weekending // adventures in ... SOCIETY HILL + OLD CITY

It's always a delight to play tourist in my own city.  Unfortunately, it's so easy to take those everyday surroundings for granted.  Luckily, I had a dear, childhood friend from Georgia in town for 24hrs and despite the gloomy mist that hovered over Philadelphia all weekend long, we went adventuring in my own backyard.

Here's how our Sunday played out . . .

1 /  We started our adventures in Society Hill, which is full of magical alleys, lined with cobblestone and homes that were built in the 17th & 18th century.  You can't help but feel like you have wandered back in time.   
2 /  I love that original cobblestone is found throughout the neighborhood.  This patch exists just outside The Second National Bank.  It's not very fun to walk on, but it sure is pretty. 
3 /  We strolled through Washington Square Park and had the place almost all to ourselves.  Typically, I'm running through this historical park, and I don't get to take in all the greenery, the large central fountain, and the gorgeous homes that line the park. 
4 /  I laughed out loud as we came upon this carriage house detail, an iron horse hoof.  The devil is in the details, no?

5 /  We kept walking north and found ourselves in Old City, ready for a little boutiquing and galleries.  At this point, we needed a little fuel to keep going, so we stepped inside (and back in time) Shane Confectionery.  This revived historical candy shop is owned by the masterminds behind the icecream parlour next door, Franklin Fountain.  I recommend either location for a mid-afternoon sweet treat, just get ready for summertime long lines.   
6 /  I can't walk up 3rd Street without sticking my head in my favorite clothing and accessory boutique, Vagabond.  They carry some of the best designer finds, including tops by Uzi, shoes by Miista Ondria, and Baggu totes.
7 /  The relatively still new Race Street Pier is the perfect respite after a day of exploring.  We sat on the jumbo wooden steps in front of the Delaware River and pondered the engineering of the stunning Ben Franklin Bridge. 
8 /  We ended our Old City tour with a quick walk down Elfreth's Alley, our country's oldest residential street, which dates back to 1702.  I first stumbled upon the street when out for a run soon after moving to Philly; I looked down the alley and thought, that place can't be real.  Oh, but it is. 

Cheers to the weekend,

Bonnie