Flight schedules should soon return to normal across major U.S. airports, including Philadelphia, after the FAA lifted government shutdown-related flight restrictions for airlines.
The Federal Aviation Administration retracted its order at more than 40 airports on Sunday night. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy initially told airlines to eliminate 10% of their scheduled flights starting on Nov. 7 in response to “concerning data” that showed pressure on the national aviation system and on air traffic controllers who were experiencing staffing shortages amid the federal government shutdown.
“Today’s decision to rescind the order reflects the steady decline in staffing concerns across the National Airspace System and allows us to return to normal operations,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement. “I am grateful for the hard work of the FAA safety and operations teams and for their focus on the safety of the traveling public.”
Air traffic at the Philadelphia International Airport on Nov. 6.
American Airlines, which operates 75% of the flights in and out of Philadelphia International Airport, is ready to bounce back swiftly after flight restrictions are lifted, a spokesperson said.
“American is ready for business, and we are serving customers with a full schedule in advance of the Thanksgiving and year-end holidays,” said Bri Harper, American Airlines’ spokesperson for the Northeast region.
Recovering from the FAA-ordered flight reductions won’t be a huge task, said Mike Taylor, J.D. Power’s practice lead for travel, and will likely be resolved in a matter of days.
“A matter of two or three days is generally all it takes,” Taylor said. “So I think they want to get that ball rolling well in advance of holiday travel so that there’s less hassle when holiday travel picks up in a week and a half from now.”
PHL’s major airlines, including American, United, and Delta, don’t expect any major hiccups associated with restoring flights after the FAA-ordered flight reductions.
United CEO Scott Kirby lauded employees during the chaotic period of cancellations in a LinkedIn post. While Nov. 8 and 9 set records in staffing shortage-driven cancellations and delays at the FAA, he wrote, Kirby said United customers gave the airline their fourth- and fifth-highest satisfaction scores of the year on those days.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CBS, “The system should return to normal by the weekend.”
Philly now has the second-highest package-theft rate in the country, reported the Citizen. According to a USPS Inspector General report, we lost $450 million in deliveries last year, which is a staggering amount of missing moisturizer, dog treats, and whatever-impulse-purchase-you-didn’t-need-anyway.
The stories are peak Philly: Thieves in fake Amazon vests dragging trash cans down Northern Liberties like a pack of Grinches, neighbors negotiating with porch pirates over stolen head-and-neck massagers, and whole blocks swapping Ring footage like they’re running a CSI unit. And still, hardly anyone reports it — because calling 911 over a missing package feels unhinged, and most people assume nothing will happen.
Police say they can’t crack down because no one files reports. Prosecutors won’t release data. Delivery companies quietly eat the losses to keep customers from rioting. And the state’s shiny new anti-porch piracy law can’t do much when the entire system for tracking thefts amounts to a collective shrug.
For now, the only real accountability is getting roasted on someone’s community Facebook group.
Herr’s previous campaign had customers voting on these three chip options.
Solid choices, sure. But if you asked Philly what those ideas actually taste like in 2025, it definitely wouldn’t be “cheesy crab dip.” It’d be stuff like:
Freedom: Tastes like finding a parking spot on the first try, crossing the Walt Whitman without traffic, or walking out of Wawa and realizing your hoagie was marked as a Shorti but they accidentally made you a Classic.
Liberty: Tastes like SEPTA showing up early and empty, getting a roofer to text you back the same day, or a neighbor finally taking the parking cone inside because the snow melted… three weeks ago.
Unity: Tastes like a whole block yelling “Go Birds!” at the same stranger, the collective rage of everyone on I-76 when a phantom jam clears, or 20 people on your street stepping outside at once because they all heard the same weird bang.
Voting runs through Dec. 10, and whatever wins hits shelves in June for the city’s 250th birthday party. Silly? Extremely. But honestly, if Philly wants to turn civic values into snack-seasoning discourse, that feels about right.
McCormick recruiting New Yorkers — C
Sen. Dave McCormick put out the world’s most Pennsylvania campaign commercial this week, inviting New Yorkers terrified of their new mayor — and “tired of losing football teams” — to pack up and head west on I-80. And look, we get the appeal. New York is expensive, the Giants and Jets are tragic, and Pennsylvania can brag about producing at least one functioning football franchise at any given time.
But if he’s talking about Philly? Dave… babe… have you seen this place lately? We’re full. Try finding a parking spot in Fishtown after 6 p.m. Or a house in the suburbs that doesn’t get 12 offers in 24 hours. Even our potholes are standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Also, telling New Yorkers to “come on down” because Pennsylvania has mountains and freedom is a bold pitch when most of them can’t even merge onto the Schuylkill without bursting into tears.
So if folks really want to take him up on this offer, maybe start by checking out Pittsburgh. Lovely city. Plenty of room. Great bridges.
Exterior entrance to Netflix House, King of Prussia Mall, Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Netflix House — B-
Netflix House finally opened in King of Prussia — because nothing says “immersive fantasy world” like the mall you swore you’d never drive to again. And look, the place is legitimately impressive: Squid Game VR that feels a little too real, a Wednesday carnival, a One Piece escape-room adventure, and photo ops for days.
But here’s the plot twist: the price. Doing all four experiences at the cheapest rate runs $118 a person before taxes. That’s nearly $500 for a family of four. For that kind of money, the golden piggy bank in Squid Game better not be just a prop.
Credit where it’s due: the VR slaps, the staff is Disney-level committed, and superfans will eat it up. But between the Schuylkill, the prices, and the mall chaos, Netflix House might be best for people who already love the shows.
The Sixers released their city edition jerseys.
Sixers City Edition jerseys — C-
The Sixers’ new City Edition jerseys dropped, and the reaction across Philly has been one collective shrug. Navy blue, gold stripe down the side shaped like the Liberty Bell crack, “Philadelphia” in script — all perfectly fine if your goal is to make something no one could possibly argue about. Which, ironically, is the most un-Philadelphia idea imaginable.
Let’s be honest: This jersey didn’t stand a chance. Not in the year of the AI throwbacks — those black 2001 uniforms walked into the room and immediately made everything else look like background décor. The City Edition is basically the jersey equivalent of a supportive friend holding everyone’s coat.
Reddit nailed it. People called them: “Mid.” “It’s just the 2019 one but navy.” “Should’ve said Philly.” “I like them… but I’ll wait until they’re $39.99 in June.” And my personal favorite: “This feels like Nike forgot about us until the last minute.”
Wearing them only three times feels right. This is a jersey designed to quietly exist. Inoffensive. Reasonable. Mildly attractive. Something you nod at and say, “Yeah, that’s nice,” before immediately remembering you’re only here for the throwbacks.
These aren’t bad. They’re just beige-but-navy — the basketball equivalent of choosing a sensible sedan when everyone knows you really wanted the sports car.
The basement goldfish at the Navy Yard have respawned — and Philly has reacted with the kind of unhinged civic joy usually reserved for Gritty sightings. A year after their murky little pond dried up, the fish have returned, proving once again that in this city, nature not only heals… it adapts to runoff water and becomes indestructible.
Reddit went feral: “Philly’s koi pond.” “Koi jawn.” “Nature is healing.” “This needs to be a protected landmark before it’s turned into condos.” And the best lore drop: “Behind that door is a kingdom… nay, a WORLD of basement fish.”
There are paintings now. Fan art. People offering to dump in buckets of water like it’s a community service project. Someone even called them the “unofficial city mascot,” which feels about right — unexpected, slightly alarming, surviving on vibes and stormwater alone. This is the kind of hyperlocal nonsense that unites the city more than any mayor ever has.
How to pronounce “Camac” — B+
Only in Philly could a three-block alley spark a full-blown identity crisis. Someone on Reddit innocently asked how to pronounce Camac — “K’mack? Kay-mick? Kay-mack?” — and within minutes, the city did what it always does: turned a vocabulary question into a referendum on our collective sanity.
The consensus (if you can even call it that) is “kuh-MACK.” But this being Philadelphia, you also get k’MACK, Kuh-MAK, Cum-ACK, and at least one person who decided all the letters are silent, which honestly feels spiritually correct.
Then, naturally, the thread devolved into arguments about other names no one can agree on — Bouvier, Sepviva, Greenwich — because this city will never miss an opportunity to question its own language like it’s a group project we all forgot to do.
It’s extremely on-brand, and reminiscent of The Inquirer’s big Passyunk investigation — the one where lifelong South Philadelphians confidently pronounced it four different ways in the same grocery store aisle. After 400 years, even linguists basically shrugged and said: “Multiple answers are correct, good luck out there.”
So yes, the “right” way to say Camac is probably kuh-MACK. But this is Philly. Pronounce it however you want — someone will correct you, someone else will correct them, and eventually the whole block will be involved.
Inquirer reporter Tom Fitzgerald has become Philly’s most unlikely breakout star — by calmly explaining the absolute chaos of SEPTA and Greyhound. His latest video on the city’s bus terminal and the PPA had people lining up to be “president of the Tom fan club,” begging for “another Tom vid, expeditiously,” and declaring, “Idk what it is about this guy, but I’d trust him with my life.”
And this wasn’t a one-off — the first “what the f— happened to SEPTA” video is where the cult really formed. That comment section was essentially a love letter: “Tom is the GOAT,” “protect this man at all costs,” “cordially inviting this guy to my family Thanksgiving,” and my personal favorite: “I like this guy, would get a French dip with him.” Philly affection comes in many forms, but that might be the purest.
