Location: Fishtown 📍
February 9, 2022
Hi SEPTA Rider! In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to highlight one of our black-owned Perks Partners, Harriet’s Bookshop, and pay a visit at their Fishtown location.
Harriett’s Bookshop is an independent business located on Girard Avenue in the popular Philadelphia neighborhood, Fishtown. The bookshop is named after the famous historical heroine, Harriette Tubman, and is dedicated to celebrating women authors, women artists, and women activists.
If you’re a SEPTA Key cardholder, you can save 20% off merch (clothing) online when using the promo code SEPTA during check out. Even though this Perk is offered online only, I will say the trip to this amazing business is worth your while.
I took the Market-Frankford Line aka the El aka the Blue Line. This mode of transportation is the most efficient way to go to my desired destination.
I planned my trip at ISEPTAPHILLY.com, Center City to Fishtown is only an 8-minute ride on the El then a 6-minute walk from Girard station to Harriett's Bookshop.
I tapped in at the turnstiles at 13th Street Station and only had to wait a few short minutes for the MFL to arrive. I kindly let the other passengers step off before I got on.
The ride felt very quick. The train started off as a subway underground then after a few stops elevated above ground, hence the name: The El. I arrived at Girard Station then headed down the stairs to the street. I then entered Harriett’s Bookshop into my GPS and started walking.
When I reached the store my immediate thought was “wow, this is the most aesthetically pleasing bookshop I have ever seen”. The store was so well lit with natural lighting and the floor designs are so eye-catching. The urban yet contemporary theme is carried out throughout the first floor from the children’s section in the back, to the main entrance in the front.
While taking pictures of the bookshop, I noticed a doorway that led downstairs to a lower level. I went down the steps to go check out this mysterious room. The room was illuminated by a beautiful blue light that automatically sent my mind to a place of relaxation. The room looked like an area where I could sit, unwind, and read my favorite novels all day long.
After capturing more photos, I made my way back up to the main entrance and decided to head out and go back to work.
Remember, mistakes are meant to be lessons, and it was at this point where I made a small mistake that I won’t ever forget 🤷🏾♀️😂. I walked up to the platform and tapped in at the turnstile. I knew I had to head eastbound to Frankford, so I stood on the side that read “Eastbound to Frankford”, makes sense, right? The train arrived and I hopped on. As we began to move, I noticed the stops being displayed on the digital screen were not headed in the direction of Center City. I was going in the wrong direction 😱.
I got off the train at the next stop and quickly activated my critical thinking skills. I looked at the signage around me and realized I overlooked one small yet important detail. The sign that read “Eastbound to Frankford” has an arrow next to it and points towards a staircase that leads to the eastbound side. I felt so silly. I corrected my mistake and made my way to the appropriate side of the platform. From that point on, it was smooth sailing back to 13th Street.
The cost to ride the MFL, no matter the starting point, is $2.00 when utilizing Travel Wallet on your SEPTA Key card. The cost when using cash is $2.50 and must be exact change if paying the cashier or you can purchase a quick trip from a SEPTA Key fare kiosk. And remember, facemasks are required on all SEPTA modes.
During this trip, I was reminded that reading is fundamental, and I should always pay attention to details (like arrows), no matter how small. I had fun exploring the city (even if it was unintentional) and I arrived at my destinations safely and soundly.
