxious (the only downside to this place), so we decided to enjoy our meal outside at a sidewalk table in the shade. We were not disappointed. As you can see, our meal was fresh, relaxed, and delicious. I’ve craved the grilled broccoli and blistered grape salad ever since we left.

Why Philadelphia Isn’t so Bad After All

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High Table on Market, Philadelphia, Philly, Philly highlights, Urban Adventures, Why move to Philly

I’ve spent the past five months living just outside of downtown Philadelphia. I’d always heard people make comments about Philly as they would of New Jersey or Long Island, “You’re moving to Philly,” they’d ask me…rhetorically of course, the words dripped with condescension. “You don’t want to move there, do you?” Rhetorical question once again. I got the point. Philly, they said, had too much crime, was dirty, and wouldn’t have anything for me, a 23 year-old urban explorer, to do.

Actually, they were wrong.

Philadelphia wasn’t as romantic as London or as bustling as NYC, but Philly surprised me in a million ways. Sure, there were sketchy parts of the city-just as there are in NYC, London, or even Denver-but you learn quickly to avoid them (except if you want to find cheap groceries, then you grab friends and make an event of it). The city wasn’t any dirtier than any of the other cities I’ve lived in over the last three years, but what struck me most was how quiet it was, how appropriate the people-to-sidewalk ratio was, how beautiful the murals adorning the sides of old warehouses and buildings throughout the city were, and how history was thick and rich everywhere I turned. I loved it! I like to say the only thing I drop like it’s hot is history knowledge. I learned so much about our great nation’s history (USA!) and saw several of its most important edifices and artifacts too.

And the food! How can I forget the food (or coffee?)? As a hard-core glutard (gluten-free sounds too hoity-toity to my ears), I feel like a pain and get embarrassed when I have to ask for alternative dishes at a restaurant. To my delight, I found Philly to be more than accomadating, even a haven for foodies and those with way too many food allergies (aren’t they the same thing?). I can’t wait to come back for a day trip with NYC friends for a food and coffee crawl.

One of my favorite spots sits on Market Street, a block away from Christ Church (where the Founders and Framers worshiped in the 18th century! When I say it’s gorgeous, I mean it. Plus, seven signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried in the graveyard outside!) and a five minute trot from Independence Hall (HELLO Georgian architecture! Makes me swoon. Seriously.). Tomorrow I’ll tell you all about it.

Philly, you’ve been fun.