What’s wild is how united everyone is about him. It’s rare for any city to agree on anything — let alone a soft-spoken transit reporter explaining budget failures and bus equity. But Tom did it. He looked into the camera, delivered the grim truth with perfect dad-energy calm, and the entire region collectively said: King.
Lancaster, Pa., is technically a city, but it’s packed with the charm of a Hallmark movie town: strollable streets lined with boutiques, Instagram-worthy late-fall foliage, and — yes — even the occasional Amish couple riding in a horse and buggy just beyond the city limits.
To get your weekend started, take a 90-minute drive past picturesque farms on I-76 and U.S. Route 222, or hop on Amtrak’s Keystone line, which drops you at the edge of downtown.
Hear us out: This upscale campground is 30 minutes outside of Lancaster by car, but it has the vibe of an all-year summer camp for adults. Red Run Resort’s 21 lakeside A-frame studios and cabins are homey yet luxurious, with spa-style bathrooms with soaking tubs, plush king-size beds, and private firepits. The campground also has an on-site pumpkin patch and occasional line dancing and bingo pop-ups, so guests don’t have to go far for a bit of countryside flair.
The living room of one of the A-Frame cabins at the Red Run Resort in New Holland, Pa., which overlooks a lake. The upscale camp ground is roughly 30 minutes outside of Lancaster by car.
If you’re looking to stay in the city, the boutique Lancaster Arts Hotel transformed an 1800s tobacco warehouse into a living art gallery, displaying $300,000 worth of art from local artists across its 63 guest rooms. It’s walking distance from downtown and earns bonus points for free parking and complimentary bikes to explore the city.
📍 877 Martin Church Rd., New Holland, Pa. 17557 (Red Run Resort) ; 300 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster, Pa. 17603 (Lancaster Arts Hotel)
After checking in, fuel up at Square One Coffee, a local micro-roastery whose Ethiopian blend beat out more than 2,000 entries to win a Good Food Award for best coffee. Their flagship Duke Street cafe is a solid pick for both coffee snobs and “little treat” connoisseurs, specializing in single-origin espressos and aromatic lattes in flavors like orange blossom honey or Blue Zen, a sky-colored concoction of butterfly pea powder, jasmine syrup, and chamomile tea.
Take your coffee to go and spend the afternoon exploring a trio of downtown Lancaster’s curated thrift and vintage boutiques. This reporter’s advice is to pack light, because it’s easy to bring an outfit (or two) and a suitcase full of tchotchkes home.
Start at Basura for racks of salvaged denim and leather, colorful sweaters, and quirky tees before heading over to Space, which specializes in mid-century modern wares that feel like they were ripped from a Mad Men set. Then, close out your shopping spree by heading to BUiLDiNG CHARACTER, a vintage and artisan marketplace with 80-plus vendors selling everything from butterflies preserved in glass and the occasional fossil to old school suits and antique jewelry.
📍106 E. King St., Lancaster, Pa. 17602 (Basura); 24 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, Pa. 17603 (Space); 342 N. Queen St., Lancaster, Pa. 17603 (BUiLDiNG CHARACTER)
Just a portion of the pick-n-mix candy selection from Sweetish Candy at 301 N. Queen Street Lancaster, Pa., which has been importing Scandinavian candies since 2019.
Pick-and-mix: Sweetish Candy
Lancaster’s Sweetish Candy was importing Scandinavian sweets long before pick-and-mix bags were all the rage. Sweetish Candy owner Tyler Graybeal started selling Swedish treats in 2019 and now stocks more than 70 colorful candies for shoppers to dump into customizable bags and buckets. Graybeal’s selection includes still hard-to-find BUBS gummies, plus varieties of licorice tubes, pastel marshmallows, and chocolate eggs. This sugar rush doesn’t come cheap, though: Two pounds of candy cost $47.
For snacks that don’t cause a toothache, Lancaster Pickle Company is across the street with barrels of assorted pickle chips, dill pretzels, and — yes — even half-sour lip balm.
📍301 N. Queen St., Lancaster, Pa. 17603
Stroll: Conestoga Greenway Trail
This 2.6 mile out-and-back trail wraps a horseshoe around the scenic Conestoga River and has three access points with parking lots at Duke Street, Broad Street, and Conestoga Drive. The greenway winds its away around the water and through the trees, so it’s perfect for late-fall leaf peeping and serene nature walks. The river is a favorite of duck flocks, turtles, and deers stopping for a drink.
Learn: James Buchanan’s Wheatland
Built in 1828 as a prominent lawyer’s mansion, Wheatland changed hands several times before landing in 1848 with James Buchanan — then secretary of state and later, by many historians’ accounts, one of America’s worst presidents. Buchanan lived there until his death in 1868.
Preserved by the nonprofit LancasterHistory, the home offers guided tours of Buchanan’s original furnishings and 19th-century décor. From Nov. 16 through Dec. 20, the tours take on a festive twist for Yuletide at Wheatland, exploring the family’s holiday traditions.
Tucked in the back of noodle bar Issei is Hi-Fi Izakaya, a speakeasy-esque listening lounge where DJs spin vinyl jazz, soul, and pop records until last call. The space is sleek and sexy, with a cocktail menu that adds Asian flair to standard drinks, like a gimlet mixed with matcha syrup, a Thai iced tea-infused espresso martini, and an old fashioned made with aged Japanese whiskey.
The cozy British watering hole has been serving oversize platters of crispy fish and chips and traditional bangers and mash since 1984. Regulars come by often, bartenders said, for hefty burgers and sarnies (British slang for sandwich), plus an extensive list of imported German, Irish, and English beers.
📍 457 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, Pa. 17602
Rows of seasonal ice cream flavors from Fox Meadow Creamery in Leola, Pa.
Indulge: Fox Meadow Creamery
Fox Meadow Creamery’s Leola location is exactly halfway between Quip’s Pub and your cabin at Red Run, making it the perfect place to cap off a day of gallivanting in the city. Fox Meadow churns its ice cream on-site with milk from cows raised on the creamery’s dairy farm in nearby Ephrata, resulting in ultra-thick and and rich scoops.
Fox Meadow’s flavors change with the seasons, so the late fall comes with vats of apple cream pie, pumpkin patch cheesecake, and venetian tiramisu ice creams, among others. And — before you ask — yes, they carry pints for you to take on the road.
Philadelphia will host its largest marathon yet this year, as about 15,000 runners take on the 26.2-mile race through the city’s scenic and historic neighborhoods.
The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend runs Nov. 21-23 and includes a half marathon (13.1 miles) and an 8K race. The first marathon was held in 1994 with just 1,500 participants; this year, organizers expect roughly 30,000 athletes across all races.
With that many runners and spectators, expect road closures, parking restrictions, and heavy traffic.
“We want to make sure people give themselves ample time to get there,” said race director Kathleen Titus. “We have new security screenings that will speed things up, but if you’re waiting until 15 minutes before the race, you might be standing in a line for about an hour.”
Runners on Walnut Street in Center City during the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.
Titus said the marathon has a new website and updated app. The app allows runners to schedule packet-pickup times at the expo to cut down on lines, track live race results, and receive weather and safety alerts.
Race start times and locations for the Philadelphia Marathon
All races follow the same course layout as in previous years and — except for the Nemours Children’s Run — start at 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Nemours Children’s Run begins at Von Colln Memorial Field, 2276 Pennsylvania Ave., adjacent to Eakins Oval.
Each race follows a unique route, with the marathon and half-marathon winding through Center City, Chinatown, Old City, Queen Village, Rittenhouse, and University City, with significant portions covering Fairmount Park, Kelly Drive, and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The Expo is filled with vendors showcasing apparel, shoes, gear, free product samples, and educational booths on health and fitness. Friday and Saturday bring a speaker series to the Expo and meet-and-greets with some of the country’s top runners. On Friday evening, there will be activities for children.
For spectators of the Philadelphia Marathon
Spectators are welcome to line the race routes to cheer on runners but will be restricted from the starting lines and in secure running areas until after 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday to ensure smooth race starts.
Large umbrellas, coolers, and animals (except ADA service dogs) are not allowed. The marathon also discourages bringing large blankets, backpacks, or cameras.
William Loevner of Pittsburgh is embraced by his wife, Emma Loevner, after finishing first in the mens in the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.
Road closures
All-weekend closures
Saturday, Nov. 22, through 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23
Benjamin Franklin Parkway (all lanes) between 22nd Street and Eakins Oval
Kelly Drive (inbound) closed at 25th Street, with local traffic permitted to Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive
Spring Garden Street Bridge and MLK Drive (inbound) traffic detoured onto 24th Street
Spring Garden Street
Saturday, Nov. 22
2 a.m. closures
2000—2400 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (inner and setup areas as posted)
Spring Garden Street, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
23rd Street, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
22nd Street, from Winter Street to Park Towne Place (local access to Park Towne Place maintained)
21st Street, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Winter Street
4 a.m. closures
Interstate 676 off-ramp at 22nd Street (westbound)
Interstate 76 off-ramp at Spring Garden Street (eastbound)
6 a.m. closures
17th Street, from Arch Street to Vine Street
18th Street, from Arch Street to Callowhill Street
19th Street, from Arch Street to Callowhill Street
20th Street, from Arch Street to Callowhill Street
21st Street, from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street
22nd Street, from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from 16th Street to 20th Street
Market Street, from Sixth Street to 16th Street
Chestnut Street, from Fifth Street to Eighth Street
Sixth Street, from Market Street to Chestnut Street
Fifth Street, from Chestnut Street to Race Street
South Penn Square
Juniper Street, from Chestnut Street to Market Street
John F. Kennedy Boulevard, from Juniper Street to 17th Street
15th Street, from Race Street to Chestnut Street
16th Street, from Chestnut Street to Race Street
Race Street, from Sixth Street to Columbus Boulevard
Columbus Boulevard (southbound lanes), from Vine Street to Washington Avenue
Interstate 95 southbound off-ramp at Washington Avenue
Washington Avenue, from Columbus Boulevard to Front Street
Front Street, from Washington Avenue to South Street
South Street, from Front Street to Seventh Street
Sixth Street, from Bainbridge Street to Locust Street
Lombard Street, from Fifth Street to Broad Street
13th Street, from Bainbridge Street to Chestnut Street
Walnut Street, from 12th Street to 34th Street
34th Street, from Chestnut Street to Girard Avenue
Spring Garden Street, from 32nd Street to 34th Street
Girard Avenue, from 33rd Street to 38th Street
33rd Street, from Girard Avenue to Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Reservoir Drive, from 33rd Street to Diamond Drive
Mt. Pleasant Drive
Fountain Green Drive
Kelly Drive
Access and reopening
Local access for residents and businesses will be maintained at police-controlled points.
