09 Field Guide | old city, Philadelphia

Philadelphia | neighborhood guide to old city.

Quiet in the land image by Marley Parsons

I returned to Phialdephia for an exhibition of drawings at Gallery Land Collective. ( On view through November 30.)

Old City is one of my favorite neighborhoods in town. I highly recommend a visit to this part of the city, It is always evolving. It is part of Philadelphia’s historic district, and it spans from Vine Street to Walnut Street, north to south, and from 7th Street to the Delaware River, west to east.

The material culture down here is so unique, and typical of the earliest East Coast cities. Brick, granite, marble, slate, terracotta, cast iron utility covers, and single pane windows. A painter friend picked up paint chips from the buildings to create a color palette. The historic heart of Philadelphia resides along Independence Mall. Home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, the Mall also boasts a number of cultural institutions including the Philosophical Society Library and Archives, The National Jewish American Museum , and Ben Franklin’s house. Be sure to stop by the Independence Visitors Center for tickets to city attractions and helpful information.

Shoppers can find lots to love along Second and Third Street, I love how there are hardware stores and an abrasive supply shop tucked in between cafes and galleries. Here are a few of my favorite places to check out.

sidewalks and building materials

Shops

• Vagabond Boutique: A cool boutique that has understated leather goods, clothing, jewelry and more.

• Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction: Hand Tasting room and home bar supply - also great graphic tees.

• Claudia Mills: So fun to see a bunch of looms set up in the showroom.

• Sugarcube: Updated classics by indie designers & the shop's private label, showcased in an industrial loft. The coolest clothing and accessories.

• United by Blue: I have heard good thingsm, about this one, but haven’t gotten there yet.

Christ Church on Second Street has a dog park next to it, and benches all around to take in the city.

Galleries and Design Studios

Antique tools for cultivation. David Rubin and Land Collective

• Larry Becker Contemporary: Represents and exhibits abstract and conceptual contemporary art in various mediums, with an emphasis on painting. Emerging, mid-career, and internationally recognized artists, many Philadelphia-based.

• Center for Art in Wood: contemporary collection of functional and sculptural wood.

• Muse Gallery: In a city of firsts, Muse is the oldest cooperative art gallery in Philly; 52 N. 2nd St. Monthly rotating exhibitions by members

• Land Collective: David Rubin and Land Collective are a landscape architecture and planning firm. David’s personal collection of garden tools and objects are well displayed. They have an open studio every First Friday and host art exhibitions in the lobby.

Food + Drink

• Cafe ole: The Best Mediterranean mezze plates, sandwiches and salads. Don’t miss the hummus.

• Tomo Sushi and Ramen: I stopped in for a quick avocado roll and it hit the spot!

• Old City Coffee: When you need a simple cup of joe, it’s right behind Christ Church, so head towards one of the benches and regroup.

• Fork Restaurant and Bar: You have to cross Market Street to find the bars, and there are plenty on Second Street, I prefer Fork. The bar is in the center of the restaurant - made of cast concrete (the old fashioned comes highly recommended on a dark and rainy night).

This is just scratching the surface of what is available in this diverse neighborhood. Please let me know your favorites in the comments below.