Strolling Manayunk And Pondering Pink Punch
By John W. Gilmore
On rainy days early Friday afternoon the streets of Manayunk are quiet. Despite the quiet, if you look around, you can see the merchants gearing up for the busy nightlife to come. Manayunk is a section of Philadelphia 15 minutes from Center City, King of Prussia, and the Mainline running along the Schuylkill River, with a strip full of many diverse shops, restaurants, spas and recreational facilities packed into a very small space.
One wonders how they survive. How do all of these restaurants compete with each other? I walk down the street looking at all of the stores, restaurants and businesses in wonder. I like to come here in the early afternoon when fewer things are open and the streets are not crowded and one can have a choice of quiet restaurants at which to dine. I notice that some businesses have closed, but only a few, leaving the storefront properties available right there on the main street. It is prime commercial real estate to be taken by someone who will add their commercial interests to a place booming with business and activities in the evening hours and weekends. The Manayunk Stroll the Street program initiated this past summer to introduce visitors to Manayunk has helped make the business district even more visible.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day every Thursday this summer one could shop, walk, and stroll through the neighborhood late into the evening. The majority of the restaurants, bars and recreation facilities participated with free offerings. From enjoying $6 spiked lemonades from Bourbon Blue, or Spritz Watermelon Margaritas, or Pink Punch at Craft Manayunk along with some spiced chicken skewers to Jakes Wine Bar where you could enjoy Napa Pinot Noir or Pan Seared Figs with Gremzelax Crisp Prosciutto and Port wine reduction, you could enjoy your walk paying $6 for food and drink. Most likely next summer the same type of adventure, due to its success, will await you. Be prepared to stroll the streets and enjoy the nightlife. There are always activities in this small section of Philadelphia not only in the summer and night, but all year round, (more than I can possibly list in this article) and their calendar is readily available online.
If you would like to explore some adventure off the beaten path right in your backyard and not in crowded downtown Center City, Manayunk is available for you all year round and close to many of the suburban cities. You can find out more about this small, but popular, section of the city at www.manayunk.com. Just take a look at their events, or better yet, sign up for the newsletter or the online magazine so that you will be ready, at any time, to take advantage of the adventure that awaits.