Access to the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be available via Spring Garden Street (Bridge and Tunnel) to Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive.
Police will allow traffic through intersections when possible, depending on runner flow.
All streets (except Eakins Oval and the Parkway) are scheduled to reopen by 2 p.m. Saturday; many Center City roads will reopen earlier as they are cleared and serviced.
Sunday, Nov. 23
As part of enhanced security for the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, “No Parking” regulations will be strictly enforced. Vehicles on the race route will be relocated beginning at 1 a.m. Sunday.
2 a.m. closures
2000—2400 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Spring Garden Street, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
23rd Street, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
22nd Street, from Winter Street to Park Towne Place (local access maintained)
21st Street, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Winter Street
4 a.m. closures
Interstate 676 off-ramp at 22nd Street (westbound)
Interstate 76 off-ramp at Spring Garden Street (eastbound)
6 a.m. closures
17th Street, from Arch Street to Vine Street
18th Street, from Arch Street to Callowhill Street
19th Street, from Arch Street to Callowhill Street
20th Street, from Arch Street to Callowhill Street
21st Street, from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street
22nd Street, from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from 16th Street to 20th Street
Arch Street, from Third Street to 16th Street
Fourth Street, from Arch Street to Vine Street
Race Street, from Sixth Street to Columbus Boulevard
Columbus Boulevard (southbound lanes), from Vine Street to Washington Avenue
Interstate 95 southbound off-ramp at Washington Avenue
Washington Avenue, from Columbus Boulevard to Front Street
Front Street, from Washington Avenue to South Street
South Street, from Front Street to Seventh Street
Sixth Street, from Bainbridge Street to Market Street
Chestnut Street, from Sixth Street to 15th Street
15th Street, from Chestnut Street to Walnut Street
Walnut Street, from Broad Street to 34th Street
34th Street, from Chestnut Street to Girard Avenue
Lansdowne Drive, from Girard Avenue to South Concourse Drive
South Concourse Drive, from Lansdowne Drive to West Memorial Hall Drive
East Memorial Hall Drive, from South Concourse Drive to Avenue of the Republic
Avenue of the Republic, from East Memorial Hall Drive to Catholic Fountain
Belmont Avenue, from Montgomery Drive to Parkside Avenue
States Drive, from Lansdowne Drive to Girard Avenue
Girard Avenue Bridge, from Lansdowne Drive to 33rd Street
33rd Street, from Girard Avenue to Reservoir Drive
Reservoir Drive, from 33rd Street to Edgley Drive
Edgley Drive, from Reservoir Drive to Fountain Green Drive
Fountain Green Drive, from Edgley Drive to Kelly Drive
Kelly Drive
Falls Bridge
Ridge Avenue, from Schoolhouse Lane to Manayunk Avenue
Main Street (Manayunk), from Ridge Avenue to Conarroe Street
Access and reopening
Local access for residents and businesses will be maintained at police-controlled points.
Access to the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be available via Spring Garden Street (Bridge and Tunnel) to Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive.
Expect delays at crossings along the course; police will allow traffic through when possible.
All streets (except Eakins Oval and the Parkway) are scheduled to reopen by 3 p.m. Sunday; many Center City roads will reopen earlier as they are cleared and serviced.
Transportation to the races
🚌 Bus
Lines 7, 32, 38, 43, 48, and 49 drop riders within a two-minute walk from the Art Museum. But, due to the race, there will most likely be detours. Check SEPTA’s system status for the latest schedules.
The race’s starting line is within a 10-minute ride from the City Hall area and subway stop and other locations. Check the map of Indego bike share stations to rent bikes and return them at a station near the Art Museum.
16th & Race St. (Sheraton Hotel), Standard Parking, (215) 196-0293
1815 JFK Boulevard, Central Parking System, (215) 568-8030 (Entrance on 1850 Cuthbert St.)
1901 JFK Boulevard, Central Parking System, (215) 557-3821 (Entrance on 19th Street)
1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Windsor Suites, (215) 569-0899
36 S. 19th St., Central Parking System, (215) 561-1187
Where does the money go?
Revenue earned and money raised from the Philadelphia Marathon goes to various charities and nonprofits, including local ones like B Inspired Philadelphia and the Mazzoni Center.
Naomi Peker (left) and Srivki Weisberg (right) jump to celebrate their finish in the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. They run with a club in Suffern, N.Y., and this was Peker’s first marathon.
Awards & prize money
Monetary prizes range from $225 to $10,000 depending on the race, with the Philadelphia Marathon’s Elite Division being the most competitive.
The gifts in the 2025 Very Philly Gift Guide represent The Inquirer's picks this holiday season. When you make a purchase through a link in this Guide, The Inquirer may be paid a commission.
You don’t need us to tell you Philly’s got everything — sports legends, world-class food, killer small businesses, weird little workshops, and soft pretzels that double as a love language.
So why settle for some generic gift set when you could give a hoagie room reservation, a Bird Gang varsity jacket, or locally made soaps crafted from coffee grounds and herbs?
We’ve rounded up more than 70 very Philly gifts for everyone on your list: your friend who’s still talking about the Super Bowl parade, your aunt who cries tears of joy every time she walks into the Franklin Institute, your coworker who judges your coffee order, even your dog.
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And because we know holiday shopping can feel like trying to find parking in South Philly on trash day, we turned this whole thing into a quiz.
Just answer a few questions, and we’ll point you to the perfect gift.
What’s their Philly vibe — Broad Street bold or cozy Fairmount calm?
If they could get out of town tomorrow, where are they headed?
When it comes to gifts, what gets the biggest “Oh my God, you nailed it”?
When Friday hits, what’s their move?
What’s the best part of the holidays for them?
What’s their favorite thing about Philly — besides complaining about parking?
If they’re spending a cozy day in, what’s the vibe?
When they’re hanging out, what kind of crowd are they gathering?
Which kind of Philly-themed gift would make them say “This is so me?”
Your Recommendations
Less than $25
$25 – $75
Over $75
For the Sports Fanatic
Less than $25
$25 – $75
Over $75
Tickets to an Eagles, Flyers, or Sixers game
For the friend whose blood type is Gatorade and pretzel salt
There’s no gift more Philly than game-day tickets. Let them scream at refs in person, feel the bass of the fight song in their chest, and high-five strangers like lifelong friends. Whether it’s the Birds under the lights at the Linc, the Flyers grinding it out on the ice, or Joel Embiid dropping 40 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, this gift guarantees goose bumps (and maybe a hoarse voice the next day).
For the friend who still yells “Step over him!” every time they hit a jumper
The Sixers’ iconic blue jersey from the Allen Iverson era is back — the one worn when A.I. led the NBA in points, steals, and minutes per game in the 2001-’02 season. This jersey brings The Answer back to the present day. It’s pure Philly: bold, scrappy, and impossible to forget. For more Philly sports fan gift suggestions, click here.
For the friend who’s basically a walking sports bar
Whether they bleed green, red, orange, or blue, this gift lets them wear their Philly pride on their sleeve — literally. Fanatics has jerseys for every pro team in town: Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and the Union. From Jalen Hurts to Bryce Harper to Joel Embiid, it’s the easiest way to suit up for game day, no matter the season. For more Philly sports fan gift suggestions, click here.
For the friend who believes true royalty bleeds Kelly green
Every Philadelphian knows the jacket — the one Princess Diana wore in the ’90s that somehow made the Birds look even more regal. Now, thanks to Mitchell & Ness, fans can finally own the officially licensed replica. The Vintage Full-Snap Varsity Jacket features heavyweight construction, a chenille throwback helmet patch, tricolor rib-knit detailing, and a big Eagles logo that’s pure nostalgia and attitude. It’s been spotted on Kylie Kelce, framed at Middle Child Clubhouse, and worshiped by anyone who knows fashion and football can share a locker room.
For the friend who still hasn’t stopped watching the parade highlights
If you didn’t snag a paper the morning after the Eagles’ 40–22 Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs, here’s your second chance. The Inquirer “Big Easy” front page — featuring Jalen Hurts holding the Lombardi Trophy and other photo options — is available framed or unframed, in various sizes.
For the friend who can quote every postgame presser
From Week 1 in São Paulo to hoisting the Lombardi in New Orleans, What a Run! captures every play, player, and parade from the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning season. This 128-page commemorative book is packed with stories, stats, and full-color photos of Saquon Barkley’s breakout, Jalen Hurts’ MVP moment, and Vic Fangio’s lock-down defense. It’s the ultimate keepsake for fans who want to relive the season — minus the nail-biting fourth quarters.
