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The Columbus Farmers Market, located on Route 206 in Columbus, is a trip worth the drive no matter where you are located. This enormous shopping mall/ flea market/ craft bazaar/ produce market/ meat market is the perfect destination for the entire family.

A bargain hunter's paradise, the market is comprised of a vast outdoor flea market, dozens of food vendors, craft kiosks, antique dealers, produce stands, a butcher shop, indoor sales floor and specialty vendors. Whether you're 2 or 102, there is something for you at the Columbus Farmers Market.

Browse through the multiple-acre outdoor flea market, which features new and used items, antiques, produce stands and prepared foods. Picnic areas are available throughout the facility, so bring a lunch (or purchase a hot dog, French fries or other "fair"-style foods) to enjoy during your excursion.

The inside shopping mall features more than 60 retailers who sell everything from cosmetics to collectib

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Philadelphia’s The Franklin Fountain is a hidden treat. Though it is frequented by tour groups, many of Philadelphia’s visitors don’t know about it. Also functioning as a rare treat and guilty pleasure for professionals working nearby, The Franklin Fountain offers an old-time, old-fashioned hospitality and pleasant service perhaps only equaled by the nearby Shane Candies.

As you enter the ice cream shop, you’ll find an expansive menu with updated ice cream flavor listings. Aside from the multitude of available flavors (there are also hand-held menus available), The Franklin Fountain offers seasonal and holiday specials.

The shop’s ambiance alone makes the visit worthwhile. It features an old-time radio, mosaic floor, ‘tonics’ and &lsqu

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Zipf’s Candies is an oasis of chocolate. Located in a modest-sized building just off of Germantown Avenue, Zipf’s offers a variety of delicious tidbits served up by friendly and knowledgeable staff. The main entrance to Zipf’s is located just down an alley off Germantown Avenue, making the short journey feel like a step back in time amidst the shops in older buildings.

Zipf’s frequently places a chalkboard sign out on the street to direct customer traffic to the main entrance. It’s located right next to a cigar shop in the same alley. While Zipf’s offers multiple types of candy, chocolate is their specialty. As customers enter, they will find an old-fashioned “Pennsylvania” scale, a clean, expansive display case filled mostly with chocolate and colorful, sugary delights on all other sides.

Of the chocolates, you should definitely experience the butter creams. Like Ol

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No child or adult can miss the bright and inviting O’Doodle’s storefront along Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. You can find O’Doodles because it has a painted toy block cube flower pot and a matching purple crayon next to the parking meter. The store itself is painted in bright but inviting colors and O’Doodle’s often has a street sign advertising the latest specials.

What makes O’Doodle’s unique is the store’s commitment to providing “unplugged” enrichment for children—that is, O’Doodle’s focuses on the non-video game segment of the toy industry. If you want to know what to give your child to promote outdoor play or activities involving other children instead of the television or computer, check out O’Doodle’s. Their storefront and online store have hundreds of selections divided by age group and activity type.

Additionally, O’Doodl

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Known for its prominent place along the Avenue of the Arts and its 150 year-old chandelier, the Academy of Music brings distinguished music and performance art to the public. The Academy of Music and the organizations that inhabit it have tailored opera, classical music, Broadway and ballet performances to entertain and educate.

Inside, the Academy of Music exudes a romantic air of culture. Opened in the late 1850s, its famous chandelier was magnificently renovated from 2007-2008 and again sits directly above audiences “Phantom of the Opera”-style in period fashion. This was part of an overall restoration of the building. Originally, the chandelier included gas burners matching those still functioning on the exterior of the building.

Don’t overlook the Academy of Music as a viable venue in fe

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Located in Southampton, New Jersey, SnapDragon Stables aims to make horseback riding an affordable and enjoyable hobby for riders of all ages. SnapDragon is an encouraging, non-judgmental environment in which new and experienced riders can learn and grow without the costs and pressure associated with more competitive stables. SnapDragon Stables offers individual and group lessons, trail rides, pony parties and a July summer camp.

The stables, trail and farm are exceptionally clean. Despite the presence of multiple horses, the overwhelming “horse smell” typically experienced on farms and in stables is barely detectable here. Stable staff sweep and clean immediately after grooming and grounds maintenance crews are frequently present.

