Mary Radzinski
Comedy has long been known as a man's world, but this brash South-Philly-by-wayof-upstate-New-York gal is taking over our comedy scene one (usually inappropriate) joke at a time. We expect big things from her. Seek her out at comedy nights at Helium Comedy Club and Rembrandt's, or on Twitter (@maryradzinski), where her material is always fresh and hysterical. maryradzinski.com.
The University of the Arts
The Continuing Education program at UArts isn't exactly a time tunnel back to your carefree college days, but you will feel that old rush of excitement (a world of possibility!) when presented with the chance to see if you might be a poetry genius or a budding Ralph Lauren. And should you realize after a couple classes that you're not, at least this time you're not blowing the dough Mom and Dad worked years to save. Choose from any number of weekly courses and weekend workshops encouraging instructors guide students through everything from screen-printing to torch-fired enamel jewelry design. Classes (between $280 and $720) run fall, spring and summer, with an average of 80 offerings each term. 320 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, cs.uarts.edu.
FringeArts
Sixty-five bucks a year gets you 30 percent off all FringeArts shows during September's Fringe Festival and throughout the year; priority seating; presale ticket access; and the satisfaction of knowing you're supporting the most daring and innovative theater and dance this city has to offer. 140 North Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106, fringearts.com/membership.
10 Arts
Never has one bowl of soup so perplexed and delighted the palate as chef Jennifer Carroll's corn chowder. It's bursting with the sweetness of Lancaster corn but has a slightly spicy finish. (That's from the addition of jalapeos.) It's vegetarian but has the depth of chowder made with bacon. (That's from the smoked sea salt.) It's light enough to eat on a 90-degree day but creamy enough to satisfy the staunchest New Englander. (That's from the touch of heavy cream and hunks of potato.) Well done, Jen. Broad and Chesnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 10arts.com.
Art in the Age
Not only does it commission artists (most of them local) to design the clothes sold in its Old City shop (the tees are especially fantastic) even the outside brands it carries, from Lauren Moffatt to Good Society Denim, can't be found elsewhere in Philly. Plus, they've got housewares, stationery and artwork, and leather accessories crafted by local folk artisans. 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, artintheage.com.
Anima Iris
Last August, start-up accessories designer and recent Wharton grad Wilglory Tanjong opened Instagram and spotted a familiar item in Beyoncé’s latest post: her very own raspberry Zaza bag. And with that, a new must-have handbag brand was born. animairis.com.
Kari Skin
Don’t let the light SoCal vibe fool you: There’s serious skin care happening here. Tirzah Blair and her team of top talent use an arsenal of tools to customize treatments to your skin’s unique needs. And that glow, that lift, will last for weeks. 325 Cherry Street, 2nd Floor Rear, Philadelphia, PA 19106, kariskin.com.
10 Arts
Perfect-for-popping nuggets of buttery, warm, salty soft pretzel are served with a trio of cheddar, jalapeo jam and traditional Dijon mustard sauces to mix-and-match. This is the goodness that happens when Eric Ripert reinvents a Philly classic. Broad and Chesnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 10arts.com.
Art in the Age
Come First Friday, the tastefully rugged boutique transforms into a legitimate scene, complete with seasonal cocktails, boozy confections, and an art installation or pop-up shop courtesy of Philly's most creative souls. 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, artintheage.com.
FringeArts
With the big move to its beautiful Old City venue, Fringe has, after 18 years, officially been cemented as a Philly arts institution. But that doesn't mean head honcho Nick Stuccio and crew have strayed from their original mission of bringing cutting-edge artists from around the world to Philly. In fact, they're doing it better than ever. 140 North Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106, fringearts.com/_.
Amy Lee
Once a modern dancer in NYC and certified in Pilates since 1998, Lee has developed an individual-attention method of instruction (private or duet sessions only) that focuses first on getting students moving and then on getting them moving correctly, all the way to that Aha Moment of "So this is how that's supposed to feel!" There's a reason all the students of this under-the-radar body coach have signed up through word of mouth. 16 South 20th Street, second floor, 917-514-0896. 16 South 20th Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, .
Viviane Aires
A native of Brazil, Aires approaches self-care as a calling--and will make you more comfortable than ever in your own skin. Keep reading here. 1601 Walnut Street, Floor 3, Philadelphia, PA 19102, bebonita.com ; vivianeaires.com.
Northern Arms
The city's most compelling band is a curious amalgam of jazz, gospel and old-time rock-and-roll that WXPN once aptly labeled "dark Americana." Find and download the self-titled debut album on iTunes. northernarms.org.
Art in the Age
Consider the "He's so hard to shop for" dilemma a thing of the past. From heritage clothing (Penfield and Woolrich) to cologne (he can smell like evergreens!) to a fully stocked camping cocktail kit (complete with a flask and booze, of course), it's hard to find something here he won't like. 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, artintheage.com.
Cry Baby Pasta
Against all odds, spaghetti pomodoro, fancy fried potatoes and an obscure movie theme became a place so popular that you need reservations on a Tuesday night. 627 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, Crybabypasta.com.