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City Cast Philly

Cedar Park is a homey slice of West Philly that’s bounded by Kingsessing Avenue, Larchwood Avenue, 46th Street, and 52nd Street, according to the group 

 Philly, it used to be considered a “suburb,” as it offered residents less city noise and larger houses. It’s still a mostly residential area, but it now has plenty of shops and restaurants.

: Peter Boyle, known for his roles in “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Young Frankenstein,” 

grew up near 50th Street and Baltimore Avenue

Here are a few great spots to check out next time you’re in the area:

Pretend you’re on vacay at this Caribbean-inspired vegan café. Treat yourself to a Philly “cheesesteak” or an island-flavored smoothie 🍍

Go loco for nachos, gabacho tacos, and adobo wings at this cozy Mexican eatery. The dishes are as delicious as they are exquisitely presented. Don’t forget to pair your dish with tequila or cerveza 🍻

This shop has the perfect gift for any occasion. Browse through home goods, accessories, cute stationary, and stylish jewelry. There’s no rule against buying 

Tap into inner peace with zazen, a Zen Buddhist meditative discipline. This learning center offers in-person and virtual monthly sessions 🪷

What do you love about Cedar Park?

Cedar Park is a homey slice of West Philly that’s bounded by Kingsessing Avenue, Larchwood Avenue, 46th Street, and 52nd Street, according to the group Cedar Park Neighbors. 

Journey Through Cedar Park, West Philadelphia

Neighborhood Guides

Philadelphia has gorgeous bodies of water, but cleanliness is not their most prominent feature. 

One major culprit is how Philly’s sewer system was designed. Stormwater and sewage travel through the same pipes on their way to local wastewater treatment plants. During heavy rains, those plants are unable to handle the flow, and dump untreated sewage into local waterways.

The Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, as well as Cobbs, Frankford, Tacony, and Pennypack Creeks, absorb about 15 billion gallons of untreated sewage and rainwater annually, according to a 

This poses major health risks for Philadelphians who partake in 

 such as boating, fishing, and rowing. Pathogens within the sewage and runoff can cause nausea, rashes, ear infections, and diarrhea.

Due to the frequent sewage overflows, Philly residents miss out on recreation on most local waterways for about 128 days or more every year.

 that the city has made great strides in addressing this issue, but it “still puts public health at risk on far too many days of the year.”

The report highlighted multiple recommendations to improve public safety on our waterways:

Develop five new access points for recreational activities.

Use netting to capture untreated wastewater.

Improve infrastructure to capture stormwater.

This is a long-term project. So for now, 

 to see where the worst pollution is and how close it is to water recreation areas. And, here’s a 

 so you can see when it's safe to go on the water. 

Philadelphia has gorgeous bodies of water, but cleanliness is not their most prominent feature. A July PennEnvironment report revealed just how dirty our waterways are. S/O to GreenPhilly and The Philadelphia Inquirer for covering this story. 

Why Philadelphia’s Waterways Are So Dirty

Urban Almanac

Get in reader, we’re going on a tearful journey throughout the city. Sometimes the urge to sob comes on while you’re out and about, so if you need to find a nook to let the tears flow in private, this segment is for you. Here are a few spots where you can cry in relative peace and solitude.

, sat by the water and let the tears flow on a rainy day.” - Taria B.

“Sit at a bar facing your open laptop and intermittently sip your beverage. No questions asked.” - Carla B.

“I’d suggest crying in any of those private garden/brick walks in 

. I’d argue anywhere in that historic section near where the Declaration was signed, along the rivers, in any of the city parks on a bench or picnic blanket are great spots.” - Beth R.

“Late night walks on the SRT [Schuylkill River Trail] are ok, but it is better with a mask because it’s never that private!” - Gabe P.

“Fairmount Water Works is the best: literal waterfalls lead to eyeball waterfalls. I’ve had a good cry there before.” - Heidi L.

Many thanks to these Hey Philly readers, as well as Andres P., for submitting their go-to cry spots and some pro-tips ❤️

Where do you go when you need to cry?

