Adam Elbaum
Yes, this master prestidigitator does corporate events, birthday parties, and bar and bat mitzvahs. But where you really want to see him is in his Queen Village home, where he invites a handful of guests a few times each month for wine, cheese, and an intimate close-up magic show like you’ve never experienced before. He doesn’t charge admission: He asks that you donate an amount of your choosing to designated charities. Reach out via his website if you want an invite. adamelbaum.com.
Friday Saturday Sunday
In the eight years Chad and Hanna Williams have owned their beloved bilevel restaurant, the downstairs bar has always drawn a crowd — for a first-date meet-up, for a bowl of brothy beans and octopus from the à la carte menu, for an aperitivo while you wait for your table upstairs. After a sleek spruce-up, though, envisioned by local firm Stokes Architecture + Design, with tiger-print stools and a custom wood back bar, it’s official — the first floor is a destination in its own right. 261 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, fridaysaturdaysunday.com.
The Retreat at the Vault
Photograph by Jeff Fusco One floor above Matt and Sabrina Kelley’s dynamic Brazilian jiu jitsu school stands the Retreat. The aptly named, appointment-only recovery studio — home to state-of-the-art saunas, cold-plunge tanks, red-light therapy panels, and 6D massage chairs powered by AI — is so tranquil you’ll forget how much time has passed since your arrival, and that takedowns are happening right below you. Who knew a slice of Delco could feel like such a serene escape? 25 South Morton Avenue, Morton, PA 19070, vaultretreat.com.
Vivi G. Shoes
Before youre actually captured by the covetable selection of footwear, youll be supremely charmed by how, well, pretty the store is: all creams and ivories, with large, cushy sofas and banquettes, and spaced-out shelves not crammed with inventory. Youll feel inspired to browse leisurely and try on thoughtfully, and heartened to buy that pair (oh, lets be serious those pairs) calling your name. And the selection? Pucci. Marc by Marc. Betsey Johnson. Kate Spade. Juicy. Rafe. Cancel your appointments. Youre gonna be here a while. See website for locations, 00000, vivigshoes.com.
Vetri Cucina
Twenty years ago, Marc Vetri came onto the scene with an Italian restaurant for the ages. He taught us about the magic of braised goat, and he spooned puffy clouds of Swiss chard onto our plates and convinced us they were gnocchi. He proved to us that Italian food can look a certain way – a way we weren’t yet acquainted with, but a way we should get used to. Now, practically every restaurant in Philly braises goat and makes homemade pasta. But for whatever reason, none do it quite like Marc. 1312 Spruce Street , Philadephia, PA 19107, vetricucina.com.
Smith & Diction
If the new look of a local brand has recently caught your eye, chances are it was designed by Smith & Diction. The Bok-based design studio led by husband-and-wife duo Mike and Chara Smith is behind some of the city’s freshest aesthetics, including logos for the Rail Park and block-cleaning service Glitter, packaging for Elixr and Càphê Roasters, and a shiny new suite of graphics for the Philadelphia Visitor Center. They approach each project with a sharp creative eye and a meticulous 10-step process — and deliver a logo design or an entire brand identity. 1901 South 9th Street, number 510, Philadelphia, PA 19148, smith-diction.com.
Steven Murrow
Meet the owner of South Jersey’s Tesla Tree Service, who puts the skills he’s acquired as an arborist to work rescuing felines who are less accomplished and get themselves stuck in trees. Last year alone, Murrow came to the rescue of 39 hapless cats whose ambitions were greater than their reverse gears. He says he’s always loved animals, and he never charges for his services. His one warning to those who lack his professional equipment, not to mention talents: Don’t try this at home.
Clark Park
On sunny Saturdays, this nine-acre West Philly park turns into a scene from Game of Thrones if Game of Thrones were peopled with kids and propped with foam weapons. The game a make--believe battle royale on the grass is called LARP (Live Action Role Playing), but that's hardly the only amusement you'll find here: There's volleyball; there's frisbee; there's petanque (like bocce, but French). And if you just want to sit in one spot all day (you lazy bastard), there's chess beside the Charles Dickens statue. Game on! 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, friendsofclarkpark.org.