A beginner lesson starts with instruction on care of the horse. This allows horse and rider to become acquainted and at ease with one another. As the lesson pace is not rushed, a rider is enc

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The Bone Appetite has more than just a creative name. This Chestnut Hill dog store has become a dog-friendly mainstay on Germantown Avenue. Billing itself as “the store for the serious dog owner,” The Bone Appetite focuses on all-natural pet foods, gourmet dog treats and fashionable clothing and accessories.

The Bone Appetite is imbued with the philosophy that health and happiness shouldn’t be reserved for humans. For this reason, The Bone Appetite’s food and treat selection is entirely all-natural.

The Bone Appetite offers gift cards. Consider this a fabulous idea if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the dog owner and enthusiast.

This store encourages pet parents to bring dogs to the store. If you’re thinking about purchasing clothing or a collar for your dog, it’s best to bring your pet to the store for sizing. The Bone Appetite will also special order item

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Philadelphia has a diverse job market based on small and large business, tourism and retail. If you’re about to run out of unemployment, just out of college or are looking for an entry-level position, don’t overlook these types of jobs—or what they can do for your resume.

National Park Service

What You Do

In some locations, working for the National Park Service means that you’re a ranger in a remote location. If you work for the National Park Service in Philadelphia, this isn’t so. Independence National Historical Park exists entirely in an urban landscape. A ranger in Philadelphia gets paid to learn about history and assist tourists. The park service also employs administrative professionals aside from docents.

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Philadelphia is the perfect city for Segways. Segways are two-wheeled machines built for carrying standing passengers. Their advanced technology creates a unique balancing system and a smooth ride, even allowing users to transition from road to sidewalk or sidewalk to grass. A company called I Glide offers comprehensive Segway tours beginning near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As an eco-friendly city boasting wheelchair-accessible areas and less foot traffic than New York, Philadelphia is the ideal urban zone for the Segway.

The Segway tour begins with a safety instruction. While riding, you’re required to wear a helmet for safety. I Glide offers helmets in several sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. You may find it helpful to request a larger size if you would like to keep a cap on beneath the helmet. In Philadelphia, Segways are permitted on sidewalks and in handicap-accessible areas; riders, however, should remain aware and create space for b

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Premium Steap is a harmonious storefront nestled among other shops on South 18th Street in Philadelphia. Located in the downtown Center City shopping district, Premium Steap aims to bring health and balance to tea tasters, demystifying the process of making tea without a teabag in the process.

Premium Steap is perfect for all seasons, educating consumers on how to use loose tea leaves to prepare both hot and iced tea. Tea of any variety prepared in accordance with Premium Steap’s instructions does not produce any sediment or loose tea in the beverage. According to proprietor Peggy Stephens, many people allow their tea to steep too long, resulting in a flat, unpleasant, bitter taste.

The teas at Premium Steap are contained in large tins lining the walls on shelves. Customers are permitted to smell the teas to get an idea of the flavor. While Premium Steap does not have a seating area or a café atmosphere, it is extremel

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Scoop DeVille stands out. The storefront and store interior include shades of vibrant pinks supported by white and black. If you’re looking to ignore the frozen yogurt trend and consume a rich ice cream treat, head to Scoop DeVille. It’s centrally located along Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, right near the shopping district.

Scoop DeVille is a pleasant relief on a stagnant summer day. Though the storefront is relatively small, the store maximizes the space, which includes a few tables. The vintage-style interior is also worth noting. Aside from being pink, it’s got a 1950s theme. The building also houses Maron’s Chocolates, which has its own counter. (These delectables are used as ingredients in some of the specialty Scoop DeVille ice cream selections.)

Adults are amused with this shop because it’s a complete break from modern stress and the busy neighborhood that contains it. Kids stop crying when t

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The Shops at Liberty Place is located in Center City Philadelphia on Chestnut Street. Known as an efficient lunch and shopping destination, shoppers and diners can walk here from nearby office locations or take the Market Frankford El. The shops include Victoria’s Secret and H&M; the architecture features a beautiful rotunda. The food court here specializes in quick and efficient lunch service at affordable prices.