Get in reader, we’re going on a tearful journey throughout the city. Sometimes the urge to sob comes on while you’re out and about, so if you need to find a nook to let the tears flow in private, this segment is for you. Here are a few spots where you can cry in relative peace and solitude.


Where to Cry in Public in Philadelphia

Where To Cry in Public in Philadelphia

Philly Life Hacks

the DMV. But now, Pennsylvania residents can be automatically registered to vote when receiving a driver’s license or state ID card, under a 

The goal is to increase voter turnout, by making it even easier to vote. When filling out digital forms at your local DMV, the computer screen will offer you a prompt where you can decide if you want to register to vote. All your voter information will then be submitted and/or updated, and voilà, you’re done ✅

 Pennsylvania residents registered to vote. But 1.6 million eligible voters across the Commonwealth remain unregistered, per 

 that states with automatic voter registration 

 in voter registration AND election day turnout. One study found that turnout increased 

, so we can address them in future segments!

Listen, I know most of us dread the DMV. But, if you’re not registered to vote, the next time you go you could knock out two errands in one. Pennsylvania residents can now become automatically registered to vote when receiving a driver’s license or state ID card. 

Pennsylvania Just Made Voter Registration Easier

Local Civics

It’s time to immerse yourself in the vivid foliage that autumn brings. Gas up the car and get ready to embark on leaf-peeping road trips in the Philadelphia-area:

What’s the Leaf-Peeping Forecast This Year? 👀

Pennsylvania and New Jersey trees are expected to start shifting 

from green to gorgeous hues of red, orange, and yellow. The arboreal display should peak in mid-October, and wrap up by the end of the month.

 in Hackettstown, New Jersey is an ideal spot for viewing foliage. Soak in miles of deciduous trees showing off warm colors like crimson and auburn. 🕣 [2 hrs, 3 min drive from Philly]

 to check out a wide variety of native and exotic non-native trees from sugar maples to scarlet oaks. Sign up for a 

 starting next month. 🕣  [32 min drive from Philly]

Marvel at the glorious leaves on cherry, birch, oak, and beech trees at 

 at a campsite or cabin. 🕣 [2 hrs, 28 min drive from Philly]

 for awe-inspiring views of trees ranging from Eastern red cedars to slippery elms. 🕣 [48 min drive from Philly]

Bring your nicest camera (even if it’s just your smartphone!), and some binoculars to see foliage from afar. Don’t have any? Check if your local library carries “

Pack a snack. Depending on the length of your journey, you may get hungry!

, so you can learn about the trees you’re admiring.

) in your leaf-peeping pics, and we’ll share them in our Instagram stories and potential future segments!

It’s time to immerse yourself in the vivid foliage colors that autumn brings. Gas up the car and get ready to embark on leaf-peeping road trips in the Philadelphia-area:

Your Guide to Leaf-Peeping Adventures Near Philadelphia

I think I speak for all Philadelphians when I say we could use a little fall vacation outside of the city. Here are some unique Airbnb’s in the region to ground yourself and recenter:

Refresh yourself with soothing mountain scenery in this chic home featuring a kitchen and dining room, a gas fireplace, an outdoor hot tub, and 30 acres of woodlands to explore 🌳

Newport, PA (approx. 2 hour, 24 minute drive from Philly) 

Who said vacations have to break the bank? Inhale some fresh air at this quiet stone cottage, knowing that your wallet is as happy as you are. This garden home features a kitchenette, HDTV and high speed Wi-Fi, and a small desk space. Find solace away from the city noise and decompress with a loved one (or by yourself!)

Easton, PA (approx. 1 hour, 26 minute drive from Philly) 

Chill in a rustic yet modern home sitting atop a mountain stream. Enjoy relaxing amenities like the fireplace and outdoor hot tub, and take advantage of local shopping and dining. With Hershey Park and Amish country just 45 minutes away, there are plenty of fun things to explore on your trip ☕️

: Wernersville, PA (approx. 1 hour, 24 minute drive from Philly) 

Gather a bunch of family and friends and step into a fairytale-esque mansion built in the 1860s. You’ll find everything you need in this charming castle from kitchen appliances to board games and outdoor recreation on a 2.4 acre property 🤩

 Myerstown, PA (approx. 2 hour drive from Philly)

Why stay on the ground when you could nest in a tree house, surrounded by nature’s melodies? Explore dense forests, local antique shopping, and get that TLC from nearby Woodloch spa. This elevated tree house comes with a fireplace, board games, a stocked kitchen, a cedar barrel hot tub, a record player, and a luxurious clawfoot tub 🛀🏽

 Beach Lake, PA (approx. 3 hour, 3 minute drive from Philly) 

Will you be booking a trip? 

