Narberth Playground
Yes, it lacks a swag nickname like New York City's Rucker or "The Cage." And it has just two nondescript courts dotted with old-school metal bleachers. But that doesn't deter local prep stars and weekend warriors from showing up, all of them pounding the same pavement where Kobe Bryant, Artis Gilmore and Wilt Chamberlain used to play. 100 Conway Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072, narberthborough.com/narberth-borough-recreation.asp.
Bangin’ Curry Franklin
Kazutoshi Iyama and Viet Nguyen, old friends from Temple, decided to show Philly the magic of katsu and curry rice – basically, Japanese comfort food – with a little cart-turned-food-truck posted up at a corner on Washington Avenue. And while you can find katsu all over Philly, nobody nails the super-crispy outside/super-juicy inside quite like these guys. 1760 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19146, bangincurryfranklin.com.
Emma Fogt
Living in this land of omnipresent cheesesteaks can be tough on the waistline, but Fogt makes nutrition counseling not-so-scary by kindly helping you and your entire family set goals for a balanced life, rather than a deprived one. You say your kids won't eat anything but chicken nuggets? Fogt's hilarious nutrition-inspired puppet shows will entertain them into trying leafy greens. You'll think she swapped your children out for new models. 16 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, emmafogt.com.
Kings and Queens
African food in Philly has traditionally meant Ethiopian. But West African restaurants have been popping up lately, and this one has become our favorite. Newbie? Don’t worry; the cheerful staff loves showing people what’s up. Try the spicy goat-pepper soup and fried fish with jollof rice, with a side of plantains. Multiple locations, kingsandqueensaficancuisine.com.
Theatre Exile
Wondering where you can see the latest world premiere from Pulitzer-winning Philly playwright James Ijames? Look no further than this South Philly theater company that’s been pushing boundaries and developing new talent for the past 25 years. As little as $45 gets you Ijames’s Abandon and two other shows this upcoming season. 1340 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, theatreexile.org.
The Clam Tavern
If you show up at 7 p.m. without reservations, you’re most likely SOL. (The crowds have been coming since the 1960s for the cheap cocktails, small-town service and baked clams.) But we’ve got a secret: The Broadway Bar & Grille, across the street, has the same owner and serves the full Clam Tavern menu. 339 East Broadway Avenue, Clifton Heights, PA 19018, clamtavern.net.
Hard Days Night Massage at Lush Spa
The Beatles-themed $175 treatment at this Rittenhouse spa sounds gimmicky, but it's actually amazing, thanks to amenities both cozy (you get a pair of PJs to wear during the treatment) and cool (it's all set to a remixed Beatles soundtrack). And get this: Massage therapists employ bands similar to those used in Cirque du Soleil's The Beatles: LOVE show to release hip tension. 1525 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, lushusa.com.
Institute of Contemporary Art
You can now visit the place that first exhibited the art of folks like Andy Warhol and Laurie Anderson for free, thanks to a generous grant. The ICA has no permanent collection; instead it hosts up to 12 new shows each year, so you can continue to expose yourself to the rising stars of the contemporary genre without spending a dime. 118 South 36th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, icaphila.org.
Serpico
The last couple of menus offered at Serpico have been the best in the restaurant's run. And to sit there and watch one of the greatest craftsmen in the industry direct a talented crew at the top of their game is thrilling in a way that few other restaurant experiences are -- like getting dinner, a show and a peek behind the curtain all at the same time. It speaks to the Instagramming, Vining, YouTubing voyeur in all of us. 604 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, serpicoonsouth.com.
Healthy Bites
America just got its first taste of oh-so-pretty personal chef Katie Cavuto Boyle on The Next Food Network Star, but we've been loving her ever since she started whipping up tasty dishes in our very own kitchens and delivering good-for-us meals right to our doors. Whether you crave delish turkey takeout, need to shed a few pounds, or simply require a starlet chef to show you the ropes, Katie's is the number to keep on speed dial. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, healthybitesdelivery.com.
Fête Urbane
This Drew Barrymore-approved business (the star featured the floral studio on her program thanks to its work with the Philadelphia Flower Show) run by a trio of women — sisters Angela Rayfield and Elizabeth Barrella and mom Maggie Ferrante-Barrella — has a knack for gorgeous installations. By that, we mean greenery-filled creations that seem to grow from the ceiling and bloom-clad entryways that make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a magical oasis. feteurbane.com.
Doggie Style Pets
Sign up to walk one of Doggie Style Pets’ resident pups. The dogs are adoptable, but even if you can’t take one home, you can have a canine companion for a half-hour. Just pick your time and store location online, show up, present your ID, and get instant happiness in the form of a fluffy friend (while helping the shelter give the dogs some exercise). Multiple locations, doggiestylepets.com.
Nigro's Auto Body
As long as Philly is all narrow streets and parallel parking, your car's going to be all pockmarks and dents. Quit fretting and go see South Philly's Aniello Nigro, an Italian-trained die-hard car lover who's been making beat-up, beat-down and just beat cars look new for 30 years. 939 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, nigrosautobody.com.
CHOP Safety Center
Baby gates. Cabinet locks. Outlet covers. And all the other gear you need to baby-proof, well, your entire life. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia sells everything at cost, which means you can pick up a car seat for $50 or a bike helmet for $10. Here's to totally Bubble Boy-ing your tiny cherub. 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, chop.edu/centers-programs/safety-center.
Provenance
If this acclaimed arch-salvage outfit is good enough for Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, Lokal Hotel and Barbuzzo, it’s good enough for you. 1801 North American Street, #1E, Philadelphia, PA 19122, provenancecompanies.com.