About Philadelphia's Northern Liberties

Last month we found out that Arrow Swim Club would be undergoing a few changes this summer. New name, new management, and...new lower prices?

We received an email from the new North Shore confirming that Brian Nagele owner of philly2night.com and Kings Oak has indeed taken over the space for next season. The swim club will stay 21+, but membership fees will drop to $500 per person (from last season's $1,000). The season runs from May 1st through October 31st. Guest passes will cost $20 per day. Only 500 memberships will be offered for the 2012 season (100 have already been taken). Applications are now up at www.northshorebeachclub.com.

Are you jumping in? We're curious to know if the new lower price will convince more people to sign up.

Ready to bowl again for the neighborhood? It's time for the annual NLNA Winterfest. Each ticket gets you free food, drinks, and bowling, and proceeds benefit programs of the NLNA.

Adults 18-64 get in for $20; seniors and teens are only $10; and kids under 11 get in free! Tickets are $5 more at the door, so be sure to get yours now! Call the NLNA office, 215-627-6562; or email Barbara Saverino, basaverino@yahoo.com.

Welcome to Bloom in Northern Liberties. This boutique is one of my favorites for women's apparel, jewelry, accessories, and gifts. I love shopping here. The girls who work here are beautiful and know their stuff. Their selections are unique and you won't be wearing the same clothing that all the other girls are wearing, plus, they have one of a kind jewelry that really lets you make that personal fashion statement. Trust me girls, you'll love this place! So, if you are ever in the neighborhood shopping, you must make it a point to visit Bloom at 1001 N 2nd Street in The Piazza at Suite 20, just across the walk from the renowned PYT, home of Tommy Up. Only in Northern Liberties. See you there!

Is it too early to think about lounging by the pool? We hear that Arrow Swim Club at the Piazza in Northern Liberties will be under new management this summer. According to PhillyChitChat, the new hands belong to Brian Nagele, founder and president of Cities 2 Night and operating Philly2Night.com, as well as owner of King's Oak in the Piazza.

Will the membership price change? What type of pool parties and entertainment can you expect from a nightlife aficionado? We'll keep you posted on all things poolside here in Northern Liberties, as it's the only thing that's going to get us through this brisk winter weather.

Some background on Arrow Swim Club:

Adult Entertainment that is Hot and Wet

Arrow Swim Club Takes a Cue from Crystal Lake for Friday the 13th

Will Arrow Swim Club Hit its Target?

Hancock Street Turns into Margaritaville for Cinco de Mayo Block Party

Arrow Swim Club: We’re There.

Late winter will welcome two new businesses to the Northern Liberties neighborhood - Books N Beans Wifi-Cafe-Bookstore and the second location of one of the city's best thai BYOs, Circles.

The hybrid Books N Beans aims to be the spot for both modern and old-fashioned coffee drinkers - those who like to browse the web and catch up on their tweets while they sip their latte and those who like to read a real live book that's not on a Kindle. They'll offer textbook rentals, accept book donations and buy used books, and sell digital readers. Opening soon at 155 W. Girard Avenue (across from the Superfresh).

Circles will fill the former 2nd Street Pizza space at 812 N. 2nd Street. The Thai byo that received 2 bells (Very Good) from Craig LaBanalready has a strong following for its supremely spicy food (don't order Thai Hot unless you mean it) at very reasonable prices. For now you can follow the opening @CirclesNoLibsbut they are already teasing March.