Where Do All The Hippies Meet?

In Philadelphia, there is no doubt about the "hippest" street in town. It is, of course, South Street. And on South Street most of the action takes place within the first 10 blocks.

In those 10 blocks, there is something for everyone. Here, you will find teenagers with rings just about everywhere, and the shops that create these masterpieces of piercing. Here, you will find extraordinary dining from tiny coffee shops to elegant restaurants. Here, you will find loud bars and quiet stores promoting inner peace. This is Philadelphia's melting pot. It's impossible to feel self-conscious on a street crowded with kids who still spike their hair, families out for a day in the city, racing roller bladers and older couples happily routing through classical CDs and rare books.

Those looking for out-of-the-ordinary gifts and clothing, venture into popular stores like Zipperhead and Condom Nation. Zipperhead caters to the leather-loving biker crowd, while Condom Nation caters to more a pleasure-loving crowd.

Of course, there are more mainstream stores as well. The Gap boasts several floors of trendy clothing. Tower Books and Tower Records offer literature and music. Tower Records also offers an entire store of classical music across the street from its main store.

But between these two extremes are the treasures of South Street. Tiny stores offering incense and crystals. T-shirt shops of environmentally-correct clothing. Florists and rare books. Thrift for AIDS - where your purchase of inexpensive thrift store clothing goes to help a good cause. A store of hats - lots of hats. A corner store selling lamps. The crowds weave in and out, targeting the shops that target them.

And all among these stores are places to eat. Visit Jim's Steaks for their famous cheesesteaks. A new diner adds to liveliness of the street with singing waiters and waitress. Water ice and ice cream stores are too numerous to count and provide a perfect way to cool off on hot summer nights. Bridget Foy's darkened rooms provides the perfect atmosphere for dinner dates.

At all times, and especially on the weekends, a warm, party feel surrounds South Street. Entertainment - whether it's just people - watching or a comedy club or the TLA (Theater of the Living Arts) with their visiting bands - is just around every corner.

And be sure to turn those corners. Little shops along the numbered streets just off of South Street have their own style that is often overlooked by uninformed visitors.

PARKING
First time visitors, be warned, parking spots are not very easy to find in the South Street Area. Most people attempt to find a place along the streets north of South Street, attempting to avoid parking meters and expensive parking lots. However, there are several lots in the area. A small parking area is especially popular on 2nd Street between South and Lombard. Another popular parking area is an the eastern most end of South Street (along Front Street) with a view of the river. In both, you must make sure to keep your parking meter fed. Also, on Front Street is an underground parking garage featuring valet parking. And finally, there is a parking garage at 2nd and Lombard that lets you park your own car.

DIRECTIONS TO SOUTH STREET
From the Schuylkill Expressway, take the South Street Exit East. From the Center City area, go five blocks south of Market Street. For a map, click here

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