With the holiday season kicking off and the stress of finals looming over our heads, it’s about time we found a place to get rid of the stress. My recommendation is a trip down I-76 two exits to Main Street in Manayunk, one street surrounded by a canal, bike path, and the feeling of a little town inside a big city.
At the end of Main Street is Chemistry, a popular nightclub in Philadelphia, and one of the few that is not downtown. They sponsor many events such as the Hawaiian Tropic Bikini model contest, and many promotions by local radio station, Q102. Most nights are “18 to enter, 21 to drink,” and promise a good time.
Before you reach Chemistry, you can stop along Main Street for shopping at specialty shops, designer stores, and some large chain outlets. You can avoid the annoying mall traffic by finding all of your gifts on this single street.
Don’t forget to stop for food along the way. The restaurants, coffee shops, and bars have been rated some of the Best of Philadelphia.
The best time to visit is Saturdays and Sundays in December or Thursday December 5,12, or 19. All of the parking meters are free on Saturdays and Sundays. These three Thursdays are entitled “Miracle on Main Street-Magical Thursday Evenings.” They offer carolers, free cider, hot chocolate, cookies, and cheese and crackers for shoppers, sales in some stores, and specials at the restaurants. December 5th is extra special with a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa.
To prepare to shed the dreaded extra pounds of the holiday season, Sunday December 8, is the 13th Annual Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run. You can participate in the 5K run/walk, and the costume contest by registering at www.arthritis.org by December 4th. There is a mandatory thirty-dollar donation to the Arthritis Foundation to register.
