After a great recommendation from Seamsters about a home shop in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia called P.A.D, I decided to take a stroll around this up-and-coming area this weekend. This area reminds me of old Williamsburg, Brooklyn before the rents got crazy high…sort of industrial feel with a mix of chic shops. Here are some of the fun shops I came across…
Brown Betty Dessert Boutique
An quaint shop with a really nice mix of modern & old-fashion decor…they sell custom-made cakes, as well as ready-made cookies, cupcakes, and Apple Brown Betties. All of the baked goods have great names – most named after women the owners knew or are related to. With names like “Hattie Don’t Play”, “Hey Thelma”, and “Ask Rose” – each baked good really does feel like it has it’s own personality. See more at Brown Betty’s website…
WHAT + WHERE: Brown Betty Dessert Boutique ~ 1030 North 2nd Street, No. 601 on Liberties Walk, Philadelphia ~ 215 629 0999
P.A.D.
The homewares shop which brought me to this section of of Philly, really was a gem with a mix of modern & vintage home accessories. I didn’t take any of my own photos, but here’s a glimpse from the P.A.D. site…
WHAT + WHERE: P.A.D. ~ 804 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia ~ 215 925 4005
Art Star
I’ve seen Art Star’s website many times and was delighted to come across the actual shop in person. This great little boutique has a mix of clothing, accessories, handmade crafts (from some of your most loved crafting bloggers!) and an ever-changing gallery of artwork.
WHAT + WHERE: Art Star ~ 1030 N. 2nd Street, Unit 301, Philadelphia ~ 215 238 1557
Vintage Modern
A luxe vintage furniture shop with great goods for the collector and wanna-be collector alike. There’s no website, but check out their cool business card for a bit of inspiration…
WHAT + WHERE: Vintage Modern, 906 2nd Street, Philadelphia ~ 215 238 1997
Lost + Found
I found this card at another shop, but did not make it to the actual store and have no idea what it is. Either way, the card is cool and will give me a reason to go back and see what the store is all about….
WHAT + WHERE: Lost + Found, 133 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia ~ 215 928 1311
I’m glad you checked out those spots…Brown Betty’s pineapple cupcake is pretty good.
Lost+Found is a must see. I believe it’s a mother and daughter team that run the shop, they actually got their start running a vintage booth at the south Philly Antiquariam. They still continue to have a vintage section (where I’ve scored some killer pumps)and they also have a cute selection of affordable small designers.
And if you are over there you must check out Vagabond and Honey Milk [ http://seamsters.net/2006/01/26/store-alert-honeymilk/ ] and stop in at Petit Four for the best pastries in town!
How fun that you got to venture in this area of town and look around the cool stores. What great finds!! Dangerous for the pocketbook too. =)
wow, lots of happening stuff in Philly! Should go there one day…
lovely post Joy, many thanks!
like that lost + found card too. inspiration….
i cant wait to explore this neighborhood the next time im in town! those cupcakes look like pure yum!
hello joy!
i ran across your blog thru french toast cake and i love your posts – in particular, this one! i recently moved to philadelphia from portland, or and was also shocked to find art star existed as an actual store – i now sell my stuff there! northern liberties is fantastic!!!
you should also check out r.e.load messenger bags (www.reloadbags.com) and the standard tap (www.standardtap.com) the next time you’re around!
also, if you don’t mind, i would love to add your blog to my links page – it would fit perfectly!
I’ve been wanting to venture out to Northern Liberties for a few weeks now but Summer activities have gotten the best of me:-) Absolutely scheduling to spend a Sat just browsing next weekend!! Especially have been wanting to visit Brown Betty so good to hear this review of the place.
Did you ever get to Lost and Found? The girl at the counter of Art Star recommended it to us and I really enjoyed liked it. Cute clothes, interesting jewelry… We loved Olde City…