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City Cast Philly

City Cast Philly staff

✏️ Find past crossword puzzles below:

This mini-crossword is filled with clues on Philly history and headlines. 

Can You Solve This Philly-Themed Crossword?

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

Marie Albiges

” viral merch trend via the cute hats at 

, and I’ve been delightfully repeating that phrase to myself for weeks now (many hot dogs were consumed by yours truly down the shore last week). Minor Details is for the Phillies girlies — think beaded purses, bedazzled headbands, candles, earrings, tank tops, and crop tops. You’ll find cute merch for every Philly sports team, plus gifts for the Swiftie in your life.

South Philly locals and Temple University grads Tony Trov and Johnny Zito know all of the Philly lore, and they’re printing it on T-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts at 

. My personal favorite Phillies T-shirt design on the rack right now: The Phanatic reimagined as Leonardo da Vinci’s 

. (Note: South Fellini’s summer hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11 am-6 pm, and Sunday 10 am-5 pm).

Shibe Vintage Sports (Gayborhood and suburbs)

 has an entire collection of All-Star game apparel, including hats and T-shirts that feature the 1952 and 1996 All-Star games in Philadelphia. They even have a display of items related to the 1952 game, including an 

 of the Philadelphia Athletics. In addition to carrying officially licensed merch, you’ll find vintage original styles from local screen printers and local artists.

Serendipity Shops (Chestnut Hill, Doylestown, and Avalon, NJ)

This is the spot to hit up for a gift for the hard-core Phillies fan in your life. Because they definitely need a 

. In addition to gifts and apparel from all of your favorite Philly sports teams, 

carries locally sourced goods from companies like Hank Sauce, Philadelphia Candle Co., and Dionis Goat Milk Skincare.

Five of our Phillies made the National League roster for the All-Star Game, so we’re sharing places to shop local and show your support for the Fightins at the game and all season long.

5 Places to Get Unique Phillies Gear 

Keep It Local

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Keep It Local with City Cast Philly

The last time the MLB All-Star Game came to Philadelphia, John Foley was a die-hard 15-year-old Phillies fan. He couldn’t get tickets to the game at Veterans Stadium, so a buddy brought his television outside and the block gathered to watch. A lone Phillies player, pitcher Ricky Bottalico, had made the team.

“I remember the energy, the excitement around it,” Foley said.

This year Foley will be in the stands at Citizens Bank Park with his kids, watching MLB’s best players. He’s been enmeshed in the world of the Phillies his entire life, spending years covering the games part-time for local media outlets and independently on 

. But while working as a lawyer, he had been trying to figure out a way to turn his love of Philly sports and its fan culture into a full-time job. And in March, he saw the opportunity: Opening a store selling authentic, local sports apparel, merchandise, and memorabilia in a Graduate Hospital spot that was previously a smoke shop.

“I camped out, watched everybody who was coming by. Every other person had a Phillies hat on,” Foley said.

 opened in May. The shop sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, hats, accessories, decor, trading cards, and art designed by local artists like 

, as well as vintage sports memorabilia through 

. Foley’s also carries beaded bags, purses, and accessories from the female Philly duo behind 

Foley said he wants to ensure the shop is curated with Philly fans in mind and showcases the work of the artists who understand the unique fandom of this town. He’s also launching fan experiences, starting with a meet-and-greet with the Phillies’ new right fielder, Derek Hill, who will be signing autographs on July 17 at 6 pm.

“I don’t think you could do a store like this anywhere else,” Foley said. “Whatever it is that makes Philly sports so special, we want to capture it in the shop.”

The shop sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, hats, accessories, decor, trading cards, and art designed by local artists. 

The New Philly Sports Shop Every Fan Should Know About

 in Old City, you’re immediately hit with the smell of sweetness: melted chocolate, creamy caramel, the slightest hint of fruit.

You’re also hit with the feeling that you just stepped back in time: the creaking and original hardwood floors, the intricate blue-and-white fixtures, the old-timey cash register, the 19th-century stained glass. This chocolatey, nostalgic sensation feels right for a visit during America’s 250th celebration.

As she walks me through the storefront and into the kitchen, Pavia Burroughs, Shane’s creative director, rattles through a list of the confectionery’s owners since 1863: The Herrings, the Denglers (Daniel Dengler allegedly dabbled in the fireworks trade during the slow summer chocolate season), the Wescotts, and the Shanes, who held onto the business for 99 years before bequeathing ownership to the Berley Brothers (who had opened the nearby Franklin Fountain) in 2010.

“(The Shanes) had really made an impression in the city… and in order to pay homage to the really ingrained legacy at that point, the Berleys decided to keep it named ‘Shane,’” Burroughs said.

