This week Daytripper brings you to Philadelphia's historic Antique Row, a haven where everything old is new again, and everything weird is cool again. Chock-full of collectibles and located on Pine Street between 9th and 12th, we imagine it's what eBay might look like in real life.
M. Finkel &
Daughter
936 Pine Street
(215) 627-7797
www.samplings.com
Antique Row still stands on a reputation built in the 1700's, when it was a hotspot for colonial carpenters. In recent years, the once-dizzying number of dealers has dwindled, giving way to more modern shops and leaving only about a dozen antique strongholds. One of these is the venerable M. Finkel & Daughter. Known throughout the nation for its collection of needlework and embroideries from centuries past, the store is housed in a 19th century building and also carries traditional furniture.
Antique Design
1102 Pine Street
(215) 629-1812
www.antiquedesignphilly.com
Where in Philadelphia, you ask, can one get some nice antique stained glass, or perhaps a custom-designed window? Look no further than Antique Design. This store is so classy that it eschews American antiques in favor of European goods like Art Deco furniture and objets d'art, whatever those are. If your wallet is fat and your mind is open, it's possible to come in a total prole and leave a nouveau riche snob.
Blendo
1002 Pine Street
(215) 351-9260
Gift shop Blendo walks, or rather, struts the fine line between tacky and fabulous. Packed to the brim with vintage clothes, catty T-shirts, funky cards, shiny frames and Hasidic rabbi knick-knacks (don't ask us), Blendo is your basic kitsch sanctuary. Here, pop culture thrives, so-pointless-they're-awesome trinkets are sold, and vintage dancing shoes are given a chance at salvation.
Happily Ever After
1010 Pine Street
(215) 627-5790
www.happily.com
At Happily Ever After, rediscover the pure joy of shopping for toys in a pre-Wal-Mart era. When you walk in, take in the vague aroma of Play-Doh and note that at this privately owned, vintage-themed store, there is nary a Bratz doll in site. Instead, you'll find beautifully crafted porcelain figurines and politically correct items like an "Asian family" doll set. Factor in the full series of 90210 dolls behind the counter, and, well, prepare to mourn your wasted youth.
Pine Street Pizza
1138 Pine Street
(215) 922-2526
How two activities as different as shopping for antiques and eating pizza manage to go together so perfectly, we'll never know. This neighborhood institution serves up pies to locals and tourists alike, but whatever you do, don't order by the slice: their pizza only comes in full-pie increments (a small one is enough for two people, give or take). The menu also boasts Greek fare like gyros and souvlaki.
