Massage Bella Vista
First you'll choose your scented oil and your music, and then you'll be ushered into a dark, quiet treatment room where you'll meet your therapist. With any luck, you'll get Blue Simmons, whose expert hands will home in on your sorest parts like a missile on its target. After your 75-minute rubdown, she'll walk you through an at-home regimen to keep you loose between visits. 750 Fitzwater Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, massagephilly.com/bella-vista.html.
Bibou
Pierre Calmels doesnt just do right by the classics (escargots, terrines, veal sweetbreads); he shows how fresh contemporary French cooking can be. (Think shellfish bisque with pomegranate seeds, or seared foie gras with a lime-tanged plum chutney.) Meanwhile, his lovely wife, Charlotte, turns the dining room into a home away from home for Phillys French expats. 1009 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, biboubyob.com.
Leeward Furniture's Popsicle Mirror
Last year was the year of the at-home workout gadget, from sleek Pelotons to personal workout mirrors that reflect your sweating image back at you. Now that we can all go outside again, turn your space back into an actual home with beautiful objects that don’t bully you into exercise. No better place to start than with Leeward’s beautiful popsicle mirror, made in Kensington by husband-and-wife duo John Geating and Gina Kim. It’s just the right amount of playful while serving a necessary purpose: You can check yourself out while also using its top shelf to store small tchotchkes and books. 3237 Amber Street 4-3-C, Philadelphia, PA 19134, leewardfurniture.com.
MainLine Pet Sitting
The choosiest of Main Line dog lovers trust MLPS with their Preciouses, and their homes P.O. Box 115, Gladwyne, PA 19035, mainlinepetsitting.com.
Mango Tree Bistro
No fish head curry here, but the more traditional varieties are well done at this Thai joint in a converted home right on Ridge Pike. 3120 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA 19403, mangotreethai.com.
Aneu Kitchen + Juicery
Home in on the “healthy shots” part of the menu for straight-to-the-system shocks of goodness like lemon with ginger, turmeric, black pepper and grapeseed oil. Additional location in Paoli. 1225 Montrose Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, aneucatering.com.
The People Who Looked Out for Our Health
Whether they’re helping patients who are sick or homing in on a vaccine, let’s hear it for the scientists. Read the full write up here. phillymag.com/news/2020/07/16/scientists-frontline-heroes-coronavirus-vaccine.
The Little Apple
The Paddywax candles and locally made jewelry here are easy crowd-pleasers, but it's the one-of-a-kind vintage home goods that will score you an invite to the next soiree. The one after that is up to you. 4353 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, thelittleapplestore.com.
Harvey Oak Mercantile
At this cool-girl boutique, you can pick up birthstone earrings by Cat Horn — who works out of her nearby home — or hand-etched brass zodiac necklaces made by Wallingford’s Stone Harvest Jewelry. 102 Park Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081, harveyoak.com.
East Falls Glassworks
Getting creative in the kitchen not cutting it for you? Try a furnace and a blowtorch instead. Book a private lesson at East Falls Glassworks, learn the basics of glassblowing, and take home a self-made souvenir of your red-hot evening. 3510 Scotts Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, eastfallsglass.com.
The Common
The Common’s double-patty burger has the same spirit as a McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, but it’s made with local beef, Cooper Sharp, and a “spicy fancy sauce” to bring it all home. 3601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, thecommonphl.com.
J & J Motors
It’s not unusual to see a Porsche or Ferrari or Maserati on the lift at this shop, where they specialize in European models—but customers nevertheless rave about the unpretentious down-home service, surprisingly reasonable prices and spot-on estimates. 1111 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, jandjmotors.com.
Stone + Glidden
This three-decade-old home AV contractor can set you up with state-of-the-art sound systems, automated lighting and temperature, security and more, all controlled (if you want) through an app on your phone. 628 B Street, King of Prussia, PA 19406, stoneglidden.com.
Hello World
Amp up your home bar with ultra-modern wine carafes, sleek flutes and cheeky cocktail shakers at the recently relocated University City shop. It's like Mad Men, but more fun. 3610 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, shophelloworld.com.
Moko Beauty Studio
It's known for its dry cuts and customized two-hour ayurvedic facials, but we also love the take-home treats: mango shea butter, lime body polish, Max Green Alchemy shampoo. 55 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, mokobeauty.com.