Printer-friendly versionIf the only regional rail you've taken is the R1 to the airport, then you have much to learn about the far-reaching corners of this city of Brotherly Love. Manayunk, the Schuylkill-side neighborhood of Northwest Philly, is the perfect place to start your beyond-Center City adventures. Fun fact: The first United States canal project ever kicked off in Manayunk. Although it was never quite finished due to budgeting issues, the neighborhood remains a thriving milieu for Philly locals and in-the-know students (as you now are) alike. Spend an ideal almost-spring afternoon strolling along Main Street and popping into the noted gems below, as well as other boutiques, cafés and gift shops that line this self-described "connection between city and countryside." When your friends ask you where you've been all day, you can impress them by just saying you took the R6 to Norristown. They won't know what hit 'em.
Main Street Music, 4444 Main St.
This vendor of new and used CDs and DVDs not only offers a variety of media at great prices, but the shop also sponsors WXPN's album of the week. And the name of the store has "Street" in it. Premium.
Tow Path
Running parallel to Main Street and following the Manayunk Canal, this stretch is a part of the Schuylkill River Trail. Break a sweat biking and walking paths that run all the way from Center City (although we don't necessarily recommend attempting a power walk back to campus).
Manayunk Design Group, 4327 Main St.
The Design Group offers an ideal artistic departure from the ultra-trendy First Friday-participating Center City spaces. By juxtaposing original artwork with salvaged antiques, this gallery offers a unique sense of dimension both spatially and temporally.
Couch Tomato Café, 102 Rector St. (at Rector and Main)
Voted to have Philly's best pizza, Couch Tomato is a darling place to grab a bite during your northwestern jaunt. Aside from being a great venue at which to people-watch, the café has a delicious menu that includes salads, wraps and homemade soups, breads and dressings.
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Orbit is the one of the last galleries left on Main Street. We opened in center city 1981 and moved here in 1996. We represent over 200 craftsmen from all over the US and the works of about 20 fine artists at any given time. We carry everything from hand made cufflinks using wood taken from the seats at Connie Mack Stadium to blown glass pieces straight from the big glass studios in Seattle.
The gallery features the work of Charles Cushing, one of Philly's best known painters and numerous artists who live right here in Manayunk. I'd like to think the gallery has much to offer true patrons of Main Street. There are still numerous quality stores left on the street but each year the number dwindles. This year our street was graced with the appearance of a mattress out-let center, and a sex store and two new nail salons. Who knows maybe Big Marty is next! So, please help put the word out about the truely uniques stores left on the street.
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