There's no shortage of organic, locally-grown produce in West Philly, and now that summer is here, we can bask in the glory of all those fresh fruits and veggies. The popular Clark Park Farmers Market has been a big draw of the area for years and always brings a large crowd and fun vibe to the park. After its winter hiatus the market is now back in full swing. Hit it up on Thursday afternoons for a quick re-stocking of fresh vegetables, or stop by on Saturday mornings for the full market experience, complete with a whole lot on top of the bounty of Pennsylvania’s fields: in addition to the vibrantly colored produce you’ll also find homemade honey, jam, fudge, and breads along with a veritable flea market offering jewelry, clothing, handmade goods of all sorts, and kids running amok.

When Milk and Honey Market opened this past year, it brought a dose of the farmers’ market to Baltimore Avenue, which was great for the winter months as well as freshness ...
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Related Categories: Dining + Food, Goods + Services

Council for Relationships: U City’s Most Accessible and Versatile Mental Health Resource

Posted by Samantha Lazar on December 17, 2009

The Council for Relationships might be one of Philly’s best kept secrets. Most West Philadelphia residents have never even heard of it, but the headquarters and largest office of this world-renowned mental health colossus sits right on 40th and Chestnut Streets (there are also four Center City offices and fourteen total locations throughout the Delaware Valley). The name “Council for Relationships” is a bit of a misnomer – while the organization does offer therapy, classes, and all sorts of resources for people dealing with partnership issues, it also caters to the widest possible swath of demographics and needs, offering therapy for single people, children, veterans (completely confidential and not affiliated with the military), families, and even companies. The Council has 140 of the country’s best and brightest mental health clinicians in its sprawling network, including approximately 50 who practice at the University City location, meaning that every possible specialty is covered and anyone can find a therapist who is a perfect fit. Oh, and did I mention it’s also a world-class research center offering masters and post-graduate training programs?...
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30th Street Station: More than a Train Depot

Posted by Samantha Lazar on November 18, 2009

30th Street Station is awash with travelers at all hours, and you probably know it as the behemoth of modern transportation that it is – Amtrak, Septa, NJ Transit, PATCO, and countless buses (including our own LUCY) rumble through its labyrinths every day. In fact, after New York’s Penn Station, it’s the second busiest rail terminal in the country. But have you ever paused to look at the hub as more than just a quick stop en route somewhere else?

The station was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad around 1930 to serve the bustling city of Philadelphia, replacing the old “West Philadelphia Station” that was a couple blocks farther from Center City. The art deco style main concourse (in case you’ve never opened your eyes when passing through) is almost the size of a football field, with gorgeous marble floors and a soaring coffered ceiling. And of course you’re familiar with the exterior’s eye-catching ...
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Related Categories: Dining + Food, Nightlife + Bars, Goods + Services, Culture

Second Mile Thrift Stores

Posted by Samantha Lazar on November 10, 2009

Oh, Second Mile, how I love thee. Lest I forget you, now that I don’t live just a block away, I’m reminded of your wonders every time I open my closet or walk into my living room. Swoon.

So, I like this place. A lot. ”The Second Mile Center” is not just a thrift store, but a whole thrift compound, taking up the entire block on 45th Street between Walnut and Locust. There’s “Second Mile,” the original sprawling store which is packed to the gills with insanely cheap clothes and shoes, “Second Mile Too,” full of bric-a-brac, jewelry and accessories, “Second Mile Also” (books and electronics), and finally “Second Mile Furniture” (self-explanatory, I hope!). Second Mile is easily the most popular consignment destination in West Philly, and for good reason. The huge selection and rock-bottom prices ...
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Milk & Honey Market: Bringing the Best of Local Goods to Baltimore Avenue

Posted by Samantha Lazar on October 5, 2009

Ah, the long-awaited Milk & Honey Market has finally opened! West Philly has been anxiously awaiting its opening for months now, and everyone seems excited that the paper is off the windows, its shelves are stocked, and its sandwich presses are pressing. The shop, on the corner of 45th and Baltimore, is something of a market meets café meets up-scale deli, and is quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite.

The market’s ethos is that everything must be local, which works both to support Philly’s businesses, as well as to bring the best of Greater Philadelphia to the West Philly community. There’s the requisite fresh milk and organic honey from local farms, of course, as well as specialties from all the big names in town – ice cream from Bassett’s, cheese from Di Bruno Brothers, Breads from Metropolitan...
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Studio 34 Yoga, Healing, Arts

Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 3, 2009

Just over a year old, Studio 34 is a hip and happening yoga studio whose mission is to foster a “community that nurtures individuals and families in their pursuit of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.” With tons of events and classes going on year-round in their airy, comfy Baltimore Avenue studio, they’re well on their way to uniting the community, healing our ills, and saving the world. (Well, at least a little piece of it!)

Classes are offered every day of the week for just $10, with special discounts making some classes just $5 or even Pay What You Can. They run the gamut from your expected yoga, pilates, and Tai Chi to more unusual offerings ...
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Philadelphia Community Acupuncture, true to its name

Posted by Samantha Lazar on July 29, 2009

Think acupuncture. What comes to mind? I picture faces full of needles, cryptic charts, and expensive doctors’ offices. Thankfully, The Community Acupuncture Network is here to change all that. The movement is sweeping the country, and it’s the Network’s goal is to make acupuncture more accessible and affordable, bringing it to communities and offering treatments on a sliding scale, starting at as little as $15.

The Philly branch, located in the firehouse at 50th and Baltimore just above Dock Street Brewery, was one of the first and has been open for almost two years now. The airy space is tranquil and inviting, with comfy couches, books, and tea in the waiting area. ...
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Clark Park Farmers’ Market

Posted by Samantha Lazar on July 2, 2009

Sick of hibernating all winter, eating canned food and potato after potato? Hopefully your wintertime culinary experience wasn’t that bad, but no doubt you’re thinking fresh now that summer is upon us. Swing by the Clark Park Farmer’s Market to satisfy that yearning for fresh, healthy and organic local goodness....
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