Crash Bang Boom (formerly Zipperheads)
This haven for punk fashion has a loyal fan base. Formerly known as Zipperheads and located a few blocks away from its current location, Crash Bang Boom has survived a fire and a resulting move and is back with a vengeance. Patrons are immediately bombarded with a slew of posters for upcoming punk rock and experimental concerts. Edgy, reasonable to moderately priced clothes and accessories for both guys and girls are for sale, many of which are adorned with plaid, leather, spikes or all of the above (read: if you walk in rocking a baby pink Penn sweatshirt, prepare to feel out of place). Even if you do look like a lost Quaker, you'll find the staff warm and welcoming - don't be scared to check it out. And don't leave without at least trying on a pleated black-and-hot-pink striped micro-mini skirt complete with strategic zippers and Bad Kitty Drag Racing patch. Don't lie, you know you want it.
Peek-A-Boo Revue
Channel your inner Pussycat Doll at the Peek-a-Boo Revue. This modern Burlesque dance troop is a Philadelphia institution that has garnered both local and national fame. Currently homeless due to a recent fire at their main stage, the act is traveling all around Philly and to DC, NYC and beyond. These shows are more than just a striptease; they are a theatrical spectacle on par with a Dita Von Teese performance. Perfect for a lonely night, a change of pace with your friends or an adventurous date. At the very least, it will loosen up your buttons.
Condom Kingdom
Somewhere between visiting the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, tourists manage to miss out on a must-see Philadelphia attraction. Condom Kingdom and its sister store The Mood (sells all that Condom Kingdom does, plus lingerie) are the go-to sex shops on South Street - and if you've seen just how many sex shops there are on South, you know this is no easy feat. This store sells sex all the way down to the décor: cartoonish pink and blue foam sperm cover the ceiling. Take your friends visiting from other schools to see just what ther campuses lack. Plus, you get a free Magnum Condom with every Monster energy drink you purchase. If you aren't shopping for, say, glow-in-the-dark rabbit vibrators with stimulating pearls and pulsing ears, you can just grab some phallic mac and cheese. Classic.
The Mutter Museum
If you swiped the scalpel from your squeamish partner during dissections in high school Bio, swing by the Mutter Museum. This specialty spot caters to fans of weird anatomy and body parts in jars. If you love Ripley's Believe It or Not-style feats, this is right up your gross alley. The Mutter Museum even has student discounts; you can satisfy your creepy craving for less than $10.
Tattooed Moms
Warning: Tattooed Moms and its sister bar Sugar Moms are not for the fabulous Cosmo drinking set. But, if you're looking for a fun, cheap place to go with friends anytime during the week, Tattooed Moms provides inexpensive food and liquor in a low-key atmosphere. Both are open from noon to 2 a.m. and Tattooed Moms has a convenient South Street location. Proud winners of AOL City Guides Best Dive Bar for Philadelphia for two years running, these bars are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. What's not to like about 25 cent pierogies and $1 PBRs?
Skydive Philadelphia
For total adrenaline junkies, nothing says rush like freefall. With Skydive Philadelphia you can choose to train for an hour and do a tandem dive or train for 4-6 hours to do an exhilarating solo one. Perhaps jumping high above the ground and having only a ripcord and a parachute to save you will finally make you realize that all of the stress of Wharton isn't so bad. Plus, you won't find a better view of the city anywhere.
