🛍️ What’s the future of South Street?

🤔 Condoms, Cannabis & Change on South Street

In yesterday’s episode of our South Street series, we established the corridor’s uniqueness, artistry, and entertainment as having attracted visitors for centuries. The stalwart Condom Kingdom and newcomer Cannabis Museum keep that spirit alive, but the strip has also seen vacancies, safety concerns, and questions over its future. So who is still holding down the fort after all these years and what do they think is next on South Street? [🎧 City Cast Philly]

• Related: Listen to episode one on South Street's history here. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🎉 Philly Gears Up for the Country’s 250th Amid What Could Be a Hot Mess

Next year is anticipated to be a big year for tourism in Philly, but federal policies could pump the breaks on travel plans. Gov. Shapiro expressed concern that immigration enforcement, tariffs, and other policies could hinder visitors and residents from participating in festivities. Despite this, Philly’s tourism marketing agency just launched a $9 million campaign to encourage tourists to come here. [🔒 The Inquirer, Visit Philadelphia]

• Related: If you’re curious about some of the fanfare planned for next year, Lemon Hill Neighbors released details about the FIFA Fan Fest coming to Fairmount Park. [Lemon Hill Neighbors Association]

🎡 New Attraction Could Be Coming to Philadelphia Zoo

For those who mourn the loss of the iconic Channel 6 balloon at the Philadelphia Zoo, there’s a new way to get eyes over Philly’s skies. As part of the 2026 celebrations, the zoo is proposing the installation of a 110-foot ferris wheel on the hot air balloon’s former site. The Art Commission will vote on the proposal today. I, however, will remain planted on the ground no matter the outcome. [JackPhillyRE]

Queen Village rests in a sweet spot of Philadelphia. The residential neighborhood with its colorful facades is within walking distance of Center City, the Delaware River waterfront, and Bella Vista’s Italian Market.

But that doesn’t mean you should brush off this Philly neighborhood, which has plenty to offer on its own. It's home to the city’s iconic South Street corridor, which throughout history has been home to artists getting their start and bars, clubs, and theaters promising visitors a good time out. Businesses like Condom Kingdom and the Cannabis Museum are keeping the strip’s quirky reputation alive. Along 4th Street is historic Fabric Row, which to this day preserves Philly’s textile spirit with a smattering of tailors, seamstresses, and fabric shops.

The Queen Village Neighbors Association defines the neighborhood’s borders as Lombard to the north, Washington Avenue to the south, 6th Street to the west, and the Delaware River to the east. The neighborhood’s original name was “Wicaco,” the Lenape word for “pleasant place” or “at the pine tree camp.” European settlers renamed it Southwark. Its current moniker is in reference to Queen Christina of Sweden who sent Swedes over to the area in the 1640s.

The neighborhood has undergone many fights, fires, and festivities throughout its history, which you can learn about in part one of City Cast Philly’s new South Street series. Although South Street and the surrounding Queen Village is ever changing, the community spirit remains alive through its local shops, events, and art. Here’s what you can find.

If you’re looking for a blast from the past…

At Retrospect Vintage and Philly Aids Thrift, one man’s so-called “trash” is another’s man’s treasure. These shops, whether you’re looking for something more curated or just a haul, have a vast collection of clothing, homegoods, and trinkets.

Blockbuster may be dead, but long live Pop Culture Vulture. Owner Steve Brasovankin collects any vintage pop culture gems, and it's the only place to go if you’re looking to build up your physical media collection with old CDs and DVDs.

ACE Coffee Outpost is half independent coffee roaster, half vintage store. You can browse its collection of throwback jerseys and streetwear while sipping on an iced blueberry latte as chill hip-hop beats play in the background.