Philadelphia’s Must-Run Races

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to run the ODDyssey Half Marathon here in Philly.  In its second year, the ODDyssey is the only road half marathon in the spring within city limits.  It’s a nice race, with a little more than 1,500 finishers run almost entirely within Fairmount Park and with about eight miles on West River Drive.  It’s a pretty fast, flat course, with one notable exception (a lengthy climb at mile 12.5).  Additionally, in keeping with its name, the ODDyssey has a few features for those who are looking to have more fun and don’t care as much about their time: encouraged costumes and a costume contest, optional obstacle courses including military-themed bounces and water balloons.

Overall, the ODDyssey is a nice addition to the Philadelphia road race calendar.  Here, in one person’s opinion, is a list of Philly’s annual races that you should do at least once:

Craft Beer Store Sticks Out in South Philly

South Philadelphia has certain areas – such as Newbold and the Passyunk Avenue neighborhood that have gotten with the times in terms of modern establishments (think the likes of South Philadelphia Tap Room, Brew, Cantina Los Caballitos, Green Aisle Grocery, etc.).  The vast majority of it, however, still clings to the older establishments and is reluctant to change.

So it was rather surprising that while driving down South Columbus Boulevard past Washington, I passed by an establishment named Beer Heaven, The Craft Beer Store.  Shocked, more than anything else, I had to stop on by.

Apparently, the store, which is in the same strip mall shopping center as Pep Boys and the costume store, has been open for about six months.  It’s relatively small but features some pretty heavy hitters in the craft beer world in its two rows of refrigerators and other shelves among.  There’s Alesmith Speedway Stout, which is not readily available in the city.  Two months ago, it had the famed Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout.  Other good selections abound among its 850 plus beers.

Pricing is relatively fair for the quality of beer you’re buying  (right in line with the pricing at Brew and Food and Friends).  Plus, it’s open on Sundays, which is a big bonus.  So, the next time you decide you really need to get to the costume superstore, make sure to drop on by to pick up some good beer as well.

Barbuzzo Highlights Revamped 13th Street Neighborhood

In the past few years, the 13th Street area between Chestnut and Locust Street has undergone a significant metamorphosis.  From shady adult establishments and failed stores, it has been completely revitalized with new restaurants, new stores, new storefronts and even a new name (Midtown Village).

Perhaps no one has been more responsible for the transformation of 13th Street than Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, two entrepeneurs who have made 13th Street their own mini-empire.  Six storefronts (Grocery, Bindi, Open House, Lolita, Verde/Marcie Blaine Chocolates and Barbuzzo), which include three full service restaurants (Bindi, Lolita and Barbuzzo), located within one block between Chestnut Street and Sansom Street, are all part of their operation.  Their affection for the neighborhood is even reflected in the name of their website, We Love 13th Street, and accompanying blog.

The newest establishment, Barbuzzo, has garnered significant praise since its opening last fall.  Just recently, Frommer’s named Barbuzzo as one of the top 10 new urban restaurants.  The Mediterranean kitchen and bar has consistently drawn packed crowds.  On a recent 80 degree Tuesday evening, the Barbuzzo sidewalk seats were packed.

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