This is a recommended lunch stop for professionals working in the area or for tourists. During summer or winter, visitors can escape from extreme outdoor conditions without sacrificing a view of falling snow or invigorating sunlight—thanks to the large dome atop the rotunda area.

The design of the Shops at Liberty Place allows for a high volume of foot traffic. You won’t find the congestion here that you find over at The Gall

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Delaware Theatre Company is the original landmark of culture in Wilmington, Delaware. Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) provided a central location for the redevelopment of the Christina River waterfront area, now frequented by tourists and residents. The theatre and its resident cast offer enrichment programs for children and regular programming with five scheduled productions per season.

Delaware Theatre Company aims to make theatre accessible to everyone through community service and high-quality diverse theatrical performances. The company performs both traditional and contemporary, occasionally accepting original scripts from playwrights represented by literary agents. This vibrant mix of perennial favorites (such as plays by Shakespeare and Moliére) and new repertoire from local and international contemporaries.

The theatre company was established before it had residency here. After the conception of the waterfront redeve

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The Chase Center on the Riverfront is an expansive, versatile venue. The Chase Center holds events of varying sizes, sometimes simultaneously. This innovative use of space displays the forward-thinking, eco-conscious design of Wilmington’s renovated waterfront area.

The Chase Center was designed with versatility in mind. It’s a frequent venue for trade shows, small conventions, business functions and weddings, specifically for those hosting guests from both New York City and Washington, D.C. (the center is halfway between the two locations). Vendors for shows and conventions taking place at this center appreciate the loading docks available here.

Several small rooms and the center’s dynamic design facilitate mini-conferences and breakout sessions taking place at larger events while the auditorium functions to host small musical performances or lectures. Many businesses hoping to sa

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If you’re searching for a truly relaxing Gettysburg getaway, consider Brierfield II Country Guest Cottages. This bed and breakfast and its gracious hostess epitomize the true spirit of welcome and comfort associated with top-quality lodgings.

The two available guest cottages are self-contained units ideal for those seeking privacy during a short stay. Guests are welcome to store snacks and beverages in the cottages, each including a functional kitchen. The cozy units also contain television sets carefully concealed in elegant cupboard furniture pieces. The privacy available here make the Brierfield II’s cottages perfect for a romantic weekend away from the tourist-ridden, semi-commercial bustle of downtown Gettysburg.

The cottages are also enjoyable for those seeking short-term housing for business travel due to the seclusion it offers. Writers and poets-at-heart alike will find a large dose of inspiration here.

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The Doubleday Inn is Gettysburg’s best bed and breakfast for history lovers. Located directly on the battlefield, it’s the most convenient stay for anyone interested in the park. The inn’s owners facilitate learning by providing maps, an audio tour and local advice for anyone wishing to explore the park. Dog lovers will also feel at home here because of the inn’s third permanent resident, an affectionate dog named Molly.

Breakfast at the Doubleday Inn is planned in advance but prepared fresh each morning. The Pennsylvania Dutch-style meal includes fresh fruit, a sweet desert and an egg-based entrée. If you have special dietary restrictions, be sure to include more information when you make your reservation. Breakfast also includes coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Early risers will appreciate the 7:00 a.m. serving time for these beverages and an 8:30 a.m. start for breakfast. Guests can also stop

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Holmdel’s PNC Bank Arts Center accommodates a range of musical acts and is considered the home of one of the nation’s most acoustically-correct amphitheatres. Able to hold more than 10,000 people, LiveNation uses the mostly-outdoor venue for concerts each year between May and September.

Parking prices depend upon the concert and ticket price. VIP packages at this venue often include special parking privileges. Those requiring handicap-accessible parking must arrive in a vehicle with handicap tags.

Upon entry to the center, staff members search your bags. You are allowed to bring bottled water in with you as long as the bottle is unopened. The policy is one bottle per person, though on extremely hot days the staff do allow reasonable amounts due to health and safety concerns.

Underage drinking has been a big problem at this venue in recent years. As a result, tailgating (or drinking and eating i

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If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun without a huge price tag, check out an event at Frawley Stadium. Located in Wilmington, the stadium is best known as the home stadium of the Blue Rocks, Wilmington’s minor league baseball team. The Blue Rocks play about 70 home games at this stadium each year.

