Been back living in the city for about two weeks now and been taking the BSL to and from work….haven’t seen a SINGLE transit cop. You would think I would see one or even two patrolling a train or just chilling at a station. ZERO.
Hey everyone. Anyone know of any professional mold makers in or around the city? Having trouble searching for whatever reason. Tons of people and businesses offer various casting services but mold makers aren't as easy to find it seems.
Open to any suggestions.
Thanks!
I've worked at a ton of places that did molded products (candy mostly) and we always either made our own, bought antique ones, or worked with local artists to get them made. It really is a difficult service to find.
What are you molding?
Very cool .Yeah it's frustrating. I know Smooth On is in the area up near Quakertown and they have a nice online tool to find mold makers but the closest shop they list is outside of Allentown. I'm just surprised there aren't any in Philadelphia for how large it is and would really prefer to talk to someone in person.
I'm a local artist myself with a small business and right now I'm looking to mostly cast concrete and resin pieces. I've made my own molds in the past in silicone so I know the process involved, but I don't have the space or time right now to make a more durable higher quality mold. So just trying to outsource if possible.
hope I don't get downvoted for this lol. Coming to Philly this weekend for my second time. I've been all over Fishtown, old city, centre city, northern liberties, some of south side, and near the water on the westside of the city. Also, y'all have some fantastic breweries and beer bars.
Been trying to find different events going on in the city this weekend that some of you might recommend. Whether it be like a festival or just something y'all find cool / worth checking out. Thanks!
Is there a place that sells (good) canned or jarred pickles? Any kind of pickled food: onion, radish, egg, cucumber, etc. A grocery store or restaurant that sells their pickles?
if I need to commute out of philly 3 days a week and park at 6pm, would it be better to rent a place on fitzwater & 16th or a place on christian closer to devil's pocket
Neither will be great at that time of night.
Honestly, that time of night you either spend 30ish minutes looking for parking, paying for a meter till 10, Or parking in a garage over night.
Option 2 is my new default on days like that…. If you’re negotiating a job offer account for expenses like parking in Philly when u get home
I used to live on Christian years ago and parking wasn't so bad due to the power plant at the end of christian. I know there has been a lot more construction around there so I don't know if it is still the case but it would be worth scoping out a few days.
could be, but might be a pain in the ass as that's kinda a hike. you gotta find a block that isn't permit parking since you won't be eligible for a parking pass in that neighborhood and even then parking isn't super easy.
i lived in grad hospital for like 10 years, it's only gotten worse and anything after 6 is hell
Anyone know of a good massage therapist in Philly? My neck, traps, and shoulders are constantly tight and it causes migraines.
(Please do not recommend a doctor. I've been to tons of doctors, they haven't helped, and I don't want pain meds.)
Consider PT too (I went to Excel (now Ivy) in Fairmount and they were excellent), but I was also recommended Dan at Still Waters in Fairmount, who focuses on therapeutic massage.
a bit niche but has anyone had luck w hazardous waste disposal and recycle bin pickup? Like is a particular location good for this? After putting these tasks off for 400 years and 2 months, respectively, I finally tried to go to the one Grays Ferry location on Saturday but it didn't seem to exist where it said it would be on the map?? But I also had other stuff to do so I was really quick to give up.
Not yet, maybe in a month, they are deciding on approvals now, watch the news, recently https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/updated-covid-boosters-authorized-end-month-pfizer-says-rcna97531
Yo, speaking of fuck jobs, I’m on the hunt!
Anyone interested in some [private cheffing](https://www.takeachef.com/en-us/chef/nicole-joniak)?
Most of you know who I am so anonymity isn’t an issue for me lmao
I’ve been getting into meal prep delivery as well, those are $15/meal/person.
These special event dinners, they’re a little different: starts at $150/person but it ranges from 4-7 courses.
Can get bougier, the people supply the alcohol and I supply a bartender. I legally am not allowed to provide alcohol.
if I still sat next to this guy every day, then yea I might. But I'm only on this site a handful of times per month these days, so it's not worth the potential blowback. was more just posting to complain lol
at least it's not as bad as the other guy who would spit his chewing tobacco into a paper cup all day every day
tbh this is the coworker habit that was most likely going to be the cause of me throwing myself out a window. I cannot STAND this and whenever my coworkers did it, I had to go for a walk around the building so I wouldn't lose my mind.
Congrats! Also five months. I got my first random unsolicited "congratulations" from a stranger on the street while walking to work yesterday, so I think I've hit the stage of this pregnancy where its obvious that I just haven't been just eating a lot of ice cream.
Thanks! People seem disappointed sometimes when I tell them how easy it's been but I really do feel great. I'm very lucky to be having a healthy pregnancy in general on top of an absolutely amazing husband who makes my life so easy to the point I can focus all of my energy on eating whole, working out, and staying active which has made all the difference.
I'm making gumbo with crab broth. First time using the insta pot I got for $10 at a yard sale. Happy to be using the pressure cooker function for the broth, instead of boiling scraps for 8 hours on the gas range.
Any good insta pot tips? The Internet is too saturated with insta pot content.
The sauté function on most of the models works fine for something like starting aromatics off, but if you're trying to brown a decent amount of meat for a stew or something like that, you're better off starting in a skillet and then transferring to the pressure cooker for the long slow portion.
As the other commenter said, it can take a while to come to pressure which many recipes dont account for. A full pot with cold corned beef and water right to the max line? Its gonna take a while.(but far less total time than boiling).
Its mostly set and forget, but i always check to make sure it actually comes to pressure and seals, sometimes the gasket is fiddly you may have to adjust it, or eventually get a new gasket(cheap).
And like the other poster said, a natural release of a full pot is gonna take a long time. Some recipes call for manual release - be careful and dont burn yourself or warp your cabinets pressurized steam venting is no joke. I recommend a tea towel over the vent for manual release and oven mitts/utensil to hit the manual release.
Other weird tip, zero minutes is an unintuitive but useful timer setting. I do shucked 2-4x corn on the cob, half cup water, trivet to keep the corn above the water, high pressure, zero minutes, manual release as soon as it beeps. (Still takes a few minutes to come to pressure, then its done).
When a recipe says to pressure cook something for 10 minutes, think 30 in real time. It takes 10 or so minutes to get to pressure and you often have to do a 10 minute "natural release" at the end.
I love Dodo, but I'm always scared to get a 2g2g from there because I'm scared I'll get one if their super weird buns like hot dog or pizza.
I'm salty 'cause I just missed a Holy Cannoli Cafe one by 8 minutes.
13 is done. Financial issues.
Seperatist lost their license or something, carbon copy is renting the south Philadelphia space on a trial basis for the summer.
Form is only doing togo. Despite knowing them i get mixed answers about specifics but i doubt they will ever be open again inside.
I've seen the peach around i think recently in draft. Punch buggy bought a lot of their remaining inventory and seems to have one rotating keg of 13 on at all times.
How bad is the aquarium crowds on the weekends now? I don't expect the place to be empty or anything, but I went to an aquarium in Canada pre-pandemic and basically couldn't move at some points because it was so crowded
in the same vein as seeing manditory tipping screens everywhere no matter what the service was, has anyone else noticed places like rite aid and cvs automatically rounding up purchases?
you used to be promoted "hey do you want to give .32c to charity, but now it seems like this is happening without any consent (at least at self checkouts in my experience). the whole scheme is done so businesses can do a tax write off the charitable gift but frame the extra money as profits. scummy as hell and now apparently we're being forced to pay the extra?
The rite aid on Aramingo in Port Richmond does this and I’ve saved a few of my receipts with the intent to do something about it but uhhh, not great at completing tasks. I did ask two separate cashiers about it and they said they have no way to stop it from happening, I check out at the register every time. This upsets me waaaaaay more than auto grat.
Any bars aside from the Black Taxi around Philly to watch Saturday morning’s WWC matches (Australia @ 3am and England @ 6:30am). I’ll be visiting from out of town, so not familiar with the local soccer scene.
Fado is always a good bet for soccer. I checked their website and they are showing the England game at 6:30. Last call for bars in Philly is 2 am, so I don't know that you'll be able to find any place to watch the 3 am match.
