While only a precious few of us are truly West Philadelphians born-and-raised, living at Penn for four years allows us a free pass to claim an unbreakable bond with the infamous West Philly area. Although this connection gives us bragging rights to our suburban friends (not to mention numerous Facebook album titles) the majority of us often plan off-campus ventures everywhere in Philly except those of the more western variety (and sorry kids, Bucks doesn't count). Luckily for your narrow horizons, Street is here to help out with your should-be new semester resolution to go West, young Quakers. Let us take you out to these west-of-40th hot spots just in time for the beginning of the big '08. You'll have street cred á la Will Smith in no time.
Start off your adventure in Clark Park, which extends from 43rd to 45th between Baltimore and Woodland Aves. While the park is rife with flea and farmers' markets in the summer and fall, the area is perfect for a wintery walk when you're in the mood for some nature time. Once home to one of the largest Union Army hospitals of the Civil War, the park is filled with paths sprinkled with quite a few objects of interest - Charles Dickens here, the "Gettysburg Stone" there. you know, the usual - perfect for rejuvenating your homework-heavy mind.
Next, warm up and grab a bite at Koch's Deli and a cup of joe at the Green Line Café, next door neighbors at 43rd and Locust. The huge deli sandwiches at Koch's have already attracted plenty of student attention, and if you want to try to recreate the deliciousness in the comfort of your own kitchen, Koch's offers sliced cold cuts to stock up on for later. Next door, the Green Line provides the much needed authenticity that Penn's franchised coffee shops lack. One of three cafés of its kind (the original Green Line is also in our targeted western locale, at 4239 Baltimore), offering its own old-school sodas and a generous tea selection, in addition to more traditional coffee shop choices.
Finish your western quest by waking up your bod in a non-Pottruck-induced way: Practice that downward dog at Wake Up Yoga at 4916 Baltimore Ave. After poking around in some of the quirky African shops on the 49th St. block, head into the studio and partake in one of its many varieties of this peaceful exercise, offered daily. An experience at this studio will complete your escapade west, and leave you feeling awake, alive and ready for action (until your next lecture, that is).
