Philadelphia

Over 100 years of tradition packed into a little section of 9th street; the Italian Market really needs no introduction. No bells and whistles; I give you the facts: Di Bruno Bros. Cheese, with cheese wheels the size of a large toddler; Sarcone's Deli, the most sought-after bread in the city; fresh meats-hanging-from-the-ceiling at Esposito's; Isgro Pateries, with wafting, sweet smelling scents that seduce market patrons for blocks; and Anthony's Italian Coffee House specializing in eye-opening espresso. The market is, hands down, the best reason to pull yourself out of bed on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Photo:  Nikki Volpicelli

Sometimes you just gotta really admire Philly. Where else on the East Coast can you just burn shit in barrels right on the street as hordes of locals and tourists stroll by? Take a walk through the Italian Market on 9th Street this weekend and see for yourself. Plastic coated cardboard box? Burn it. Random trash on the street? Burn it. You can’t even get away with that in New York’s Chinatown—and almost anything goes in that crazy neighborhood. So maybe it’s time for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation to drop http://uwishunu.com, their new campaign to attract hipsters to Philly. How about comewatchusburncrapinbarrels.com? Now that’s catchy.

Photo:  Craig Nelson