Major league baseball is a fun experience—but it can get pretty costly, especially if you take the whole family. Individual Blue Rocks tickets go from $4.00 per child to $10.00 per box seats—making the games much more affordable. You may purchase season or individual tickets in phone, in person or online.

The website of the Blue Rocks also offers ticket specials (such as $3 Ticket Fest) and information about upcoming deals like Dollar Dog Day ($1.00 hot dogs)

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The Valley Forge Convention Center is the largest and most accessible expo area in Philadelphia’s suburbs. This building and its attached hotels frequently undergo renovations and updates to ensure a versatile environment for tech-savvy conventions and guests.

Because it’s connected to both the Radisson and the Scanticon, the Valley Forge Convention Center can host one or multiple events over a given week or weekend. The center also caters to local businesses needing event space of any size. At times, the confluence of such a diversity of events is particularly interesting and has resulted in convention-goers dressed as zombies mingling with teens dressed in Armani for the prom.

The convention center and attached hotels offer shuttle transportation to nearby locations such as the King of Prussia Mall, America’s second-largest retail shopping venue. Situated just near I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway), I-276 (Pennsylvan

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As time goes on, it seems as though more driving ranges and golf centers are closing. This is particularly difficult for those in the Philadelphia area who sometimes feel like a good round of mini-golf means a drive all the way to the Jersey Shore. However, entertaining mini-golf is not nearly that far—it’s just over the bridge at Fox Meadow Golf Center in Maple Shade, New Jersey.

Fox Meadow Golf Center is located next to the Fox Meadow Apartments. Golf Range Magazine included Fox Meadow Golf Center in their Top 100 Ranges in America list for four consecutive years. The golf center is accessible for just about anyone, offering family-friendly mini-golf.

While the center has the look and feel of a private facility, it is public. The staff in the pro shop are just as friendly and helpful to casual mini-golfers as they are to those with a serious focus on the game of golf.

This center inspects, fi

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Funplex is an indoor and outdoor amusement park focusing on entertainment for all ages. Funplex includes electric go carts, bumper cars, two miniature golf courses, bowling, arcade games and outdoor rides. The Funplex also provides other conveniences such as food.

Funplex is an excellent spot for a family adventure or a date. Most of the activities have different levels for adults and children. The electric go carts, for example, run on two speeds. When small children are present in the cars, the ride operator runs the carts on a lower speed. For bigger kids, teens and adults, the ride operator moves to top speed. The carts are racecar-style new electric cars. They run quietly, efficiently and indoors—producing no odorous gas smell.

In the track area, visitors can also ride adult bumper cars, kiddie bumper cars and the motion machine. The track area contains its own bathroom. This is particularly helpful for parents who need

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South Street is a lively and engaging location at any time of the day. During the weekdays, office workers and students populate the area during lunch time. At night, the office crowd often heads to South Street pub locations for drinks. Weekend days see a large influx of tourists including teens from the suburbs. Weekend nights have always existed as hang out nights in classic freak tradition—from the hippie era to the punk scene to the contemporary mish-mash.

South Street exists south of Independence Hall and other historical landmarks of the American Revolution. Its scene is no less revolutionary, however—South Street has always served as a haven (if not a capital) for young counter-culture.

At the right time, the street itself is a tourist destination. Suburban families sometimes cruise down the street to gander wide-eyed at the diverse counter-culture population. Diversity primarily extends to hai

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Chinatown is a thriving community just north of Broad Street near Market East in Philadelphia. Its enduring proximity to the transportation center as well as the Gallery and Pennsylvania Convention Center make it an ideal dining destination for tourists. Chinatown provides a unique mix of Chinese-influenced architecture on storefronts, neon restaurant signs and traditionally Philadelphian architecture. You can see William Penn (as a statue atop City Hall) from many locations in Chinatown.

