Joseph Fox Bookshop – A Treasure in the Heart of Rittenhouse Square

I grew up in a household where reading was a requirement. My mother loved to read, and she was determined to pass that “bug” on to her children. In the beginning, the Nancy Drew and Judy Blume novels held my attention (did I just date myself?). But, I still remember the book that actually got me hooked on reading! It was summer vacation, I was twelve years old, and the book was Pickles and Prunes (by Barbara Moe). Pickles and Prunes was a pre-teen novel, about a young girl struggling with the fact that her mother was planning to re-marry, and that a friend she had come to love was dying. For an impressionable twelve-year-old, this was big! Every time I opened that book, the characters became real and I became part of the story.

I still find pleasure in reading, but more important – I love books! For me, there is nothing like the fresh sent of a new book, or the feel of a book in my hand. When I am traveling or reading-on-the-run, I grab my mobile device. But, when I have the pleasure of leisurely reading, I will always choose a book. That leads me to this week’s Philly Less Traveled treat, Joseph Fox Bookshop (1724 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA).

A Good Cup of Joe at Good Karma Cafe

Greetings, and welcome back to Philly Less Traveled.

Please accept my apologies for my absence these past few weeks. While I haven’t posted, I did not sit idle! I underwent a crash course in connecting Philly Less Traveled with social media platforms. As you can see, I figured it out! I have made some noticeable changes that should make the site more user-friendly. Now you will not only be able to “like” and comment on my posts. You will also be able to share what you like on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.  That being said, it is time for me to get back to work.

To share a little about myself, my family and friends think that I am the biggest coffee snob. Actually, I think “snob” is a bit over the top, but I will admit to having coffee “standards.” I do not drink instant coffee. I will not drink coffee that I can see through while it is being poured. And, I do NOT like flavored coffee, lattes, Frappuccino or the like. I prefer a dark roasted, flavorful coffee (preferably black with two Splenda).  Occasionally, I will include a shot of espresso, but only on the days when I need more than my usual kick start.

The Wardrobe Boutique – Consignment with a Purpose

One of my favorite pastimes is seeking out and exploring consignment shops. When I was younger, I used to think that it had to do with shopping, because I so enjoy shopping! But, as I have gotten older I realize that it is an interest I picked up from my maternal grandmother. She was notorious for her “treasure shopping,” as she used to call it. She loved going to consignment shops in search of what are now considered vintage items. I believe it was her way of keeping in touch with her past. Sometimes, she would drag my sister and I along for the ride (so we could carry the bags), and I guess somewhere along the way it rubbed off on me. Now, when I become aware of a consignment shop I have not been to, I feel as if there is new territory to conquer.   I begin planning a day trip around visiting the store and away I go!

Over the weekend, while conducting a Google search for consignment shops in Philadelphia, I came across a shop whose name was unfamiliar to me – The Wardrobe Boutique. To my surprise, it is located in the heart of the art museum area, and is on the route I take to get home from work every day. But, for the life of me I could not remember having noticed it before. Since I was off yesterday – and my curiosity was getting the best of me, I re-organized my plans so that I could make time to swing in to the City to get a look at the place.

Mighty Sharp Barber shop – An Old Fashioned Barbershop with a Modern Twist

This week, I bring to you Mighty Sharp Barbershop, located in the heart of the City’s Lawncrest

Darnell Colbert with a Client

section. Mighty Sharp is a full-service barbershop, specializing in precision cuts for men, women, and children. The shop is home to five barbers (including its owner, Mr. Darnell Colbert), who deliver a quality styling in a welcoming environment.

Mr. Darnell Colbert came to my attention three years ago when I began wearing a short hairstyle. I was in need of a reliable barber who could keep my hair shaped-up and looking nice.  I was new to the area, so I decided to try one of the local barbershops. When I arrived, Mr. Colbert was finishing a client, so I was able to be seated almost immediately. Needless to say, I was impressed with the cut he delivered, and I became one of his regular clients. I n fact, I raved about his ability so much, my fiancé is also a client of his now!  Over time, Mr. Colbert and I began to talk about small things, and he shared with me that it was his dream to open his own full-service barber shop. And, open a shop he did!

Tela’s Market & Kitchen – A Community Convenience

Since I began Philly Less Traveled, I have received a number of calls and messages from family members and friends who want to tell me about small, intimate places that may be a great fit for my blog.  I have to thank them all for their support!  To date, I have accrued a list of BYOB restaurants, wine bars, jazz clubs, specialty stores and boutiques that should make for great blog posts right through the summer.   So, please, keep coming back!

This past Saturday, I spent the afternoon trying to locate consignment shops around the City.  Two hours into my travels I found that three of the five stores I was trying to find are no longer in business.  To ease my frustration at having nothing to show for my efforts, I stopped for a cup of coffee, at Tela’s Market & Kitchen. What I expected to be your run-of-the-mill coffee shop, turned out to be a café and market right in the middle of the City’s Fairmount section.

Ten Thousand Villages Right in My Back Yard

Thanks, for returning to Philly Less Traveled!

This week, I explored Ten Thousand Villages in Chestnut Hill.  I have been riding and walking past this store for years.  The name always intrigued me, but I never took the time to venture inside to see what it has to offer.  With a little time to kill last week, I decided to try it.  Once inside I found myself surrounded by some of the most remarkable jewelry, clothing items, and home décor.  There was also an assortment of coffees and teas from around the world, as well as hand-made beauty products that smelled delightful.  My first thought was “this is a Philly Less Traveled experience!”

Artisans on the Avenue – in the Heart of Chestnut Hill

After suffering through two snowstorms (although small storms), and a week of sub-freezing weather, I was going absolutely mad with cabin fever! So, when the sun poked its beautiful head out Sunday morning, I absolutely had to get out of the house! I ate a light breakfast, grabbed my “selfie stick,” and hit the road! When I have time for a leisurely Sunday afternoon, I usually venture to the city’s Chestnut Hill section. There I have a quiet lunch, do some light shopping, and finish the afternoon off with a trip to Starbucks. As it turned out, half of northwest Philadelphia decided to do the same thing on Sunday, so parking was an absolute mess. I ended up having to park on a side street, some four blocks from the restaurant where I planned to lunch.

We were in the middle of a 45-degree heat wave, so I decided to suck it up and enjoy the four block walk. Trekking through the through the slush trying to make my way to the restaurant, I came across a boutique that I could not remember having seen before. Without giving it a second thought, I ventured inside. To my surprise, I found myself standing inside another of the city’s secreted treasures, Artisans on the Avenue.  

Seafood Unlimited, A Dining Experience You Wont Soon Forget

For my first entry, I have decided to introduce a favorite haunt of mine, Seafood Unlimited.  I first walked in to this incredible restaurant seven years ago, while on a second date with my now fiancé.  He and I wanted to dine at a place where neither of us had ever eaten.  After a Google search for seafood eateries, and two positive Yelp reviews, we decided that we would try our luck at Seafood Unlimited.  Well, our luck was very good that night.  Dinner turned out to be a culinary experience that we have not forgotten.

Here we are, seven years later, and we still anxiously return as if we are visiting the restaurant for the first time!  When we first dined at Seafood Unlimited, it was a BYOB restaurant and a retail seafood market.  The seafood market took up most of the space, and the dining area was limited to eight or nine tables in the rear.  Over the years, the restaurant has seen several renovations.  The seafood market is no longer part of the restaurant, although the owners, Judi and Dave Einhorn, still keep fresh seafood available for retail sale. The restaurant has also been expanded to include more tables, a fully stocked bar, and a mosaic wall design that gives the restaurant a warm coziness.