About Philadelphia's Washington Square West

What's to love about 13th Street? We can think of plenty, but it's nice to see that business owners Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran have turned it into a blog.

We Love 13th Street is the blog's name, and it lists all of the inspiring duo's restaurants and shops. They have quite a few, so it makes sense for them to promote their destinations with one big love letter. Shall we count the ways?

Bindi - The yummy modern Indian BYO that heats up 13th St with a Thali Tuesday special for carnivores and vegetarians.

Barbuzzo - Set to open any day now, this Mediterranean kitchen and bar will feature house-smoked meats and fresh pasta dishes.

Grocery - The charming takeaway shop has a multitude of gourmet products and healthy, creative options from their salad bar and hot food case. There is no reason to settle for leftovers with the quick grab and go dinners and desserts that make you feel like you're dining at one of Turney and Safran's restaurants. Even if you're parked out in front of your television watching Top Chef. Lolita's Mexican Tiramisu from the comfort of your home...

Lolita - Inspired Modern Mexican that is perfect for a date or for groups.

Open House - Our favorite place to admire cheese boards, furniture, and home goods. The choice selection of conversational pieces is careful, thoughtful, and always chic.

Verde - Home to Marcie Blaine Chocolates, this flower and gift shop should be on your list whenever you need a special touch or thank you. The chocolates are created with the flavors of Turney and Safran's restaurants and Philadelphia in mind. So if you want a La Colombe coffee-flavored whiskey chocolate? You got it. The Mango Lassi chocolate? It's yours. A Love Park printed raspberry ganache? That, too.

13th Street has been a lucky number for these successful hotspots. What do you love about 13th Street in Philadelphia?

Discover more about Life in Washington Square West. Ready to search for Washington Square West properties?

Related:

One Hour in Washington Square West

Modern Urban Living at Open House

A woman emphatically handed me a single red rose last night at 12th and Spruce. What on earth was she doing? Promoting the grand opening of Almeidas Floral Designs.

One flower shop closes and another opens in the same exact storefront? It was meant to be.

Chartreuse, the former florist on the corner of 12th and Spruce, has moved to 1616 East Passyunk Avenue, where it keeps its colorful name next to Green Aisle Grocery.

Almeidas has moved in and on Tuesday night, they were giving away free rose stems with their business card attached. What a sweet-smelling way to say hello to your new neighbors and curious passersby, right?

Thanks for the rose, Almeidas, and welcome to Washington Square West.

Almeidas Floral Designs

1200 Spruce Street

215-545-5555

Oh, Washington Square West. You're just a few short blocks of so many to-dos and never enough time.

Get a classic shave from Joe the Barber at Groom,where old school meets new. Cuts start at $20 and shaves are $35. Groom, 1324 Locust St

Considering new glasses? Try on some bizarre specs at Modern Eye for a what-if moment. From the retro to the uber-geek to the ultra-modern, this eyewear retailer stocks some of the craziest bifocals we've seen, and you should take your time trying them all on before you make a final decision.

Modern Eye, 145 S. 13th St

Fresh bouquets, artisan chocolates, and home and garden supplies are all in stock at this modern flower shop. The sidewalk flowers at Verde will beckon you in and the case of assorted liquor, herb, and spice laced chocolates will keep you there for a few minutes. Pick up some gifts for your green thumbed friends and a truffle for a quick pick-me-up?

Verde 108 S. 13th St

Peruse the wine cellar at Garces Trading Co. for something special at the PLCB's first boutique wine shop. And while you're at it, might as well pick up a bag of Garces brand coffee and some house-baked bread.

Garces Trading Co., 1111 Locust St

And let's not forget about Washington Square, land of R&R and zen squirrels. If you've got one hour and a busy day ahead, the best way to recharge is a relaxing visit to the square itself.

Washington Square, Walnut between 6th and 7th

If your one hour happens to be happy hour? Spend it on the rooftop lounge at APO with a Matcha Fizz (gin; shochu (distilled Japanese liquor); lemon; local honey; matcha (very concentrated Japanese green tea); finished with egg white foam and sage).

APO, 102 S. 13th St

Discover more about Life in Washington Square West. Ready to search for Washington Square West properties?

Related:

What’s up with…Washington Square West

Garces Trading Company Opens in Washington Square West

Washington Square - A Treat - Philadelphia Real Estate

Washington Square: R&R and Zen Squirrels

What's so amazing about Washington Square? For one thing, it's unlike the other squares, which tend to be extremely crowded on beautiful days. That's nice if you want to do some people-watching or meet some interesting folks, but what if you're looking for some rest and relaxation? Washington Square at 6th and Walnut it is. There's a tranquil, subdued vibe in the air at Washington Square. One is compelled to read a book or spread out on the grass, and there's no struggle to find an empty spot or bench. There's no frenzy, no rush.

The square, which is set between Society Hill and Washington Square West, is very convenient to South Street and Center City. It is set over former burial grounds that were used during the Revolutionary War, with a memorial statue for George Washington on the western side of the square.

If you're spending the afternoon there, we suggest picking up some baguettes and charcuterie from the newly opened Garces Trading Co. There is a small block of boutique shopping to be done across the street if you decide to seek asylum from the sun for a few minutes.

Even the Washington Square squirrels are content to hang out for a bit.

Discover more about Life in Washington Square West. Ready to search for Washington Square West properties?

Related:

What’s up with…Washington Square West

Garces Trading Company Opens in Washington Square West

Washington Square - A Treat - Philadelphia Real Estate

You've seen the provocative posters and flyers around town. The dancers are posing in barely there scraps of gunmetal gray fabric. This is one ballet event that you can take your hockey-loving significant other to.

It's MANNA's Shut Up and Dance 2010, a one-night-only stand with the Pennsylvania Ballet. The performance raises money for patients with life-threatening illnesses. Each ticket sold will provide 20 meals for one person.

Sometimes, the only thing you can do is shut up and dance. This year's performance will be on Saturday, March 20 at 8pm at the Forrest Theatre in Washington Square West. We expect that it will be edgy and experimental.

Tickets are on sale at MANNA's site. The dancers will also be selling tickets during a pub crawl this Sunday in Northern Liberties. They'll be at Cantina Dos Segundos from 6-7pm and Swift Half Pub from 7:15-8:30pm.