Regarded as one of the best Farmers' Markets not only in Philadelphia but in America, The Reading Terminal Market is a terrific place to sample all the culinary grandeur Philadelphia has to offer. Experience the traditional Philly cheesesteak, a custom-made deli sandwich, or an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch hearty home-cooked breakfast prepared by local Amish farmers. Apart from the prepared foods, Reading Terminal Market boasts of over 80 vendors, offering a wide range of local and exotic vegetables, fruits, fresh fish and other seafood, local meats, poultry and other products.
Spring Garden Indoor Antique & Vintage Market is a huge market open only on the first and third Saturday from November to March. It is a treasure trove of collectibles, textiles, objects, furniture, clothing, records and much more. Get enthralled by the fascinating items displayed and haggle with vendors for the prized possessions. Spread across 36,000 square feet (3344.51 square meters), you can make a pit stop at the food court after a day of shopping. There is an ATM in the facility, hence credit cards are not accepted.
A bookstore housing the largest collection of comics in Philadelphia, the Atomic City Comics is located right in the heart of South Street. It is also known to host a lot of art shows and host signings. The store also houses a collection of t-shirts, graphic novels and magna. A lot of locals favorite this bookstore and praise the efficient staff and the humongous collection.
The Cherry Hill Mall is a one-stop shopping destination in Cherry Hill, NJ. The mall has more than 165 retail, beauty and dining options under one roof. Browse brands like Aldo, Alex and Ani, Gap, Guess, Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Urban Outfitters, North Face, and H&M here. From upscale fashion to trendy highstreet wear, the selection caters to every budget and taste.
A collaboration of several independent businesses and local artisans, the Urban Princess Boutique is a gem of the Quaker City’s oldest fabric district. On offer here is a wide range of unique gifting items, apparel and delightful local souvenirs that you wont find at your regular urban shopping centers. Beautiful and unusual hand-crafted jewelry, rare beauty products such as handmade soaps and brilliant local souvenirs are stocked at this wonderful boutique. If you’re tired of your run-of-the-mill departmental stores and malls, Urban Princess Boutique would make for a welcome change.
Book Corner can be found centrally located in the buzzing museum district. It is an ideal store to pick or pursue your next anticipated read. The stock here is donated entirely by the locals of Philadelphia. Thus, browsing it is like discovering the consciousness of the Philadelphians. The volunteers and service staff at this book store are quite friendly. One thing that is hard to miss is that this store is designed like any other traditional retail outlet. Books of various genres are organized expertly and displayed attractively to catch your attention. Apart from low-priced books, you can also find an extensive collection of CDs, DVDs and Vinyl at Book Corner. The store's eclectic stock surely appeals to every book nerd and bargain lover.
Located in the heart of Mayfair's commercial district, this family-owned business has served Northeast Philly and beyond for generations. From CDs to vinyl, instruments to sheet music, audio equipment to band T-shirts—if it has to do with music, Pat's probably has it. And if not, the friendly staff will be happy to order it for you. Its latest location at the corner of Frankford and Cottman Avenues even has rooms in the back for private music lessons. Even if you are just passing through town, be sure to check out this rare treasure of a store. - Shaheen J. Dibai
Ali’s Wagon is a vibrant boutique located on Fairmount Avenue, near Fairmount Park. The shop itself offers an extremely colorful, fun environment. The family-run store offers a plethora of baby care equipment, baby clothes, footwear, furniture and much more. Apart from a fantastic collection for children, there are delightful gifting items, local souvenirs, care baskets, wedding and baby shower presents and a nice collection of baby books available here.
Blue Sole Shoes is a men's shoe boutique that offers its customers an exclusive selection of shoes. If you are tired of running in to people wearing the same shoes as you, then this is definitely the place for you. The store stocks a variety of rare high-end brands alongside more well-known names, in styles that range from classic to trendy. Whatever your taste, you are sure to find something here that will cause admiring eyes to follow your every step. With service that is genuinely warm and knowledgeable, reasonable prices and a unique collection, Blue Sole Shoes is the destination for fashionable footwear for men in Philly.
The Swag boutique is a boutique gift shop which stores unusual and funky accessories for men, women and children along with a few other novelty items for kitchen and home decor. The products are described by many regular customers as cute, adorable and wonderful. Some of their popular items are stylish bodysuits for babies, uniquely shaped cookie-cutters, vintage design items, stationary products and handbags. The store owner is almost always present and is extremely helpful and attentive in recommending items and answering queries. It is a great shop for gift shopping for friends and family but the items are so attractive that most customers usually buy something for themselves too. The prices are quite reasonable so it doesn't stress the wallet either. There is parking available on the street.
Suraya in Philadelphia is renowned for bringing traditional Lebanese flavors to the American culinary scene. Doubling down as a market, you can purchase Lebanese favorites that include Hummus, rose waters and spices. There is a garden here with a fire pit that makes dining here a pleasant experience. The major draw of Suraya lies in its menu that promises authentic Lebanese cuisine to the patrons. Frequently ordered recipes here are Hummus, Makanek, Kafta Kebab, Halabi Kebab, Baladi, Abu Sayf and Kanafeh. Apart from the food, you also have the option of ordering signature cocktails such as The Optimist, The Tempest, Joy & Sorrow, Builders of Bridges, The Poet and The Prophet. Dine here if you are seeking to explore the subtle nuances of Lebanese cuisines.