For the friend who believes fourth-and-1 is a lifestyle
Celebrate Philly’s most unstoppable play with Rowen’s best-selling Tush Push Sweatpants — cozy, soft, and just cheeky enough. These 50/50 cotton-poly sweats feature a clean front with a drawstring waistband and a bold graphic on the back that proudly honors the Birds’ signature QB sneak.
For the friend who’d rather hear it straight from the GOAT’s mouth
Make their day with a personal video from a Philly legend — because nothing says “I care” like Brian Dawkins yelling “BLESSINGS!”, Shady McCoy shouting you out mid–Tush Push analysis, or Donovan McNabb pretending not to know what down it is. You can even have Bryson Stott say “Atta boy!”, Vince Papale drop a motivational speech straight out of Invincible, or The Philly Captain … well, just be The Philly Captain. Whether they bleed green, red pinstripes, or orange and black, this is the kind of gift that hits harder than a Dawkins tackle and lasts longer than a postgame rant from Jason Kelce.
For the friend who thinks the Phils’ skyline beats any sunset
Bring the magic of Citizens Bank Park home with this artist-designed Phillies stadium print — a stunning tribute to the home of Bryce bombs, rally towels, and “Dancing On My Own.” Available as a fine art print or canvas wrap, it’s the perfect upgrade for any Philly fan cave, office, or living room that could use a little more red pinstripe energy.
For the friend who wants to tailgate in full-on pinstripe swagger
These aren’t your average jeans. These Phillies bib overalls bring major team pride with full pinstripe styling, classic red, and a bold Phillies logo front and center. Whether they’re manning the grill, sprinting to the merch tent, or just rep’ing their fandom in style, these overalls are built for comfort and devotion. For more Philly sports fan gift suggestions, click here.
For the friend who’s got Broad Street pride in their DNA
A backyard essential for any Philly sports fan, this custom cornhole set features the Sixers court — Eagles and other teams also available — printed on a solid wood background. Comes ready to play with a full set of bags.
Alex Eagle x J. Crew feather jersey colorblock T-shirt
For the friend who prefers a little sportiness with her fashion
London-based design trendsetter Alex Eagle has teamed up with J. Crew to create a capsule of classic looks that contain her smart tailoring and sporty touch. This retro-inspired jersey T-shirt has a 100% cotton finish for a supersoft, lightweight feel that happens to look right at home in Philly thanks to its Kelly green colorways.
For the friend whose gameday fit is as fierce as their fandom
Minor Details, the boutique known for its playful Philly flair, has the perfect lineup of locally inspired gifts for trendsetting sports lovers. There’s the Bird Gang Knit Crop Sweater, cozy with varsity stripes and vintage vibes; the Bird Gang Beaded Purse, decked out in Kelly green, footballs, and sparkle for the ultimate tailgate accessory; and the Phillies ice cream helmet hair clip, a cheeky nod to Citizens Bank Park treats that’s pure Philly fun.
This unisex puffer vest from Off Season in collaboration with the NFL features intricate Eagles embroidery, 3D silicone patches, and jacquard detailing. A corduroy lining and padded polyester fill bring serious warmth, while double interior pockets bring convenience.
For the friend who expresses her fandom in cozy style
Naadam’s new line of NFL-branded cashmere sweaters brings soft, plush, roomy feels to a fan’s wardrobe. Knit from 100% premium cashmere, this boyfriend-style pullover features bold chest lettering and an official Eagles team logo at the cuff.
For the friend who wears her Eagles pride in and out of the gym
Just released at the end of October, the new collaboration between the NFL, Lululemon, and Fanatics has apparel from all 32 NFL teams. But let's not kid anyone — you only need one. The oversize half-zip hoodie features an Eagles logo, convenient kangaroo pouch, and thumbholes for cozy comfort.
For the friend who still dreams about their favorite Philly meal
Brooklyn artist John Donohue has made it his mission to capture beloved restaurants through intricate, hand-drawn sketches — and his Philadelphia collection is a love letter to the city’s dining scene. From iconic spots like Zahav and John’s Roast Pork to cozy neighborhood haunts, each print is rendered in Donohue’s signature minimalist style, celebrating the charm and character of Philly’s food institutions. And every Philly print sale benefits the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Donohue also accepts custom commissions, so you can immortalize your favorite date-night spot or corner bar.
For the friend whose spirit animal is a wheel of brie
Help them level up their cheese game with a tasting experience that’s part class, part party. Philly Cheese School offers both public events — think “Cheese Basics: Extra Fancy Edition” — and private classes, where they’ll sip, snack, and soak up all things fromage. Not sure which to choose? Gift cards let them pick the vibe, date, and cheese adventure that suits them best.
For the friend who’s never met a roast they didn’t analyze
Philly’s own Bean2Bean is serving up small-batch blends that are as bold as they are beloved. Whether it’s the chocolatey-berry vibes of their Schuylkill Select, the rich, dark Italian Market Espresso, or the indulgent Franklin Reserve collabs, these beans are the real deal. Locally roasted in Harrowgate by a Puerto Rican-owned roastery, this is the brew behind espresso martinis at your favorite bar and the coffee at Philly-area staples like Schlesinger’s Deli and The Kibbitz Room. Start with the Franklin Reserve and brew on from there.
For the friend who’s running on vibes, caffeine, and zero meal plans
This isn’t your typical cookbook — it’s part pep talk, part survival guide, and 100% judgment-free. You Gotta Eat by Inquirer food editor Margaret Eby is for the person who stares into their fridge like it’s a hostile witness and still ends up eating peanut butter from a spoon. With tips tailored to your current energy level (from “I can open a package” to “I can maybe chop one thing”), it’s full of genius hacks, low-effort recipes, and the reassurance that yes, you can feed yourself — and maybe even enjoy it. For more Philly book recommendations, click here.
For the friend who wishes summer farmers market season never ended
Give them the gift of 21 weeks of just-picked, chemical-free produce from Urban Roots Farm, a 26-acre, first-generation farm in Newtown Square — and the same one that grows the tomatoes used in Middle Child’s iconic BLTs. Members of the farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program get weekly boxes packed with seasonal vegetables, strawberries, and flowers, harvested fresh and ready for pickup at the farm from June through November.
For the friend who plans Sunday meals around kickoff time
Bring the stadium to the kitchen with this playbook of tailgate-worthy recipes from Tim Lopez, the longtime Eagles chef who spent 13 years feeding the Birds — including during their Super Bowl LII run. Kickoff Kitchen serves up two recipes for every NFL team (yes, even Dallas), from crab cake bites for Baltimore fans to Philly’s own roast pork sandwich and cheesesteak egg rolls. It’s part cookbook, part culinary field trip across America’s football cities — ideal for anyone who believes game day isn’t complete without great food. For more Philly book recommendations, click here.
For the friend who can taste the difference between Cape May Salts and Wellfleets
Give the gift of a little salt, brine, and Philly flair with Fishtown Seafood’s oyster classes, designed for every level of mollusk lover. In Oysters 101, beginners learn the essentials — from safe shucking technique to oyster anatomy and how to spot the freshest bivalves. Graduates can level up with Oysters 202, which explores regional terroirs, seasonal flavor profiles, and the subtleties that make each oyster unique.
For the friend who thinks cocktail hour should come with a foraging basket
This isn’t your average mixology book — it’s a whole vibe, and a James Beard Award winner, too. In Slow Drinks, South Jersey’s own Danny Childs (aka the ethnobotanist bartender behind Farm & Fisherman and Old City’s Almanac) shows how to turn garden weeds, wild herbs, and backyard finds into fancy drinks that taste like the season itself. From Dandelion Mead to Spruce Beer, this book proves that great cocktails start with curiosity — and maybe a pair of muddy boots. For more Philly book recommendations, click here.
For the friend who considers “just a little snack” a full meal
Philly’s charcuterie royalty has a gift box for every kind of snacker — from the Abbondanza Cheese & Charcuterie Box packed with their best-selling cheeses, meats, and truffle honey, to — our selection — the Philly Tailgate Bundle for the fan who thinks pepperoni and pretzel sticks are a food group. For more Di Bruno Bros. pantry recommendations, click here.
Beautiful Cookware Set by Drew Barrymore in Kelly Green
For the friend whose fandom starts in the kitchen
Bring some Birds pride to the kitchen with Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful 12-piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set in Kelly Green — the exact shade that’ll make any Eagles fan shout “Go Birds!” between bites. With sleek strainer lids, easy-clean pots, and serious style, it’s just right for the game-day host who treats tailgating like fine dining.
Philly brands Dietz & Watson and Jacquin’s collaborated on the new Dietz Dill vodka, available for the first time on Nov. 14 — National Pickle Day. The 60-proof, pickle-flavored vodka pairs Jacquin’s vodka with real Dietz & Watson pickle brine to give a dilly boost to your Bloody Marys and pickle martinis.
For the friend who believes soft pretzels are a love language
From her small-but-mighty kitchen in Northeast Philly, pastry chef Em Wilson turns out soft pretzels that redefine what “Philly-style” means — deeply golden, perfectly chewy, and kissed with just the right amount of salt (and heart). Known for her buttery croissants and “proper lye-dip” pretzels, Em’s small-batch bakes have become a favorite at local markets and pop-ups.
For the friend who won’t shut up about how “you can’t get a real one anywhere else.”
