Shop Penn

The best kind of Saturday begins alarm free. When you’re good and ready, amble over to 40^th & Locust Streets for the opposite of your Monday through Friday, tepid-by-the-time-you-get-back-to-it black coffee. Smile back at the barista, scoot up to the bar, and say hello to a ‘pep talk’, ‘liquid courage’ or a ‘go-getter’ espresso coffee roast. You may even pair your coffee with a fresh and delicious pastry or brownie. New flavors are announced every Wednesday. This is where you slip your phone back into your pocket, soak in all the cozy coffee shop vibes, savor your beverage, and see what the day might hold.

Maybe you need a separate pair of shoes for the gym. Maybe you’ve gotten your money’s worth out of your last pair of Uggs. Maybe you’re desperate for something that will keep you comfortable all shift. The Natural Shoe Store — just a hop, skip, and a jump from the coffee shop above — has your name on it. Featuring Nike, New Balance, Clarks, Rockport, Dansko, Timberland, and more, this newly remodeled 40th Street shop has been serving the Penn community since 1978 and remains beloved for its family appeal, friendly service, and approachable pricing. Poke your head in the door — you never know what you may find.

A short stroll down Walnut will bring you to Hello World, a home decor and lifestyle shop specializing in midcentury-modern furniture and gifts not easily found everywhere else. Hello World has a host of glowing Yelp reviews, and it’s not hard to see why. J, the owner and buyer, has been connecting the Philadelphia community to quality merchandise at a great price for over 20 years. And they’ve recently incorporated a gallery of local artists’ work to check out in a nook of the store.  Dogs are equally welcome to poke around — bring yours in for a chance to appear on the boutique’s Instagram account!

University City isn’t all retail shops and restaurants — keep your eyes peeled and you’ll see world-class museums, galleries and sculpture tucked in among the storefronts and scenic parks. As you leave the LOFT, give your credit card a break and pop into the Arthur Ross Gallery. Located at the heart of the University of Pennsylvania, the gallery has featured art and artifacts from all over the world. It is an intimate space that provides thought-provoking exhibitions of art across cultures, media, and time. Exhibitions change throughout the year, so come early and come often. 

After a day out and about, finish your Saturday with a taste of Asia by enjoying a dinner at Pod, a restaurant that celebrates Japanese cuisine. The food is fresh and delicious with a touch of flair for fun. Enjoy classic, mouthwatering dishes like Wagyu Beef Hot Stone, Sunomono Seaweed Salad, Curry Udon or Yuzu Prawn Robata that satisfy the soul. Looking for something a little more modern? Treat yourself to signature items like Japanese Fried Chicken and Lobster Bao Buns.