Wolf Blog Post: Northern Liberties
Walking around Northern Liberties makes one forget they are living in the city. Small businesses and many friendly restaurants fill the blocks, while artistic and hip residents walk about. A general mission to live sustainably and to support local and emerging talent is noticed immediately. It is impossible to walk into a store, restaurant, or business without seeing loads of postcards advertising upcoming events in the neighborhood.
Since the first time I ventured into Northern Liberties, I always felt welcomed. For the most part, NoLibs is kind of one of those “if you live here, you stay here, and if you don’t, you must really love it to venture all this way” kind of places. When talking about NoLibs in other areas of the city, the response is usually along the lines of “(scrunches face) I don’t go to Northern Liberties”. But it is truly a gem. Hand picked merchandise is complimented by the increased interest in supporting local art.
The Piazza at Schmidts does a wonderful job of creating an open and inviting environment for residents and visitors. Created in the style of a European apartment complex with an open courtyard surrounded by shops and restaurants, with apartments on top, the Piazza is unlike anything else in the city. Northern Liberties is void of many of the normal high rise apartments, and as an added bonus, parking is free (perhaps this is due to the fact that the neighborhood is so far removed, its impossible to get anywhere without a car). On the weekends, residents and visitors are invited to the “Market at the Piazza” which is modeled after a flea market and famers market. Vintage clothing, emerging talent and local food vendors supply fabulous artifacts. Another great feature of the Piazza is its stage and large projection television. During this past summer, I enjoyed multiple free concerts from my favorite alternative bands here. There was no shortage of food and drinks to keep me happy, either. On nights when there aren’t concerts, people can sit and catch the Eagles game, a cooking show or even a movie.
Although residents sometimes look down on the Piazza (to some, it seems like a false way to participate in the slightly eccentric lifestyle of Northern Liberties), the building has brought so much life to the neighborhood. While there are small businesses that do not reside in the Piazza or its sister development, Liberties Walk, they have defiantly become landmarks of the neighborhood. The village that has been created provides so many outlets in to one small area.
The Northern Liberties resident has a different fashion sense than that of some other areas of the city. Many residents are young artists and, with the bustling restaurant scene at their fingertips, much time is spent relaxing while eating and drinking well, with less time spent looking trendy. As I mentioned previously, being eco-conscious is a defining characteristic of the neighborhood. The laid back lifestyle is reflected in clothing that is made well, but also made consciously. There is an apparent “hipster/hippie” look that one will notice immediately. Piercings and tattoos are commonplace for natives, while dramatic haircuts and skateboards are normal accessories. It is rare to walk around without seeing someone relaxing at one of the local coffee shops, wearing a graphic t-shirt with artwork done by an emerging talent.
While to some, Northern Liberties may seem like more of a destination than an easy commute, it is brimming with activities and life. Restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, coffee shops and more provide residents and visitors with a brighter view on how city life could be lived.