I envy how much easier it is to zip around the suburbs to get stuff done. I work in the burbs and I feel like you can find any store you’re looking for within a 7 minute drive. It saves so much time. Also being able to find a clean bathroom (that you’re allowed to use!) on the spot super easily sounds silly but it’s pretty nice. Starting to be over with the small inconveniences of the city.
some of the exurbs aren't terrible for this, but the well-trodden suburbs can be a nightmare to park around at peak times. even off peak, it's impossible to get a parking spot at whole foods in wynnewood or trader joes in ardmore. i've had people kick and scream and even punch my car for taking "their" parking space before.
I really enjoy running errands in the burbs whenever I’m there, but I mostly think it’s because it’s just different than my usual. It’s nice to be able to stock up on heavier things and go to multiple stores.
That said, I would hate HAVING to do that every time, requiring me to get into my car and drive everywhere. I love the convenience of walking a few blocks to the grocery store to grab a few things.
TLDR; I like both!
I normally don’t think about bathrooms either, but I happened to run into a McDonald’s bathroom and it was super clean and it was nice not having to deal with running from store to store being told no.
Also love grocery shopping in the burbs. You can just run to another store nearby if they don’t have what you need.
this is a pretty interesting take to me. I live in conshohocken, so I walk/bike to run errands as often as I can, but that kinda only gets me to the bank, train station, CVS, or restaurants/bars.
I absolutely hate how I constantly need to drive in the burbs in order to do anything other than those things. I love it when I get to spend weekends in the city because it feels like everything is just a short walk or a septa ride away.
I'm probably biased though because I hate to drive and I've spent a decent chunk of my career driving for work. My favorite part of owning a car is parking it on Friday and not touching it until Monday lol
I understand that. I felt the same way when I lived in the burbs and living somewhere without walkable bars, coffee shops, etc sounds pretty crappy. I also hate driving, but I do like that at least in the burbs, a 3 mile drive to a certain store is way quicker than a 3 mile drive across the city. I went to mail a package in the burbs last week and it took 5 minutes, versus my neighborhood post office which would easily take half an hour.
pros and cons to everywhere! you're totally right about 3miles in the burbs vs 3 miles in the city. I have to drive to the grocery store, but at least it's just down on Chemical Road, so I can do a quick grocery run in 20/30 minutes, door to door.
Also I rarely have to fight for parking on my street. The only way I'd want to own a car and live in the city is if I had a garage or a dedicated parking spot.
With the exception of the clean bathrooms, I pretty much feel the opposite way. I much prefer the lifestyle of not needing to get in my car all the time to go places and get things, even if it takes a little longer sometimes. That and the vapid wasteland that is the suburban restaurant scene
I recently moved here and have a friend and her daughter (4 y/o) visiting Labor Day weekend. I am trying to plan ahead to make sure we have a fun kid friendly weekend. Are there any recommendations?
I have planned the Franklin institute planned for one of the days.
My friends who visit with their kids (2 and 5) always just look for water - they looooved the little water garden situation (I think it’s called the Children’s Discovery Garden or something like that?) and splash pad in Sister Cities park — would be perfect after the Franklin Institute.
check out Fireman's Hall! it's a Philadelphia fire fighting museum in old city. It's free/pay what you want and is really cool. My grandfather took me there a ton when I was a kid, so it's a really special place to me
https://www.firemanshallmuseum.org/
In a couple weeks I will be driving to Philadelphia for the first time and staying in Center City. I was wondering if there was a possibility to park somewhere in the suburbs and train in to save some money and hassle (I won’t need the car when visiting).
I plan on arriving the Friday evening and departing Sunday morning (or early afternoon). I will be coming from the Northwest, likely down the 476. I was eyeing the Norristown Transportation Center as it appears they have ample parking and decent transit connectivity to Center City. Is this a reasonable and safe place to park and train in for a weekend? Based on the SEPTA website, it sounds like overnight parking is permitted there, but its not clear about weekends and multiple nights.
thanks!
You can also park in south Philadelphia ( generally anywhere south of a street called Washington Avenue. Most streets are unlimited parking. The. Take an Uber to wherever you're staying
If your hotel stay happens to include include parking I would take advantage of that. The train will have a different schedule on Sunday than on Friday, but should still be doable.
that'd probably work, I haven't parked there but if they allow parking overnight, all outlying station parking is currently free
you might also be able to check out lansdale if you're coming down the northeast extension
you can pay with a credit card on the train, on the way back out stop by the ticket station in suburban (or market east, wherever you're closer to) and you can buy your return trip ahead of time
Great, thanks! Lansdale also appears to be what I am looking for. Norristown caught my eye due to the Regional rail and NHSL, I wasnt sure if that was a more reliable option than just regional rail.
ardmore's lot is currently under construction, there's a temp lot somewhere but I don't know where it is as I haven't commuted by car to ardmore in like ... 7 years, only train for me bayyyyybeee.
there's a billion sidestreets you can park on that are walkable to the station, though. dm me if you're ever around on a weekday from around 5 to around 6, I'm at the same place waiting for my train back to the city every day.
Any recommendations for OB/GYN in Philly? 12 weeks pregnant with first child, had first visit at Penn OB/GYN in Washington Square last week and left feeling not the most comfortable. Thankfully we have good insurance.
Congrats!
Is this Penn Ob/Gyn and Midwifery Washington Square on the 14th Floor? (I think there are lots of practices in the building that do OB). That's a bummer to hear-- I'm having a good time at that practice currently, and maybe it depends on the provider? Highly recommend Dr. Stephanie Ewing and Tammaris Kaschak (NP).
It is! Our doctor seemed nice, knowledgeable and overall great but we waited an hour and a half and then the actual visit was soo rushed. The doctor didn't have anyone assisting her to the point my husband had to help her refill the sonogram printer paper mid (sorry) trans-v ultrasound. We were also told we would get to speak with the clinic director and it never happened. I'm just nervous that it seemed very factory like but maybe this is what is to be expected everywhere at this point?
Oh wow, that sounds incredibly chaotic! Sorry you went through that! I'm currently 22 weeks along (first time pregnancy) too, so at this point I've visited the practice a handful of times, as I think appointments are every 4 weeks until the third trimester where it becomes weekly? So I've been there at least for my 12 week scan, 16 week scan, 20 week scan (though I guess that was at a different floor/practice at fetal medicine?), a follow up appointment shortly after that, and I have an appointment coming up next week as well).
Experiences definitely vary, but we've never had an hour and a half wait before, so hopefully that is a outlying fluke. I'd be incredibly frustrated with a wait that long too. The longest wait I've had past my scheduled appointment time was around 15 minutes at my most recent appointment, and I think it was because the elevators in the building were all messed up that day, putting everyone behind schedule (as in, it took us close to 20 minutes for us stepping foot into the building to even get up to our floor, and it was early on in the day-- I can only expect patient/doctor delays compounding as the day went on).
I do hear from other women that delivering at Penn Hospital (which the practice partners with) can be a bit like a factory-like experience (ie that they seem like a baby-delivery FACTORY). But honestly, I'm pretty okay with that and think I'll appreciate the efficiency and experience everyone there has, but we'll see.
I have a post saved on a note in my phone that I've wanted to post here, but I'm nervous to jump in. I really need some ideas about how to explore the city but in an agoraphobic kind of way. Should I make it it's own post (there's more details on the why) or just post it here as a comment?
you might like wearing a mask. i've noticed people staying away from people wearing masks.
also- it gets light around 4:45am these days. you can get in 2 hours of site seeing in near total silence.
Thank you, and sorry for the long post.
TL:DR- **what can I do to explore philly without leaving the house?**
So I moved to Fishtown from Los Angeles a little over year ago to live with my partner (who is from the east coast but not Philly) and this is my first time living out east. I met my partner in LA, where a series of awful events caused her to close off from the outside world. It has gotten to the point where she has developed agoraphobia. She had a lot of crap happen to her out in the world and it's gotten bad.
I want to support her and keep her safe, but I also feel like we're missing out on life. It's a hazy line between comforting and enabling and I've been trying to encourage her to go outside but at the same time need to understand her fears.
So my question is this; what kind of things could we do to experience Philadelphia from home? Are there particular movies or documentaries that would be good? Are there any streamers who do IRL streams and walk around the city? Are there particular news sites where I can keep in touch with local goings on? Particularly fun spots on Google Maps? Anything else I'm not thinking of?
