Art StarBoth consignment boutique and art gallery, Art Star – located on a sweet little retail row on 2nd Street in Northern Liberties, offers assorted choice craft and artwork from local artists while doubling as an art venue.

Center City Philly isn’t the only one with sprawling, boutique promenades. Northern Liberties’ very own Liberties Walk has by far become the area’s de facto outlet for chronic, specialty shoppers.

BY AARON STELLA While strolling leisurely through the neighborhoods of Northern Liberties, it’s possible you may stumble upon the 76 Carriage Co, a part of the Trolley and Carriage Company of Philadelphia. Many of the horse-drawn carriages seen toted throughout the city are kept here with their equine counterparts. Grass ranges that abut the stables provide grazing grounds for the horses-and for their relaxation-all of which is yet to be touched by urbanity. Even Carriage Co. structures continue to wear the trappings of imminent and post industrial Philadelphia.

BY AARON STELLA For newly aspiring and veteran artists looking to frame their pieces, Art Salon in Northern Liberties has frames in spades and extra art supplies to spare. The frames themselves range from classic to contemporary: Byzantine, Florentine, Roman, simple steel and bamboo wood, many frames are finished by artisans from across the seas. Proprietor Ryan John saw an opportunity to support greener methods of frame manufacturing when he opened his salon. John only purchases from suppliers who use leftover materials to create more frames instead of dumping the excess in landfills.

BY AARON STELLA Tea has been making a come back, and in Northern Liberties, it’s in a big way. Actually, regarding The Random Tea Room, tea purveyor and curiosity shoppe, tea is a delicate essential to restoring mind and body; and here, it’s petite, bejeweled in eclectic charms. The first thing one notices once setting foot inside Random Tea Room is the collection of artisanal curios lying about (hats, spectacles, jewelry, knick-knacks, statuettes, etc…) Not to mention the chessboard table (pieces available), and the quaint furnishings. Everything in sight is for sale, by the way.

Apparitions of Ireland’s renowned writers gather at The Bards, Rittenhouse’s choice Irish gastorpub, where the finest of fare and drink that’s served is indistinguishable to those of the ole’ green isle.

In the midst of one of Northern Liberties‘ small-biz incubators, there’s a dark wood door guarded by an intricate grating of pipework and valves. Behind this door is the Standard Tap, one of NoLibs most popular hangout joints.

Soy Café in Northern Liberties is an haute hangout spot and vintage clothier. In chambers consummated with leaf-stenciled crown moldings, a motley medley of furniture can be found…

When scrounging for food in Rittenhouse, try exploring the area’s western periphery, particularly the 22nd Street stretch. Be careful now: the façade of Smile, a quiet yet elegant Thai food restaurant, is somewhat inconspicuous.

Silk City. A Phoenix risen from the ashes of its past dinerdom. Now a full-fledge bar and diner, this little slice of Northern Liberties nightlife is a must-go-to. Bathed in red neon lighting, Silk City’s checkered-floored quarters…