Tag Archives: Old City

VERY Sustainable: A Guide to Neighborhood Farmer’s Markets

It’s that wonderful time of year! The Farmer’s Markets and Farm to City Coops are popping up like May flowers.

Here’s a VERY helpful guide to the markets and some delicious vendors to keep an eye out for!

Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market

Location: 18th Street and Walnut Street

Day: Tuesdays, starting June 3, 2014

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

N3RD Farmers Market

Location: Church Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets (Old City)

Days: Tuesdays

Time: 2:00 – 7:00 PM

Old City’s latest community effort will return this season!

Fairmount Farmers’ Market

Location: 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue

Day: Thursdays

Time: 3:00 – 7:00 PM

Check out Philly Fair Trade Roasters for delicious coffee.

Jefferson Farmers Market

Location: 10th and Chestnut Street

Day: Thursdays

Time: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Jefferson makes an impact on the local neighborhood of Washington Square West by sponsoring this weekly market.

Liberty Lands Park Farmers’ Market

Location: 3rd and Poplar Streets

Days: Thursdays

Time: 3:00 – 7:00 PM

This farmers market is located at the hub of the Northern Liberties community space, including a playground!

Fitler Square Farmers’ Market

Location: 23rd and Pine Streets

Day: Saturdays

Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The Jennings 1785 Farm  will be selling grass fed beef.

Headhouse Farmers’ Market

Location: 2nd and Lombard Streets

Days: Sundays

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

This market is located in the historic Society Hill neighborhood, featuring more than 40 vendors, including Frecon Farms’ hard cider and LoveBar’s bean to bar chocolate.

The Food Trust Night Market is a great way to support local vendors! Check out the upcoming Night Market in Old City Philadelphia on Thursday, May 15, 2014.

VERY Entrepreneurial: Benjamin Franklin

Most Philadelphian’s would agree that Benjamin Franklin is one o the city’s coolest characters:  entrepreneur, a notorious flirt, inventor humanitarian and statesman.

In honor of Benjamin Franklin’s 308th birthday, VERY Real Estate takes a moment to honor a fellow Old City entrepreneur.

Ben was born January 17, 1706 in Boston and arrived in Philadelphia in 1723. Clearly ahead of the times, Ben fathered a child, William, in 1728. William’s mother is not known. In 1730, he married Deborah Read and the two had entrepreneurial spirit – running a general store, a bookstore and a publishing company.

Benjamin Franklin had quite a career. His publishing accomplishments include Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard’s Almanack. He also launched Library Company, the nation’s first subscription library. His scientific experiments and inventions include the famous Kite & Key experiment, the Franklin Stove and bifocals. His quotes are still relevant and used  today.

Franklin organized the Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia’s Union Fire Company, the first in the city. He saw the opportunity for fire insurance, helping to create the Philadelphia Contribution for Insurance Against Loss by Fire.

Given Franklin’s entrepreneurial spirit and interest in science and technology, I can only imagine how blown away he’d be with today’s advancements. It’s because of people like Franklin that we are able to evolve as a society  and seek opportunities.

If you want to learn more about the man himself, Visitphilly.com is offering free admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Old City January 17 – 19, 2014.

The Franklin Institute is also an excellent option for celebrating Ben’s birthday.

Happy birthday, Ben!

VERY Snowy: What to do in Philadelphia on a Snow Day!

With weather forecasts calling for snow, VERY Real Estate shovels up fun snow day activities!

The Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park is a Philadelphian’s best chance for serious sledding.  Don’t want to clean the car off? Check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s famous “Rocky” steps and the hill to the side of the steps, the spot has become a favorite sledding destination.

If snow angels are more your speed, our favorite squares – Washington square, Rittenhouse Square or Franklin Square – offer enough open space for snow angles, building snow men and the inevitable snow ball fight!

We can’t forget about our furry friends – most dogs LOVE spending time in the snow. It’s a great time to bring them to the city’s dog parks, like the Schuylkill River Park Dog Run, near Rittenhouse Square.

After sledding and playing in the snow, warm up with some delicious hot chocolate from The Franklin Fountain in Old City

If après ski is more your speed, VERY understands! Layer your favorite alpine sweater with a puffy jacket and check out some great neighborhood bars and restaurants to make it through the bad weather!

There are two options for a snowy day in Old City: Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant which has amazing windows to watch the snowfall, while staying warm inside! The Plough & Stars has a cozy fire to warm you up. Both spots are cozy and welcoming.  For anyone near Rittenhouse Square, a.bar offers delightful and cozy cocktails and amazing views of the Square to watch the snowfall.

Growlers, in Bella Vista, offers fireplaces, a living room atmosphere and good food! Tria and Varga are great wine and beer bars in the Washington Square West neighborhood that will help this neighborhood weather the storm!

We hope you enjoy the snow and whatever you decide to do! Stay warm and safe!

VERY Supportive: VERY Real Estate supports Small Business Saturday in Philadelphia

Tomorrow, Saturday November 30, 2013 is Small Business Saturday. Small businesses benefit the community and neighborhoods they are located in, providing unique items and fantastic customer service – all qualities VERY Real Estate adheres to.

Adresse in Old City is perfect for any fashion-istas on your list! Or, if you are looking for a fabulous holiday party dress, this is the first place you should check!

If you’re in Northern Liberties, check out Swag Boutique! This shop takes local to a whole new level, offering unique, & handmade gifts by local artisans.

Miel Patisserie in Rittenhouse Square is the sweet spot for any sweet tooth on your list.  Grab an espresso to recharge your shopping batteries!

If you’re in the Art Museum/Fairmount neighborhood, check out Take 2 Chic Boutique for unique jewelry and accessories gifts this holiday season.

If you have an avid reader on your holiday list, check out Head House Books in Queen Village.

After crossing off your holiday to do list, stop by the Papery’s new location in Washington Square West for holiday cards, unique gift tags and fabulous wrapping paper! The Papery also has great hostess gifts.

Where ever you are, don’t forget that shopping local can make a big impact on your neighborhood.

VERY Walkable

Another awesome reason to live in Philadelphia!

Philadelphians are able to do more then just run the Art Museum steps, in a tribute to Rocky. Philadelphia was ranked as the 4th most “walkable” city according to Walk Score, a blog that covers “a range of walkability topics” such as biking, real estate and health.

The blog points to some interesting facts about living in walkable neighborhoods, such as Philadelphia:

  • Health Benefits: The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs eight pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood.
  • Social Benefits: People who live in walkable communities are more socially engaged and trusting than those who live in less walkable areas.
  • Economic Benefit: The average American spends over $9,000 per year on their car making cars the second largest expense for most households, costing more than food, clothing and health care.

After reading this blog, we got to thinking, what are the coolest places you can walk in Philadelphia. Here’s a list of some of our favorite walkable places:

  1. The Ben Franklin Bridge – The Bridge offers amazing views of Philadelphia’s skyline. And, if you happen to be a runner, it offers a decent incline for all the speed work!
  2. Food & Beverages– Philadelphia has a rich and tasty restaurant scene, and the VERY Team is made up of “Foodies”. We’re always willing to walk for a delicious meal or fun cocktail. Seriously, too many delicious places to name one!
  3. Culture – Philadelphia’s museums are a great way to spend a day, and most offer fun social events in the evenings – like Art After Five at the Art Museum or walking around Bella Vista/Queen Village checking out the mosaics and murals.
  4. Work – eliminating time on the Schuylkill, I-95 or SEPTA Regional Rail is life changing.

There’s no better way to become acquainted with Philadelphia then walking around the city. Each neighborhood is different, and every season you’ll notice something you hadn’t before.