sparknova

South Street is one of the more popular streets in Philadelphia, though it is becoming more and more of a tourist destination. The street is packed with shops, bars, and restaurants. Jim's Steaks might be the most recognizable eatery and seems to have a line no matter when you go (I'd put them in the top three cheesesteak places in Philly). The Fillmore at the TLA is also located on South Street and is still a great place to see a show.

Parking is a nightmare, though there are nice metered lots towards the waterfront and a parking deck nearby.

Shurs Lane runs from Main Street all the way up to Ridge Ave (where it turns to Walnut). The housing on the street ranges from typical row homes to large overpriced condos. Several bars, including Castle Roxx, Ugly Moose, and CJ & Ecks.

The parking and the quiet increase the farther you get from Main St.

Mansion Street is located in the heart of Manayunk. Many of the houses are rented as apartments to college student or twenty-somethings and can at times be noisy. Parking is not great, which is common for the general area. Like many of the streets in Manayunk, this short street does not run straight (you have to make a left and then a right on Gay St. to stay on Mansion St.

Green Lane is a steep, narrow, curvy road that connects the Roxborough and Manayunk neighborhoods. There are always several homes for rent or sale on this street as most residents seem to be somewhat short-term. Parking can be next to impossible, and the road's characteristics lead to many dinged cars and broken mirrors. It can also be fund to traverse (up or down) in the winter time. There are several pay lots available. There is also a recreation center a few blocks north of Main Street.

(Green Lane backs up terribly every morning during rush).

Sansom Street runs parallel to Walnunt St. from the Schuylkill River to the waterfront and cuts through several city neighborhoods, most notably Rittenhouse Square.

There are many condo buildings along this stretch. Some are cramped but affordable, many are luxury units. Parking can be expensive. I consider this area to one of the nicest in the city.

Cresson Street runs parallel to the much higher trafficked Main Street. It also runs underneath the elevated Regional Rail Line. It has several useful shops including a pet groomers and a decent dry cleaner. It also features the Cresson Inn, a great dive bar that serves no food and is open at the crack of dawn.

Most of the homes are row homes and are maintained nicely for the most part. Parking is extremely difficult, though there is an expensive pay lot. The street is a bit quieter than Main Street, but due to it's proximity to the train and bar hopping patrons of Main St., it's still pretty noisy.

While not considered one of the major streets in center city, you can find two very important attractions here.

The first is the Criminal Justice Center at 13th and Filbert. If your lucky enough to get called for Jury Duty, this is likely where you'll report. However, as a reward for your civic duty, Filbert St rewards you with the Reading Terminal Market just two blocks east. At the RTM you can eat at any number of bakeries, delis, creperies, barbecues, produce stands, diners and more. (And yes, there's even a beer garden).

Both of these sites are less than a minute walk from the Market East Station of the Regional Rail.

This street sees some serious action at least once year as part of the annual Philadelphia International Championship bike race. Its steep incline challenges racers and has earned the nickname "The Wall". Every year, the night before the bike race, locals ascend upon Lyceum to ride down the street in various wheeled contraptions. This event is sponsored by a local tavern and generally not looked kindly upon by local law enforcement and residents.

Lyceum Ave's steep hill will also play host to the 2008 Red Bull Soapbox downhill (first time in Philadelphia).

The heart of Main St. is located between Green Ln and Shurs Ln. In this stretch you'll find may bars and restaurants, along with countless shops, including some just off Main St. Having lived their for three years, I've seen many businesses come and go. (It seems if you don't serve alcohol or food, you run the risk of going out of business. Though some niche shops have survived).

Parking is metered and difficult to come by, though promotions and validations are offered on weekends and holidays. There are also several lots to alleviate the congestion.

From beer, to biblical art, to fortune telling you can find it on Main St.

(Little known fact: There is a roller hockey court off Main St in a little area known as Venice Island, near Rector St.