Close to Philadelphia’s main enclave of early American independence-era attractions is Northern Liberties. This small grid of cobblestone streets, registered as a national historic district in 1985, has seen its share of hardships over the years, but is now undergoing a revival. Tourists passing through to catch a glimpse of the Liberty Bell can comb the shopping city's regenerated neighborhood, ripe with trendy fashion boutiques, galleries, and outdoor cafés.

Shop: Art Star (www.artstarphilly.com) showcases works for sale by local artists along with one-offs of everything from fine stationery to animal-themed coffee mugs and plates. One street over is Vagabond Boutique (www.vagabondboutique.com), a women’s clothing store stocked with wares by young Philadelphia designers and independent labels such as Moonblood, beloved for its silk-screened T-shirts.

Eat: Philadelphians are likely to mention Northern Liberties’ PYT (www.pytphilly.com), a boutique burger house and bar in the Piazza, an outdoor circus of retail shops, trendy salons, and eateries. This is where one can sample some only-in-Philadelphia specialties, like a bacon waffle burger or cheeseburger soup – not to mention the adults-only Juan Valdez shake (chocolate ice cream, Kahlúa, and Patrón XO).

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