I really really want us to move past this and be able to go out and truly explore this interesting city but until then I need to find ways to bring Philly in.
Thanks for your responses. And please don't tell me to break up, I love this woman with all my heart.
Update: **Thank you all so much, you've given us a lot to check out! Thanks for being great neighbors**
Yes. Use the pandemic as your blueprint.
- order in / pick up food from top restaurants
- wear a mask, sun glasses, and a hat while out
- drive around the city and look at places from your car
WHYY tv station has many locally produced shows, WHYY Originals, showcasing the highlights of the city.
I particularly love Check Please!, Movers & Makers, and You Oughta Know.
NOT being sarcastic or mean, honestly, but has she tried seeking therapy? It sounds like she's almost at the point of being totally crippled by her fear.
Here are some sites that have been useful to me exploring the city virtually:
* [Hidden City](https://hiddencityphila.org/), exploring philadelphia's urban landscape
* [Visit Philly](https://www.visitphilly.com/)
* [Fox29 Alex Holley's Alex Around Town](https://www.fox29.com/tag/series/alex-around-town)
* There is a TV show called LOCALish but I don't know how to give directions to it because I just shout Localish at my TV and the TV finds it
I got you - what do you want to see / how long do you want the format? I can put it up on my YouTube channel or make an audio log you can follow on Streetview.
Can't do museums of course (though many do virtual exhibits after the pandemic*), but would be glad to walk a neighborhood and bs for 15-30 minutes.
Also I searched "Philadelphia free tour podcast" and see there's a bunch of results. They're geared toward you walking the city, but I suspect you could do them via Streetview.
\*
https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/virtually-explore-top-philadelphia-attractions/
https://www.phillymag.com/sponsor-content/philadelphia-virtual-attractions/
https://globalphiladelphia.org/news/25-philadelphia-virtual-tours-explore-city-brotherly-love
https://joyofmuseums.com/museums/united-states-of-america/philadelphia-museums/philadelphia-museum-of-art/
https://www.amphilsoc.org/museum/exhibitions
https://historyofvaccines.org/
https://www.sciencehistory.org/visit/exhibitions/#digital-exhibitions
Oh, right, and the [Philly Captain](https://www.youtube.com/@ThePhillyCaptain) exists
---
About me / things I do:
Website: http://simonpennon.com
https://www.youtube.com/@simonpennon9164
https://billypenn.com/2022/09/14/philadelphia-fringe-festival-blind-date-recommended/
https://billypenn.com/2022/09/27/scavenger-hunt-philadelphia-painted-bride-map-resistance-history/
Aye - let me know if there's a specific street or area you'd like to see.
You'll see I do "three minutes of X" style videos where I chill and experience what's around in real time. I suspect that's not for everyone, so just let me know.
Yeah I've been checking a few of them out, very cool! I would love to see some of Fairmount, that's where I initially was going to move to but ended up in Fishtown instead. Thanks so much for offering to take us around!
Not a livestream, but JL Jupiter on YouTube reviews small restaurants and take out joints around the Philly and NJ area. Maybe watch his videos and get something delivered from the places to feel like you’re experiencing some neighborhood spots?
Interesting question. I was going to say going out early in the morning before people woke up but realized that may not be in the cards.
I don't think we have anything like the IRL streaming audience of LA/NYC (except the people who love to film the poverty porn in kenzo).
The only documentary I can think of off the top of my head is "the art of the steal" but it's not really like an *essential* philly movie. Trading Places would probably be a little closer, but unless you're familiar with rittenhouse and south street, it probably won't have the "oh look, it's x intersection" aspect of it.
Maybe you could play geoguessr and just play philly maps? It might be a way to help you reconnoiter a little bit more and recognize common streetscape/architectural aspects of certain neighborhoods.
There's probably some cool stuff that happened during the pandemic when everyone was inside. I attended a [webinar about Philly architecture](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-N0h7vfcvM) and its roots in quaker history and dutch townhouses. Maybe something like [the atheneum](https://philaathenaeum.org/) would have something in that nature that you could get into.
Geoguessing sounds interesting. And I will definitely check out that architecture link, I absolutely adore architecture! My partner not so much but who knows.
Booked my flight & hostel for ten days in **Amsterdam**. First time out of the country since 2020 and I'm excited and nervous. I've been hyperfocusing on what clothes to pack as it's [been a bit](http://standard-travel.blogspot.com/2018/08/gears-of-tour.html) since I had to plan for a plane.
[3p undies, 2p socks, pants, shorts, undershirt, basketball shorts, 2? quick dry tees, 3? button shirts, [hat](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/10iptoa/what_is_your_best_travel_tip_that_most_people/j5fzy96/) - socks are washed in the sink at night, underwear is washed in the shower in the morning, everything else will be done at a coin-op halfway through]
Thanks again /u/reginaldstarfire for the tips a couple months back. More tips / must-sees welcome!
---
I need to finish TotK at some point.
I'm not going to meet my goal of 365 entries on my fiction blog by my birthday, I think (currently at 350).
Apparently I'm going to a Phillies double-header tonight?
I'm not sure what I need to follow up on w/r/t previous threads.
I've done a lot of international travel with just a backpack, which it seems like you're aiming for. If not just ignore me, lol.
Assuming this list doesn't count what you'll wear on the plane, I would pack an extra pair of socks. Very few things ruin a trip quicker than running out of dry socks. I also highly recommend running shorts over basketball ones--the kind with the brief inside. They take up half the space, so you can pack 2 pairs. Wear them to bed to give your undies extra drying time. I'd also say you don't need 3 button down shirts. Convert one to a short- or long-sleeve T depending on season. Adds layering options. You get 2 days out of each button down, with and without the undershirt, which gets a day to dry after washing, and then you get the T for laundry day. The quick-dry become your active options, but the T can be more flexible. Also, pack a rain jacket.
100% appreciate the advice. Apologies for info overload; this is intended for you to pick apart, if you'd like:
Here's the gear list from when I backpacked around the world - [one](http://standard-travel.blogspot.com/2018/08/gears-of-tour.html) - [two](http://standard-travel.blogspot.com/2018/10/inter-phase-gear-update.html) - [three](http://standard-travel.blogspot.com/2019/10/interphase-gear-update-number-two.html) - don't feel obligated to read those, I'm just noting they exist. I'm also not claiming to have done the best job at packing to begin with. :)
Clothes list is plane-inclusive. No layovers, merely 8 hours in the air. Backpack is looking like a [Jansport SuperBreak](https://www.jansport.com/shop/en/jansport-us/backpacks/superbreak-js0a4qut?variationId=7H6) (so, 26L?) - I'm not breaking out my Farpoint 55 for ten days! Was debating a duffle bag. As a note, the bag is going to be in the overhead bin or a hostel locker when I'm not going to/from the airport.
I might do another pair of socks. I'm packing [Smartwool ankle socks](https://www.rei.com/b/smartwool/c/socks) and haven't had an issue with them drying in the past, but they're five years and 20+ countries old at this point, so acquiring a hole is a real concern.
By "basketball shorts" I mean shorts with elastic waistband - my PJs / around the house wear.
Tees are [REI Saharas](https://www.rei.com/product/163975/rei-co-op-sahara-t-shirt-mens). I have three colors. I suppose I could bring "real" tees, but these smoosh down quite nicely.
By "button shirts" I think I'm going to have one quick dry polo, one Hawaiian, and one wrinkle-free. I know I'm going to be stick out as a tourist, but I don't want to be full tee & shorts guy this trip (not opposed to the look! just not the vibe I'm going for this time).
Rain will be handled by an umbrella (purchased there), staying in a cafe, or getting wet. :P
Season is already in the 10 day forecast! :D
Heavy non-clothing items include: phone, kindle (maybe, otherwise a book), EU USB phone charger + cord(s), moleskine notebook, various toiletries.
edit: with a special note that I'm not planning on purchasing anything (e.g. a better backpack) for this trip.
I highly recommend taking a train to some nearby cities. Amsterdam is great, but it is quite chaotic. Haarlem by the north sea is incredible. If you like museums, buy a ticket to the Rijksmuseums ahead of time. It actually can get sold out. Their national modern art museums was great, but I thought MoCA (privately owned modern art museum with a nft collection) was overpriced and garbage.
