Philadelphia's own Main Street

Once students get to know South Street and Center City's day- and nightlife by heart, there is still another section of Philadelphia left for them to explore: Manayunk.

Located minutes west of Center City along the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal, the area is home to over 70 boutiques, restaurants, bars and art galleries.

"Manayunk is growing. There are more young people and educated people moving here because it's the new place to be. It's expanding, but still small enough to be unique," Manayunk Diner owner Eric Papougenis said.

Shops offer everything from home-furnishing, accessory and gift shops to a bike shop and a music store.

Manayunk is especially well-known among young women for its clothing boutiques.

"We try to carry more unique items and get one of each thing, so shopping here is a different experience for everyone," said Denise Marica, a Haverford College junior and an employee at the Manayunk boutique Public Image.

Looking for a new CD? Stop by the 14-year-old Main Street Music, which sells both new and used CDs.

Although store owner Pat Feeney said that music-downloading has stolen some of his college-age customers, many continue to stop by for independent bands such as the Shins, Death Cab for Cutie and Broken Social Scene.

Once shoppers hear their stomachs grumbling, they can have a meal at one of Manayunk's many restaurants, which feature diverse cuisines from Indian to Thai to New American.

For the over-21 crowd, Manayunk also boasts a number of bars and taverns.

A favorite among college students and recent graduates is Manayunk's Grape Street Pub.

Owner Joseph Cahill says that that pub has been a stepping stone for many well-known musicians before they signed with major labels.

"We had Howie Day here when he was 17 years old," Cahill said.

Others who have played on his stage include G. Love and Special Sauce, the Roots, KRS One and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Cahill says that the diverse music draws different crowds each weekend.

"You can come here two times in one month and experience completely different people each time," he said.

Drexel senior Roman Maslennikov said that he has gone to Grape Street Pub each time he has visited Manayunk.

"You don't just go here to get wasted. You go here to be entertained," he said. "It's a change from all the bars on campus where you see the same people and hear the same songs. ... It's refreshing."

Getting there - By train: Take the R6 Norristown regional rail to Manayunk. The travel time is about 20 minutes, and the station is one block from Main Street. - By car: Take I-76 westbound to exit 338. There are over 600 parking spaces available in four different lots.

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