Chinese and other Asian cultures dominate the area. Visitors have the opportunity to hear Mandarin spoken frequently while still being able to use English. Restaurants, laundry stores, groceries and Asian specialty shops line the streets of Chinatown. Aside from Chinese food and culture, visitors can experience Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian and Japanese culture and cuisine in the area as well. Many restaurants in Chinatown make a specific effort to offer vegetarian-friendly

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When it’s summertime in Philadelphia, Penn’s Landing is the place to be. For locals, Penn’s Landing also offers a safe and scenic area for physical fitness as well as high-end residential locations. Visitors can dine at one of the many local restaurants, take a boat tour, enjoy a summer concert or tour the seaport museum. Penn’s Landing is generally a family-oriented destination by day and a party location at night.

Independence Seaport Museum is an excellent starting destination for Penn’s Landing visitors. The museum also offers an air-conditioned, educational sanctuary on hot summer days. With many activities geared towards children, the Independence Seaport Museum covers both the history of Philadelphia (and the Jersey Shore) and modern maritime life. The museum also offers tours of docked ships and submarines depending on which are docked and available at the time of your visit.

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Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Chestnut Hill serves as a point between the urban and the suburban. Technically part of the City of Philadelphia, this northwesternly neighborhood rests between Montgomery County and Germantown. Chestnut Hill is known for its many estates and presumed affluence, though now members of all socioeconomic statuses reside there though housing remains comparatively high in price.

Chestnut Hill is a convenient center of commerce and travel for visitors, local residents and commuters. Germantown Avenue functions as Chestnut Hill’s main street—a road made of cobble. Though the trolley service is suspended, the South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers regional rail service to and from the city, much as it does for most suburbs.

Chestnut Hill also features local events such as the Chestnut Hill Book Festival. This festival showcases local authors.
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Jenkintown’s business district remains popular among upscale diners. Major throughways York Road and Route 611 pass through Jenkintown, making it an ideal suburban stop for anyone heading to or from the city.

Jenkintown has a vital, vibrant business atmosphere just off of York Road. Many visitors are often surprised to discover this aspect of Jenkintown. Some local residents consider Jenkintown a commuter area due to the proximity of the SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) station and neglect to browse the stores in the shopping district during the weekend.

Visitors can safely navigate the business district, which includes restaurants, boutiques and specialty stores. The ubiquitous combination of upscale shopping stops and traditional business service centers provides Jenkintown with a very forward-thinking, businesslike image.

Over time, the Jenkintown business district did l

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Keswick Village is a charming shopping and cultural area located in central Glenside, PA. The village receives a great deal of foot traffic and tourism dollars due to its close proximity to Philadelphia. Glenside visitors and residents can commute to and from Philadelphia readily—the commute only takes about 20 minutes by SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) train.

Keswick Village is located within the Abington Township portion of Glenside. There is a small circle in the center of town. Visitors and residents will find shops containing flowers, antiques, and children’s clothing as well as an Irish shop.

The Keswick Theatre is the centerpiece of this shopping district. The Keswick serves as a venue for a variety of acts, primarily musical. Urban visitors find the commute to the Keswick Theatre simple and inexpensive while suburban concert-goers enjoy attending concerts without having to park in the

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If you’re visiting Philadelphia, consider touring the eco-friendly city without a car. Philadelphia is easy to see without a car and using public transportation will save you money. SEPTA (South Eastern Public Transportation Authority) is the primary provider of transportation within Philadelphia. SEPTA has several transportation hubs throughout the city and features a helpful information desk at the Market East location (11th & Market Streets).

From the Suburbs (Pennsylvania)

If you’re heading into the city from Philadelphia’s suburbs in Pennsylvania, consider taking SEPTA Regional Rail. Regional Rail stations are located in various suburban locations. Some locations have reserved parking only whereas others charge fees on weekdays. In addition to regular train fares, SEPTA now o

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When visiting Philadelphia, many tourists are concerned with safety. Whether visiting from the nearby suburbs or another state or country, visitors wish to stay alert and vigilant in an unfamiliar city without compromising the excitement of exploring a city rich in diverse culture and history.

Common Sense

Above all, use common sense when visiting Philadelphia or any other urban environment. Trust your instinct about a particular neighborhood or area. If you can, avoid traveling alone. If you plan on exploring the city’s nightlife, pick a hot spot close to your hotel to avoid trouble. Consider ditching the purse or travel bag in favor of a thin wallet that fits in your pants pocket or bra if you are concerned about theft or pickpocketing.

The Homeless Epidemic

Some visitors are deterred b

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