PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — This week on FYI Philly, we go in search of our happy place.

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

Sophie’s BBQ brings longtime chef’s Philly-style grub to suburbs.

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. On the plate, you’ll find island favorites like mofongo cups, pasteles, and pastelillos, made vegan.

Casa Borinquena | Instagram
2557 Amber Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19125

Mama Hawks 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 Hawks 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.

After experimenting with natural hair care products while in school, a mainstream curly hair product caused her hair to fall out, prompting her to create her products.

With rave reviews from friends and the encouragement of a business professor mentor, she went down the route of entrepreneurship.

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.

Her products are designed to be kind to the earth and curls. 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.

Paid Sponsor Partnership

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.

Daisy Field Farm
542 Oley Valley Rd, White Haven, Pa. 18661

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