The Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe
Our thriving arts scene wouldn't exist today if Fringe founder Nick Stuccio didn't have his light-bulb moment way back in 1997. The jam-packed 2011 fest kicks off on September 2nd. 00000, livearts-fringe.org.
Saint Benjamin's Taproom
Thick, hand-cut sweet-potato fries and old-fashioned regular fries join forces here in a salty medley that is the perfect companion to a fresh cream ale. Or is it the other way around? 1710 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, stbenjaminbrewing.com.
Tortellini en Brodo at Cry Baby Pasta
Folded pouches of pork and cheese (the pasta so delicate that you can see through it) swimming in an intense pork and chicken broth. It’s easily the most comforting dish in Philly. 627 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, Crybabypasta.com.
Bryn Mawr College’s Performing Arts Series
We see your alma mater’s on-campus a cappella group and raise you this college’s lineup of performances, which has included world-class gospel choirs, string quartets, hip-hop dancers–and John Waters. 101 North Merion Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, brynmawr.edu/performing-arts-series.
The Empty Air: A Rittenhouse Square Sound Walk
Download this ingenious 99-cent app by local musician and sound designer Michael Kiley, and stroll around Rittenhouse Square while listening on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Your location (as determined by your phones handy GPS) triggers the original compositions and soundscapes that Kiley wrote for the different areas of the park. A whole new 21st-century way to appreciate our 100-year-old gem. 00000, themuralandthemint.com/the-empty-air-a-rittenhouse-square-sound-walk.
Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center
What began as a vital water management project on Manayunk's canal is now also a new performing arts center, amphitheater, green space and play area, with ongoing programming (flea markets, outdoor movie nights, pop-up play spaces). 7 Lock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, manayunk.com/dsr/veniceisland.html.
Pickle Fried Chicken Sandwich at Tattooed Mom
You go to Tattooed Mom for bright, boozy drinks and the come-exactly-as-you-are vibe — not necessarily expecting great food. But that’s where you’re wrong. The pickle fried chicken is brined, double-fried, and stuffed into a sweet potato brioche bun along with house-made fried dill pickles and Crystal hot sauce mayo. There’s an equally standout vegan version, too. Either makes for a surprise when you realize this is one of the best sandwiches in the city. 530 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, tattooedmomphilly.com.
Mini Museum
As its name might suggest, this roving pop-up museum features a collection of tiny art. (Nothing over five inches in any direction is even considered.) Find it on Instagram @Mini_Museum_Philly and in a variety of public spaces, like the exhibit running through December at Philadelphia International Airport. minimuseumphilly.com/index.html.
Chris Kearse, Will
In this era of charcuterie, rusticity and guilty-pleasure food thrills, it takes a lot for a chef to make a name for himself for playing with tweezers rather than a cleaver. But Kearse, with his immaculately composed plates, understanding of how to balance art, modernity and flavor, and bone-deep knowledge of the classic French canon, has everything it takes to shine in any company. If you havent been to Will yet, make reservations now, to see the beginnings of the future of American fine dining. 1911 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, willbyob.com.
Primp & Play
This year-old spa doesn't have any over-the-top treatments. It's got something way better: childcare. The genius creation of South Philly mom Tara Murphy, Primp & Play is a skin and nail studio where kids partake of arts-and-crafts sessions (led by a dedicated staff member in a sweet back play area) while you beautify. Got a girly girl? She can get in on the fun with glitter tattoos and nail stickers. 249 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, primpandplay.com.
Graceful Gardens
Grace Wicks daughter of restaurateur and environmentalist Judy Wicks grew up in a household with a true love of nature. But that home was in West Philly with no backyard, so her family did all its gardening in pots and planters, a skill she's perfected as the owner of Center City landscaping company Graceful Gardens. Her roof decks, planters, window boxes and backyards are as artful and lush as any country courtyard. Ask her about her edible works she designed the chef's gardens for the Four Seasons. gracefulgardens.net.
Weavers Way Mercantile
The Weavers Way Co-Op has long been a part of the Mount Airy community (48 years and counting!), but the mercantile shop across the street opened in 2016. The space itself — a former garage — makes for a highly pleasant browsing experience, and the home goods and vintage clothes on offer will add retro personality to any home or closet. It’s not just limited to secondhand goods, though: Ceramics, candles, jewelry and more from local makers serve as reminders of the area’s rich artistic history. 559 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19119, etsy.com/shop/WeaversWayMerc.
Pretty on You
Peep the window display, then pop into Venezuelan-born Maria Chirinos’s boutique, which opened quietly in December. The minimal design highlights the resort-ready products, ensuring that you won’t have to search long for what you’re looking for — like Current Air’s striped shorts and matching flowing top. Don’t leave without a pair of Ximena Castillo earrings; the beaded baubles are crafted by indigenous Colombian women and look good with just about any outfit this season. 1726 Sansom Street, first floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, instagram.com/prettyonyouphl.
Schuylkill River Trail, Manayunk to Valley Forge
Any stretch of this five-star public-works project is worth the pedal, but if you're looking to rule the towpath, start up in Manayunk, to avoid the myriad runners, crewers and stroller moms down by the Art Museum. Grab a LeBus sandwich from the local outpost and try to make it the 13.5 miles to Valley Forge for a well-deserved picnic. 00000, schuylkillrivertrail.com.
The Sexploratorium and Passional Boutique
The Sexploratorium offers toys, classes, art openings and expert advice for sexual enthusiasts of all manners, genders and preferences, and its partner store, Passional, can provide you with any necessary unmentionables, silky or otherwise. The atmosphere is welcoming, the offerings are endlessly diverse, and the staff is approachable but not pushy. (Because who wants pushy help in a sex shop?) 317 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, passionalboutique.wordpress.com.