Manayunk and Roxborough, Philadelphia, PA
Back during the industrial revolution, company executives would live at the top of the hill. The workers lived at the bottom of the hill. Manayunk Avenue was the dividing line. Those houses on the uphill side of Roxborough Avenue were said to be in the Roxborough neighborhood. Those houses below the Avenue were said to be in Manayunk.
Though Roxborough Avenue still is a postal division, it is no longer a class divider. In fact, these days Main Street Manayunk is one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in the city. There is an abundance of good restaurants and fine shopping.
Many of the buildings that are now apartments, banks, shops, restaurants and bars, were once textile mills. Manayunk was once the textile hub of the world. In fact, many of the uniforms for the Civil War were produced in Manayunk. Also, there are many fine examples of interesting architecture along main street.
There are several festivals throughout the year in which the streets are closed down. The most famous of these is the annual bike race in which the contestants must climb the "Manayunk Wall". Manayunk also has a nice playground and interesting things for children to see.
From the South (New Jersey, South Philly, etc.)
From any of the bridges, head North/West on the Schuylkill Expressway
(Route 76). Go past Center City Philadelphia,
the Zoo, City Line Avenue, and the Roosevelt Blvd.
until you reach take the Manayunk Exit.
(You will also see signs for Belmont Ave. and Green
Lane.) At the bottom of the ramp,
make a right on Green Lane. Cross the Schuylkill River, and
make your first right on Main Street.
c The Philadelphia Spirit Experiment Publishing Company