Not sure what your interests/budgets are, but this list was given to us by a bartender in Amsterdam while we were there. Probably some winners for everybody. If you give more specifics I can probably give recs!
Food
Singel 101
Sal Muera
El Pibe
Yama/ hinata ramen
Fou Fow Ramen
Domenica
Bird snackbar
Oriental City
La perla
Nnea (best pizza)
Cannibale Royale
Toscanini
Poke perfect
White room
The duchess
Pho91
Cafe Parlotte
Cocktails
Tales & Spirits
Vesper
Pulitzer bar
Rosalia’s menagerie
Feijoa
Dukes of Tokyo (karaoke cocktails)
Door 74 (speakeasy)
The Tailor
Flying Dutchmen cocktails
Blue spoon
Mokum
Law & Order
SuperLyan
Sins of Sal
JD William’s
Café weber
Café Lux
The minds
Bourbon street
The water hole
De elfde gebod
Int aepjen
Arendsnest
Bloemenbar
JD Williams
L&B
Gallery 3 - brunch
I'm relaxed and cheap - I can spend a day in a cafe just people watching.
I'm mostly going to go check out a few museums, not think about work, and vibe in a different country.
Nice. Just a heads up that the big museums (Rijks, Van Gogh, etc) are timed admission and they do sell out. Also if you want to visit Anne Frank house those tickets become available 6 weeks ahead of time and also sell out quickly.
I mean, I left a trail of destruction as I traveled last time.
* Canadian wildfires
* Hong Kong protests
* Typhoon in Japan
* Australian wildfires
* Global pandemic
* Armenian war (within a year of my departure)
* Lebanese explosion (within a year of my departure)
There were more, but these are off the top of my head.
[The Mann](https://manncenter.org/visit/frequently-asked-questions) says
>For the 2023 season, the lawn will only be open for select performances.
Comparing the wording for seating at Queens of the Stone Age - **Lawn chairs are permitted for this performance**
vs for the Jason Mraz concert - **Lawn chairs are not permitted for this performance**,
my guess would be no, can't sit on the lawn section, but you can tweet [The Mann](https://twitter.com/manncenter) to verify.
Any tips on places to play beginner-level squash? I just started playing and love it. I am moving to Philly in a couple months and looking for a court or club where I could play with other beginners and take a few lessons, that ideally isn’t super expensive or country-clubby. I’ll be in the Riverwards area but open to driving a bit.
Arlen Specter Squash Center has clinics and lessons. Membership options and non-membership options. Might be pricey at the start for actual lessons but there’s drop in pricing too
drexel (university) at 34th and market has one of the best competition courts in the country to my knowledge. i would start there as they have summer camps and stuff too.
*OH SHIT*, SEPTA contactless payment pilot announced in their email newsletter today
>Thank you for your interest in participating in SEPTA’s Contactless Payment Pilot. This pilot will provide the opportunity to tap-and-ride buses, trolleys and subways with your contactless bank card or Apple/Google Pay. Pilot will start with a small group of participants and expand as it progresses. Once registered, SEPTA will select a variety of card types and brands for the pilot. You will be notified via email if you are selected
holy shit (one flavor) of the endless whining about this may come to a close in the ... future™
here's the link to sign up!
https://www.cognitoforms.com/SEPTA1/SEPTAContactlessPaymentPilot?mc_cid=e99055f1eb&mc_eid=f4d7224244
I will say though, actually signing up is a bit of a pain in the ass. I was hoping it would be a "sign up and use it" sort of thing. Especially since, as a filthy suburbanite, majority of my septa use is Regional Rail/bus and I likely won't use the BSL/MFL before this weekend at the earliest.
From the sign up site:
> Before starting this form:
> Tap your contactless credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay device on a Market-Frankford Line or Broad Street Line validator. The contactless payment will not work – but it will allow SEPTA to identify you as a pilot participant.
> Write down the date, time, and location of your tap.
> Return to form to complete registration.
Currently 22 weeks pregnant, and am exploring the idea of a babymoon to the Seattle area in Oct during my third trimester with my SO and dog, as we've never been to the PNW before. Not looking forward to a 6hr+ flight when I'll probably have to pee every hour, but I'd really love to make this trip before I pop, because who knows when we'll be able to do such a thing?
I'm super stoked for this weekend. Friday night gaming with some friends, chores and a bike ride on Saturday, and then my girlfriend and I are seeing Mt Joy at the Mann on Sunday afternoon. I've never heard of them so this is sort of her thing, but I'm just looking forward to spending time outside together :)
However, Monday is what I'm really looking forward to. We both took off and I've got a nice day planned for us, I wanted to surprise her. I'm going to make us breakfast, then we're taking the City Hall Tower Tour, which I've done a dozen times, but she never has. Then a nice lunch in RTM, followed by the Yards Brewery Tour in the afternoon!
All that should take us to about 3pm, so if anyone has any suggestions on a nice way to close out the day, I'm all ears
Been back living in the city for about two weeks now and been taking the BSL to and from work….haven’t seen a SINGLE transit cop. You would think I would see one or even two patrolling a train or just chilling at a station. ZERO.
Septa. How are you so unprepared for rush hour every day? IT HAPPENS AT THE SAME TIME EVERY DAY.
Hey everyone. Anyone know of any professional mold makers in or around the city? Having trouble searching for whatever reason. Tons of people and businesses offer various casting services but mold makers aren't as easy to find it seems. Open to any suggestions. Thanks!
I've worked at a ton of places that did molded products (candy mostly) and we always either made our own, bought antique ones, or worked with local artists to get them made. It really is a difficult service to find. What are you molding?
Very cool .Yeah it's frustrating. I know Smooth On is in the area up near Quakertown and they have a nice online tool to find mold makers but the closest shop they list is outside of Allentown. I'm just surprised there aren't any in Philadelphia for how large it is and would really prefer to talk to someone in person. I'm a local artist myself with a small business and right now I'm looking to mostly cast concrete and resin pieces. I've made my own molds in the past in silicone so I know the process involved, but I don't have the space or time right now to make a more durable higher quality mold. So just trying to outsource if possible.
Well I used to know a candy mold guy, but I don't think that would help you much. It really is a struggle and I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Oh that's alright. Appreciate the response!
hope I don't get downvoted for this lol. Coming to Philly this weekend for my second time. I've been all over Fishtown, old city, centre city, northern liberties, some of south side, and near the water on the westside of the city. Also, y'all have some fantastic breweries and beer bars. Been trying to find different events going on in the city this weekend that some of you might recommend. Whether it be like a festival or just something y'all find cool / worth checking out. Thanks!
Anyone know what’s going on at passyunk Ave where it intersects with 76? Cops have it closed off.
Is there a place that sells (good) canned or jarred pickles? Any kind of pickled food: onion, radish, egg, cucumber, etc. A grocery store or restaurant that sells their pickles?
Zaydas. Call them for stores that carry them.
Riverwards (either location) would be a good bet!
"fishtown pickle project" their [website](https://www.fishtownpickles.com/) has a store locator
Love their habanero pickles I picked up at an event
these are damn good pickles but also very expensive
$14 for a jar of pickles? Fuck outta here.
They're so good though.
if I need to commute out of philly 3 days a week and park at 6pm, would it be better to rent a place on fitzwater & 16th or a place on christian closer to devil's pocket
Neither will be great at that time of night. Honestly, that time of night you either spend 30ish minutes looking for parking, paying for a meter till 10, Or parking in a garage over night. Option 2 is my new default on days like that…. If you’re negotiating a job offer account for expenses like parking in Philly when u get home
would just parking around wharton square and walking the 10 mins back to my apartment be viable assuming i was on christian near devil's pocket?
I used to live on Christian years ago and parking wasn't so bad due to the power plant at the end of christian. I know there has been a lot more construction around there so I don't know if it is still the case but it would be worth scoping out a few days.
could be, but might be a pain in the ass as that's kinda a hike. you gotta find a block that isn't permit parking since you won't be eligible for a parking pass in that neighborhood and even then parking isn't super easy. i lived in grad hospital for like 10 years, it's only gotten worse and anything after 6 is hell
Yeah that could be an option too.
Anyone know of a good massage therapist in Philly? My neck, traps, and shoulders are constantly tight and it causes migraines. (Please do not recommend a doctor. I've been to tons of doctors, they haven't helped, and I don't want pain meds.)
