Penza's Pies at the Red Barn Cafe
The fruit pies from Penza's in Hammonton look like they're straight out of a Gourmet magazine spread -- and taste even better than they look. (Note: Hammonton is between Philly and Atlantic City on bucolic Route 206.) The pies are worth the detour, especially if you opt for whatever fruit is in season. Right now? That's Jersey blueberries and peaches. 391 Route 206, Hammonton, NJ 08037, penzaspies.com.
Corropolese Bakery and Deli
This pie's simplicity makes it irresistible a thick smear of sweet red sauce, an oil-rich crust and a sprinkle of parm. 2014 Old Arch Road, #2, Norristown, PA 19401, corropolesebakery.com/?page_id=256.
Genesis Nail Salon
Up to a fortnight on the fingers. Four weeks on the toes. In the dead of wedge-sandal-and-sandcastle season. For less than $50. 729 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, genesisnailsalon.com.
HQ2
The DJs spin well into the wee hours at this two-level club, since there’s no such thing as closing time in an A.C. casino. 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, hq2ac.com.
Philly Pet Hotel & Villa
Princess types will thrive amidst the queen-size beds, TVs and grooming salon at this recently renovated kennel. (Bonus: convenient location near the airport!) 7401 Holstein Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153, phillypethotel.com.
Amalthea Cellars
The Leda Rosé is Tavel-style — meaning it kindasorta drinks like a red. Meaning it’s just as good with meats as with oysters. Meaning it’s perfect for summer and winter. 209 Vineyard Road, Atco, NJ 08004, amaltheacellars.com.
Kalaya Thai Kitchen
Kalaya Thai Kitchen. Photograph by Ian Shiver Co-owners Nok Suntaranon and My-Le Vuong set out to create a restaurant that would give Philadelphians a taste of Thailand that we’d yet to experience. Mission accomplished. 764 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, kalaya.net.
Phield House
A former Fed Ex warehouse is now a giant open space with courts, fields, batting cages and more. Leagues, camps and after-school programming run year-round. 814 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, .
Capital Grille
While everyone else was perfecting lavender foams and coddled quail eggs, the Capital Grille stayed true to hulking cuts of red meat and stiff martinis. Thank God. 1338 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, thecapitalgrille.com/pages/locations/?id=8013.
Buckminster Green
Green but not too granola, Buckminster is the brains and brawn behind NoLibs' urban-rustic One Shot Coffee. (We'd move in if we could.) Happily, they do residential work, too. 958 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, buckminstergreen.com.
The Wrangler at Pub and Kitchen
Spicy and served with a pickled red-hot chili garnish, just one of these is enough to shake you back to life in the morning, no matter what you were up to last night. 1946 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, thepubandkitchen.com.
The Hacktory
Why take Spanish or knitting when this quirky Fairmount spot offers classes in Arduino, LED-pop-up-book making, kinetic sculpture and (blush) sex-toy hacking? 3711 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, thehacktory.org.
Old City Coffee
Cardboard boxes of lukewarm Joe? Blech. Old City Coffee will dispatch a barista with a giant espresso machine, because everyone deserves a decent red eye before a Power Point presentation. 221 Church Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, oldcitycoffee.com.
Beth Bilinski
You wet your own hair and sweep up afterward, but Beth (who trained at VOG in Rittenhouse) does the rest. She'll cut your whole family in one fell swoop. Call for service area, 00000, .
South Street Bagels
The bagels here have too many "Best of" wins to count, but now there's another reason to swing by this shop: red sauce and gooey cheese plopped right on top. Perfect at room temp. 613 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, southstphillybagel.com.