Best Airbnb’s for a Fall Getaway Near Philadelphia

Philly's Best

Grab your coziest flannel and get a camera ready. Here are the best Philadelphia-area orchards, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes you can visit for a dose of harvest-season fun:

Bring a large tote bag to this spot for some of the best apple-picking around. Enjoy a scenic hayride and stock up on honeycrisp, gala, and ginger gold apples. Stop 

 for pies, donuts, and other baked goodies 🍎

Tuesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., last hayride: 5:30 p.m.

Langhorne, PA (approx. 32 minute drive from Philly.)

Head to another iconic farm just seven minutes away from Styer, for the 

. Shady Brook has it all: a massive corn maze, a pumpkin patch, Halloween activities, live entertainment, wagon rides, and more 🎃

Yardley, PA (approx. 44 minute drive from Philly.)

It’s a pick-your-own haven at this popular Media spot. Choose from apples, peaches, corn, nectarines, and more! Explore the pumpkin patch, enjoy fun hayrides, immerse yourself in corn mazes, and munch on caramel apples 🌽

Media, PA (approx. 37 minute drive from Philly.)

Hop on the Harvest Hayride at this Glen Mills farm. Enjoy pumpkin-picking, and classic corn maze fun with the family. Picnic areas are available for parties, which includes a truck and tractor playground, corn cannons, and a pillow bounce house.

Sept. 23 through Oct. 29, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Glen Mills, PA (approx. 49 minute drive from Philly.)

$20 for kids 12 and under, adults free, $5 corn maze.

Let this West Chester oasis fulfill all your fall 2023 dreams, with corn maze exploration, hayrides, apple cannons, and guided farm tours. Hit up the bakery for doughnuts, pies, muffins, and cookies 🍪

West Chester, PA (approx. 59 minute drive from Philly.)

Take your fall harvest adventures to a new dimension at the Chester Springs farm. Meander through the corn maze and pumpkin patch, meet cute farm animals, enjoy a hayride, and come home with gourds, squash, cornstalk bundles, mini pumpkins, and more from the creamery.

Chester Springs, PA (approx. 55 minute drive from Philly.)

Head to this Landsdale farm to pet adorable farm animals, explore a massive corn maze, and stock up on fresh produce. Mark your calendar for Sept. 23, and join the Lighting of the Great Pumpkin 🍂

Landsdale, PA (approx. 50 minute drive from Philly.)

Grab your coziest flannel and get a camera ready. Here are some Philadelphia-area orchards, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes you can visit for a dose of fall fun:


Best Fall Harvest Activities Outside of Philadelphia

Fall Getaways: Farms and Orchards

Why stay at ground level when you could enjoy your meal with an incredible view? Exactly. Check out some of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Philly:

Take a dip into luxury at this Logan Square hotspot. Head to the 9th floor to catch panoramic Philly views while sipping on a fancy cocktail. Keep your eyes peeled for fun events like drag tea parties and happy hours 🍾

This South Philly seasonal rooftop bar (April through October) offers spectacular skyline views, a large beer and wine selection, salsa nights, and yummy bar food from rotating chefs. Sign me up! 🍻

Treat yourself to modern Cantonese cuisine and culturally-inspired cocktails at this year-round rooftop restaurant and bar in Chinatown 🍜

Indulge in ceviche and mezcals at this 11th floor Rittenhouse Square taquería and bar. Enjoy Sunday brunch with a view on their lush terrace. It’s open all year, thanks to a retractable roof 🌮

This Old City haven is brimming with Philly history, dating back to the 1700s. Enjoy wood-fired pizza, Korean tacos, and craft beer on its year-round rooftop 🍕

What are your go-to rooftop spots in Philly?