Today, all of the chocolate and ice cream at Shane Confectionery, 

The Franklin Fountain and The Franklin Ice Cream Bar

 next door is made in-house. The cocoa beans are ethically sourced from Uncommon Cacao, ground in the back of Shane’s, melted down and turned into everything from passionfruit caramels (Boroughs’ favorite) to the popular Schnickelfritz peanut butter crisp in dark chocolate (a crowd favorite). The packaging, also done in-house, is designed by Burroughs, who first started working there as a candy clerk.

In addition to buying chocolates, candies, and cookies, customers can drink seasonal hot and cold chocolate in the cafe between the storefront and the kitchen. The cafe’s 1880s wooden counters are all salvaged from shuttered local candy shops.

For America's 250th, The Franklin Fountain is serving up two patriotic specials: 

, named after the highly potent drink served at America’s oldest angling club that allegedly made George Washington hungover for three days (the Franklin version swaps brandy and rum for black tea, lemon, and peach), and a 

 featuring layers of lemon sorbet, vanilla ice cream, mango sorbet, and raspberry compote.

America’s Oldest Confectionery

 sits a wrinkled, slightly dirty flag with 38 stars on it — the American flag of 1876, created when Colorado joined the Union. Old and new flags of all sizes cover every inch of space inside the store, the origins of which date back to 1805 (the company was founded in New York and moved to Philadelphia in 1864). Inside, you’ll find flags for every country, every state, every Philly sports team, as well as patches, buttons, and flag accessories.

If you’re looking for Philly-centric gifts, home goods, apparel or art, 

 on South 13th Street might have exactly what you need. Yes, they have all the cute sports apparel and merch you could want, but they also stock uniquely Philly items like this 

 I’m obsessed with and fun Philadelphia icons dish towels.

What’s more Philly than supporting fellow Philadelphians? At 

, you’ll find local makers’ handmade items, including jewelry, artwork, candles, home decor, baby gifts, accessories, and greeting cards.

is the heartbeat of Philly’s art scene. It’s home to over 200 Philly-area artists and makers and has a huge community following. Originally intended as a holiday pop-up, Philadelphians loved it so much that they helped Art Mart create a permanent storefront on Philly’s iconic South Street.

While the city may be swarming with tourists — both for the semiquincentennial and the ongoing FIFA World Cup games — we’ve got a shopping guide for the best places to feel like a local and dive deep into Philadelphia’s history.

Celebrate America’s 250th Like a Local

Siani Colón

After hyping it up all year long, the country’s semiquincentennial celebration is here. Independence Day is the buzziest topic in July, and we encourage you to participate in the remaining 

 festivities. But after the Fourth, what else is there to do for the rest of the month?

The World Cup wraps up this month, with Philly’s last game on July 4. If you’re looking for another sport to root for, Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby and All-Star Game return to Philly July 13 and 14. But that’s not all. MLB is taking over for several days, including the 

 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center July 11 through 14.

The American Revolution isn’t the only revolt being celebrated this month. Bastille Day is July 14, celebrating the French Revolution. As the 

 on July 12 to raise funds for Alliance Française de Philadelphie, which supports the study of the French language and Francophone cultures. Also on July 12, local French organizations are 

celebrating 250 years of French-American friendship

 at Rittenhouse Square’s French Quarter. Speaking of that friendship, the Museum of the American Revolution is zooming in on France’s role in the American Revolution with 

“Red White & Bleu: Revolutionary Alliances.”

 runs from July 2 through 12, offering patrons discounts on dishes from African, African American, and Caribbean cultures. The series will also include a music and food festival at Love Park on July 11. Want to learn more about the cultures across the African continent? Visit 

The Philly Youth Music Fest returns for its third year, showcasing young performers participating in the city’s music programming.

 This year’s event is at Spruce Street Harbor Park

 on July 19. Attendees can listen to over 25 live performances, participate in workshops, and win prizes.

One of Philly’s prestigious art institutions is celebrating summer with its annual 

 event on July 12. The Barnes Foundation will have live DJs, art workshops, and a craft market. If you’re a Philly resident, take advantage of free admission not just that day, 

It’s market season, so stock up on goods from Philly’s small businesses. The 

takes over the Sheet Metal Workers Union on July 17 through 19. The 

 will shut down the 900 and 1000 blocks of South Street on July 31.

Honor and learn about Philly’s Mantua neighborhood at 

, an outdoor dance festival. The daylong movement event at Miles Mack Playground is on July 11. Over in Manayunk, go beyond your typical post-work happy hour experience with 

. The seasonal event features pop-up vendors, movie nights, and art demos every Thursday evening throughout July.