Forget the impostors, this is the real deal. Goldbelly ships legit Philly cheesesteaks straight from the region’s icons — Pat’s, Jim’s, John’s Roast Pork, Campo’s, Donkey’s Place, and more — to wherever they need to go. These sandwiches come cooked to order, packed on ice, and ready to reheat with the works: thin-sliced steak, soft rolls, and your choice of cheese: Whiz, provolone, or Cooper Sharp. No “Philly-style” nonsense, no soggy knockoffs, just the grease-dripping glory of the real thing. Start with Donkey’s Place — an Anthony Bourdain favorite. For more Philly foods you can ship, click here.
For the friend who’s always cooking — or always complaining their knives are dull
There are few gifts more practical (or more satisfying) than giving someone the sharpest knives in Philly. At Fante’s Kitchen Shop in the Italian Market, the pros will put a perfect edge on your blades while you browse espresso makers and pasta tools. For a higher-end tune-up, head to CM Neff Cook Supply Co. on East Passyunk, where chef and owner Cary Neff sharpens by hand with surgical precision.
For the friend whose bar cart is as Philly as their attitude
Raise a glass to local craftsmanship with Bluecoat Gin, the award-winning spirit made in Fishtown by Philadelphia Distilling. Its bright citrus notes and smooth, juniper-forward finish make it the ultimate upgrade to a gin and tonic — or a martini that actually deserves a toast. It’s clean, classic, and unmistakably Philly.
For the friend with kids who are already heckling the ump from the living room
Get your little Phils fan off the iPad and into the game with this bright, team-spirited 150-piece puzzle. It’s a fun way to keep them busy between innings (or at least until the post-game show starts).
For the friend with kids who keeps asking “why?” (and for the parent who’s run out of answers)
Turn curiosity into a year-round adventure with a Franklin Institute membership — your all-access pass to Philly’s favorite science playground. From the Fels Planetarium to hands-on exhibits that’ll have them building, blasting, and experimenting, this membership is a ticket to endless discovery.
For the friend with kids who love to press every button — just not yours
Give the gift of play — and peace of mind — with a Please Touch Museum membership. Kids can climb, splash, build, and explore their way through Philly’s ultimate hands-on museum. It’s part funhouse, part education, all chaos in the best way possible.
For the friend with kids who loves sparkle (and the friend who loves a statement piece)
Let them play designer for a day at Boxbar’s Charm Bar, where they can build their own one-of-a-kind necklace or bracelet. With trays of glimmering charms — stars, hearts, initials, and even tiny Philly icons — and mix-and-match chains, they’ll leave with something that feels totally them. It’s part jewelry-making, part memory-making. Either way, it’ll shine.
Raise ‘em right, in Philly style. These adorable picks from Minor Details are perfect for the littlest Birds and Phils fans. The Philly Football Baby Sweater comes in a deep Eagles green with “Eagles” stitched across the front, a cozy knit that’s ready for Sunday naps or kickoff cuddles. The Baseball Stitch Onesie features red baseball seam embroidery and the Phillies’ Liberty Bell logo.
Show your Philly pride everywhere you go with this hand-drawn, screen-printed tote from local artist Paul Carpenter. His clever “LOVE” design doubles as a map of the city — from Roxborough to Fishtown, South Philly to the Great Northeast — making it a great everyday bag for groceries, books, or Wawa runs. Created and printed in Philly, it’s a functional little love letter to the city itself.
For the friend who’s always up in New York, down in D.C., or anywhere the rails will go
Sometimes the best gift is a ticket away — at least for a weekend. An Amtrak gift card gives your favorite traveler (or commuter) the freedom to hop a train to anywhere from Boston to D.C. without worrying about gas, tolls, or traffic. It’s perfect for the person who needs a recharge, a romantic getaway, or just an excuse to skip the Turnpike. You can load any amount, making it one of the most flexible (and stress-free) Philly gifts around.
For the friend who travels light — but never without team spirit
Fly like an Eagle with this sleek black hard-shell spinner suitcase featuring the team’s bold eagle-head logo. Built for durability (and swagger), it’s a 21-inch carry-on with smooth 360-degree wheels, interior straps, and pockets that make packing almost fun. Whether they’re heading to an away game or just the airport bar, this suitcase says, “Yes, I’m from Philly.” For more picks for Philly sports fans, click here.
For the friend who needs caffeine before conversation
If they start their day with an eye roll and a latte, this 12-ounce Nomad Sip from Philly’s own Rival Bros. will make their mornings a little smoother. Made for both hot and cold drinks, it’s double-walled and spill-resistant — excellent for commutes, tailgates, or late-night deadlines. Rival Bros., founded by Philly chef Jonathan Adams and barista Damien Pileggi, is known for roasting some of the best beans in the city, so it’s fitting that their travel mugs carry the same quality.
For the friend who can never feel too far from Fishtown's caffeine headquarters
Philly’s coffee pride and joy — La Colombe — nailed it when they canned their signature draft latte. These ready-to-drink cans deliver that same creamy, café-grade texture with a foamy top that somehow survives your morning commute. Available in classic, mocha, triple, and oat milk versions, they’re great for keeping in the fridge or tossing in your bag before work. Give them a taste of home (or a little taste of La Colombe on the go), because no one should have to settle for sad office coffee again.
For the friend who swears they’re “this close” to breaking 90
Give their swing the tune-up it deserves with a one-hour golf lesson at Five Iron Golf, the city’s sleek, high-tech golf hub with locations in Fishtown, Logan Square, and Rittenhouse. Each lesson pairs them with a certified instructor who uses simulator data, video playback, and real-time feedback to help fine-tune their form — or at least stop slicing into the screen. Whether they’re a first-time golfer or a fairway regular, it’s the kind of gift that says, “I believe in your potential … but maybe not your current handicap.”
For the friend who runs, walks, or is just trying to get their steps in
Help them hit the pavement in style with a Philadelphia Runner gift card, good for shoes, gear, and race-day essentials. Whether they’re training for the Broad Street Run, chasing their first 5K, or just need a comfortable pair of sneakers for dog walks, this local shop’s experts make finding the right fit easy. With locations across the city and an unbeatable local reputation, it’s a gift that goes the distance.
Stanley’s viral water bottles finally meet Philly spirit in this Kelly green edition — OK, it’s technically “meadow,” but close enough. The 30-ounce stainless-steel tumbler keeps drinks ice-cold for hours and fits perfectly in a car cup holder (yes, even when navigating Broad Street traffic). It’s durable, dishwasher-safe, and built for long days at work or tailgates.
For the friend who needs a facial more than another candle
If “self-care” in Philly had a headquarters, it would be Rescue Spa. Their gift cards can be used for everything from expert facials and massages to manicures and luxe skin treatments — the kind that make you feel like a brand-new person afterward. Services start at $35 and go up to full-on luxury treatments, so whether you’re gifting a quick glow-up or an all-day spa escape, it’s a loving way to say: “You’ve earned this.”
For the friend who blames Mercury retrograde for everything
Help them align their stars with a personalized astrology reading from Corina Dross, a Philly-based astrologer and artist known for her intuitive, poetic approach. Choose between a birth chart reading that explores life themes, timing, and purpose, or a relationship reading that dives into the cosmic dynamics between partners or friends. Corina’s readings are equal parts spiritual reflection and gentle therapy session — the kind that leave you journaling long after.
For the friend who keeps Philly in their heart (and on their tree)
Bring a little piece of the Parkway home with this porcelain LOVE Statue ornament, inspired by Robert Indiana’s iconic sculpture in JFK Plaza. Lightweight, glossy, and unmistakably Philly, it’s the perfect accent for anyone nostalgic for the city skyline or annual holiday strolls through Dilworth Park. It’s small, affordable, and the kind of thing that becomes a yearly “front and center” favorite on the tree.
For the friend who sees the future — and prefers it with a soft pretzel
This locally illustrated tarot deck reimagines classic cards through the lens of everyday Philly: the Chariot becomes the El, the Sun shines over FDR Park, and the Tower? Of course, the Comcast Center. The art is as gorgeous as it is clever, plus, it doubles as a conversation piece on any coffee table.
For the friend who’s impossible to impress — until now
Hidden behind the main dining room at Pizzeria Beddia in Fishtown sits one of Philly’s most exclusive tables: the Hoagie Room. This two-hour private dining experience is part dinner, part show — and all Philly. You’ll start with cocktails and small plates before watching one of Beddia’s hoagie masters build sandwiches on house-baked bread. Then come the signature pizzas, a magnum or two from Joe Beddia’s wine stash, and a swirl of soft serve to finish. It’s intimate, over-the-top in the best way, and guaranteed to make any food lover lose their mind.
For the friend with a stack of prints still “waiting to be framed.”
Give their walls the attention they deserve with a gift certificate to Frame Fatale, South Philly’s beloved frame shop that’s as much an art space as it is a workshop. The team there can frame just about anything — vintage concert posters, sports memorabilia, even that old Phanatic photo booth strip. Whether they’re moving into a new place or just tired of leaning art against the wall, this gift turns “someday” projects into finished pieces.
For the friend who prefers caffeine with their trash talk
A Philly classic, now in mug form. This ceramic “F*ck Dallas” mug from Old City’s Verde boutique says what every Eagles fan already feels — proudly, loudly, and without apology. Whether it’s for game-day coffee or Monday-morning recovery, it’s an unforgettable kitchen companion. It’s durable, dishwasher safe, and locally made.
