Michael Churchill and The Public Interest Law Center
After nearly a decade-long court battle, a Commonwealth Court judge ruled back in February that the state’s public-school funding method disproportionately harms students of color and those from low-wealth school districts. The ruling — which could upend how schools are funded in the state — was the culmination of relentless work by Churchill and Philly’s PILC. The case will almost certainly head to the state Supreme Court, but Churchill’s doggedness gave the students and families of Philadelphia and other low-wealth PA districts one concrete result: hope.
Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Did you know that Pennsylvania has an official state arboretum? It does, and it’s this 92-acre gem in Northwest Philadelphia that’s been flaunting flora for 90 years now. Some of the Delaware Valley’s biggest trees are here, as is the only remaining freestanding Victorian fernery in all the continent. When you go, don’t miss the recently renovated rose garden, which is simply spectacular. Kids especially will enjoy the Garden Railway, an elaborate outdoor model train that stays up through the end of summer. 100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, morrisarboretum.org.
Honeysuckle Provisions
Honeysuckle Provisions is the cafe that’ll have you searching for a reason to stop by four times a week. It could be for sandwiches like the Haitian, with tasso ham, fried Haitian pork, a layer of brie and Creole mustard, topped with vinegary pikliz. Maybe it’s for the house-made guava croissants, or the hand-size pop-tarts and some fresh sorrel juice or Kreyol limeade. No matter the reason, their commitment to supporting local farmers and staying true to the shop’s Afro-centric roots makes this one of the best new openings West Philly has seen in a long time. 310 South 48th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143, honeysuckleprovisions.com.
Philly Pumptrack
Thanks to the moxie of Heidi Grunwald, an avid biker and a deputy director at Temple, a corner of Fairmount Park (near the Mann) is now a BMX-style course with more hills, bumps, turns and dirt than any kid could wish for. But there's more to this year-old spot than just good biking: It's a free place for kids to get some fresh air, make new friends and accomplish goals. You'll find a fleet of high-quality bikes and helmets for the borrowing, knowledgeable staffers, and programming like the "Ladies Only" Sundays, when girls and women can ride without the boys. Phillypumptrack.org.
Deme
Bright white marble surfaces, lollipop-red Saarinen stools and pristine Florence Knoll armchairs make this medi-center feel more like a medi-spa. It's not. At year-old Deme, you can meet with co-owning dental gurus Thomas and Cheryl George, have your face-lift fixed with fresh-from-the-Upper-East-Side surgeon Kevin Cross, get the best clinical facial in town from beloved former HUP aesthetician Betsy Rubenstone, and sign up for some serious massage therapy. If that's not spa-like, we don't know what is. 2200 Arch Street, #102, Philadelphia, PA 19103, demeonline.com.
David J. Witchell
Remember the montage from Pretty Woman where Vivian goes from gaudy to glam in a Beverly Hills minute? Had she been in Newtown instead, she could have come here for a soothing scrub in the grotto-like spa, a conditioning treatment and blowout in the bustling salon (if David's booked and he always is request Jack), a whirl through the lovely makeup bar, and a twirl into the super-secret upstairs boutique, which she'd find stocked with essentials from Theory and James Perse, plus the show--stopping frock required for her night at the opera. 25 South State Street, Newtown, PA 18940, davidjwitchell.com.
Babette Josephs vs. Gregg Kravitz
State Rep Josephs accused her primary challenger, Kravitz, of only pretending to be bisexual so he could pick up some, uh, swing votes. "I outed him as a straight person," she boasted, forcing Kravitz to insist on his bi bona fides. The twist on "Don't ask, don't tell" (nobody asked, nobody cared) drew bipartisan mixed reactions, with Philadelphia Gay News publisher Mark Segal noting, "We've hit a new high point when candidates are accused of pretending to be gay to win a seat." Whatever Josephs crushed Kravitz in the primary. 00000,
Deletemytrash.com
When it's time to give up your packrat ways, they'll be happy to clean you out. You can pick full-service removal, or load your own junk into one of their "trash pods," which they'll come and pick up three days later. And in the spirit of going green, they'll recycle or donate up to 75 percent of your items to a nonprofit organization. So you'll feel even better about parting with all that stuff you should have tossed years ago. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, deletemytrash.com.
