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January 28, 2014

The Chinatown Tour {Part 1}

Let me start off with a confession: I have lived in Philadelphia for two and a half years, and until earlier this month, had never stepped foot in Chinatown. That’s right, I said it. Sure – I was intrigued by the promises of bubble tea and supermarkets filled with cute little odds & ends I shouldn’t be  buying, but I was just, so . . . intimidated. Where would I go? How would I know where to eat? Would I be able to navigate by myself? Would I be in the way?

With the nearing start of Chinese New Year (this Friday!), I thought it was about time to expand my horizons and venture to the other side of the arch. I enlisted the help of Philly’s resident Chinatown expert, Albert Lee, to host our “#ChinatownUncensored” tour, grabbed my two best girlfriends, and off we went!

I invite you to come along with with us on our tour. First stop . . .

Chinatown Arch (10th & Arch Streets)

Philadelphia Chinatown Gate // Her PhillyWe met up with Al at the most iconic spot in Chinatown, the arch. This structure was the first authentic Chinese gate built outside of China in 1984. Those four letters on the gate read, conveniently, “Philadelphia Chinatown.” If you’d like to take a photo with the gate, I recommend doing it from farther up 10th Street & getting the other side – traffic seems to always be moving on this side.Touring Philly's Chinatown // Her Philly

Prosperity Chinese Symbol // Her Philly

At the gate, we also got our first glimpse of these little street designs. They mean prosperity, and are all over the town’s sidewalks.

 

KC’s Pastries (109 North 10th Street)

KC's Pastries Philadelphia Chinatown // Her PhillyAfter learning all about the gate, we headed down the street for our first taste of some Chinese treats. This pastry shop had so many options to choose from, it was so hard to decide. If you’re craving coffee, now’s the time to grab a cup – coffee is only sold in bakeries, not restaurants, around here.

Red bean sesame ball // Her PhillyI opted for this little 90 cent red bean sesame ball. I happen to love red bean, but even my friend Colleen, who thought she was eating chocolate, enjoyed it. 😉

Emily Tharp Philadelphia Blogger // Her PhillyWhere to eat in Chinatown // Her Philly

 

Gyration Boutique (125 North 11th Street)

Philadelphia Chinatown Consignment store // Her PhillyNext, we swung over to a new local consignment shop and one of Chinatown’s only retail stores. The boutique does not sell plus size or maternity clothes, but the store was beautiful and, according to Al, a very welcomed addition to the area.

Inside Chinatown's Gyration Boutique

 

Asia Supermarket (143 North 11th Street)

Chinatown Philly Asian Supermarket // Her PhillyI was possibly the most excited for our stop in this Asian supermarket. If you’re looking for wall-to-wall rice, ramen & tea, plus some other colorful goodies at a great price, you’ve found your happy place.

Ramen at the Philly Asian Supermarket // Her PhillyInside Philadelphia'a Chinatown // Her Philly Tea aisle in a Philadelphia Chinatown supermarket // Her PhillyHerbal Lover's Tea for Women // Her PhillyThis tea caught my eye – maybe I’ll be back for some luck in my love life in the form of tea.

After about an hour and a half of exploring, our day was off to a great start!

 

Where to go in Philadelphia's Chinatown

A big thank you to Al for showing us all of the places to be in Chinatown. Stop back later this week for part two of our day (bubble tea, dim sum & more shopping, of course)! If this made you crave some exploring yourself, you can get all the details on Philadelphia’s Chinese New Year celebration plus more from the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation.

her philly

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Filed Under: playing Tagged: chinatown, exploring, neighborhoods, tour

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Happy Valentine’s Day, my friends! 🥰 I have b Happy Valentine’s Day, my friends! 🥰 I have been trying to do more things as a single lady that I’d like to do if I had a partner. And also recognize all the things that make me a good partner. I’m okay being solo today (well, with Putter of course 😉), but I deserve some love today, too. So here’s my love letter to me. 🖤

Emily, I love how you never go somewhere new without researching the best spots. I love how you’re not afraid of color and all. the. prints. I love how close you are with your family. I love how you’re pretty funny (if you do say so yourself). I love how you try new things, even when they scare you. I love how you truly have experienced growth as an adult since going to therapy. I love how you discovered “I’m doing the best I can” is really good enough. And I love how you are starting to learn what you deserve. Let’s get it. 🖤

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I still don’t know how to use reels but - we’r I still don’t know how to use reels but - we’re ginger again, bay beeeee! Trying to channel some vintage single Emily vibes. 😉 Thank you @kori_withthegoodhair for the fresh shade. ❤️ 

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I was so excited to hear ThirdLove opened a store on Walnut Street because, as much as you guys knowwww I love a good online shop & try on, bras do give me a bit of pause when I haven’t been measured in store. The new Philly location gives us truly the best of both worlds. 

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