Funny Monk Emporium
Don’t let the museum-worthy glass bongs and handblown pipes intimidate you. The staff at Funny Monk welcomes newbies and hard-core stoners alike. 4369 Cresson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, funnymonk.com.
Stimulus Philly
We may not have a lesbian bar per se, but the Sapphic nightlife scene is alive and well thanks to Amber Hikes and Morgan Levine's long-running Stimulus parties. Twice a month, Tabu and Voyeur are packed with gorgeous, stylish women and top-notch local DJ talent. Think of it as a resurrected, traveling Sisters but so much better. facebook.com/stimulusparty.
Proper Goods
Visiting Proper Goods feels like stepping into a lush jungle — if jungles happened to sprout up in cool boutiques in the middle of Fishtown. The moody outpost is packed with hundreds of houseplants (no flowers here), from philodendron and spider plants to succulents, air plants, and trailing pothos and ivies, along with all the pots, stands, soil and know-how you need to keep ’em alive. 2032 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, areyouproper.com.
Avalon Bistro
There are lots and lots of bars on the Main Line, but it’s surprising how few serve a proper cocktail. That’s not the case at Avalon. Whether you’re in the mood for a boulevardier, an old-fashioned, or a Hendrick’s three-to-one martini, extra-cold, served up with three olives and made with Dolin vermouth (one of our staffers is very particular), they always seem to come out perfect here, and both the stemware and the vibe are impeccable. 818 Lancaster Avenue , Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, avalonrestaurant.net.
Edwin’s Glorious Gardens Etc.
Twenty-plus years ago, Edwin Peake gave his college side hustle–landscaping on the Main Line–a real go. Today, his team of experts designs, installs and maintains the stunning green spaces at fancy private schools and modest homes alike. Services Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks and Montgomery counties. edwinsgloriousgardens.com.
Skirt Stone Harbor
The satellite location of this Main Line fashion mainstay brims with coffee-table books on seaside living, beachy Jonathan Adler home accessories, shelf upon shelf of colorful jewelry, and enough Calypso, Pink Pineapple and Alice and Trixie for you to stylishly out-prep anyone at the yacht club. 272 96th Street, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, shop-skirt.com.
Jace Florescio
The stay-at-home order issued in March was a shock to the system for many Philadelphians, and children responded through art, posting homemade rainbows in their front windows. Inspired by this show of solidarity and expression of optimism, Florescio — whose couture balloon installations deliver excitement and wonder to intimate gatherings and corporate fetes alike — used her talents to craft a rainbow garland on her home’s front stoop and those of others in her Fairmount neighborhood. For everyone feeling unsteady or alone, Florescio’s doing her part to make sure hopefulness stays afloat. thatballoongirl.com.
Le Virtù
It's hard to believe that any single bite can pack as much pleasure as one crisply fried olive at Le Virt. Each fruity green specimen is crammed with a potent mixture of three types of slow-braised meat (beef, pork and chicken), then breaded and fried for the ideal amount of crunch. The tangy-meaty-briny babies are a specialty in Marche, the Italian region that chef Luciana Spurio calls home, and theres no better place to taste them stateside. 1927 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, levirtu.com.
Farina Di Vita
Since evolving from an online operation to a brick-and-mortar, Farina Di Vita — which translates to “flour of life,” and rightfully so — has quickly earned a rep as the new Italian-grocery darling. The shop sells everything from a very good tuna hoagie to olives and peppers to portioned entrées like handmade stuffed shells and what are easily some of the best chicken cutlets around. 250 Catharine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, instagram.com/farinadivita.
Carlino's
We would pretty much shop anywhere that houses something called a "brie bar." But add the ocean of olive oils (not to mention the mountains of olives), the deli, the handmade pastas and ricotta cheesecakes and sausages and a lasagna menu as long as your arm, and Carlino's is a lock. 128 West Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382, carlinosmarket.com.
Room Shop
Take the fantastical vibe of Willy Wonka, mix in some wild Alice in Wonderland-type proportions, add a dose of Y2K nostalgia, and you’ll get something like Shelly Horst’s small-batch accessories brand. Her appointment-only Bok-based company whips up statement-making satin bags and whimsical hair accessories like huge satin scrunchies, clips with supersize bows or sweet rosettes, and giant “cloud” scrunchies made from puffs of billowing organza, each one a delightful piece of fashion magic. 1901 South 9th Street, room 315B, Philadelphia, PA 19148, roomshop.us.
Raw Brussels Sprout Salad at Pure Fare
EXPERT PICK: "This organic salad includes brussels sprouts, carrots, raw cashews and orange slices, and is mixed with a spicy mustard dressing. The good-quality oils they use in dressings here are a restaurant rarity. And the mix of textures helps stave off salad boredom." —Ali Shapiro, health counselor, alishapiro.com. 119 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, purefare.com.
Spring Garden Wash & Lube
There’s a reason this spot has won multiple Best Ofs—owners of Beamers and clunkers alike clap their hands in delight when they see their shiny wheels. 1111 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, facebook.com/sgwnl.
Victory Summer Love Ale
Available in bottles and on tap, this extremely drinkable beer satisfies craft-brew newbies and serious hopheads alike. 00000, victorybeer.com/beers/summerlove.
Momo's Tree House
Every lawn game, art kit and ride-on the kids unearth here is handpicked, totally wholesome and -- most importantly -- fun. Plus, parents and babes alike really dig the free play area and craft table. 205 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, momostreehouse.com.