Running the Ben Franklin Bridge: Scenic and Uncrowded

View of Campbell Field in Camden from Ben Franklin Bridge

On a given sunny and relatively warm day in Philly, the main running trails are packed with runners, walkers, cyclists, dogs on walks, and others.  One trail that is immune from crowds is Ben Franklin Bridge (yes the bridge).

For those who’ve never run it, the Ben Franklin Bridge is a surprisingly fun run.  You enter the sidewalk entrance at 5th Street at Race and then begin a steady climb to the middle of the Delaware River and the state border.  On the New Jersey side, there’s a subsequent steady downhill run as you cross the river.

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Cooper’s Wine Bar: Reason to Visit Manayunk for Good Pizza

In 2010, MSN.com, in conjunction with Gayot.com, published an article detailing its Top 10 list of pizza restaurants in the country.  As with all Top 10 lists, and particularly, with pizza lists, this one was subjective, though certain consensus favorites were present.  There’s Great Lake from Chicago (probably the best pizza I’ve ever had), Pizzeria Bianco from Phoenix and Serious Pie in Seattle.  Then, there was Cooper’s Wine Bar in Manayunk.  Considering I’ve never heard anyone else ever mention it in the discussion of great pizza in Philadelphia, let alone the country, I was intrigued.

Cooper’s is the less formal, more casual, no reservation wine bar portion of Jake’s, one of the more upscale restaurants on Main Street Manayunk.  The two establishements share the same kitchen, so you can actually order off the same menu.  So, you can choose to make your reservation and eat in a more refined setting at Jake’s or you can go at the spur of the moment and try waiting for a table or bar space at Cooper’s.  Either way, you’ve got access to a good menu.

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Far From Home: Close to Good

After “slumming” it in the U.S. Virgin Islands for about 25 years, Larry Comroe and Wade Smith have returned to Philadelphia and launched their food truck, Far From Home Cafe, starting yesterday, February 17, 2011, at LOVE Park.  Food truck-lovers from Center City, deprived of many good food truck options, have have swarmed to the truck, causing it to sell out of food on its opening day.

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