For the friend who’s ready to swap potholes for petals
When winter in Philly starts to feel endless, the Philadelphia Flower Show is pure therapy. Give them a dose of green with tickets to this annual spectacle of blooms, installations, and floral art that transforms the Convention Center into a full-on paradise. Rooted, next year’s theme when the show returns Feb. 28-March 8, will be a place to wander, breathe, and maybe start believing in spring again.
For the friend who’s always making something — or wants to start
Philly is full of creative corners where you can learn just about any craft, from needlepoint to natural dyeing. Rittenhouse Needlepoint hosts hands-on workshops for beginners, while Wild Hand in Mount Airy offers everything from wheel spinning to basket weaving. At Modest Transitions, students can explore the art of botanical fabric-dyeing using plants and natural pigments. Gift a class (or a gift card) and you’re not just giving a new skill — you’re giving a creative outlet, a reason to unplug, and maybe a few new friends.
For the friend who moved away but still talks about Wawa
Send them a care package that tastes (and looks) like home. The City of Brotherly Love Basket from the Pennsylvania General Store is overflowing with Philly classics — from Tastykakes, Uncle Jerry’s Hard Pretzels, and Melrose Diner Butter Cookies to Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, Mike & Ike’s, and Herr’s chips. There’s even a Philadelphia LOVE mug, a replica Liberty Bell, and a mini U.S. Constitution tucked inside for good measure. It’s the ultimate sampler of city pride — part snack stash, part nostalgia trip.
For the friend whose home always smells (and looks) amazing
Father-and-sons team John, Dane, and Luciano Luttmann of Artifaqt are masters of craft, creating some of the most beautiful (and delightfully weird) home goods in the region. Their hand-poured candles, shaped like hyperrealistic corn cobs, cheese, tomatoes, and other produce, are local favorites at the Rittenhouse Farmers Market. Each one is made with sustainably sourced, Pennsylvania-based materials, and the corn looks so real you’ll want to butter it. Beyond candles, Artifaqt’s hand-carved wood bowls and smallwares are functional sculptures — warm, organic pieces crafted from local woods that make every table setting feel thoughtful and one-of-a-kind.
Give their furry friend the supermodel treatment with a professional pet portrait session by Alexa Nahas, one of Philly’s top pet photographers. Known for capturing genuine personality — from head tilts to mid-zoomies — Alexa turns four-legged chaos into frame-worthy art. She'll come to your home, meet you outdoors around the city, and she works with dogs, cats, and even the occasional rabbit.
For the friend whose pet has love for the Birds, too
Let their dog or cat show team pride with this throwback Eagles jersey, complete with the vintage lettering. Available in multiple sizes for both cats and dogs, it’s the ultimate game-day look — or for getting compliments at the park.
For the friend whose Philly pup or cat who deserves a spa day
Treat your favorite four-legged Philadelphian to a fresh cut and a good scrub at Doggie Style Pets, with grooming services available for both dogs and cats. Their expert groomers handle everything from nail trims and baths to full-on makeovers, all while using gentle, pet-safe products. With locations across the city and a mission that supports local rescues, it’s a gift that pampers and gives back.
This Italian Market bakery is baking up treats fit for royalty — or at least the ruler of the living room. Melmo’s Dog Treats are handmade with natural ingredients and come in shapes ranging from bones to Phillies P’s, plus you can order custom dog cakes for birthdays, gotcha days, or just because they’re a good boy. It’s local, adorable, and guaranteed to get tails wagging.
For the friend who loves a challenge (and the skyline)
Give them a new way to admire the city with this 1,000-piece Philadelphia puzzle featuring an artful illustration of the skyline and iconic landmarks. Made in the U.S. by Lantern Press, the puzzle is printed on high-quality recycled board with crisp, vibrant color that’ll make them feel like they’re piecing together their own little Philly masterpiece.
For the friend who believes in happily ever afters
At Kiss & Tale, Collingswood’s beloved romance-only bookstore, every shelf promises a little escapism — from sweeping fantasy worlds to slow-burn love stories and everything in between. Whether you’re shopping for someone who likes their love stories full of necromancy or nerds, this shop has a swoon for everyone — plus knowledgeable booksellers who’ll hand over their next obsession faster than you can say “one-bedroom trope.”
For the friend who plays holiday music all year long
Hand-poured in Philly, this Old City Candle Co.’s Cranberry Birch candle blends tart cranberry, birchwood, and a hint of citrus for a clean, festive scent that feels like winter in the city — minus the parking struggles. Made with soy wax and a cotton wick, it burns slow and bright, filling any room with that just-right seasonal warmth.
For the friend whose home always smells like a good decision
Mount Airy Candle Co.’s small-batch soy candles have scents inspired by comfort, craft, and a touch of city soul. A standout: Figs & Pink Pepper, a rich, layered blend of caramelized brown sugar, pink peppercorns, and dark musk that feels equal parts sophisticated and cozy — like a dinner party that lingers long after dessert. Each Mount Airy candle burns clean and long, with fragrances that fill a room without overwhelming it.
For the friend who always says they need a new hobby
Loop, a cozy yarn shop on South Street, offers beginner-friendly knitting and crochet workshops where students can learn the basics (or finally master that tricky cable stitch). Each small-group class includes expert guidance, quality materials, and plenty of encouragement from fellow crafters.
For the friend whose kitchen always smells like good food and a good time
Nothing says Philly quite like a perfectly twisted, salt-covered soft pretzel — and this Soft Pretzel Tea Towel from Minor Details captures that spirit in style. The hand-drawn design breaks down every detail of the city’s signature snack — from the coarse salt to the figure-eight twist — all screen-printed in golden yellow ink on 100% organic, lint-free cotton. It’s as functional as it is fun: soft enough for drying dishes, sturdy enough for daily use, and pretty enough to hang on display.
At Cork & Candles, you don’t just buy candles — you make them. Guests sip wine or cocktails while choosing from more than 70 custom scents, blending their own signature fragrance, and pouring it into a jar to take home. With cozy, mood-lit studios in Center City, University City, Ardmore, and King of Prussia, it’s part creative therapy session, part night out.
Philly chef–turned–soap maker Melissa Torre founded Vellum Street Soap Co. on the belief that great skin care shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. Her small-batch soaps, moisturizers, and candles are made using rescued ingredients from local restaurants and bakeries — think coffee grounds, herbs, and even upcycled animal fats — turning what would’ve been waste into something luxe and sustainable. Her best-selling Fat Marshmallow soap blends biocompatible tallow, vanilla bean, marshmallow root, and honey. Torre’s work proves that skin care can be local, ethical, and a little bit indulgent.
Crafted by Philly-based perfumer Alex Rodriguez, Freedom by RDZ Parfums is a daring unisex fragrance inspired by the Liberty Bell that walks the line between bold and subtle. With top notes that evoke open skies and base notes that rest on warm skin, it’s meant to be a signature, not just a spray. Encased in a sleek 100-mL bottle, it’s a local luxury gift that smells like confidence and leaves a quiet trail of intention.
For the friend who wears their Philly grit on their sleeve — and their shoulder
Handmade by Philly artist and former restaurant worker Katie Henry, Made by Hank bags have become a bona fide local obsession. Crafted from durable duck canvas (sourced from one of only two mills left in the U.S.) and adorned with Henry’s signature triangle patterns, each bag is stitched in her South Philly studio — and spotted everywhere from Palizzi Social Club to Paris. They’re the kind of accessory that tells a story: a little tough, a little soft, and entirely Philly.
For the friend who wears her heart and city in every piece
Lauren Priori’s collection is handcrafted in Rittenhouse and owned by women who know what real style means. Whether it’s earrings, rings, or layered necklaces, each piece brings modern elegance with personal touches — like subtle engravings, gemstones with local stories, or minimalist shapes that carry weight. Give them something that’s more than adornment — it’s identity.
For the friend who is a Swiftie and finds comfort in cashmere
Lingua Franca’s new hand-embroidered sweater is an ode to the love between Berks County’s most famous local — Taylor Swift — and Jason Kelce’s brother. The English teacher x gym teacher crewneck is made from sustainably sourced cashmere and comes in eight color options. The next-best thing to being invited to the wedding, basically.
For the friend who has a great view of the Ben Franklin Bridge
This vibrant, three-panel Philadelphia skyline print turns any wall into a love letter to the city. Each 16×16-inch canvas is stretched over a solid wood frame and ready to hang — no framing fuss required. The bold colors and crisp skyline lines make it a perfect statement piece for a living room, office, or that one blank wall begging for some Philly pride. It’s lightweight, durable, and easy to clean (because life happens).
For the friend who treats skin care like self-care (and science)
Founded by Adeline Koh and based in South Philly’s Bok Building, Sabbatical Beauty blends the effectiveness of Korean skin care with the heart of small-batch, handmade production. Their products — including the favorite Cleansing Oil — are crafted with high concentrations of active ingredients designed to actually work. You can email the team for personalized product recommendations based on your skin type and concerns, making it feel like your own skin care concierge service.
For the friend who wears their story on their skin
This one’s for the ink lovers. The Philadelphia Tattoo Convention brings together hundreds of tattoo artists from around the world — plus live demos, contests, and enough buzzing needles to make your mom nervous. It returns Jan. 23-25 to the Convention Center. Whether they’re adding to their sleeve or just dreaming about their first piece, they’ll find endless inspiration (and maybe their next artist).
