We're taking a week off for the holiday, but that doesn't mean you have to -- check out some of our favorite stories from the past couple months. Flying Kite will be back in December with hot news and intriguing features.

Our biggest story of the year so far ran just last week -- this rundown of the 14 development projects that will transform Philadelphia:

While the resuscitation of the Divine Lorraine could be a huge economic boon to North Broad Street, it will definitely be a powerful emotional boost to the preservationist in all of us -- it's impossible to walk by this gorgeous relic and not pray for its salvation. 

Another one of our favorite features detailed the resuscitation of Jenkintown's commercial center, and explained how national trends towards walkable, dense neighborhoods has spread beyond downtown:

But look behind the western side of Old York Road and Jenkintown's recent commercial resurgence becomes more evident. The town square is ringed by small businesses and restaurants, and even sports a gazebo in the center. This is partially due to the work of Carolyn Hirsch, director of operations for Jenkintown-based Lindy Communities, a property management firm, and a longtime resident (though she now lives two blocks into Abington). 

In a big boon for local small businesses, Kiva Zip has come to Philadelphia. Thanks to support from the Commerce Department, the domestic microloan program is already boosting the city's entrepreneurs.

For Peter Merzbacher of Philly Muffin in Olney, it was a neighborhood connection that led him to Kiva Zip...

"I had a great experience with Kiva, and I would do it again," says Merzbacher. "A lot of people prefer Kickstarter because it's free money...But if I take Kiva Zip money and pay it back, [those lenders] are more likely to lend it back out. I like that. Now my parents and other friends are lending money to other entrepreneurs."

Lastly, the city's startup scene continues to grow. DreamIt Ventures, Philly's top accelerator, is shepherding the region's next top companies.

Twelve startup hopefuls will spend the next 90 days at DreamIt Ventures’ West Philadelphia headquarters, learning how to progress from great idea to viable business venture. Housed within the Innovation Center @3401, a joint project of Drexel University and the University City Science Center, DreamIt provides the startup teams with $25,000 in seed funding plus workspace, coaching and one-on-one mentoring, introductions to potential investors, weekly "partner" meetings, and frequent speakers and social events in a process that organizers promise will be grueling, challenging and ultimately invaluable. 

Demo Day is coming up on December 3. 
 
LEE STABERT is managing editor of Keystone Edge and Flying Kite Media.