Exceptional Finds
If we had to guess where Taylor Swift shops for jewelry in the Philly area, we’d guess Main Line boutique Exceptional Finds. The space carries Three Stories, the couture jewelry collection the Berks County native was spotted in not once but twice during last year’s NFL season. We also think she’d swoon for playful designs by Sydney Evan, from heart wrap hoop earrings to a mosaic horseshoe charm necklace. 101 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 201, Wayne, PA 19087, exceptional-finds.com.
La Chele Medical Aesthetics
Still freaked out by the idea of a med spa, but also jealous of your friends results? Lisa Espinoza, the medical doctor whos always in-office, will put you instantly at ease. Shes a walking advertisement you wont believe it when she tells you her age, or that her natural-looking, wrinkle-free visage once had horrible acne. Lasers and liquid face-lifts suddenly dont look so scary. 430 Union Square Drive, New Hope, PA 18938, lachelemedspa.com.
Broadway Bar and Grill
When Tony Blanche, owner of Clifton Heightss Clam Tavern, bought the bar across the street, he found waffle irons in the kitchen. That led to the jalapeo-cheddar waffle creation that he tops with roast beef, roast pork, turkey or meatloaf. He branches out with other varieties, too (why serve plain stuffing with turkey dinner when you can serve stuffing waffles?), and theyre all comfort-food genius. 329 East Broadway Avenue, Clifton Heights, PA 19018, broadwaybar-grille.com.
Lamb neck gravy at the Industry
Pat Szoke first experimented with pork on the way to developing this memorable dish, but his pivot over to lamb necks which are even richer than the shoulder landed him an instant classic. Its simple: lamb necks braised in red wine and rosemary-accentedtomatoes, topped with creamy house-made ricotta and then served with grilled baguette rounds. Warning: When the bread is gone, you might find yourself licking the cast iron skillet the gravy comes in. 1401 East Moyamensing Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, theindustrybar.com.
The Sound Lab
Luna Maye’s web-based “Sound Lab” is a multi-sensory treat assembled by a killer array of Philly talent. Featuring harp accompaniment from local musician Elizabeth Steiner (and visually brought to life by photog Max Grudzinski and stylist Liz Barella), the sound meditation sessions range in mood from “Love + Longing” to “Focus + Motivation.” They’ll have you meditating yourself to a state of mind far away from your living room couch. lunamaye.com/the-sound-lab.
Jewellee Williams
Photograph by Jillian Guyette Williams isn’t just an aesthetician extraordinaire, Hydrafacial pro or lash whiz — though she humbly showcases these talents and more at her Rittenhouse med spa, Crown Jewel Esthetics. She’s a serious educator, teaching clients how to best support their skin health with custom services and recommended regimens and mentoring beauty-industry folks through one-on-one coaching, global pop-ups, and her just-launched second biz, Beauty Pros United. 255 South 17th Street, suite 2407, Philadelphia, PA 19103, crownjewelesthetics.com.
All + None
Philly-based queer personal trainer Anna Claire (AC) Loper was on a mission to find new workout shorts — ones that were lined, supportive and gender-neutral. Fed up with lackluster options, Loper created All + None, an activewear brand with size-inclusive and non-gendered pieces — a compressive bodysuit, a full-coverage muscle tee, and the boxing shorts Loper envisioned — meant to make all bodies feel good, especially when they’re moving. shopallandnone.com.
Cartesian Brewing
For years, we’d walk by this garage just south of Pat’s, press our faces to the windows, and look for signs of progress. Years of thirsty waiting finally paid off last fall when Cartesian rolled up its doors and started pouring pints of tart saisons and malty ambers. We’re partial to the Concrete Picnic, a spring ale that comes in at a this-beer-still-has-flavor-but-won’t-put-you-on-your-ass 5.8 percent ABV. 1326 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, cartesianbrewing.com.
Kevin O'Brien Studio and Parisa Rugs & Decor
While Kevin O’Brien Studio and Parisa Rugs & Décor aren’t producing a shared collection just yet (fingers crossed), these interior-design powerhouses known for their luxurious handmade textiles are now sharing a 3,000-square-foot showroom. The street-level first floor is stocked with Parisa’s notable assortment of rugs and arguably the city’s best collection of quirky-chic objects. On the lower level, KOB has bedding, throws, and one-of-a-kind velvet kimonos. 33 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, kevinobrienstudio.com.
ForCynthia Healing
Longtime aesthetician Suzy Zelley blends skin care and the mystical in her light-filled studio, tucked in the back of her bohemian home in Yardley. Zelley begins the 90-minute wellness experience by nourishing your skin with her targeted approach — enhanced by high-tech tools like LED light therapy — and then performs Reiki, working with your body’s energy to promote healing and reduce anxiety and pain. You’ll leave with glowing skin and a rejuvenated spirit. forcynthiahealing.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.
City Food Tours
These guide-led three-hour tasting tours (for between $29 and $55 a person) are a fun, different way for locals and visitors alike to explore all that has shaped our city and its residents (mostly the latter). Try the charming evening wine, chocolate and tea tour, or the classic "Flavors of Philly" cheesesteak-hoagie-pretzel trail that ends up at Reading Terminal for dessert. (Termini Brothers, anyone?) Hey, we didn't say it was good for your waistline. ... 00000, cityfoodtours.com.
Organic Brown Sugar Scrub at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon
Oooh, it smellssooo good. And leaves us sooo smooth. We don't know if it's the heated Hamam bed where we get to zone out while we're rubbed down with delicious-smelling sandy stuff, or the gentle touch of the therapist, who does a truly impressive job with the delicate task of rinsing off (barely a splash!). Or maybe it's just being at Joseph Anthony which always makes us feel all is right with the world. 243 West Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA 19342, josephanthony.com.
Oyster House
Honest to Jesus, we just don't comprehend how anyone can get any work done or deals made over the massive plates of red meat offered up at so many of this town's supposed power-lunch spots. Chasing a lobster roll with a couple of cold beers at Oyster House, on the other hand, leaves us with the energy and inspiration to do something other than sleep off a beef coma beneath our desks. 1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, oysterhousephilly.com.
Bistrot La Minette
Bistrot La Minette has a secret sanctuary. Invisible from the street and the main dining room, its newly opened bricked-in patio is the prettiest in town. Window boxes bloom over unvarnished teak tables. Tiny white lights twinkle overhead. French tunes float in the air as servers appear and disappear through the door. And free movies play on Monday nights. Order a quiche and a glass of house red, and pretend you're in Paris. It's not hard. 623 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bistrotlaminette.com.