favorite philadelphia haunts (sans food)

these are great stores to spend an afternoon in. disclaimer: some of these are girlie in nature

1
the eye's gallery
located on 402 south street. this gem graces us with three floors of mexican folk art delight. all hail the zagars!
2
robin's books
located at 108 s 13th street. not only the oldest indie book store in our city, but also the best.
i was unaware, until:
"After 73 years Robin's Book Store, Philadelphia's oldest independent book seller, is about to: expire, perish, pass away, be taken, resign our being, end our days, breathe our last, depart this life, be no more, pop off, give up the ghost, pay our debt to nature, shuffle off this mortal coil, go the way of all flesh, hand in our chips, come to dust, cross the Stygian ferry, go to Davy Jones' locker, go out like the snuff of a candle, come to an untimely end, catch our death, go off the hooks, kick the bucket, buy the farm, hop the twig, turn up our toes. Operating a book store was always a better hobby than a way to make a living, but now it is impossible. Blame it on the Economy. Blame it on the Chain Stores. Blame it on the Internet. Blame it on Reading Habits."
3
long in the tooth
located at 2027 sansom street. i have found many rarities at a decent price here. the married couple who own this fine record shop are extremely helpful and don't subscribe to any of your typical "record shop owner snobbery."
4
vagabond
located on 37 n 3rd street. i've been known to spend my rent money on items from this store.
5
book trader
located at 7 n 2nd street. ah... this is what a book store should be, and what a book store should smell like. as with most indies, it was not designed for easy navigation. if you're searching for a particular title, then just go to borders.
6
art star
located at 623 n 2nd street. support handmade crafts!
7
antique market
located at 615 s 6th street. i have yet to actually purchase anything from here. i will say, however, that it is a lovely place to wander around in and ask questions about various oddities.
8
petulia's folly
located at 1710 sansom street. chock full of overpriced items with carcasses in them.
9
vintage connection
located at 701 s 9th street. get your weekly fruits and veggies at the italian market then meander on over to this great little boutique. they seem to always have a sale going on (score). not to mention, their jewelry is tops.
10
lush
located at 1428 walnut street. buy your fresh, hand made, cruelty-free bath products here.
warning: sales associates here are trained to be extremely annoying. i should know, i worked there. avoid making eye contact.
11
spice corner
located at 904 s 9th street. tea time!