Northern Liberties, Philadelphia: The Perfect Neighborhood

Northern Liberties, one of the hippest and hottest neighborhood's in Philadelphia has something to offer every possible type of person. We could rant and rave about this 'hood for hours, but why not just get the skinny from a real resident. To that end, we "borrowed" a letter from a friend - and we think once you read it you'll understand how much everyone adores No Libs (yeah, that's what the locals call it)!

A Letter From No Libs

Dear Mom & Dad,

Thanks for the gift package! I squealed so loud when I got it, I woke up my roommate! You're the best parents ever! The new shower curtain is perfect, and the moisturizer is exactly the kind I wanted. Next time, how about getting the bigger bottle?

Things with the new pad are great. I'm looking forward to you visiting once we are completely settled in. You'd love this neighborhood - Northern Liberties- or as we in the know say, No Libs. It's a funky little village of artists, hipsters, vegans, and gay boys & girls (Holla!). I absolutely adore it here.

My apartment is to DIE for...absolute worth the incredible tantrum I threw to get you guys to help pony up the security. Tower Investments has built the most amazing buildings in the city, and the architecture and décor have attracted the right crowd. (RE: Good Looking People.) I walk to the subway every morning, so I'm being thrifty not having to own a car (although have you seen the new 6 series? Wow!) or pay insurance. My neighbors are a great little straight couple with a moderate addiction to red wine, so we are totally BFFs.

Saturday I used Grandma's birthday money to splurge at Ovations Salon, right in the hood. First a 60-minute Swedish massage brought my back from the brink of stress-death, then the sea salt scrub and wrap exfoliated my skin so soft, you'd think I was a newborn.

Afterwards, you may notice a large charge at North 3rd. I was going to lie and tell you it was totally for food, but I'll be honest. I'm not only in love with the incredible food, but I tend to get a little wacky when ordering the pints. The bar/restaurant does a killer brunch that even you would love Dad, and no the crowd is a great mix of urban sexualities. Not just a bunch of fairies, and you know I hate when you call us that anyway. If I'm not there, you can usually find me at Deuce, which is basically serving as my kitchen at this point. It's right in my complex and has incredible food, and nightly specials on brews. Plus, I 'm so close to winning on of there Quizzo nights, I can taste it!

My other favorite dinner spot is Azure, which features Caribbean, Mediterranean and New American cuisines. It's in a newly renovated row home, the decor highlighted by local artists' works, exposed brick walls and hand crafted furniture. It's really warm and inviting atmosphere with homemade food at reasonable prices. (Yes, I'm sticking to the budget, Dad!) When it's warm, we sit on the outdoor patio and pretend we are in the tropics

I really want to take you to Ortlieb's, a classic jazz spot in an old brewery. The place has great character, great food, and jazz like you won't hear outside of New Orleans. It's a perfect spot for a great dinner with fam or friends, or a sophisticated date spot. (No Mom, Brett and I are NOT getting back together...)

Speaking of boys, the roomie and me went to North Bowl the other night. Remember how I swore never to bowl again? After that debacle at Mark Enroy's 16th birthday? Well, I changed my mind. Bowling is cool again, plus North Bowl is really a swanky place. Plus- Surprise! I am really good at bowling! Guess who was there this weekend too! Rosie O'Donnell!

Okay...I gots to run. It's Friday night, and I'm going to get my drink on at Shampoo. Remember Shampoo? That's where I had my 21st birthday bash? It's still kicking, especially on Friday with the new Boy Bar shenanigans. I'll fill you in later.

Love, Todd

PS. I found the perfect gift for Marcie's Bridal Shower. Delicious Corsets, right around the corner from me, sells some of the most unique corsets and accessories in the city. There are formal, bridal, club, and even intimate wear corsets, something for every occasion! The staff is super-smart, and they should be able to help us find something Marcie would love. I say we get her something she can use multi-purpose...after the wedding comes the honeymoon! (Wink-wink!)