Not only does it help the local economy, shopping local offers unique perspectives and products, creates more sustainable communities, and encourages someone’s dream to come to life.
Check out my favorite Philly spots below…
independent bookstores
Click here to see how you can purchase You Don’t Know Nana from a local independent bookstore
Shakespeare & Co – Rittenhouse
Shakespeare & Co has various locations, and one of them is Rittenhouse, Philadelphia. I appreciate how this bookstore displays its books, each display allowed to take up its own space. I also love the tall shelves filled with different genres, authors, and styles, each shelf organized and labeled to make it easy to find what you’re looking for, or perhaps inspire you to look for something entirely new. Plus, Shakespeare & Co has a “Local Authors” and “Philadelphia” section featured right past the cafe.
A Novel Idea – East Passyunk
There are many unique shops and restaurants that line East Passyunk’s sidewalks, but one of my favorites is the independent bookstore, A Novel Idea. It sells books, of course, but also merchandise and small, miscellaneous items. As their website states, their goal is to cultivate community. Once inside, you can see their “Philadelphia Authors” section proudly displayed, but they also sell a range of different books, many of them unique and intriguing.
coffee
Moonraker Coffee Co – Kensington/Fishtown
I stumbled upon this coffee company while shopping for cocktail glasses at Art in the Age (another cool local shop, but for a separate post) in Old City. There was a coffee stand at the entrance, serving the basics – cold brew, lattes, espresso – as well as cold brew + CBD and Affogato. The owner of the company was incredibly kind and passionate about his craft, sharing his knowledge about coffee beans, the process of creating each drink, and the sustainable sources of his ingredients. I ordered a four shot latte with oat milk, and it was one of the best I’ve had in Philly.
food
20th Street Pizza
This pizza is good as hell. The menu is entirely vegan, but each slice has enough flavor for any type of eater.
gifts & things
Heather McBride Photography
Heather is a local photographer who is skilled at capturing moments; I could tell that from her website and her instagram (@heathermcbridephotography). Choosing a photographer is always an important decision – I’m happy I chose Heather, as she made the session feel fun and natural.
more coming soon
Alyssa Belfiglio 