Top 10 places to shop in Philly

By Lauren McGlone
Collegian Editor
January 30, 2007

With the continuation of the cold winter months, people tend to hibernate, order take-out and curl up in bed with a romantic comedy. This semester, take a break from the confines of North Dorms and roam off campus. Philadelphia offers several shopping and entertainment opportunities that can cure any winter blues. Here, Philly File highlights the top 10 places to shop.

10. The Gallery—Located at 9th and Market Streets, the Gallery at Market East offers a convenient shopping center for Philadelphians. Mall favorites such as The Gap, Bath & Body Works, Old Navy and New York & Company can be found at the gallery along with dozens of snack bars and eateries. Until Feb. 4, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will be sponsoring a City Garden Exhibit at the Gallery.

9. Cheltenham Square Mall—Another local shopping area is the Cheltenham Square Mall, located at 2385 W. Cheltenham Ave. The mall features shopping stores for apparel and accessories in addition to a variety of other shopping needs. A convenient ShopRite supermarket can be found at the mall, along with a movie complex.

8. Reading Terminal Market—A favorite Philadelphia standard, Reading Terminal market at 12th and Arch streets meets all your food shopping needs. From bakery items to Pennsylvania Dutch goods to seafood and fresh produce, Reading Terminal is a one-stop shop for all your favorite fresh foods.

7. Italian Market—The oldest and largest outdoor market in the country (and backdrop for a Rocky scene), the Italian Market on 9th Street presents shoppers with a premier shopping experience. Browse the dozens of vendors selling fish, cheese, Italian meats, poultry, pasta and bakery items while taking in the authentic South Philly atmosphere called the Italian Market.

 6. Franklin Mills Mall—Located in Northeast Philadelphia, the Franklin Mills Mall is a favorite of teens and young adults. Because of the retail outlets such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, shoppers can buy high-end items for more affordable prices. Franklin Mills also offers the shopping mall standards of Charlotte Russe, H&M, FOSSIL, Aeropostale and FYE.

5. Old City—The epitome of historic and cultural Philadelphia, the Old City district offers a variety of trendy stores, art galleries and posh restaurants. Visit Vagabond or Lele for fashionable clothing and accessories and choose one of the over 100 eateries in the area for an evening meal. City Tavern and Buddakan are among the highly-regarded restaurants in Old City.

4. Main Street—Lined with over 50 boutiques and bars, Main Street in Manayunk is located just 15 minutes from La Salle. After browsing the various galleries, apparel stores and music shops down Main Street, stop by Kildare’s Irish Pub or Grape Street Philadelphia for a bite to eat and some live entertainment. Mugshots Coffee House and Café offers an environmentally conscious menu that’s sure to please any caffeine or smoothie fiend.

3. Liberty Place—Visit The Shops at Liberty Place in the heart of Center City for an urban shopping experience. Located in the Liberty One and Liberty Two office towers at 16th and Chestnut streets, stores include Express, J. Crew, Aldo, Nine West and Victoria’s Secret. Satisfy hunger cravings with some food from Saladworks, Chik-Fil-A or Peace a Pizza at the food court. Shopping at Liberty Place may present some special event opportunities, like the KYW Newsradio Reporters Roundup scheduled for Feb. 1.

2. South Street—Popular with Philadelphia young adults and tourists, South Street offers a plethora of entertainment and shopping opportunities. Clothing stores, bars and nightclubs, restaurants, art galleries, tattoo parlors and antique shops line South Street from Front Street to 8th Street. Visit Bella Boutique for some vintage threads and stop by Jim’s for an authentic cheesesteak.

1. Chestnut Hill—Over 150 shops and restaurants comprise the Chestnut Hill area about five miles from Germantown Pike in Northwest Philadelphia. Art galleries, spas, bookstores and clothing shops line the streets of Chestnut Hill, along with beauty salons, antique shops and music stores. Popular restaurants of the area include The Melting Pot, Chestnut Hill Grille, and Cin Cin, a Chinese restaurant with a French flair.

mcglonel1@lasalle.edu