Tyrese Maxey
Post-game press conferences are where original quotations go to die. Not so with Maxey. In January, the point guard showed up after a victory and started singing the Sixers fight song. Then, when the soporific sportswriter hive failed to react, he asked them: “Why y’all always so serious?” That joyful spontaneity is what makes Maxey such a compelling player on the court, too — and why we’re starting to think he’ll have plenty more singing opportunities in years to come. Clap your hands, everybody …
Evans Pest Control
You could do what everyone does and sign up with Big National Pest Control Conglomerate Inc. and every couple of months politely scream, “Well, they didn’t come!” at a call-center operator (hypothetically). Or you could call Evans Pest Control and get responsive service that actually keeps the bugs out of your basement. Got an issue? Just text the company, and someone will be right over. If it’s a situation you think you can handle yourself — ha! — stop by the Port Richmond office and pick up the pest-control products the company uses. 2607 East Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134, evanspestmgmt.com.
Gateway Stables Riding Center
Given the vast amount of horse country Chester County boasts (and boasts, and boasts), its actually surprisingly difficult to find places that allow non-horse-owning amateurs to hop in a saddle and fulfill their John Wayne/Tracy Lord equestrian fantasies. Enter Gateway Stables: The Kennett Square riding center provides everything you might need for a nice leisurely ride the horse (generally quite docile), the beautiful countryside, a short pre-ride briefing, a guide, helmets, and handlers who can hand-lead small children, should you own some. You bring the boots. 949 Merrybell Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348, gatewaystables.com.
International House
Philly may not have a repertory cinema, but the weekly screenings at this University City complex for students come pretty close. There are fun flicks, such as cheesy sci-fi tales (Star Trek III: The Wrath of Khan, 8/23) and bad 80s movies (The Legend of Billie Jean, 8/30), foreign classics (The Red Balloon, 8/10), and more serious and obscure diversions, like the upcoming Jacques Rivette (9/5-7) and Sergei Parajanov series (9/14-17). I-House, as it is known, is for the film fan who is just not satisfied by Netflix. 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, ihousephilly.org.
Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa
Sure, you get free drinks at the blackjack table. But by the time your waitress returns with your watered-down cocktail, you've blown a hundred bucks. In the Borgata's horse-betting lounge (how retro!), a $2 wager gets you a drink ticket (you may have to ask for it) good for most top-shelf liquor, including normally $10-a-shot Patrn. And by the time your (hopefully winning) race goes off, you'll be ready for another bet and another round. Even if you lose all your bets, you're only paying $2 a drink plus tip. Try scoring that deal at Churchill Downs. 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, theborgata.com.
Scarlett's Closet
The hours are spotty. The location doesn't seem like a sure thing. That tropical-scene-splashed circle skirt you just have to have is missing its price tag. And everything seems to bear a subtle trace of eau de ashtray. But odors come out at the dry cleaner, and nowhere will you find a deeper selection of well-preserved versions of things your Madison Avenue Nana wore in her day, from ladylike black dress suits (so Sterling Cooper) to jewel-adorned clutches to Mrs. Robinson-esque lounge-about-the-pool wear. 1034 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, .
The Pub
This cavernous steakhouse feels like it hasn't changed since Truman was in office and yes, we mean that as a good thing. A throwback in the style of the old Zaberer's in North Wildwood, it has a basic salad bar (iceberg and bacon bits) that beckons; a luscious, fatty rib eye that comes with jus to spare for the huge foil-wrapped baked potato; and no-nonsense waitresses who don't flinch should someone at the table ask for his meat medium-well. The Pub's got ambience and steak (and onion rings!) in spades all for a third of the cash you'd drop at your typical Center City steakhouse. 7600 Kaighns Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08110, thepubnj.com.