Erica Zito and Mary Button spent three years planning and saving before opening The Lola Bean last September at 1325 Frankford Avenue in Fishtown. To create the modern shop the way Zito and Button wanted required a lot of work, most of which the girls did with their own hands.

If you are normally hungry on Saturday, July 9 (between 3 - 7 pm) the Piazza at Schmidt’s is exactly the place you will want to be. For the first year, hopefully of many to come, the famed Vendy Awards will be making its way down to Philly. Since its inception

Fourth Wall Arts is a nonprofit arts organization based in Philadelphia that grants participants the opportunity to see the most exciting and unique visual and performing artists in the area during its monthly Art Salons (held every fourth Friday). Post-performance receptions also give guests a great chance to interact with

Since it was completed in 1864, rain, sun, wind and snow have worn down the façade and ornate plasterwork at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the main church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 18th Street and the Parkway. Now is the time for a five- to

Renovated in 2006, the Queen Village three-bedroom at 917 S. Sixth Street had two decks, a yard, high ceilings, crown molding work, marble-tiled bathrooms, gas fireplace and finished basement with bar all for $500K. (See? we can still find homes that are cool and not in the seven digits!) Great idea

This building at the southwest corner of the intersection at Second and Chestnut Streets was owned by well-known antiquary (of 1843) John McAllister. His storefront, which was decorated with simple white shutters and windowpanes, is an example of a traditional, imported English style that endured in Philadelphia long after the Colonial

Another townhome is going up on Webster Street (1612 Webster Street) and will look identical to its 1614 Webster Street neighbor. It will be approximately 1,500 square feet and have two bedrooms, two and a half baths, a finished basement and balcony. The pre-construction price is listed as $325K right now.

East Passyunk Avenue is home to a bevy of classy joints, outdoor seating and adorable boutiques. At Flavors of the Avenue, the East Passyunk food festival, press releases unveiled plans for new projects. Gordon Dinerman (of City Tap House) plans to make his mark on the popular South Philly street. 1700

"It was a labor of love for an eager client, converting a worn house into a sophisticated gem," says Marc Pinard of Pinard Architects about 172 Gay Street in Manayunk. Because the "ship-like" house is only 800 square feet, it posed a huge challenge to Pinard and builder Marc Kaman, who used a

We came across this example of exterior design work at 2227 League Street the other day and took a mental note to never walk past this house at night, unarmed. It's almost as if the person who decided on these aesthetic plans drank a Red Bull and peyote cocktail, forgot