Isabella Sparrow
One glance at all the homespun textiles, ironstone pitchers, metal milk-bottle caddies, etc., and you'll have a sudden desire to flee the city for greener pastures. Instead, you'll just bring the greener pastures home with you. 8511 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, isabellasparrow.com.
Boxers' Trail
This nearly four-mile route (where Smokin' Joe Frazier used to train) has wide-open pathways that cut through scenic woods and aren't overcrowded like some other, ahem, more popular riverside trails. Start at 33rd Street and Oxford Avenue in Fairmount Park.
Chariot Valet
If you're throwing a soiree that happens to need valet service, this Main Line company parks your cars and expertly directs traffic (using white cones for corralling instead of garish orange) -- and its offshoot, Chariot Services, rents out photo booths and bouncy houses to boot. 19406, chariotvalet.com.
Palm Tree Market
Looking for kombucha, a pint of vegan ice cream, or the ingredients to whip up some fresh guacamole? They've got it. And while you're there, be sure to grab a vegetarian cheesesteak from the deli—it's way too good to miss. Locations in Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Queen Village, Bridgeport, and Manayunk., .
Vetri
What'll it take to knock Marc Vetri's flagship out of this top spot? We don't know maybe some sort of apocalyptic continental drift that rams Italy's boot halfway up the Schuylkill? His new second-floor dining space only makes an experience here that much more personal. 1312 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, vetriristorante.com.
MasterJays Roller-Skating Dance Class
Doesn't matter if the last time you strapped on skates you had a comb in the back pocket of your -Sergios this rollicking, glutes-firming $12 class helps you recapture the time when you actually wanted to draw attention to your butt. 1807 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, masterjaymoves.com.
Circles
For years, the most solid Thai in the region came from this takeout-only kitchen in a not-so-nice section of the city. (Sorry, Point Breeze.) This year, Circles finally opened a proper dining room across the street. But trust us, dinner here is worth the risk. 1514 Tasker Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, circlesthai.com.
Taqueria Los Taquitos de Puebla
Local gringos know Los Taquitos de Puebla from its farmers' market stands. But for the real thing, go to the 9th Street storefront any day of the week, show some guts, and try the tongue or beef-eye tacos. Yeah, we said beef-eye tacos. 1149 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, lostaquitosdepuebla.com.
The Old Guard House Inn
The dark woods and crackling fireplaces may rightfully conjure up images of Colonial days, but it's playing "who's drinking with whom" at the bar that keeps this landmark the Main Line's answer to Peyton Place. If only Joe the bartender, who knows everybody's secrets, would spill some. 953 Youngsford Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035, guardhouseinn.com.
Genesis Nail Salon
We have actually been known to get in a cab in order to lounge for nearly an hour-nearly an hour, we tell you!-at this low-key spot that delivers some of the most thorough nail maintenance and accompanying massages we've had. 729 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, genesisnailsalon.com.
Robertson's
Proper flowers for life's major passages. Inimitable Robertson's, in Philly since 1927 and on the Main Line since 2001, has tasteful arrangements, simple bouquets and impeccable delivery that have made Philadelphians' lives elegantly easier for 80-some years. 8501 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, robertsonsflowers.com.
Read to a Therapy Dog
Bring the new reader in your house to practice the skill with a furry companion. The pup serves as a non-threatening and comforting audience — no judgment or corrections, plenty of tail wags. Look for these generally monthly events at the Parkway Central library as well as some neighborhood branches. freelibrary.org.
900 to 1100 North 2nd Street
What with local food and beers at longtime neighborhood anchor Standard Tap (901 North 2nd Street, 215-238-0630, standardtap.com), cupcakes, tapas and corsets at Bart Blatstein's Liberties Walk (1022 North 2nd Street), and dance parties, art galleries and alcoholic milkshakes at the surprisingly resilient Piazza at Schmidts (1001 North 2nd Street, atthepiazza.com), this is the city's new adult urban playground. 00000,
Philly Geek Awards
There's a reason this event sells out every August. Geeks -- especially geeks in tuxes and gowns -- are totally cool. Stroll the red carpet (or pet a snake; the event is at the Academy of Natural Sciences) with the region's top scientists, game makers and hackers -- and expect some Weird Science moments throughout the evening. Phillygeekawards.com.
Addison Bay
Ready to look beyond Lulu? Local gal Marguerite Adzick’s e-comm shop carries cheery sweats, capris, sports bras and travel apparel from brands like Spiritual Gangster, Sundry and Michi, and her own line of AB leggings, too. addisonbay.com.