Urbane Living

This article was written by Danielle

No one should have a bad summer in life, ever. “Bad summer” almost sounds like an oxymoron. It’s just a phrase that doesn’t go together like “true lies,” “hot ice,” or “faithful men.” After all, you only get one summer per year.

I’ve always looked forward to the summer like an ant, vigorously preparing for the few hours of sun I could get. When you grow up in a city like Philadelphia, it’s like nine months of The Coldest Winter.

Summer is your one chance; your chance to look fresh, the opportunity to check out that concert, the prospect of pure relaxation. You just can’t be unprepared when the nice weather hits! So when the weather does turn, you want to check out these hot spots in Philadelphia:

Top Place to Shop:

TopStich Boutique

TopStitch Boutique, 54 N. 3rd Street: An incredible fashion sense, mixed with a warm atmosphere and great staff. Pick out your cutting edge summer dresses and hip shoes from the boutique often frequented by celebrities. They have great sales periodically, so if you’re not into dropping three figures on a dress, check their website and mark your calendars so you, too, can get a sweet deal. Just be careful that you don’t step on Tiny, the shop dog. She lives up to her name, so you might mistake her for a toy if you’re not paying attention.

Places to Eat:

Cuban Libre

1. Cuba Libre, 114 Chestnut Street: An amenable ambiance of upscale Latin cuisine. Take your girlfriends on a weekend to enjoy the atmosphere of Philadelphia’s premier restaurants. Enjoy the ropa vieja and empanadas. Splurge on the exceptionally prepared entrée’s and “stronger than you think” drinks. Afterwards, enjoy the night while the high-quality speakers bump Latin music all night on the open dance floor.

2. Buddakan 325 Chestnut Street: This can’t-miss restaurant is located at the top of Philadelphia’s dining crest. Indulge yourself in the thoroughly prepared duck spring rolls – enjoy the succulence of their filet mignon. Bring your finest threads and your finest attitude, this place will not disappoint.

3. Warmdaddys 1400 South Columbus Avenue: A live band overwhelms the cozy space of soul food and camaraderie in this South Philadelphia restaurant. Enjoy the lobster sticks, chow down on the mac and cheese and get ready for the show! Live performances take you over while you’re entertained by live performances of Philly’s finest.

Get Your Dance On

VII LUXE LOUNGE

Vii Luxe Lounge, 724 Arch Street : Sleek, sexy, and brand spanking new, get your dance on in Philadelphia’s fastest growing lounge. Every Friday, DJ’s play the hottest reggae, dancehall and R&B amongst a fabulously professional, upscale audience. You’ll find people drinking wine, grooving to the hot beats in this spacious venue. Don’t worry about the harassing guys, there’s a stage for you to dance alone. Ladies only.

Article written by Nathan J Wilson