Chill Out at the Best Rooftop Spots in Philadelphia

In 2021, Philadelphia established the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), an 

 aimed at improving police conduct and police-community relations.

But even with this new oversight, citizen complaints regarding police misconduct still languish, taking over a year (409 days) to actually be heard, according to a new 

. Back in 2017, the average wait time for processing was even longer, at 463 days.

 also surveyed more than 2,000 Philadelphians, and concluded that long wait times discourage more residents from filing complaints. S/O to 

The numbers spoke volumes, and participants made it clear that if they know an evaluation and penalty process will take more than a year, they are more likely to skip out.

Around 4.5% of respondents said they had experienced an encounter with an officer that would qualify as misconduct. Of that number, nearly three out of four said they did not plan on doing anything about it.

In 2021, the city established the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), which replaced the Police Advisory Commission (PAC). 

CPOC is an independent watchdog group, made of community advocates, business leaders, and legal experts that monitor and investigate Philly’s police department and recommend ways to improve conduct, practices, and policies. 

Have things improved under their oversight in 2023? Only slightly.


Why Philadelphians Don't Trust the Police Misconduct Complaint Process

Mt. Airy is a leafy, residential neighborhood in Northwest Philly, nestled right up next to Wissahickon Valley Park.

, an affluent colonial merchant, attorney, and public official, 

 outside of Philadelphia and named it “Mount Airy.” 

 of the surrounding neighborhood, which became a part of the city about a hundred years later.

 grew up on Lincoln Drive. She was the first Black woman to serve as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of State.

, who grew up in Mt. Airy, helped shape the famous “

” of the 70s and 80s as a songwriter for Gamble and Huff.

Here are a few spots to visit next time you’re in the area:

Savor a hand-crafted dish from this cozy modern Italian restaurant. Bring your finest bottle of wine to this BYOB and indulge in calamari, branzino or pan seared scallops 🍷

This 49-year-old co-op has all you need to stock your kitchen to perfection. It specializes in those hard-to-find items and bulk selections of nuts, grains, spices, and snacks. Click 

 for more grocery store recommendations 🥒

If you’re a Greek food fan, stop by this charming cafe for baklava, shawarma, and falafel. Your meal will taste even better with a refreshing fruit smoothie 🍌

Treat yourself to something sweet at this gourmet mobile stand. Send your taste buds to another dimension with flavors like cinnamon chocolate chip oatmeal cookies or pumpkin gingersnap 🍨

 in the city, according to you, our dear Hey Philly readers.

Mt. Airy is a leafy, residential neighborhood in Northwest Philly, nestled right up next to Wissahickon Valley Park. 

Your Guide to Mt. Airy, Philadelphia

. One Center City park is steadily attracting more bees, butterflies, and insects, making it potentially the biggest pollination station in Philadelphia 🐝

This spring, the Center City District’s (CCD) landscape team and horticultural partners got to work on a major project to turn Logan Square’s 

In June, the team cleared out the viburnum hedges near the splash fountain and planted 4,000 native species of pollinator-friendly plants, including ironweed, blue flag iris, and goldenrod.

The main goal is to provide an urban sanctuary for pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, beetles, and moths. S/O to 

In their search for sustenance (nectar and pollen), animals like bats, bees, and butterflies help spread pollen from plant to plant. Plants then use the pollen to produce fruits or seeds.

Here is a jaw-dropping statistic from the U.S Department of Agriculture to really drive their work home. About 

Without the help of pollinators, our food supply takes a major hit, cutting us off from several foods like chocolate, nuts, strawberries, apples, peaches, and potatoes 🥔

Many pollinators are struggling, due to factors like environmental contamination and habitat loss. This is where pollinator gardens come to the rescue!

The new plants in Sister Cities Park "will improve sightlines and visibility in the park, provide a joyous and colorful new experience for visitors, and create an eco-friendly benefit as what we believe will be Center City’s biggest pollinator garden,” said Prema Katari Gupta, CCD Vice President of Parks and Public Realm, 

This spring, the Center City District’s (CCD) landscape team and horticultural partners got to work on a major project to turn Logan Square’s Sister Cities Park into a flourishing pollinator garden. 