Black Landlord
Funk meets hip-hop meets punk in this Philly octet composed of time-tested veterans of the local music scene, most prominently pimped-out-large-and-in-charge front man Maxx Stoyanoff-Williams, who leads his tight entourage through edgy, fierce horn stacks and beat breakdowns like James Brown on steroids. Buy the band's first full-length album, Addicted to Distraction, which came out earlier this year, or better yet, check out one of its energetic live performances. 00000, blacklandlord.com.
Bibou
There are BYOBs, and then there are restaurants serving four-star French fare in storefronts that just don't have a liquor license, like Bibou. Pierre and Charlotte Calmels's thimble-size Italian Market spot has earned raves locally and nationally (hello, Beard nomination!), and after tasting the bone marrow, escargots, or seasonal specials like melon soup with slivered prosciutto, you'll know why suit-jacketed Main Liners willingly squeeze into its tiny environs. From the French press coffee to the luxe chir butter, it's darn near perfect 1009 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, biboubyob.com.
Commonplace Reader
In 2019, Liz Young took an old house that had been converted to a retail space, filled it top to bottom with books, sprinkled in oodles of homespun charm, and created a little spot of small-town magic. Downstairs, a warren of rooms holds fiction and nonfiction, while the second story has two rooms dedicated to kids, with cozy floor pillows that invite lounging. (One tiny closet has been transformed into a Harry Potter reading nook!) Young and her staff host book clubs (often on the shop’s front porch), author events and writing groups, too. 49 South Main Street, Yardley, PA 19067, commonplace-reader.com.
Black Girl Joy Bike Ride
Photograph by Linette Messina When West Philly’s Iresha Picot realized some of her friends didn’t know how to ride a bike, she took matters into her own hands, launching this free biweekly recreational cycling group in 2023. Her aim was simple: to get more Black women and girls on bicycles. And it’s worked. A year later, Picot’s “gentle” communal rides have fostered a strong sisterhood of riders of all ages and, yes, spread a lot of joy. You can BYO bike to the meetups or rent an Indego free of charge. Head to Picot’s Instagram for ride schedules. instagram.com/ireshadahoodtherapist.
Bardot Bridal Hair
Photograph by Anna Panutsa Portraits Alexandra Archibald’s petite retro-pink salon combines two of her biggest loves — doing your hair for your Big Day and sharing her collection of vintage event wear with you. There are just two chairs, allowing for an intimate experience with the hair stylist (who has moonlighted as, well, a stylist on TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). Throwback looks line the back wall, with everything from a sweet satin wedding gown circa the 1920s to a 1960s floral number perfect for your maid of honor. Bring your bestie along to play dress up. 1135 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, bardotbridalhair.com.
Drift Spa
You might think driving nearly 80 miles for a spa is bonkers, but this one — inside the Marriott in downtown Lancaster — will change your mind. You’ll decompress for 30 minutes in the relaxation room — complete with wave chairs, hot tea, and champagne — before recharging with one of the many massages (everything from deep tissue to CBD to Lomi Lomi) or skin treatments, like a facial, gua sha, or microdermabrasion. (We also recommend the monthly floating sound baths that take place at Drift’s pool.) The best part? If you want to make an overnight out of it, a room is just an elevator ride away. 25 South Queen Street, 5th Floor, Lancaster, PA 17603, driftspalancasterpa.com.
David J. Witchell
The salon level is bustling chaos, which makes walking down to the subterranean spa called the Grotto a transformative experience from the start. The therapeutic massages (one even incorporates warm bamboo stalks) are muscle-melting bliss, but its the details that earn Witchell top billing: plush robes and slippers for padding around the cave-like space, headphones to wear during your massage to tune out, well, everything, and a steam room where you can linger long after your treatments (before you have to climb back up to the real world). 25 South State Street, Newtown, PA 18940, davidjwitchell.com.