If you have a weird sense of humor, this alternative comedy festival is for you. 

 returns to the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake from July 9 through 13. The event features a mix of improv workshops, game shows, live readings, and screenings. After that, head to Helium Comedy Club on July 18 for the 

 featuring touring headliners and local acts.

Summer’s just getting started in Philly, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied after America’s birthday.

Your Guide to Philadelphia in July 2026

How to Spend July 2026 in Philly

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

Walking around Independence National Historical Park, you may run into a man who looks like he just stepped out of the 18th century. Dressed in a dark jacket and white cravat, you’ll often find him greeting passersby or walking with his Bible. You likely just encountered 

, who founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Or at least, the man who’s portraying him.

Robert Branch, a first-person historical interpreter, has been playing Allen for about seven years. He previously depicted 

, a 19th-century educator and civil rights activist. He’s one of several costumed History Makers at 

 who bring the city’s history to life through interactive storytelling. Here’s a glimpse into that experience.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

“The first-person interpreter researches the historical figure and then brings that figure to life from their perspective.

“Historic Philadelphia has a principle that when you share history, it has to number one, be real. It has to be factual. But more importantly, it has to be relevant to today … I try not to deal with triviality.

“I do focus on more what it was like to be an African American in the time frame of the [American] Revolution and Constitution, basically covering the years from 1760 until about 1830 … and the reality was most African Americans were enslaved and, by one way or another, managed to get freedom. But the thing I'm trying to communicate is that freedom is just the first step. Now, you want equality. It's not enough to be free. You want to be recognized as an equal human being.”

Where can we find you, and how long does each session last?

“On an ongoing basis, Tuesday through Saturday, I’m in one of three places: I’m in the Visitor Center; I’m behind Independence Hall; or I’m at Carpenter’s Hall.

“Sometimes you'll speak to people, and they're very curious about you, and you give them a couple minutes, two minutes, five minutes … sometimes people really want to stay for 16, 20 minutes.”

What helps you stay in character to embody these figures?

“I’m interpreting history, but the basis of it is my personal experience.

“[My father] would always share with me the struggles that he had to demonstrate his equality ... even when I was in college, in so many situations, I had the challenge of demonstrating equality.

“When I look at the history of this country, this is an aspect that should be acknowledged. It's not just independence from England. It's a layer of people who were African or darkskinned that also struggled to get equality, just as the colonists wanted equality with England. African Americans wanted equality and independence from the colonists.”

Before you portrayed Richard Allen, you portrayed Octavius Catto. How did that come to be?

“I [was a storyteller] for about a year or so, and one of the stories that I told was Octavius Catto’s. Right around that time, coincidentally, the city of Philadelphia was preparing to erect a memorial to Octavius Catto on the southern side of City Hall.

“And the city, Mayor [Michael] Nutter, asked Historic Philadelphia, ‘Hey, we need a first-person interpreter.’ And since I have been telling the story … they approached me to do that.

Octavius Catto at Mayor Nutter's press conference

 when he announced that the city was giving $500,000 to the memorial that is now at City Hall. And so I did that for a number of years.

“However, as time goes on, I'm not getting any younger … so it became obvious that I couldn't continue to do Octavius's character because I was too old. And so that's when Historic Philadelphia approached me and said, ‘Hey, Bishop Richard Allen lived until he was about 71 years old.’ And that’s roughly my age now, so that was a better fit for me.”

 regarding what history is being told and how?

“How I navigate it is just simply to share the truth.

Share the facts. It doesn't do any good to make up things or embellish things and make all kinds of wild speculations. No, I simply share what the experience was.

“I haven't had people confront me and tell me to shut up …

Those are not the people that will stop and talk to me. Those are the people that will pretend they don't even see me.”

Who would you like to see join the lineup of History Makers?

, immediately. That's somebody, really, that is underrepresented in historic interpretation … You know Harriet Tubman and people like that, but this guy was considered to be the father of the Underground Railroad.”

Learn about Philly history through Historic Philadelphia’s

. To become a storyteller and first-person historical interpreter, keep an eye on 

. Ready to explore history? Here are some places to 

Walk around Independence Mall and learn colonial history from figures such as Bishop Richard Allen.

What It’s Like To Be One of Philly’s History Keepers

What Does It Take To Tell Philadelphia’s Story?

Opened in 2010, Fairmount Bicycles sells new and used bikes and offers tuneups

and repair classes. The shop’s guided rides are super popular, including a three-hour 

 offers handcrafted, sustainable, and functional goods, intentionally partnering with artisans from diverse backgrounds. Inside you’ll find everything from a display of locally made hot sauces to handcrafted pottery, candle holders, and recycled clothing.

