Christina Henck of Henck Design
This Philly designer has produced spectacular aeries for Eagle Rodney McLeod and ex-Eagle Malcolm Jenkins as well as for regular folks in less palatial estates — each time capturing her client’s unique personality. Her Fabric Row boutique is designed to put ideas in your head. 733 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, henckdesign.com.
Nardone Pasta Co.
Some of the best pasta dishes in Philly right now — hand-rolled trofie pasta salad with gochujang and smoked celery; fusilli tossed with broccolini and preserved lemon — aren’t coming from any one kitchen, but from whatever restaurant or bar gives the Nardone crew the keys for a night. Multiple locations. nardonepastaco.com.
Little Shop of Chains
Oversize acrylic glasses chains made by Brewerytown designer Liz Barrella add flair to any kind of eyewear, whether prescription, sunglasses — maybe a monocle? Even better, Barrella has started making chains to hold your masks, a must-have accessory in this age of shifting mandates. etsy.com/shop/LittleShopofChainss.
National Museum of American Jewish History
Drop by the virtual museum of this Smithsonian affiliate to browse 360-degree images of its exhibits or explore its newly added digital-only exhibitions. Zoom in on particular artifacts, such as Leonard Bernstein’s Steinway piano, a uniform worn by a Jewish nurse in WWII, and carvings from a Philadelphia synagogue’s Torah ark. 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA 19106, nmajh.org/virtual-museum.
Decadent Double Rub massage, Ame Salon and Spa
This indulgence ($185) not only features a blend of aromatherapy oils and hot and cold stones placed from your feet to your sinuses, but also four hands working to banish knots and with them any stress trying to sneak in from the outside world. Heaven. 111 Waynewood Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087, amesalonandspa.com.
EcoGardens LLC
Elevating the ground around your house from Lawn to Statement is an art. Dan Cleary and Steven Shirley are experts in creating outdoor spaces that are as smart as they are beautiful: Edible garden beds put forth bounty year-round, rainwater is stealthily used to your advantage, and native plantings are virtually carefree and attract butterflies. 409 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, ecogardenslandscaping.com.
Groundswell Design Group
After two consecutive years (2008-2009) on our BOP list, David Fierabend and his merry crew of gardening-obsessed elves return yet again. Pop by Morgan's Pier, Talula's Garden and the outdoor flower installation at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and you'll understand why. P.O. Box 438, Hopewell, NJ 08525, groundswelldesigngroup.com.
Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
You get shoe rentals, one hour of private jump time on the extreme trampolines, pizzas, cake, invitations. Any kids who wants to jump must have a waiver signed by his/her parent or guardian. Print them online. 122 Mill Road, Oaks, PA 19456, skyzone.com/Oaks.
Golden Nugget Antique Market
Get here early Sunday morning (6 a.m.), bring lots of cash (small bills are best for bargaining), wear old shoes (the open-air gravel lot is dusty), and, if you're smart, rent a U-Haul to lug home your treasures. 1850 River Road (Route 29), Lambertville, NJ 08530, gnflea.com.
Starry Eyed Optical
On Media's inviting main drag, you'll find eyeglasses and sunglasses, all with top-of-the-line lenses; designer brands and artsy brands; and super-helpful Christian Haiges and Amy Bullock, who'll guide you toward the perfect pair just destined to frame your peepers. 5 East State Street, Media, PA 19063, starryeyedoptical.com.
Richel D'Ambra Spa and Salon at the Ritz-Carlton
Whether you opt for mani-pedi or detoxifying body scrub, the Ritz's soothing, tucked-away spa can trick any maxed-out mind into believing it's in the middle of a full-fledged vacay. And since you aren't paying for a room, you can guiltlessly book more than one appointment. 10 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, richeldambra.com.
Graff Tours
What, you didn't know Philadelphia was the birthplace of graffiti? This year-and-a-half-old outfit offers historical insight in its guided tours of the city's best street art, whether you want to travel by foot, bike, SEPTA or, yes, limousine, from $25 to $300 per person. See website for schedule, 00000, grafftours.com/our-toursphilly.aspx.
Reynolds Plumbing and Heating
John Reynolds is on call 24/7 for plumbing 911s. But he also does quality work on non-emergency projects, from installing your new bathtub drain to bringing your state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled greenhouse to fruition 00000, johnreynoldsplumbing.com.
Iron Maiden Futurism at Palo Santo Wellness Boutique
What do you get when you combine bodyweight exercises with the flow of a Vinyasa yoga class and an old-school hip-hop playlist? That would be Iron Maiden Futurism, the sweaty, hour-long brainchild of trainer Abi Galloza — a workout that manages to be just as weird and awesome as its name suggests. 1707 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, facebook.com/palosantowellnessboutique.
Meadowsweet Mercantile
The carefully pared-down selection is organized by style (bohemian, rocker, minimalist), so you never have to hunt here. Also worth a perusal: the shop's impressive selection of handmade lifestyle goods, including ceramics, art, bags, and handwoven Turkish towels and robes designed in the back of the shop. 47 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, shopmeadowsweet.com.