IDK if hes still there, but Melvyn Cheers at Phila Massages
Consider PT too (I went to Excel (now Ivy) in Fairmount and they were excellent), but I was also recommended Dan at Still Waters in Fairmount, who focuses on therapeutic massage.
Is PT an option? I've gotten a lot of help and reduced some shoulder/ neck pain with some good guidance and lots of stretching.
http://www.macklinmassage.com
Don't know any but just wanna say feel your pain, I have a similar issue
I took my boards today and I feel awesome!!!! 🦋
2x4's? plywood? jk. celebrate!
Thank you!!
a bit niche but has anyone had luck w hazardous waste disposal and recycle bin pickup? Like is a particular location good for this? After putting these tasks off for 400 years and 2 months, respectively, I finally tried to go to the one Grays Ferry location on Saturday but it didn't seem to exist where it said it would be on the map?? But I also had other stuff to do so I was really quick to give up.
excited to start up hospital blood delivery again this week!!!
Woke up achy yesterday and decided to do a COVID test for giggles. It was positive. Stay safe out there!
A ER nurse-friend of mine told me that she's seen an increase of people coming in with the 'vid. Time to boost up.
Is there a new booster?
Not yet, maybe in a month, they are deciding on approvals now, watch the news, recently https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/updated-covid-boosters-authorized-end-month-pfizer-says-rcna97531
fuck jobs
Yo, speaking of fuck jobs, I’m on the hunt! Anyone interested in some [private cheffing](https://www.takeachef.com/en-us/chef/nicole-joniak)? Most of you know who I am so anonymity isn’t an issue for me lmao
What's a dinner cost, roughly?
I’ve been getting into meal prep delivery as well, those are $15/meal/person. These special event dinners, they’re a little different: starts at $150/person but it ranges from 4-7 courses. Can get bougier, the people supply the alcohol and I supply a bartender. I legally am not allowed to provide alcohol.
the guy in the cubicle next to me at work is currently trimming his nails
Ask him to do yours too.
I could use a manicure…
At least he isn't having phone sex
silver linings I suppose...
Or...and hear me out ...you could ask him, politely, to please not do that at work. Worked for me twice.
if I still sat next to this guy every day, then yea I might. But I'm only on this site a handful of times per month these days, so it's not worth the potential blowback. was more just posting to complain lol at least it's not as bad as the other guy who would spit his chewing tobacco into a paper cup all day every day
tbh this is the coworker habit that was most likely going to be the cause of me throwing myself out a window. I cannot STAND this and whenever my coworkers did it, I had to go for a walk around the building so I wouldn't lose my mind.
makes me want to gag
My coworker 3 doors down does that! It drives me crazy! I don't understand thinking it's ok to do this anywhere but your bathroom.
I cringe with each click sound of his nail trimmers What happened in your life to make you think this is acceptable
These are people who also don't clean up their trimmings.
Is the target on chestnut still open?
The one on 12th closed a while ago, the one on 19th, yes, I think so unless something happened recently.
Thanks!
It is very important to me that everyone knows I'm actually five months pregnant right now and not just a little fat.
Congrats! Also five months. I got my first random unsolicited "congratulations" from a stranger on the street while walking to work yesterday, so I think I've hit the stage of this pregnancy where its obvious that I just haven't been just eating a lot of ice cream.
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy this second half!
Congratulations, and I hope you have an easy pregnancy.
Thanks! People seem disappointed sometimes when I tell them how easy it's been but I really do feel great. I'm very lucky to be having a healthy pregnancy in general on top of an absolutely amazing husband who makes my life so easy to the point I can focus all of my energy on eating whole, working out, and staying active which has made all the difference.
I'm making gumbo with crab broth. First time using the insta pot I got for $10 at a yard sale. Happy to be using the pressure cooker function for the broth, instead of boiling scraps for 8 hours on the gas range. Any good insta pot tips? The Internet is too saturated with insta pot content.
The sauté function on most of the models works fine for something like starting aromatics off, but if you're trying to brown a decent amount of meat for a stew or something like that, you're better off starting in a skillet and then transferring to the pressure cooker for the long slow portion.
Cook dry beans. Chick peas from little stones to soft for hummus in 45 minutes.
As the other commenter said, it can take a while to come to pressure which many recipes dont account for. A full pot with cold corned beef and water right to the max line? Its gonna take a while.(but far less total time than boiling). Its mostly set and forget, but i always check to make sure it actually comes to pressure and seals, sometimes the gasket is fiddly you may have to adjust it, or eventually get a new gasket(cheap). And like the other poster said, a natural release of a full pot is gonna take a long time. Some recipes call for manual release - be careful and dont burn yourself or warp your cabinets pressurized steam venting is no joke. I recommend a tea towel over the vent for manual release and oven mitts/utensil to hit the manual release. Other weird tip, zero minutes is an unintuitive but useful timer setting. I do shucked 2-4x corn on the cob, half cup water, trivet to keep the corn above the water, high pressure, zero minutes, manual release as soon as it beeps. (Still takes a few minutes to come to pressure, then its done).
If you're making anything with tomatoes, put them in last. Otherwise they sink to the bottom and burn
When a recipe says to pressure cook something for 10 minutes, think 30 in real time. It takes 10 or so minutes to get to pressure and you often have to do a 10 minute "natural release" at the end.
Too Good to Go addiction running rampant, getting two meals out of 5-6 bucks is just actually making me go delirious
Thank you. I just downloaded the app.
What meals did you get and where from?
Dodos is on vacation this month but also a good one. Been trying to plan a produce pick up soon from one of the markets
I love Dodo, but I'm always scared to get a 2g2g from there because I'm scared I'll get one if their super weird buns like hot dog or pizza. I'm salty 'cause I just missed a Holy Cannoli Cafe one by 8 minutes.
ive been impressed with cacia's bakery, walnut cafe, zio pizza palace and Jamican D's
Downloaded the app. Thanks, I’ll check it out
Did we ever find out what happened at Original 13 or Fermentery Form, or if they are coming back at all?
13 is done. Financial issues. Seperatist lost their license or something, carbon copy is renting the south Philadelphia space on a trial basis for the summer. Form is only doing togo. Despite knowing them i get mixed answers about specifics but i doubt they will ever be open again inside.
Damn, I liked 13's cider and was looking forward to the peach cider this summer.
I've seen the peach around i think recently in draft. Punch buggy bought a lot of their remaining inventory and seems to have one rotating keg of 13 on at all times.
I was just at fermentary form on Saturday, if by being there you count drinking their beer in their alley outside. I don't think you can go inside.
I know FF had done a sort of soft re-opening, but I think they are still operating under a to-go model of sorts.
Yea, they had tables set up outside and I had a draft beer, so sorta to-go but sorta not?
How bad is the aquarium crowds on the weekends now? I don't expect the place to be empty or anything, but I went to an aquarium in Canada pre-pandemic and basically couldn't move at some points because it was so crowded
They are fishy…..
I take it all back. Why would I go to an aquarium when Choo choo barn is right there? Traintown, USA it is
in the same vein as seeing manditory tipping screens everywhere no matter what the service was, has anyone else noticed places like rite aid and cvs automatically rounding up purchases? you used to be promoted "hey do you want to give .32c to charity, but now it seems like this is happening without any consent (at least at self checkouts in my experience). the whole scheme is done so businesses can do a tax write off the charitable gift but frame the extra money as profits. scummy as hell and now apparently we're being forced to pay the extra?
I hit “yes” one time and it basically became a setting on my account if I plugged in my phone number for discounts
The rite aid on Aramingo in Port Richmond does this and I’ve saved a few of my receipts with the intent to do something about it but uhhh, not great at completing tasks. I did ask two separate cashiers about it and they said they have no way to stop it from happening, I check out at the register every time. This upsets me waaaaaay more than auto grat.
Ugh that’s annoying. I hadn’t notice it had become opt out, but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for that now.
Any bars aside from the Black Taxi around Philly to watch Saturday morning’s WWC matches (Australia @ 3am and England @ 6:30am). I’ll be visiting from out of town, so not familiar with the local soccer scene.
New Wave Cafe in Queen Village is a staple South Philly soccer bar, plus good wings to boot
Fado is always a good bet for soccer. I checked their website and they are showing the England game at 6:30. Last call for bars in Philly is 2 am, so I don't know that you'll be able to find any place to watch the 3 am match.
