Vibe Fitness Studio
When Freehouse Fitness closed during the pandemic — a dagger to the heart — we all wondered if there’d ever be another studio like it. Three years later, our wishes came true when Vibe entered the chat, bringing owner Dana Auriemma’s sorely missed rebounding, resistance training, and Pilates-inspired workouts to Collingswood. Praise freakin’ be. 1028 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, vibefitness.studio.
The Wildflower Collective
Havertown mom, photographer, and maternal mental health advocate Rachel Creighton created this intimate space where women can come together to build community, get creative, connect with small businesses, and simply be themselves. Find pop-up workshops, like journaling, yoga, and DIY charm bars, plus sessions on women’s health and a monthly sip-and-socialize. 16 East Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083, rachelroshani.comtwc.
Retrospect Vintage (@retrospectvintage)
Every day, more than 6,000 followers race to claim the vintage home goods this South Street vintage shop posts on its Instagram feed. The items range from antique treasures to kitschy curiosities (rattan peacock chairs, velvet paintings and Victorian settees have all cropped up), and all are priced to sell, well, instantly 508 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, retrospectvintage215.com.
UpHome
This breezy store feels like it could be in Provence: Pillows printed with the names of Shore towns are piled on weathered chairs the owner brings back from France; china plates are painted with watercolor crustaceans. It's a happy mash-up, filled with enough reclaimed furniture, quirky wall hangings and cool accessories to make any home feel like a vacation retreat. 233 East King Street, Suite 105, Malvern, PA 19355, uphomeltd.com.
Jim Thorpe
Book a fireplace-enabled Suite at the historic 19th-century Inn at Jim Thorpe, and spend the days hiking trails, ogling the 900-foot Glen Onoko waterfall, or just strolling the charming Main Street-centric town center in this "gateway to the Poconos." For dinner, don't miss elegant Moya, a popular husband-and-wife-run spot that's considered the area's finest restaurant. 00000, jimthorpe.org.
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.
ILLExotics
You wouldn’t know it from looking at the outside, but East Passyunk’s ILLExotics is basically a free reptile and amphibian house. Gawk at tank after tank of chameleons, frogs, tortoises, and all kinds of exotic lizards. Chat up the store’s experts if you want to learn more about them, or just sit on the floor and get close enough to peer into their cold, creepy eyes. 1704-06 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, illexotics.com.
Small Oven Pastry Shop
Small Oven’s two flavors of soft-serve per weekend get the same consideration as the dessert menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant. In the height of summer, pastry chef Chad Durkin makes peaches and mascarpone or watermelon and lemon-lime. In the fall, there’s cappuccino and tahini or apple pie and butterscotch. Toppings include homemade sauces and cubes of pound cake that are as thoughtful as the ice cream. 2204 Washington Avenue , Philadelphia, PA 19146, smallovenpastryshop.com.
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.
The Merrygold Shop
Browsing this corner boutique is bewitching: At every turn is a delightful treasure, be it a vase shaped like a hand, a bracelet full of vintage charms, or a puzzle that’s a work of art. But equally inspiring is what’s not for sale. Owner Sammi Bateman, an artist herself, goes above and beyond to create changing displays worthy of a Fifth Avenue window that will make you want to return each season. 721 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, themerrygoldshop.com.
Mural City Garden
Streetery permits in the City of Philadelphia might be as convoluted as the plot of a Russian novel, but Mural City Cellars’ outdoor space is going strong. With Adirondack chairs and pop-ups from some of our favorite local chefs, this is a shady and spacious neighborhood spot worth crossing town for. Mural City’s locally made wines are available by the glass and by the bottle, produced with lots of care and no pretension. 2211 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, muralcitycellars.com.
Totem Brand Co.
Ah, gorp: Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts, a.k.a. trail mix. Gorpcore, though? Think normcore plus camping. And for the rare gorpcorer who likes the practice of camping as much as the aesthetic, Totem has the paisley folding chairs, hops-printed hammocks and portable stainless steel grills that will ensure your gear is as tasteful as the gorp in your Fjallraven fanny pack. 535 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, totembrandco.com.
The Rosenbach
There was much hand-wringing last year when this quirky Rittenhouse museum lost most of its Maurice Sendak collection, but in the end, it didn't really matter. There are still manuscripts from Joseph Conrad and Charles Dickens, Bram Stoker's notes on Dracula, a first edition of Don Quixote, compelling guided tours, and lively literary events like the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland in October. 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, rosenbach.org.
Pure Barre
There are only about 50 items at the mini-shop inside this fitness studio, but you'll want every single one of them. The well-curated collection includes hard-to-find brands like Splits59 and Karma Wear, with a special emphasis on pieces equally suited for class and happy hour. And, yes, this is where to get those Pura Vida charm bracelets all your yogi friends are sporting. 1701 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, purebarre.com.
Angela Monaco Jewelry
Okay, if you use a pair of pliers, you can remove the permanent bracelets — but why would you want to? They come in various price points, metals (sterling silver, rose gold) and links (hearts, paper clips), and charms can be added. Bring your bestie to your appointment for a modern kind of friendship bracelet — one that’s welded by a laser onto your wrist. 2001 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, angelamonacojewelry.com.