Our Philadelphia gift categories are defined by the specific interests, hobbies, and unique lifestyles of the recipients, often incorporating strong elements of local Philadelphia pride and culture. Our list curates recommendations based on the receiver’s likes and tastes, from gifts for kids and gifts for pet lovers to gifts for Philly sports fans and food fanatics. If you’re looking for a gift for your mom, you can find that here, but you’ll have to know what she likes. We asked our staff to recommend their ideal Philly gifts, and from that list, came up with nine different categories: the Foodie, the Sports Fanatic, the Homebody, the Trendsetter, the Traveler, the Fitness Buff, the Pet Lover, the One Who Has It All, and the Kid. We included a mix of items and experiences, but the common theme is that they all integrate local Philadelphia identity, businesses, and specific city experiences into every category.
When you think of fall in the mountains, the quintessential image that probably comes to mind is of Jim Thorpe. Even if you’ve never set foot in this petite Pennsylvania town — wrapped like an amphitheater in a vertical forest that changes color by the day — photos of it have become the calling card of the Poconos, luring day-trippers and weekenders long before ski season begins.
Named for the multi-sport athlete and the first Native American to win Olympic gold, the town flares out on either side of the Lehigh River in checkerboards of boutiques, breweries and Victorian manors. There’s plenty to do within its small footprint, and the rest of the Poconos waits right at its doorstep.
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is known for its Autumn Leaf train excursion.
Ride: Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Imagine gliding through a kaleidoscope of gold, russet and amber leaves. That’s why the ticket booth for the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway opens early — 7 a.m. on weekends, 9 a.m. on weekdays — for its wildly popular Autumn Leaf train excursion. Tickets are sold only in person, the day of, so plan ahead. The 45-minute round trip offers stunning views best seen (and photographed) from the open-air carriages.
A five-minute walk from the station, the Harry Packer Mansion counts quirky arched dormers, a copper-topped bell tower, and a grand sandstone veranda among its many eccentricities. Built in 1874 by railroad tycoon Asa Packer as a wedding gift for his son, Harry, the mansion (and adjacent carriage house) features eight rooms with ornate woodwork and vintage décor. Check in on the second or fourth weekend of each month for an immersive murder mystery, where costumed characters bring the mansion to life.
About 20 minutes east of Jim Thorpe sits Pocono Raceway, the legendary 2.5-mile track that’s hosted NASCAR races since 1971. For an adrenaline rush, hop into a Dodge Charger Hellcat for a ride-along with a professional driver around the “Tricky Triangle,” hitting 60 mph in just over three seconds.
A raceway and organic farm might seem like unlikely neighbors, but the Poconos are full of surprises. One of the largest regenerative agricultural projects in North America, Pocono Organics has a can’t-miss café with an epic grass-fed cheeseburger, a beet salad dressed with tahini, harissa and pistachios, and house-baked pastries worth saving for the morning drive home.
📍1015 Long Pond Rd., Blakeslee, Pa. 18610
Shop: Downtown Jim Thorpe
Back in town, stroll down Broadway, the main drag lined with boutiques that feel far more cosmopolitan than you’d expect in a mountain village. Browse plus-size consignment at BawdyPlus, bespoke stationery at Somersault, indie paperbacks at Sellers Books & Art, and 18th-century curiosities at Antiques on Broadway.
📍77 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, Pa. 18229 (BawdyPlus);📍65 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, Pa. 18229 (Sellers Books & Art);📍52 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 (Antiques on Broadway)
Drink: Bright Path Brewing
Cross the bridge over the Lehigh River to the east side of town for pre-dinner drinks at Bright Path Brewing, a relaxed taproom with forest-green walls and pipe-legged tables. Bright Path has been brewing German-accented beers since 2022; the smoked Maibock may be meant for spring (“Mai” = May), but its subtle smokiness pairs perfectly with crisp autumn air.
📍1215 North St., Jim Thorpe, Pa. 18229
Dine: Café Arielle at the Stabin Museum
End the evening with art and ambiance. Step into The Stabin Museum, where artist Victor Stabin’s genre-bending naturalist paintings line the walls, before dining at the adjacent Café Arielle. Red-curried salmon and roasted duck with blueberry gastrique fill the tables of this stone-and-wood hideaway, glowing like a lantern in the mountain night.
Virginia “Ginny” Smith tends to black-eyed susans in her East Falls garden for the annual fall cleanup.
Winter is less than two months out. As colder conditions creep over the region, your garden will have to cope with the chill.
Beyond removing leaves and branches, here are a couple other things to consider to keep your garden healthy:
🪴 Protect plants from frost: Use old blankets or bubble wrap to insulate containers and pots and keep root systems warm.
🚰 Not just plants: Freezing temps can also hurt your watering hoses. Remember to unhook and drain them to avoid damage.
✂️ Tool care is key: Give your shovels and other tools a proper clean before putting them away, and see if your snips and shears are due for a sharpening. (A local sharpener could help with that.)
🌱 Paola’s pro-tip: Gardening is a year-round effort, so this is the time of year when I like to reflect on what went right, and what I could improve on next year. Keeping a journal to document these developments can be fun.
Part of the Schuylkill River Trail in Center City is closed after a large sinkhole formed under the asphalt. A temporary detour route is available until repairs are made.
🎤 Now we’re passing the microphone to environmental reporter Frank Kummer.
Like many farmers, Patrick Giberson feels squeezed from many sides these days.
His family’s soybean and corn farm in Pemberton, Burlington County, has been flanked by a wave of development — new warehouses, shopping centers, and a Walmart.
Meanwhile, a Chinese soybean boycott continues in response to U.S.-imposed tariffs. Equipmentis expensive. And weather remains, as always, unpredictable.
Yet Giberson, 57, a fourth-generation farmer, says he’s determined to adapt and endure. The family’s 800-acre farm, owned by his parents, Jo and Pat Giberson, features a restored 18th-century farmhouse and designated wildlife preserve. — Frank Kummer
Outdoorsy readers submitted these awesome autumnal sights.
As the trees continue to transform, Outdoorsy readers sent in these stunning shots of fall foliage across our region.
Shoutout to Dorothy Stiles, who provided the gorgeous picture taken at Valley Forge National Historical Park (left), and to Joseph and Maria Hill, who captured the Blazing Maple showing off its bright colors (right). They told me they first planted it in their backyard five years ago in Media, Pa.: “We took it home from Home Depot in the back seat of my wife’s Mini Cooper Convertible and now it’s 40-50 feet tall!”
P.S. This Saturday, Oct. 25 and next Saturday, Nov. 1, fall foliage tree tours are taking place at the Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum. Get more details here.
🌳 Your foraging tales
Outdoorsy reader Jeff Laughead pictured with a pawpaw.
Dan Scholnick recommended going by the Cobbs Creek Environmental Center in West Philly. He also raved about the “outrageously good” fruit along S. Saint Bernard Street by a community garden, with this great tip to boot: “I’ve learned that the best ones are the ones you find on the ground having already fallen off the tree.”
And Jeff Laughead, pictured above, suggested we check out Ferncliff Wildflower Preserve out in Lancaster County, which he said has a great pawpaw grove: “A bit of an uphill hike to get there, but totally worth it!”
For yummy fruits, it’s always worth going the extra mile.
👋🏽 Take care out there, friends. Until next time.
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Ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and other monsters have arrived in Philadelphia, ready for a weekend of Halloween-themed activities and spooky strolls through the city.
It’s time to embrace the season of costume parties, haunted houses, horror movie marathons, and Halloween-themed pop-ups. Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered on all fronts, plus a treat for East Passyunk festival-dwellers, and derby racing fans.
Peter Richard Conte plays the pipe organ at the Wanamaker building for the launch of Opera Philadelphia and Scene’s Pipe Up! Series in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. The historic Wanamaker department store re-opened its doors – this time as a pop-up arts space.
The Wanamaker Building is transforming into a spooky film theater this week for Pipe Up!, a pop-up series of 1920s silent horror films — all accompanied by live music on a pristine 1929 Wurlitzer organ. Curated by former Inquirer critic Carrie Rickey, the lineup includes eerie masterpieces like Nosferatu, Faust, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, and more.
Each night features a different organist improvising along to the film in the building’s Greek Hall, offering an experience straight out of cinema’s earliest days. Screenings begin at 7 p.m. and are free with advance registration at operaphila.org
The best things to do this week
🛥️ Scares at the Seaport: Celebrate the spookiest time of the year at the Independence Seaport Museum, where family-friendly crafts, activities, and candy will be on full display on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎃 Pumpkins at East Passyunk: Bring the family out for pumpkin carving, live music, and tasty hidden treats stashed inside nearby businesses at East Passyunk Fall Fest on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
🏎️ Derby Racing: Start your marks. Kensington Derby & Arts Festival brings the homemade, human-powered vehicles parade back to the neighborhood, and straight into a giant mud pit.
🌊 Waterfront Fun: Cherry Street Pier will be the site of the hands-on Halloween party, “PopUpPlay,” where kids can make giant cardboard monsters, go skull-hunting, and explore a miniature Halloween village
📅 My calendar picks this week: Day of the Dead at the Magic Gardens Studio, Tricks & Treats, Philadelphia Film Festival
The thing of the week: Spend a spooky weekend in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
Sleepy Hollow
Want to take your Halloween endeavors on the road? Take a driving distance getaway for some twisting corn mazes, high-tech haunts, and other activities in New York’s Hudson Valley.
The two and a half hour drive from Philly leads travelers to the setting of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The two blends colonial history, Halloween pageantry, and a distinctive flair for the supernatural.
Fall fun this week and beyond
🎃 Pick your patch: From Bucks to Lancaster County, farms near Philly are serving up peak fall fun — pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, cider doughnuts, and more. Find one near you.
