From Logan Square to the Philadelphia Zoo, from the Shofuso Japanese House & Garden to the Kimmel Center, the Happiness Map is dotted with Philadelphia favorites.
The Happiness Map came out of Drexel University's Happiness Lab. The lab's director, Eric Zillmer, challenged his Psych 101 students to go out and explore the city and come back with one place that makes them happy.
The 243 students narrowed their findings to 28 spots that now make up The Happiness Map. Dr. Zillmer says the key is a place that makes you feel alive and present, where you feel larger than yourself.
There's a free exhibit about The Philadelphia Challenge at Drexel's W.W. Hagerty Library through November 30.
The Philadelphia Challenge Exhibit | The Happiness Map
3300 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104
Create your own ice cream at Hangry Bear Creamery, a sweet stop on Pennsylvania's Ice Cream Trail. They carry more than 30 handmade flavors with vegan and dairy free options on the menu.
The space also offers ice cream making sessions which have served as great birthday parties, work outings and just about any special occasion. Guests can create their own ice cream, pick the ingredients and bring it home when the class is over.
The Hangry Bear also offers savory dishes with a café menu that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have a barista serving an array of coffee drinks and boozy milkshakes for adults.
Hangry Bear Creamery | Facebook | Instagram
660 East Cypress Street Suite #101, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Sophie's BBQ brings longtime chef's Philly-style grub to suburbs.
Sophie's BBQ is named after the daughter of Owner/Executive Chef Greg Herman. Chef Greg has been cooking since he was a teen and after years in fine dining says he found himself drawn back to the basics of barbecue.
The menu has all the barbecue standards and classic sides, with culinary twists -- like a butterscotch swirl cornbread with orange honey vanilla butter, and a chicken-and-waffles dish with honey-whipped ricotta, candied bacon and a sweet potato waffle.
Chef Greg collaborates with Pennsylvania-based Four Birds Distilling for drinks and makes Eagles game day packages that include party-size servings of wings, ribs, brisket cheesesteak sandwiches and more. Coming to Sophie's in the fall, a new event they're calling Havertown Hog Roasts, will take place Thursdays in September.
Sophie's BBQ | Instagram
1901 Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19083
484-454-3074
Casa Borinqueña serves Puerto Rican favorites made vegan! Chef Lulu Nau and her son, Wenlock want you to feel like you're in Puerto Rico, with bright colors on the walls that evoke Old San Juan and island vibes.
On the plate, you'll find island favorites like mofongo cups, pasteles, and pastelillos, made vegan. They serve what they call the cheapest coffee in the neighborhood at $2/cup.
Casa Borinquena | Instagram
2557 Amber Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19125
Mama Hawk's Cafe at The Michener is a new location for a Bucks County favorite. The business was started in 2020 with the original location in Peddler's Village.
When husband and wife co-owners Liz and Doug Hawkins' children were younger, Liz's home baked treats earned her the nickname 'Mama Hawk' -- which then went on to be the name of the business.
In addition to their famous bean-to-cup coffee and espresso drinks, the cafe serves pastries, smoothies, sandwiches and more.
Mama Hawk's Cafe at The Michener | Facebook | Instagram
The Michener Museum
138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
215-340-9800
Allison Shimamoto is the owner of Haiama Beauty, a clean hair product company.
All of her products utilize organic ingredients, with a focus on serving Black, Brown, multiracial and multi-ethnic moms and their children.
Her most popular item is called 'the everything cream,' which can be used on your hair, face, and skin. Her soothing scalp serum helps with dandruff and mosquito bites.
Her business was initially a part-time venture, but with great success, Haiama Beauty became her full-time job.
Now, inside the Bok building, she creates her products based on customers' needs. She hopes that her products help her customers fall in love with their curls.
Haiama Beauty| Instagram| Facebook
Pocono Television Network takes us to Daisy Field Farms.
If you're craving a break from the noise and busy lifestyle, Daisy Field Farm may be just what you need.
It's a quiet mountain spot where you can hop on a horse, ride through the woods and see the land through the eyes of a family that's lived here for generations.
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Daisy Field Farm
542 Oley Valley Rd, White Haven, Pa. 18661