Once a classic working-class neighborhood, Fishtown got its name from the American Shad Fish that appear annually in the Delaware River and the thriving fishing industry that came as a result. Now an up and coming area of the city, Fishtown is seeing a significant increase in independently owned businesses, popular restaurants, shops, galleries, studios, and bars. North of Girard Ave, south of Lehigh Ave, and– although disputed by long term residents as to where the boundaries lie– tucked between the Delaware River and N Front St, this part of town has a thriving art and music scene. Fishtown is an area of convenience being close to the popular Northern Liberties, while also being a stop on the El. There are several small parks in the area including Penn Treaty Park on the River equipped with a playground, lots of open space, and a biking/running trail that leads to the back of SugarHouse Casino and down to Penn’s Landing. And that’s not all! The neighborhood has some small funky hotels such as Wm. Mulherin’s Sons Hotel. Fishtown houses the Alexander Adaire School (Elementary) and Penn Treaty School (grades 6-12).