Philadelphia’s Newest Pollinator Paradise

of pickleball play coming from courts in Center City and Northwest Philly. Pickleball is 

, so City Cast Philly wanted to learn what all the fuss was about. 

We recently hit the court with USA Pickleball ambassador and local instructor Andrew Freedman to get 

 on how you can start playing in the city.

The game is a mix of ping-pong, badminton, and tennis, and it originated in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Freedman said families were seeking fun ways to entertain their restless kids during the summer. They incorporated different elements of each sport, and boom: pickleball was born 🏓

Pickleball doesn’t require much gear, and it’s quite affordable. All you need is a paddle (which 

 for under $100), and a pickleball (you can 

 and play with fellow enthusiasts through October.

If you’re not naturally athletic, don’t worry. Pickleball is light on running, beginner-friendly, and accessible for people of all ages. We believe in you! 💪

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, so City Cast Philly wanted to learn what all the fuss was about.

Your Guide to Pickleball in Philadelphia 

Philly, Explained

Philly has two iconic waterways, the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, and many smaller creeks providing countless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and fun. So strap on your hiking boots, grab your fishing gear, and get ready for some river adventures.

Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philly offers 

 at various locations around Northeast Philly and the suburbs through Oct. 24. Supplies provided 🎣

There’s also free catch-and-release fishing at 

 every Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

, located on Darby Creek, is a fantastic spot for bird-watching, with over 80 different species, including bald eagles.

Where else can you go birding? Philly Queer Birders founder Elise Greenberg shares 

the best spots in Philly to observe our feathered friends

Chill out in the hammock garden at Spruce Street Harbor Park, and enjoy the Delaware River breeze. Book a reservation online to 

Philly has two iconic waterways, the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, and many smaller creeks providing countless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and fun. So strap on your hiking boots, grab your fishing gear, and get ready for some river adventures.


Best River Activities in Philadelphia

If you were able to secure tickets to see Taylor Swift when she graced Lincoln Financial Field in May, you were truly one of the 

. Ticketmaster’s site crashed as Swifties spent hours trying to score seats, many with no success.

Another major issue was speculative ticketing: where sellers listed tickets that they didn’t actually have yet. Connecticut resident Scott Stanhope bought $2,600 tickets for his girlfriend, only to find out days before the show that 

Late last month, Pennsylvania House Rep. Robert Matzie introduced a bill to ban this widespread scheme to protect consumers. H/T to 

, Matzie emphasized the plight of consumers, painting a picture of how detrimental this practice can be.

“Best case, you get a refund. Worst case, you’re defrauded and lose your money. Either way, you don’t have those tickets, the ones you thought you had. You may have already booked a hotel or made travel plans. Those deposits and fees may be gone as well,” Matzie wrote.

 before the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee on Thursday, Sept. 7.

Late last month, PennsylvaniaHouse Rep. Robert Matzie introduced a bill to ban this widespread scheme to protect consumers. 

Listen To Our Podcast

Journey Through Cedar Park, West Philadelphia

Why Philadelphia’s Waterways Are So Dirty

Where To Cry in Public in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Just Made Voter Registration Easier

Your Guide to Leaf-Peeping Adventures Near Philadelphia

Best Airbnb’s for a Fall Getaway Near Philadelphia

Fall Getaways: Farms and Orchards

Chill Out at the Best Rooftop Spots in Philadelphia

Why Philadelphians Don't Trust the Police Misconduct Complaint Process

Your Guide to Mt. Airy, Philadelphia

More from City Cast Philly

Philadelphia’s Newest Pollinator Paradise

Your Guide to Pickleball in Philadelphia

Best River Activities in Philadelphia

PA Lawmakers Want To Ban Deceitful Ticket Selling Practices

Exploring Olde Kensington, Philadelphia

Bridging the Digital News Divide with Former Resolve Philly Reporter Kristine Villanueva

Providing Shade in Philly's Hottest Neighborhoods

Your Guide to Relaxation in Philadelphia

The Origin Story of West Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Garden