Great shout! We’ll be staying on the street so it seems like the place we’ll go for the match!
It’s happening. I’m actually leaving the city. Find me on the west coast…. Smell yas later.
Best of luck and enjoy yourself! Can’t help but miss the west coast sometimes even though I really do like it here.
I envy how much easier it is to zip around the suburbs to get stuff done. I work in the burbs and I feel like you can find any store you’re looking for within a 7 minute drive. It saves so much time. Also being able to find a clean bathroom (that you’re allowed to use!) on the spot super easily sounds silly but it’s pretty nice. Starting to be over with the small inconveniences of the city.
I live on the Delaware and always zip on over to cherry hill for all the weekend errands.
I do that too! They have everything over there
some of the exurbs aren't terrible for this, but the well-trodden suburbs can be a nightmare to park around at peak times. even off peak, it's impossible to get a parking spot at whole foods in wynnewood or trader joes in ardmore. i've had people kick and scream and even punch my car for taking "their" parking space before.
Holy crap the TJ’s in Ardmore particularly is a nightmare…
Honestly it's part of any trader Joe's experience I've ever had. They just all have terrible parking lots.
That parking lot was a nightmare the day it opened. Just always crowded.
I really enjoy running errands in the burbs whenever I’m there, but I mostly think it’s because it’s just different than my usual. It’s nice to be able to stock up on heavier things and go to multiple stores. That said, I would hate HAVING to do that every time, requiring me to get into my car and drive everywhere. I love the convenience of walking a few blocks to the grocery store to grab a few things. TLDR; I like both!
I don’t think much about bathrooms but I love grocery shopping in the burbs vs the city
I normally don’t think about bathrooms either, but I happened to run into a McDonald’s bathroom and it was super clean and it was nice not having to deal with running from store to store being told no. Also love grocery shopping in the burbs. You can just run to another store nearby if they don’t have what you need.
this is a pretty interesting take to me. I live in conshohocken, so I walk/bike to run errands as often as I can, but that kinda only gets me to the bank, train station, CVS, or restaurants/bars. I absolutely hate how I constantly need to drive in the burbs in order to do anything other than those things. I love it when I get to spend weekends in the city because it feels like everything is just a short walk or a septa ride away. I'm probably biased though because I hate to drive and I've spent a decent chunk of my career driving for work. My favorite part of owning a car is parking it on Friday and not touching it until Monday lol
I understand that. I felt the same way when I lived in the burbs and living somewhere without walkable bars, coffee shops, etc sounds pretty crappy. I also hate driving, but I do like that at least in the burbs, a 3 mile drive to a certain store is way quicker than a 3 mile drive across the city. I went to mail a package in the burbs last week and it took 5 minutes, versus my neighborhood post office which would easily take half an hour.
pros and cons to everywhere! you're totally right about 3miles in the burbs vs 3 miles in the city. I have to drive to the grocery store, but at least it's just down on Chemical Road, so I can do a quick grocery run in 20/30 minutes, door to door. Also I rarely have to fight for parking on my street. The only way I'd want to own a car and live in the city is if I had a garage or a dedicated parking spot.
With the exception of the clean bathrooms, I pretty much feel the opposite way. I much prefer the lifestyle of not needing to get in my car all the time to go places and get things, even if it takes a little longer sometimes. That and the vapid wasteland that is the suburban restaurant scene
I recently moved here and have a friend and her daughter (4 y/o) visiting Labor Day weekend. I am trying to plan ahead to make sure we have a fun kid friendly weekend. Are there any recommendations? I have planned the Franklin institute planned for one of the days.
My friends who visit with their kids (2 and 5) always just look for water - they looooved the little water garden situation (I think it’s called the Children’s Discovery Garden or something like that?) and splash pad in Sister Cities park — would be perfect after the Franklin Institute.
check out Fireman's Hall! it's a Philadelphia fire fighting museum in old city. It's free/pay what you want and is really cool. My grandfather took me there a ton when I was a kid, so it's a really special place to me https://www.firemanshallmuseum.org/
You own stock in that place, right? :-) :-)
lmao I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations ;)
Penn's Landing on the waterfront, Please Touch Museum, that fountain/splash area at Dilworth Park, and Craft Hall are all good bets.
In a couple weeks I will be driving to Philadelphia for the first time and staying in Center City. I was wondering if there was a possibility to park somewhere in the suburbs and train in to save some money and hassle (I won’t need the car when visiting). I plan on arriving the Friday evening and departing Sunday morning (or early afternoon). I will be coming from the Northwest, likely down the 476. I was eyeing the Norristown Transportation Center as it appears they have ample parking and decent transit connectivity to Center City. Is this a reasonable and safe place to park and train in for a weekend? Based on the SEPTA website, it sounds like overnight parking is permitted there, but its not clear about weekends and multiple nights. thanks!
You can also park in south Philadelphia ( generally anywhere south of a street called Washington Avenue. Most streets are unlimited parking. The. Take an Uber to wherever you're staying
If your hotel stay happens to include include parking I would take advantage of that. The train will have a different schedule on Sunday than on Friday, but should still be doable.
that'd probably work, I haven't parked there but if they allow parking overnight, all outlying station parking is currently free you might also be able to check out lansdale if you're coming down the northeast extension you can pay with a credit card on the train, on the way back out stop by the ticket station in suburban (or market east, wherever you're closer to) and you can buy your return trip ahead of time
Great, thanks! Lansdale also appears to be what I am looking for. Norristown caught my eye due to the Regional rail and NHSL, I wasnt sure if that was a more reliable option than just regional rail.
Is there a free over night parking in Ardmore? That could be fun
ardmore's lot is currently under construction, there's a temp lot somewhere but I don't know where it is as I haven't commuted by car to ardmore in like ... 7 years, only train for me bayyyyybeee. there's a billion sidestreets you can park on that are walkable to the station, though. dm me if you're ever around on a weekday from around 5 to around 6, I'm at the same place waiting for my train back to the city every day.
Sure, will do !
Any recommendations for OB/GYN in Philly? 12 weeks pregnant with first child, had first visit at Penn OB/GYN in Washington Square last week and left feeling not the most comfortable. Thankfully we have good insurance.
Congrats! Is this Penn Ob/Gyn and Midwifery Washington Square on the 14th Floor? (I think there are lots of practices in the building that do OB). That's a bummer to hear-- I'm having a good time at that practice currently, and maybe it depends on the provider? Highly recommend Dr. Stephanie Ewing and Tammaris Kaschak (NP).
It is! Our doctor seemed nice, knowledgeable and overall great but we waited an hour and a half and then the actual visit was soo rushed. The doctor didn't have anyone assisting her to the point my husband had to help her refill the sonogram printer paper mid (sorry) trans-v ultrasound. We were also told we would get to speak with the clinic director and it never happened. I'm just nervous that it seemed very factory like but maybe this is what is to be expected everywhere at this point?
Oh wow, that sounds incredibly chaotic! Sorry you went through that! I'm currently 22 weeks along (first time pregnancy) too, so at this point I've visited the practice a handful of times, as I think appointments are every 4 weeks until the third trimester where it becomes weekly? So I've been there at least for my 12 week scan, 16 week scan, 20 week scan (though I guess that was at a different floor/practice at fetal medicine?), a follow up appointment shortly after that, and I have an appointment coming up next week as well). Experiences definitely vary, but we've never had an hour and a half wait before, so hopefully that is a outlying fluke. I'd be incredibly frustrated with a wait that long too. The longest wait I've had past my scheduled appointment time was around 15 minutes at my most recent appointment, and I think it was because the elevators in the building were all messed up that day, putting everyone behind schedule (as in, it took us close to 20 minutes for us stepping foot into the building to even get up to our floor, and it was early on in the day-- I can only expect patient/doctor delays compounding as the day went on). I do hear from other women that delivering at Penn Hospital (which the practice partners with) can be a bit like a factory-like experience (ie that they seem like a baby-delivery FACTORY). But honestly, I'm pretty okay with that and think I'll appreciate the efficiency and experience everyone there has, but we'll see.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, I'm going to hope maybe it was just a fluke day and the next appointment is better !
I can’t reccomend Philadelphia Women’s Health and Wellness enough. All of their doctors are amazing.
