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The "Avenue of the Arts" in Philadelphia is also known as South Broad Street. From the City Hall building south to the river, this street is filled with artistic venues and a varied type of entertainment opportunities that go on in many of the establishments where one can just be a Philadelphia resident who loves the city!!!!

The intersection of Spring Garden and Broad Street is where the hub of the state government in Philadelphia takes place. The State Office Building resides at this intersection. If you don't have the need for state services, you won't know where this is. However, if you do....you will know where to go to get the services you need. The bonus about this intersection is that the number of people who work in the state office building brings much revenue to those who sell food and items at this corner of the world.

Visiting the city of Philadelphia may not include the seedy side of town, but if you ignore those places, you will miss out on bargain opportunities. About 1/4 mile from the intersection of Lehigh and Kensington, you will find the "Village Thrift Shop". There is no where in the city that you will find bargain second hand clothing like this. Jones NY suits for $8.00. Designer apparel for under ten dollars. You can dress like a million dollar babe, and spend les than fifty dollars.

Philadelphia is filled with different experiences. One of those experiences is to tour the Eastern State Penitentiary, the now abandoned facility that housed many dangerous criminals during it's time of service. http://www.easternstate.org/, At first glance, this building is ominous in it's darkness and grandeur. If you dare to take a Halloween tour.....it is sure to be a highlight subject of your Philadelphia experience. If you choose to partake of an historical tour, you surely will need some relief after the tour. Jack's Firehouse is located on the same street, and the food and spirits can help you decompress after your prison. visit.http://www.jacksfirehouse.com/SpecialEvents/EasternStateLunchTourPackages/tabid/74/Default.aspx

The 2700 Block of N. Howard street is in "North" Philadelphia. This is a neighborhood that one would only visit if they had to. However, gems can be found on any street if you are up for the "looking". The area north of Lehigh Ave on Howard is residential. Inhabited by mostly people of Hispanic origin, particularly from Puerto Rico. The home base of this neighborhood is "La Lechonera" restaurant at 2741 N. Howard. This truly authentic home cooking restaurant serves many of the Puerto Rican residents of Philly's North Side. Spending time in this restaurant and interacting with it's patrons transports you to a better, more relaxed atmosphere like you would encounter on La Isla Encanta.

The area around S. Second and Market Streets in Philadelphia offers a taste of many cultures. The biggest influence in this area, however, is Cuban. If you want to feel like you have been transported to an exotic experience in Havana, you must visit "Cuba Libre" http://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/. This authentic Cuban restaurant offers a dining experience that is second to none. Entertainment in the later hours of the evening add to the enjoyment and overall experience. When you leave the restaurant, make sure to stop by the other establishments along S. Second that will take you to other exotic locations. Cuba Libre is easily accessed by the subway at the 2nd and Market subway stop. When in Philadelphia, never stay on the streets that are highly popular....you will find so many "gems" on the side streets....the hard part is remembering where they were when you try to tell your friends.

The 2200 block of South Columbus Blvd in southern Philadelphia is an enigma at best. Depressing abandoned shipyards and businesses make one feel that the area is no longer viable on the river side of the road.....However, on the other side of the "tracks". Shopping is booming. From a state of the art, IKEA retailer to a "border" liquor store, where you can buy better bargains on wine and spirits in Pennsylvania, than in any other mid state liquor store. There is a Lowes, and a great shoe store where you will find the most unusual footwear at a discount price.

W. Sedgley Ave. in the 1300 block offers little.....it is a depressed neighborhood, with unemployment abounding. The streets are not safe, and tourists need to stay away. This street is important to the city residents, however, because one of the Philadelphia County Welfare Offices resides at 1348 Sedgley, and that is where the residents of Philadelphia can apply for heating assistance benefits. No matter what the status of the neighborhood, there is always a positive that can be sought out and realized in every neighborhood!!!!

While visiting Philadelphia, East Penn Square offers everything that a visitor would need to make their stay a great experience. From elegant, comfortable hotels to four star restaurants, and upscale shopping, there is never a question of "what to do?". The best feature of this area is the beautiful "Old City Hall" in all it's grandeur. If you stay in one of the hotels on this street, and are lucky enough to get a room facing City Hall, you will be mesmerized by the architecture and workmanship of the building, as you study it from your hotel window.

Walking on Spruce Street in Philadelphia from Broad Street to Front Street feels like walking in a quaint old town with treelined streets and residential neighborhoods. Along these blocks, coffee shops , wine bars, shops filled with treasures and stately townhomes abound. The street's residents are comprised of college students from Thomas Jefferson University, or one of the many other city univiersities, who live in townhomes turned to apartments, and older individuals who find the convenience of living in the city a bonus, or who have lived out their lives on this street in one of the beautiful homes that line the pavements. One of my favorite stops is the Uhuru Furniture Shop near 12th and Spuce. There you can find wonderful second hand furniture and collectibles at a bargain prices. http://uhurufurniturephilly.blogspot.com/