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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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HP on the Gram

Tonight was the best feeling of trying something n Tonight was the best feeling of trying something new. ⛳️ (I’m now looking up golf puns and I love how many have the word “putter” in them. 🥹🖤). 

My gal pal @calisonx and I took a ladies beginner golf clinic at @linwoodcc tonight. We both had absolutely never played golf past mini golf on the boardwalk… so this was fun & new. The late summer weather was simply stunning & on top of that, our class included THREE glasses of wine. 😅🍷

It was fun to get a new outfit (duh) and be in a social place that’s not a bar. My dad thinks this is where I will meet my future husband so let’s all send me some good vibes for that. 😉

I’m excited to take another class & learn more. 🏌🏻‍♀️Are any of you golfing girls? Would love to hear your tips on how to get into it (and/or meet your husband at the golf course.) 😉

#njblogger #southjersey #southjerseyadventures #augustslippedaway #plussizestyle #plusblogger #curvyblogger #jerseygirl #ladieswhogolf #curvyconfidence
What a gorgeous Philly evening to welcome three Je What a gorgeous Philly evening to welcome three Jersey gals for a little theatre (thanks to @kimmelculturalcampus!). My mom, sister, and I met to see @thelionking at @academymusicphl and it was simply *phenomenal.* 

We both found quick weeknight after 5pm parking at nearby lots ($16!) and had time for dinner & @vanleeuwenicecream before the play. 

The show is better than you could ever expect - the actors are just so talented (especially young Simba & Nala! The best part was watching the little kidsss enjoy it, too (three little boys in front of us were raising their Simba doll merch up at the end- so unreal 🥹). The show is so worth seeing while it’s here (now through 9/10!). 

A huge thanks to @kimmelculturalcampus for the beautiful Philly night out. 🖤

#whyilovephilly #visitphilly #lionking #thelionking #njblogger #phillytourism #phillyfamily #thingstodoinphilly #kimmelcenter #phillytheatre
The most fun summer friday girls day in @asburypar The most fun summer friday girls day in @asburyparknow. 💕 We shopped (I scooped up quite a haul from @rebelsupplyap @foolishgingernjlqpwp @freedomrocksco & @backwardglances). We ate a delicious lunch at @capitoline_ap. We had happy hour drinks at @lovehomesick & @thewonderbarofficial and just bebopped til we dropped on yesterday’s gorgeous August day. 

I was wearing this @eloquii x @nuuly bright orange romper and definitely got a new photo for my @bumble (thx @linnybrice 😘).
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