💀 Ready to scream? Haunted prisons, zombie farms, cursed mills, and a murder-filled motel — the Philly area has no shortage of Halloween haunts. From Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights to the infamous Bates Motel and Pennhurst Asylum, these nine terrifying attractions are guaranteed to get your heart racing. See the full list.
🌻 Sunflower Days continue: Sunflower Days continue at Hellerick’s Farm in Doylestown, which blooms with 25 varieties of sunflowers. Plus, you can pick your own raspberries and blackberries, too, at its lush pastures. There are also farm activities like goat petting, mini golf, silo climbing wall, and more for all ages through Nov. 1.
🍂 FallFest in full swing:FallFest at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley continues through Oct. 30. There will be pumpkins and apples galore, plus sunflowers, zinnias, and a Sesame Street-themed corn maze. So, don’t be a groach. Stop by for a bonfire, light shows, and live music all weekend.
🕸️ Spooky, not scary: Philly’s packed with kid-friendly Halloween fun this month — from Boo at the Zoo and pumpkin science at the Franklin Institute to trick-or-treat parades in Chestnut Hill and East Passyunk. Costumes encouraged, jump scares optional.
The take
Can you move your neighbor’s cones when they “save” a public parking spot? In this Very Philly Question, editors Evan Weiss, Sam Ruland, and Tommy Rowan tackle one of the city’s most sacred block-by-block debates.
Spoiler: Cone savers get no love. “You don’t own the street — it’s public parking!” says Sam. Tommy allows a brief snow-day exception, but otherwise, “Cones are getting tossed.” The crew admits there’s a mix of adrenaline and fear in the act — “You move it like it’s a lit bomb,” Sam says — but agree the neighborhood’s quietly rooting for you.
If the cone owner catches you? Smile, wave, and say, “Thanks for saving it for me!” — or just hit ’em with a confident “Go Birds.” What do you think?
Our staffer picks
Pop music critic Dan DeLuca lists the top concerts this weekend:
🎤 Thursday:Billie Eilish returns to town for her “Happier Than Ever – The World Tour,“ which initially drew her to Philly in October 2024. Last time she played at Wells Fargo Center, but now it’s the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
🎸 Friday: Off the heels of her highly anticipated album A Matter of Time, the Grammy-winning jazz-pop artist Laufey is coming to Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday. She will be joined by English singer Suki Waterhouse.
🎸 Saturday: After a decade-long break from music,The Autumn Defense have picked up the momentum following the release of the band’s sixth album, Here and Nowhere. The band is bringing its breezy and harmonious take on folk-rock to Ardmore Music Hall on Saturday.
🎤 Sunday:Magdalena Bay will take fans on a mind-bending journey of pop music for the duo’s “Imaginal Mystery Tour” stop at the Fillmore Philadelphia on Sunday.
If you’re like me, you’re still figuring out your Halloween plans as you go. But I hope this week’s newsletter got some things in order and offered a few surprising treats along the way.
Ghostly films will meet ghosts of department stores past in a pop-up film series leading up to Halloween. Film historian and former Inquirer film critic Carrie Rickey has curated five silent films from the 1920s to be shown at the Pipe Up! series in the Wanamaker Building — each one accompanied by live organ.
Among the films being screened are Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922) and Faust (1926).
“What was scary a century ago when the great German filmmakers invented these templates of the modern horror movie aren’t exactly spine-tingling today,” said Rickey. “But they are creepy, in the manner of folk and fairy tales — and artists like Hieronymus Bosch. They get under the skin. And they’re inventive.”
Also being shown are two lesser-known Swedish films: Victor Sjöström’s The Phantom Carriage (1921) — “a huge influence on Ingmar Bergman,” says Rickey — and Häxan (1922), Benjamin Christensen’s film purporting to be documentary.
“It hypothesizes what medievalists called possessed nuns and black sabbaths, and what Freud would call female hysteria. It is the earliest example of goth horror that I’ve ever seen,” Rickey said.
The screenings are scheduled to take place in the Wanamaker Building’s Greek Hall, which means the musical accompaniment will be played on an instrument that gets considerably less attention than the one in the Grand Court.
That smaller instrument is a theater organ, a restored 1929 Wurlitzer originally from the Fox Theatre in Appleton, Wis.
“It’s pristine, it hasn’t been fooled with like a lot of Wurlitzers,” said Friends of the Wanamaker Organ president Ray Biswanger. “It’s got a lot of color in it and represents well the experience of hearing a silent movie.”
Organists have different approaches to scoring silent film, said Peter Richard Conte, the Wanamaker Grand Court organist who is playing two of the five nights. His method is to watch the film 10 to 15 times, prepare a cue sheet, and play leitmotifs (recurrent themes) for various characters and places.
“And you just watch the film like a hawk and improvise,” he said.
Conte tends to avoid tucking in popular tunes or familiar musical references. “It distracts from the film. It can be cute and occasionally I will do it, but almost like a joke. What you want to do is disappear. If the audience forgets that you’re there,” Conte says, “that’s the biggest compliment I can get.”
The lineup: Monday, “Faust,” organist Ian Fraser; Tuesday, “The Phantom Carriage,” organist Don Kinnier; Wednesday, “Nosferatu,” organist Peter Richard Conte; Thursday, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” organist Peter Richard Conte; Friday, “Häxan,” organist Don Kinnear.
Screenings begin at 7 p.m. at the Wanamaker Building, 1300 Market St. Admission is free with advance registration. operaphila.org.
Conte will also perform on the Grand Court Organ for a live-to-screen presentation of the 1925 film “The Phantom of the Opera,” Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. The event is free and requires no advance registration.
There’s joyous chaos inside Indian markets on Diwali — and mithai (sweets) are at the center of it. The Festival of Lights, significant for people of Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist faiths, falls on Monday, Oct. 20. Like clockwork, laddoos, gajar ka halwa, burfi, gulab jamun, and more, have begun to fill display cases with the vibrant, colorful sweets (made with dairy, sugar, and nuts) beckoning guests to pack two or three boxes for their loved ones.
There’s gajar ka halwa, a carrot-based treat studded with nuts; and gulab jamun, made sweet with rose water syrup and sometimes coated in coconut. Kulfi is a traditional creamy no-churn ice cream, similar to frozen custard with a distinct taste of the fruits and nuts it’s flavored with. Then you have creamy, milk-based mithai like burfi, ras malai, kalakand, and cham cham. And you can’t forget about laddoos, rava kesari or suji ka halwa — nutty, semolina-based sweets.
Whether you’re gifting or feasting by yourself, here are a handful of Philly spots to get your mithai in time for Diwali.
“Mithai is the go-to gift to bring to people or celebrate with,” said owner Paramjit Singh.
There’s fresh, frozen, and canned mithai offered at the shop. Packaged boxes sit in the front. Canned are stacked on shelves, and frozen packages from India and Canada are in the refrigerators in the back.
Singh has a variety of options for the area’smany students and price-conscious customers. But he noted that prices of mithai have increased as well as the cost to ship boxes from India.
Find boxes of bundi and motichoor laddoo, gulab jamun, badam and kaju burfi, kalakand, and a variety of Bengali sweets in the fresh market up front.
With the Philadelphia Sikh Society nearby, this Upper Darby store is bustling with energy on Diwali morning, said co-owner Mohinder Pal.
“Mithai is a favorite, everybody likes it,” he said.
Walk up to the refrigerators next to the cashier station and pick from a variety of boxed mithai. There’s gajar ka halwa, laddoos, assorted cham cham, coconut and regular gulab jamun, and more. Frozen mithai is also available.
📍6700 Market St., Upper Darby, 📞 610-352-3400, 🌐facebook.com/sabjimandi, 🕑 Monday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A traditional Indian Ice Cream (Malal Kulfi) topped with poached blueberries and creme-de-cassis, at Veda in Philadelphia, Pa., on Thursday, May 25, 2023.
Inside this modern bistro in Rittenhouse Square, order kulfi topped with poached blueberries. The dessert is sweetened with sugar that’s added as the milk is reduced in a flat pan. It’s frozen with crushed cardamom seeds mixed in that bring an inviting texture to the kulfi. Enjoy for $7 at Veda. (The dessert is also offered at Bhasin’s four other restaurants: Indiya in Collingswood, Coriander in Voorhees, and Naan in Moorestown).
📍 1920 Chestnut St., 📞 267-519-2001, 🌐 vedaphilly.com, 🕒 Daily, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (lunch) and 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. (dinner), till 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
On Chestnut Street, you’ll find freshly made gulab jamun, gajar ka halwa, and ras malai. Step into the restaurant and you’ll see the tub of brown spheres soaking in a sugary bath in the display case. That’s gulab jamun. The ras malai is milky, soft, and sweet. The gajar ka halwa is creamy, filled with carrots and perfectly nutty — it’s a specialty item for the fall and winter season.
“Ras malai is really the selling item,” said owner Asad Ghuman. “We get catering orders and families coming in to the restaurant (for food and sweets).”
📍4201 Chestnut St., 📞 215-222-8081, 🌐kabobeesh.com, 🕑 Monday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
If you’re in West Philly, small boxes of gulab jamun, gajar ka halwa, and orange sticky, sweet jalebi wait for you. Kheer or rice pudding, and ras malai are also available.
Wah-Gi-Wah in University City is a big fan of Crown Kulfi. Restaurant manager Muhammad Khan said they previously served housemade kulfi but switched to the premade brand. “[The brand] is very famous over here in Philadelphia,” he said. Enjoy chocolate, coconut, almond, pistachio, mango, and malai as frozen pops ($3) or in cups ($4.50).