Queer Candle Company (various markets and festivals)

While this queer-owned candle company doesn’t have a physical storefront, you can catch it at various farmer’s markets, festivals, and events across town, including this weekend at the 

 (June 28). Nearly a dozen small Philly businesses also carry these candles, including 

South Philly Yarn and Craft (East Passyunk)

If you’re looking to put down your phone and pick up a craft, head to 

in East Passyunk, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of high-quality, sustainable yarn materials and tools. There’s also classes and workshops for learning to knit, crochet, and drop spindle, with various levels for beginners and more advanced crafters.

4 Places to Support Pride in Philly All Year Round

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which 

awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star

Since our culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

Blue Warbler | 8001 Germantown Ave. (Chestnut Hill)

From coffee to cocktails, this restaurant serves diners all day long. The 

brainchild of Chestnut Hill’s Fred Mogul

, the menu combines Mediterranean, Jewish, Persian, Balkan, and American cuisines to create casual yet unexpected combinations of pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.

Café Tinto | 1701 N Front St. (Fishtown)

Do you ever get a midday craving for breakfast? Well 

 serves it through the afternoon. Specializing in Colombian food and coffee, you can order empanadas and guayaba pastries IRL or have them delivered via DoorDash.

Officially open for regular dining with a 

winery downstairs and a restaurant upstairs

, this spot allows diners to pick their preferred vibe. Maybe you're in the mood for a tasting of small-batch wines, or perhaps you prefer to hang out with a signature cocktail and seasonal plate? All are options.

The Garden at City Tavern | 138 S 2nd St. (Old City)

 City Tavern was closed for around six years. Now 

 its yard for outdoor dining, drinks, and colonial history programming.

Winners Ice Cream | 1610 South St. (Graduate Hospital)

Created as a place to celebrate the wins in life, 

takes on South Street with small-batch ice creams in flavors like MVPeanut Butter Crunch and Summer Slam Strawberry. If you swing by, make sure to write your successes on a sticky note and add it to the 

Soufiane at the Morris | 225 S 8th St. (Washington Square West)

Combining a Parisian brasserie with Moroccan influences gets you 

, you can order dishes like escargot and bone marrow.

Philly Surf Club | 699 N. Broad St. (West Poplar)

, Beverage Director Nico Diaz and Culinary Director Natalie Maronski laid down permanent roots with this 

 in the Divine Lorraine building. All drinks are inspired by different beach towns from around the globe. I'll be getting my cocktail with a rubber toy on top when I order 

South Philly Barbacoa at Triple Bottom Brewing | 915 Spring Garden St. (Poplar)

The widely recognized Chef Cristina Martinez is expanding her South Philly Barbacoa concept to 

 on Spring Garden Street. After selling her authentic Mexican lamb tacos and sweet tamales at pop-ups at the brewery (which City Cast Philly 

highlighted for its apprenticeship program)

, the collaboration is becoming official with a 

Mr. Edison | 200 S Broad St. (Rittenhouse Square)

The newest restaurant coming from big-time restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow is the Thomas Edison-inspired supper club, 

 with a Ferris wheel-adorned bar, you can expect extravagant meals with live music.

Love City Brewing & Sophie’s BBQ | 4323 Main St. (Manayunk)

The taproom and BBQ joint have joined forces to be your one-stop shop for beers and brisket inside the former Fat Lady Brewing. 

 offers everything from BBQ sliders to smokehouse nachos. 

 has an extensive drink menu, with plenty of non-alcoholic options as well, and leans on Philly-centric naming. City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz recommends trying the smoked chicken sandwich.

Mod Spuds | 1424 South Street (Graduate Hospital)

 to make its grand return, but in the meantime, Chef Ange Branca is introducing us to her latest concept, 

. Originally a one-month residency at Comfort & Floyd, Branca’s Philly and Malaysian spin on the classic loaded jacket potato took off. The new brick-and-mortar features the Mod Spud (baked beans, chili con carne, scallion), Philly Spud (cheesesteak, pepper relish), and a build-your-own-spud option.

Universal Bread Bakers | 2921 E. Thompson St. (Port Richmond)

Philly’s local culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delicious spots that have opened since 2024. Check them out! 

things to do

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

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Latest articles

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5 Places to Get Unique Phillies Gear

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America’s Oldest Confectionery

Celebrate America’s 250th Like a Local

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What Does It Take To Tell Philadelphia’s Story?

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America’s Oldest Confectionery

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How to Spend July 2026 in Philly

What Does It Take To Tell Philadelphia’s Story?

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