Wayward Collection
All the offerings here are thoughtfully chosen, but the designer selection is a standout because it focuses on form, not flash — nothing is logoed or loud. You’ll revel in the joy of knowing that your jacquard blouse is 1970s YSL, your shirtdress is Halston, and your wide-leg pants are D&G — but no one else will know. Operates inside Cuttalossa & Co., 47 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, waywardcollection.com.
Wonderspaces
Head to Wonderspaces for a night full of interactive art that will spark discussion, imagination, and some unique Instagram snaps. Bonus: A stroll through the thousands of lights of Squidsoup’s Submergence puts candlelight to shame. Another bonus: There’s an on-site bar so you can tote cocktails on your gallery jaunt. 27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, philadelphia.wonderspaces.com.
Schuylkill River Trail Extension
The traffic from Grays Ferry to Center City is nothing short of miserable. The good news? You can now walk or bike it on this trail that opened in May and includes an eye-catching white cable-stayed bridge over the Schuylkill. It’s a good example of what we need more of in Philadelphia. schuylkillbanks.org.
Urban Axes
In the past few years, Philly’s become flush with out-of-the-box entertainment—escape rooms, indoor hipster mini golf, roving beer gardens—but none feel quite as thrilling or stress-relieving as bringing and ax overhead and letting it fly. (That probably explains why it’s become popular with doctors and lawyers). 2019 East Boston Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, urbanaxes.com.
Millennium Skate World
There's nothing more classic than a spin around a roller rink, and there's nowhere better to lace up your skates than at Millennium Skate World, where the rink is huge (it holds 450 skaters), DJs spin tunes, and on Tuesdays, you can skate for as little as $4, including rental. 1900 Carman Street, Camden, NJ 08105, unitedskates.com/public/camden/index.cfm.
Flotation Philly
The mental reboot earned from doing absolutely nothing but floating in a dark, enclosed tub filled with salt water is mind-clearing bliss. And with this float center's new addition of a float cabin — essentially an enclosed tub the size of a small room — even the most claustrophobic among us can zone out. 534 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, flotationphilly.com.
Chris' Jazz Cafe
We've finally realized that most chicken wings taste like sauce, not chicken. But not at Chris', where fresh cuts (meaning they're taken from whole birds that are being broken down for other uses) are seared in a cast-iron pan, finished in the oven, and seasoned with nothing more than salt and pepper. 1421 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, chrisjazzcafe.com.
Armour
Subtly futuristic button-ups and vests, delightfully odd wooden bow ties and lapel pins, custom-made patchwork tote bags by Philly designer Hamid Holloman the collection here is unexpected in the best way possible, and solidifies what we knew all along: Fashion in Philly isn't just for the girls. 704 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, armourphiladelphia.com.
Rob Peters, Ardmore Wine & Spirits
This a joke, right? Nope, not when it comes to Peters, who holds certifications from the Society of Wine Educators and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, among other organizations, and teaches at the Restaurant School. Main Line mavens swear by his recommendations for the best wine to pair with everything from boeuf bourguignon to tacos to pho. 62 Greenfield Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, finewineandgoodspirits.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10051&catalogId=10051&langId=-1.
Ashley Austin
Stepping into this accessories boutique, owned by a former Anthro buyer, is like diving into a Crayola box, only instead of crayons there are twinkly pastel costume earrings, brightly patterned clutches and totes, heels and flats in every shade of the rainbow, and every other manner of playfully preppy add-ons – all at non-prohibitive price points. 106 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, ashleyaustinboutique.com.
Arden + James
In her Chadds Ford studio, Arden + James founder Bri Brant creates hand-painted raw linen totes, waxed-denim weekenders and leather carryalls. Every part of the process — from the hammered rivets to the etched designs — is done by hand, so no two are alike, but all are worth slinging over your arm. Chadds Ford, PA 19317, ardenandjames.com.
Spinning at Body Cycle Studio
There are no strings attached: Once a week, you can take a 45-minute spin class and pay absolutely nothing. You can even rinse off in the studio's shower before returning to work. Drop-ins are welcome, but advance signup is encouraged. Check the website for day and time; they mix it up to accommodate our crazy schedules. 1923 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, bodycyclestudio.com.
Citizens Bank Park
Who cares how the Phillies are doing? There's still nothing quite like an evening at the ballpark, whether you get the gang together for the craft beer offerings and other standout concessions (which have earned the stadium accolades from places like the Food Network) or bring the kids for Dollar Dog Night and behind-the-scenes tours. 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148, philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/ballpark.
Salon Vanity
Readers' Choice: Each stylist has his or her own forte Heather for Keratin treatments, Janine for balayage and owner Edmondo Blando is always up on the latest looks, like permanent beachy waves. But loyal clients who voted in droves online also appreciate the face that despite chichi clientele, Vanity remains totally unintimidating. 1701 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, salonvanity.com/main.php.
Shane's Confectionery
Readers' Choice: We told our nominees to bring their best. The diversity was exciting rare Peruvian cacao, caramel highlighted by salt and pretzels with peanut butter. Shane's Confectionery's Whirly Berley Bars (chocolate nougat with salted chocolate caramel and Mast Bros. Nibs) took home the top honor but it came down to one vote! 110 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, shanecandies.com.