Don’t you just love happy accidents?

Cutting it slightly close, my fiancé John and I set out last weekend to purchase bands for our August wedding. I had my eye on a locally owned store called Bario Neil. The shop makes handcrafted jewelry in Philadelphia with reclaimed metals and ethically sourced stones.   

Thinking mostly of checking something off of our “to do” list, we headed towards the store on Saturday morning. It occurred to me as we arrived that we were in the Bella Vista section of Philadelphia — “beautiful sight” named by the first Italian settlers to put roots down in the city. The neighborhood is defined as the space between Sixth and 11^th streets and South and Washington.    

Known for the famous Ninth Street Italian market, I have also been told Bella Vista holds another food-related accolade: the brunch capital of Philadelphia. Home to institutions like Sabrina’s Café and the Morning Glory Diner, the family-friendly neighborhood is filled with amazing eateries.

So after a visit to Bario Neil and falling in love with rings far outside of our price range, we decided to grab a bite and consider our options. We walked for a bit, read menus and began enjoying the day. We found ourselves at an old favorite, Bistro La Minette. Here with escargots à la bourguignone to start, French bread and a half pichet de vin, we found the courage to throw caution to the wind and return to purchase the rings.   

It was a fantastic day in a fantastic neighborhood. I hope to return soon and explore a little further this great section of my city.  

— Danielle Hudena, executive vice president