Located in the Wynnewood neighborhood of West Philadelphia, Saint Joseph’s is near some of the best that the City of Brotherly Love has to offer. Here’s a list of some of our favorite things to do in and around the city:

Karrin Randle ’10, Editor Emeritus

R5′s Punk Rock Flea Market – A favorite source for cheap shows in Philly, R5, bi-annually hosts a  Punk Rock Flea Market, which–despite the name–is not specifically oriented towards appealing to people who deem themselves “punk.”  The proceeds from the event ($3 at the door per person) support all-ages shows at the First Unitarian Church.  Held at various locations in Philadelphia (the last one was at the Starlight Ballroom), R5′sPunk Rock Flea Market boasts over 100 tables held by artists, local stores, and individuals selling everything from records to original prints to old shoes to jewelry to gag gifts to DVDs.  It’s a great spot to try vegan cookies, buy daytime drinks at the bar on-site, and pick up unique, cheap stuff.     http://www.r5productions.com/

ComedySportz -  Just blocks away from Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia’s improv comedy shows, ComedySportz.  What sets apart the show at the Playground at the Adrienne is that the actors are put onto two different teams, monitored by a referee, and encouraged to poll the audience for suggestions, mimicking some aspects of “Whose Line Is It Anyways?”  Also unlike other companies, they perform all year round, two shows every Saturday, and offer a discount to students, so individual tickets to one of the hilarious shows are $12.  It’s a great place to go with friends, especially since it’s discreetly b.y.o.  Be prepared for some heckling from the performers, especially if you’re loud, or if you happen to be the one who gets picked to go on stage as part of a gag.   http://www.comedysportzphilly.com/

Eastern State Penitentiary -  Check out what staffers have to say about this great spot  http://media.www.sjuhawknews.com/media/storage/paper763/news/2007/03/28/Entertainment/Eastern.State.Starts.Spring.Tours-2793957.shtml and  http://media.www.sjuhawknews.com/media/storage/paper763/news/2007/10/31/Entertainment/Eastern.State.Attracts.Repeat.Offenders-3065453.shtml)

Sarah Quain ’12, Features Editor

Book shops: Wooden Shoe Books off of South Street is labeled an “anarchist book store,” but really just specializes in non-fiction social topics/issues like gender and race studies. Joseph Fox Bookshop, Robin’s Bookstore, and many that I have yet to visit are scattered around the city.

Movies/Film Festivals: The Ritz theaters always have independent films that might not be playing at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute or the Bala Theater. Philly hosts a slew of film festivals throughout the year: the Philadelphia Film Festival, Independent Film Fest, Terror Film Fest, QFest, Jewish Film Fest, etc.

Matthew De George ’10, Editor Emeritus

Reading Terminal Market — A word of warning: if you are a person who has trouble making decisions about what to eat, Reading Terminal Market may not be the place for you. The enormity of tantalizing options may be too much and leave your head spinning. The rest of us, though, can enjoy the stands offering fresh produce, meats, and fish, or prepared foods from every corner of the world (Asian, Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern; you name it). Combine that with shopping for jewelry, books, and flowers, plus Philadelphia classics like Bassett’s Ice Cream, Amish stands, and the Famous 4th Street Cookie Company. What you get is one of Philly’s dearest institutions, and one of my favorite places to spend a day.

Sam Koch ’11, Editor in Chief

The Book Trader — Located right on the corner of 2nd and Market Streets, this bookstore is a bibliophile’s dream. With books lined from floor to ceiling, the Book Trader offers a wide variety of books and videos on everything from Chinese art to sports to Nietzsche.

Independence Hall & Old City — Sure you’ll feel like a tourist. But enduring the stereotype is worthwhile.  Between the magnificent architecture, cobblestone roads, beautiful parks, and actors in 18th-century garb, you’ll love learning about America’s birthplace all over again. The restaurants and bars in Old City also offer a wide variety of tastes and cultures for a night out or a casual lunch.