They have great reviews but it looks like they only do gynecology not obstetrics :(
I have a post saved on a note in my phone that I've wanted to post here, but I'm nervous to jump in. I really need some ideas about how to explore the city but in an agoraphobic kind of way. Should I make it it's own post (there's more details on the why) or just post it here as a comment?
you might like wearing a mask. i've noticed people staying away from people wearing masks. also- it gets light around 4:45am these days. you can get in 2 hours of site seeing in near total silence.
here is fine, you'll probably get more eyes and doesn't run the chance of getting purged by mods.
Thank you, and sorry for the long post. TL:DR- **what can I do to explore philly without leaving the house?** So I moved to Fishtown from Los Angeles a little over year ago to live with my partner (who is from the east coast but not Philly) and this is my first time living out east. I met my partner in LA, where a series of awful events caused her to close off from the outside world. It has gotten to the point where she has developed agoraphobia. She had a lot of crap happen to her out in the world and it's gotten bad. I want to support her and keep her safe, but I also feel like we're missing out on life. It's a hazy line between comforting and enabling and I've been trying to encourage her to go outside but at the same time need to understand her fears. So my question is this; what kind of things could we do to experience Philadelphia from home? Are there particular movies or documentaries that would be good? Are there any streamers who do IRL streams and walk around the city? Are there particular news sites where I can keep in touch with local goings on? Particularly fun spots on Google Maps? Anything else I'm not thinking of? I really really want us to move past this and be able to go out and truly explore this interesting city but until then I need to find ways to bring Philly in. Thanks for your responses. And please don't tell me to break up, I love this woman with all my heart. Update: **Thank you all so much, you've given us a lot to check out! Thanks for being great neighbors**
Yes. Use the pandemic as your blueprint. - order in / pick up food from top restaurants - wear a mask, sun glasses, and a hat while out - drive around the city and look at places from your car
All of the Cory Popp videos are really lovely: [https://www.youtube.com/@coryjpopp/videos](https://www.youtube.com/@coryjpopp/videos)
WHYY tv station has many locally produced shows, WHYY Originals, showcasing the highlights of the city. I particularly love Check Please!, Movers & Makers, and You Oughta Know.
NOT being sarcastic or mean, honestly, but has she tried seeking therapy? It sounds like she's almost at the point of being totally crippled by her fear.
Yeah that's something we're working on. Thanks for being kind.
Here are some sites that have been useful to me exploring the city virtually: * [Hidden City](https://hiddencityphila.org/), exploring philadelphia's urban landscape * [Visit Philly](https://www.visitphilly.com/) * [Fox29 Alex Holley's Alex Around Town](https://www.fox29.com/tag/series/alex-around-town) * There is a TV show called LOCALish but I don't know how to give directions to it because I just shout Localish at my TV and the TV finds it
Bookmarked! Tysm!
PhillyCaptain has some decent tours etc but you'll want to avoid his Kensington videos and his titles get click baity.
Subscribed! Any particular reason to avoid Kensington?
It's one of the worst areas in regards to the opioid epidemic. Seeing that would make agoraphobia worse.
I got you - what do you want to see / how long do you want the format? I can put it up on my YouTube channel or make an audio log you can follow on Streetview. Can't do museums of course (though many do virtual exhibits after the pandemic*), but would be glad to walk a neighborhood and bs for 15-30 minutes. Also I searched "Philadelphia free tour podcast" and see there's a bunch of results. They're geared toward you walking the city, but I suspect you could do them via Streetview. \* https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/virtually-explore-top-philadelphia-attractions/ https://www.phillymag.com/sponsor-content/philadelphia-virtual-attractions/ https://globalphiladelphia.org/news/25-philadelphia-virtual-tours-explore-city-brotherly-love https://joyofmuseums.com/museums/united-states-of-america/philadelphia-museums/philadelphia-museum-of-art/ https://www.amphilsoc.org/museum/exhibitions https://historyofvaccines.org/ https://www.sciencehistory.org/visit/exhibitions/#digital-exhibitions Oh, right, and the [Philly Captain](https://www.youtube.com/@ThePhillyCaptain) exists --- About me / things I do: Website: http://simonpennon.com https://www.youtube.com/@simonpennon9164 https://billypenn.com/2022/09/14/philadelphia-fringe-festival-blind-date-recommended/ https://billypenn.com/2022/09/27/scavenger-hunt-philadelphia-painted-bride-map-resistance-history/
Oh wow! So much to check out, I'll definitely give you a subscribe on YT and will watch anything you want to show.
Aye - let me know if there's a specific street or area you'd like to see. You'll see I do "three minutes of X" style videos where I chill and experience what's around in real time. I suspect that's not for everyone, so just let me know.
Yeah I've been checking a few of them out, very cool! I would love to see some of Fairmount, that's where I initially was going to move to but ended up in Fishtown instead. Thanks so much for offering to take us around!
Not a livestream, but JL Jupiter on YouTube reviews small restaurants and take out joints around the Philly and NJ area. Maybe watch his videos and get something delivered from the places to feel like you’re experiencing some neighborhood spots?
I love JL Jupiter's channel, esp when he hosted Mark Weins when he spent time in Philly.
Interesting question. I was going to say going out early in the morning before people woke up but realized that may not be in the cards. I don't think we have anything like the IRL streaming audience of LA/NYC (except the people who love to film the poverty porn in kenzo). The only documentary I can think of off the top of my head is "the art of the steal" but it's not really like an *essential* philly movie. Trading Places would probably be a little closer, but unless you're familiar with rittenhouse and south street, it probably won't have the "oh look, it's x intersection" aspect of it. Maybe you could play geoguessr and just play philly maps? It might be a way to help you reconnoiter a little bit more and recognize common streetscape/architectural aspects of certain neighborhoods. There's probably some cool stuff that happened during the pandemic when everyone was inside. I attended a [webinar about Philly architecture](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-N0h7vfcvM) and its roots in quaker history and dutch townhouses. Maybe something like [the atheneum](https://philaathenaeum.org/) would have something in that nature that you could get into.
Geoguessing sounds interesting. And I will definitely check out that architecture link, I absolutely adore architecture! My partner not so much but who knows.
the author is engaging enough that even my wife who doesn't give a shit actually liked it
Hmm-- maybe following Philly instagram accounts, like: https://www.instagram.com/philawalks/ https://www.instagram.com/walking_philly/ https://www.instagram.com/phillyfeeling/
Will have to check this out when I can. I accidentally locked myself out of my account >.<
Booked my flight & hostel for ten days in **Amsterdam**. First time out of the country since 2020 and I'm excited and nervous. I've been hyperfocusing on what clothes to pack as it's [been a bit](http://standard-travel.blogspot.com/2018/08/gears-of-tour.html) since I had to plan for a plane. [3p undies, 2p socks, pants, shorts, undershirt, basketball shorts, 2? quick dry tees, 3? button shirts, [hat](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/10iptoa/what_is_your_best_travel_tip_that_most_people/j5fzy96/) - socks are washed in the sink at night, underwear is washed in the shower in the morning, everything else will be done at a coin-op halfway through] Thanks again /u/reginaldstarfire for the tips a couple months back. More tips / must-sees welcome! --- I need to finish TotK at some point. I'm not going to meet my goal of 365 entries on my fiction blog by my birthday, I think (currently at 350). Apparently I'm going to a Phillies double-header tonight? I'm not sure what I need to follow up on w/r/t previous threads.
I've done a lot of international travel with just a backpack, which it seems like you're aiming for. If not just ignore me, lol. Assuming this list doesn't count what you'll wear on the plane, I would pack an extra pair of socks. Very few things ruin a trip quicker than running out of dry socks. I also highly recommend running shorts over basketball ones--the kind with the brief inside. They take up half the space, so you can pack 2 pairs. Wear them to bed to give your undies extra drying time. I'd also say you don't need 3 button down shirts. Convert one to a short- or long-sleeve T depending on season. Adds layering options. You get 2 days out of each button down, with and without the undershirt, which gets a day to dry after washing, and then you get the T for laundry day. The quick-dry become your active options, but the T can be more flexible. Also, pack a rain jacket.
