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.
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.
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.
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.
SUP Fitness with Aqua Vida
Aqua Vida's roster of stand-up paddleboard fitness classes (full moon yoga, floating boot camp) gives you plenty of opportunities to sculpt your six-pack. Because nothing tests your core strength quite like the consequence of falling into the Delaware River — in front of a staring crowd of Spruce Street Harbor Park revelers, no less. 301 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106, aquavidasup.com.
All Caps Studio
Irony is out; earnestness is in. Want proof? All Caps Studio’s graphic tees, totes and socks, with their colorful phrases like “STOP TALKING ABOUT LOVE … MAKE LOVE,” are a hit among the über-fashionable streetwear crowd. Act fast: Each month’s “drop” is only available online for a few days before the brand moves on to its next design. instagram.com/allcapstudio.
Osayi Osunde, Fit Academy
It takes nothing short of superpowers for a fitness trainer to make flutter kicks fun. So fun, in fact, that you leave the workout looking forward to doing more of them the next day, like some sort of masochist. Meaning: Osayi Osunde, who leads muscle-burning, laughter-filled boot camps at the Art Museum steps, might just be ... a superhero? Fitphl.com.
Suitsupply
It's Holland's best export, with everything you'd expect from a place that offers velvet dinner jackets but none of the intimidation factor. Prices are low ($399 for a two-piece suit), alterations are quick (no more than three days), and the non-suit stock (leather bags, crisp shirts) will help you finally understand what "business casual" actually means. 1601 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, us.suitsupply.com/en_US/home.
Kenyatta Johnson
It’s hard to stay a fan of the once-admired City Councilmember as he continues to battle federal bribery charges alongside his wife, consultant Dawn Chavous. A mistrial only left us with more questions than answers, and taxpayers now have to endure a retrial in the fall. If there was ever a time to reconsider your vote in the 2nd District next year, this might be it.
Zig Zag
A meal at Zig Zag. Photograph by Ted Nghiem There are smoked whole chickens smothered in everything bagel spice, and sandwiches stuffed with brisket and a fistful of pulled pork seasoned with fish sauce and lime. The slaw here is made with tehina, coriander, sumac and Aleppo pepper. There’s even a Szechuan-style cucumber salad. None of it really makes sense together (especially as far as barbecue restaurants go) — until you get there and eat. 2111 East York Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, zigzagbbq.com.
The Rounds
The Rounds uses the power of collective buying to help eliminate wasteful cardboard and plastic packaging. Instead of landing a dozen delivery boxes at your door — which then head right into the recycling bin or trash can — the Rounds delivers your toilet paper or dog treats in a reusable canvas tote. The company has already teamed up with 20 apartment buildings across the city. therounds.co.
Occasionette
Sara Selepouchins brand-new shop has all those handcrafted party goods (charming banners, stripy paper straws) that make any party look pulled-together. Her great gift-y items like pretty greeting cards and housewares (napkins, dishtowels, totes, etc.), which feature her own darling illustrations, are only a bonus. 1825 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, occasionette.com.
George Costa
Standing behind the long oak at Pub and Kitchen, Costa has the three talents every great bartender needs: He makes a classic drink to your exact specifications, he shakes up a custom cocktail like nothing you've ever tried before, and he knows more about bitters and rye than you do about your own children. 1946 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, thepubandkitchen.com.
Kamihira
Those in the know can snag one-of-a-kind (yet modestly priced) art objects made by the community of artists and makers in the broad Kamihira universe. The gallery, which exists online after closing its Kensington location during the pandemic, has a constantly changing array of artists making everything from colorful quilted pillows to embroidered tote bags to sweatshirts with hand-drawn artwork. 1206 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, kamihira.us.