Philadelphia Museum of Art & Rodin Museum — First Sundays of every month are free admission at the PMA; the Rodin Museum is a great collection of sculptures that rivals the Rodin collection in Paris — and it’s pay your own admission (read: free) every day. The PMA isn’t just about hanging paintings or sculptures, though. It also features a Japanese teahouse and Hindu temple, as well as an armor collection.

Pat’s Steaks – Sure, Geno’s is right across the street. But Pat’s is the destination if you want a classic Philly cheesesteak wit or wit-out whiz and without all the neon glitz.

Shanghai Bazaar – Located in the heart of Chinatown, this is the place to go if you enjoy the randomness of life. The 2-story shop has a bevy of fans, clothing, books, videos, and trinkets to purchase — or just have fun trying things on.

Rose Tattoo Cafe — A few blocks from the PMA, this restaurant has an incredible atmosphere and exquisite entrees. Perfect for a special night out.

Free Library (Main Branch) – Hands down, the best place in Philadelphia to study for that difficult exam or write an intimidating paper. Its glorious reading rooms will make you feel like an academic instantly. Monthly free events like lectures and author meet-and-greets are also a fantastic bonus.

Katie Schott ’10, Editor Emeritus

Spots:
South Street- Just blocks away from the Market Street train stop, South Street offers both novelty and the bizarre with a street full of unique stores and restaurants. Whether you’re looking to grab a poster from Beyond the Wall or trying to find a new or old record from Repo Records, South Street is a fun and cheap way to fall in love with Philadelphia. While on South Street, don’t miss out on seeing the waiters dancing on the tables at Johnny Rockets or filling your cup with fresh fruit and frozen yogurt at Phileo Yogurt.

The Last Word Book Shop (40th and Walnut)  – Based in the center of University City, The Last Word Book Shop is a bookworm’s dream. Stacks upon stacks of books enter the store every day, offering book enthusiatics a cheap and green way to enjoy reading.

The Marvelous (Record Shop also on 40th and Walnut) – Also located in University City, this record shop has one of the largest, and most excentric, music collections in all of Philadelphia. Whether you’re looking for an old vinyl from the 60′s or a new band’s CD, The Marvelous is your one-stop shop.

The Ritz Theaters (every Wednesday $6.00 movie nights) — If you’re in the mood for a non-traditional blockbuster movie, The Ritz Theaters are the perfect theaters to go to. Located in Old City, Philadelphia, The Ritz Theaters provide movie-goers with artsy and international films. Also, if you’re looking for a cheap date idea, don’t miss out on $6 movie nights every Wednesday.

Monk’s Cafe – Located on 264 S 16th St, Monks Cafe has one of the largest collection of beers on tap in all of Philadelphia. Belgium in origin, this restaurant offers hearty appetisers and entres to harmoniously accompany the beers. Make sure to make a reservation before you go because table space is limited.

Rittenhouse Square – Whether you’re looking for great shopping or a park to lay down and nap, Rittenhouse Square is the perfect place to go on weekends. Located in Center City, Rittenhouse Square offers you the conveinance of the hustle and bustle of downtown Phialdelphia, along with the space to toss a frisbee and relax.

Things to do:
Record shopping (ie. Record Store Day) – Records have come back like leggings from the 80s, and Philadelphia has numerous mom and pop shops for solely records. My personal favorites are Main Street Music in Manayunk, The Marvelous in University City, and Noise Pollution (4th and South Street). Look out for emails concerning Record Store Day, which is a national event that happens every spring to help publicize record stores and offer great deals to collectors.

B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Beverage) -- With over 200 BYOB restaurants in the Philadelphia area, you’re sure to find a perfect place to wine and dine with your friends and loved ones. Check out gophila.com for a list of BYOBs in the area.

Jewelry making -- Nothing makes a better gift than one that’s handmade. Stop by Beadworks on 619 E Passyunk Ave for an array of beads, strings, and tools to make a gift for you or a loved one. Classes and tutorials are offered in the store.

Go to Manayunk -- Offering restaurants, bars, and stores along the Main Line, Manayunk is the hot spot for St. Joe’s students. Only ten minutes away from campus, Manayunk is a great place to hang out with friends or have dinner with the family.