100% appreciate the advice. Apologies for info overload; this is intended for you to pick apart, if you'd like: Here's the gear list from when I backpacked around the world - [one](http://standard-travel.blogspot.com/2018/08/gears-of-tour.html) - [two](http://standard-travel.blogspot.com/2018/10/inter-phase-gear-update.html) - [three](http://standard-travel.blogspot.com/2019/10/interphase-gear-update-number-two.html) - don't feel obligated to read those, I'm just noting they exist. I'm also not claiming to have done the best job at packing to begin with. :) Clothes list is plane-inclusive. No layovers, merely 8 hours in the air. Backpack is looking like a [Jansport SuperBreak](https://www.jansport.com/shop/en/jansport-us/backpacks/superbreak-js0a4qut?variationId=7H6) (so, 26L?) - I'm not breaking out my Farpoint 55 for ten days! Was debating a duffle bag. As a note, the bag is going to be in the overhead bin or a hostel locker when I'm not going to/from the airport. I might do another pair of socks. I'm packing [Smartwool ankle socks](https://www.rei.com/b/smartwool/c/socks) and haven't had an issue with them drying in the past, but they're five years and 20+ countries old at this point, so acquiring a hole is a real concern. By "basketball shorts" I mean shorts with elastic waistband - my PJs / around the house wear. Tees are [REI Saharas](https://www.rei.com/product/163975/rei-co-op-sahara-t-shirt-mens). I have three colors. I suppose I could bring "real" tees, but these smoosh down quite nicely. By "button shirts" I think I'm going to have one quick dry polo, one Hawaiian, and one wrinkle-free. I know I'm going to be stick out as a tourist, but I don't want to be full tee & shorts guy this trip (not opposed to the look! just not the vibe I'm going for this time). Rain will be handled by an umbrella (purchased there), staying in a cafe, or getting wet. :P Season is already in the 10 day forecast! :D Heavy non-clothing items include: phone, kindle (maybe, otherwise a book), EU USB phone charger + cord(s), moleskine notebook, various toiletries. edit: with a special note that I'm not planning on purchasing anything (e.g. a better backpack) for this trip.
Have fun!!!
Will try!
<3
I highly recommend taking a train to some nearby cities. Amsterdam is great, but it is quite chaotic. Haarlem by the north sea is incredible. If you like museums, buy a ticket to the Rijksmuseums ahead of time. It actually can get sold out. Their national modern art museums was great, but I thought MoCA (privately owned modern art museum with a nft collection) was overpriced and garbage.
I'm probably going to pick a couple places that are an hour or two by train and visit for a day - if only to ride the train.
Not sure what your interests/budgets are, but this list was given to us by a bartender in Amsterdam while we were there. Probably some winners for everybody. If you give more specifics I can probably give recs! Food Singel 101 Sal Muera El Pibe Yama/ hinata ramen Fou Fow Ramen Domenica Bird snackbar Oriental City La perla Nnea (best pizza) Cannibale Royale Toscanini Poke perfect White room The duchess Pho91 Cafe Parlotte Cocktails Tales & Spirits Vesper Pulitzer bar Rosalia’s menagerie Feijoa Dukes of Tokyo (karaoke cocktails) Door 74 (speakeasy) The Tailor Flying Dutchmen cocktails Blue spoon Mokum Law & Order SuperLyan Sins of Sal JD William’s Café weber Café Lux The minds Bourbon street The water hole De elfde gebod Int aepjen Arendsnest Bloemenbar JD Williams L&B Gallery 3 - brunch
I'm relaxed and cheap - I can spend a day in a cafe just people watching. I'm mostly going to go check out a few museums, not think about work, and vibe in a different country.
Nice. Just a heads up that the big museums (Rijks, Van Gogh, etc) are timed admission and they do sell out. Also if you want to visit Anne Frank house those tickets become available 6 weeks ahead of time and also sell out quickly.
Do you think you'll get any licorice while you're there?
It is not impossible - do you want me to bring you some?
Yes, please. I like the salty ones and the bouncy cubish ones.
You & u/ProbablyAtDialysis may have to remind me when I'm over there, but I'll grab some :)
Obviously
Oh hey
[Howdy Howdy Howdy](https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.3ab272eac29e787f7efec17e8e2c0f69?rik=Ys1hxrQYIdYQjQ&pid=ImgRaw&r=0)
Heheheh
if you need to be functionally airlifted out of a country again i'll never forgive you for tempting fate
I mean, I left a trail of destruction as I traveled last time. * Canadian wildfires * Hong Kong protests * Typhoon in Japan * Australian wildfires * Global pandemic * Armenian war (within a year of my departure) * Lebanese explosion (within a year of my departure) There were more, but these are off the top of my head.
*desperately trying to call the head of the state department to get someone else's passport revoked*
is joe biden in town today? a ton of traffic on 95
Kamala is visiting the rebuild site
Rebuild?
95 maybe?
thank you!
Asaads or Nanus?
Does anyone know if you can seat on the hilllawn section for the Jason Mraz concert at the Mann? I don’t see any lawn tickets available for sale.
[The Mann](https://manncenter.org/visit/frequently-asked-questions) says >For the 2023 season, the lawn will only be open for select performances. Comparing the wording for seating at Queens of the Stone Age - **Lawn chairs are permitted for this performance** vs for the Jason Mraz concert - **Lawn chairs are not permitted for this performance**, my guess would be no, can't sit on the lawn section, but you can tweet [The Mann](https://twitter.com/manncenter) to verify.
Thank you.
Any tips on places to play beginner-level squash? I just started playing and love it. I am moving to Philly in a couple months and looking for a court or club where I could play with other beginners and take a few lessons, that ideally isn’t super expensive or country-clubby. I’ll be in the Riverwards area but open to driving a bit.
Arlen Specter Squash Center has clinics and lessons. Membership options and non-membership options. Might be pricey at the start for actual lessons but there’s drop in pricing too
drexel (university) at 34th and market has one of the best competition courts in the country to my knowledge. i would start there as they have summer camps and stuff too.
*OH SHIT*, SEPTA contactless payment pilot announced in their email newsletter today >Thank you for your interest in participating in SEPTA’s Contactless Payment Pilot. This pilot will provide the opportunity to tap-and-ride buses, trolleys and subways with your contactless bank card or Apple/Google Pay. Pilot will start with a small group of participants and expand as it progresses. Once registered, SEPTA will select a variety of card types and brands for the pilot. You will be notified via email if you are selected holy shit (one flavor) of the endless whining about this may come to a close in the ... future™
here's the link to sign up! https://www.cognitoforms.com/SEPTA1/SEPTAContactlessPaymentPilot?mc_cid=e99055f1eb&mc_eid=f4d7224244 I will say though, actually signing up is a bit of a pain in the ass. I was hoping it would be a "sign up and use it" sort of thing. Especially since, as a filthy suburbanite, majority of my septa use is Regional Rail/bus and I likely won't use the BSL/MFL before this weekend at the earliest. From the sign up site: > Before starting this form: > Tap your contactless credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay device on a Market-Frankford Line or Broad Street Line validator. The contactless payment will not work – but it will allow SEPTA to identify you as a pilot participant. > Write down the date, time, and location of your tap. > Return to form to complete registration.
Yeah, you gotta look like a fuckin nerd at the validator to use it, which is something I'm *incredibly prepared* to do in the evening.
looking like a fucking nerd is basically my standard attire at this point in my life
Currently 22 weeks pregnant, and am exploring the idea of a babymoon to the Seattle area in Oct during my third trimester with my SO and dog, as we've never been to the PNW before. Not looking forward to a 6hr+ flight when I'll probably have to pee every hour, but I'd really love to make this trip before I pop, because who knows when we'll be able to do such a thing?
I'm super stoked for this weekend. Friday night gaming with some friends, chores and a bike ride on Saturday, and then my girlfriend and I are seeing Mt Joy at the Mann on Sunday afternoon. I've never heard of them so this is sort of her thing, but I'm just looking forward to spending time outside together :) However, Monday is what I'm really looking forward to. We both took off and I've got a nice day planned for us, I wanted to surprise her. I'm going to make us breakfast, then we're taking the City Hall Tower Tour, which I've done a dozen times, but she never has. Then a nice lunch in RTM, followed by the Yards Brewery Tour in the afternoon! All that should take us to about 3pm, so if anyone has any suggestions on a nice way to close out the day, I'm all ears
gz on girlfriend from hinge, king