Philly Goat Project
A goat from the Philly Goat Project. Photograph by Jeff Fusco You probably never realized it until right now, but you need more goats in your life. Fortunately for you, this local nonprofit leads walks with goats in communities all over the city. Or you can see the goats whenever you want at their home in North Philly’s Awbury Arboretum. 6336 Ardleigh Street, Philadelphia, PA 19138, phillygoatproject.org/.
The Head & The Hand Buyouts
Dinner and a movie is so 2019. Instead, drop $65 to rent out this independent bookstore in Kensington for 90 minutes. They provide a playlist curated to your tastes, loads of books to browse through, a candlelit table, and even some beer or wine. You bring a picnic basket and the old amore. 2644 Coral Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, theheadandthehand.com.
Aunt Berta’s Kitchen
Whole fried chicken, Cajun-spiced wings, fish and grits, pig’s feet with collard greens and potato salad — any home-style soul food you’re craving can be found at Berta’s. Additional location in Berlin, N.J. 639 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, NJ 08107, auntbertaskitchen.com/.
Townsend
Townsend is sophisticated and polished, but between the hours of 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., industry folk from all over Philly descend upon it for some post-service bonding time (a.k.a. partying). A fine-dining French restaurant with an unofficial nightly party? We’ll see you there. 1623 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, townsendrestaurant.com/.
Museum of the American Revolution
Much to our surprise, the people in charge here figured out a way to make something that happened 250 years ago seem relevant, important, and perfectly worthy of an afternoon inside. Maybe they could give the Constitution Center some pointers. 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, amrevmuseum.org/.
Wendy's Flowers and Garden Center
This place isn't at all fancy (be prepared for sweltering wet-concrete-floored greenhouses), but once you feast your eyes on the unusual annuals (torenia! Angelonia! Gomphrena!) perennials, succulents, pond plants and shrubs, you won't mind a bit. Never plant those ubiquitous Home Depot petunias again. 1116 East Philadelphia Avenue, Gilbertsville, PA 19525, wendys-flowers.com.
Jayel Lewis, @jayelllewis
What with this Philly-based personal trainer's big smile, strong bod and well-chosen backdrops, her Instagram account makes working out look like a sun-soaked vacation in the Caribbean. Follow her and you'll stand up a little straighter, eat a little smarter and work on your core. A lot.
Isabella Sparrow
One glance at all the homespun textiles, ironstone pitchers, metal milk-bottle caddies, etc., and you'll have a sudden desire to flee the city for greener pastures. Instead, you'll just bring the greener pastures home with you. 8511 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, isabellasparrow.com.
Boxers' Trail
This nearly four-mile route (where Smokin' Joe Frazier used to train) has wide-open pathways that cut through scenic woods and aren't overcrowded like some other, ahem, more popular riverside trails. Start at 33rd Street and Oxford Avenue in Fairmount Park.
Chariot Valet
If you're throwing a soiree that happens to need valet service, this Main Line company parks your cars and expertly directs traffic (using white cones for corralling instead of garish orange) -- and its offshoot, Chariot Services, rents out photo booths and bouncy houses to boot. 19406, chariotvalet.com/.
Palm Tree Market
Looking for kombucha, a pint of vegan ice cream, or the ingredients to whip up some fresh guacamole? They've got it. And while you're there, be sure to grab a vegetarian cheesesteak from the deli—it's way too good to miss. Locations in Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Queen Village, Bridgeport, and Manayunk., .
Vetri
What'll it take to knock Marc Vetri's flagship out of this top spot? We don't know maybe some sort of apocalyptic continental drift that rams Italy's boot halfway up the Schuylkill? His new second-floor dining space only makes an experience here that much more personal. 1312 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, vetriristorante.com/.
MasterJays Roller-Skating Dance Class
Doesn't matter if the last time you strapped on skates you had a comb in the back pocket of your -Sergios this rollicking, glutes-firming $12 class helps you recapture the time when you actually wanted to draw attention to your butt. 1807 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, masterjaymoves.com/.
Circles
For years, the most solid Thai in the region came from this takeout-only kitchen in a not-so-nice section of the city. (Sorry, Point Breeze.) This year, Circles finally opened a proper dining room across the street. But trust us, dinner here is worth the risk. 1514 Tasker Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, circlesthai.com/.
Taqueria Los Taquitos de Puebla
Local gringos know Los Taquitos de Puebla from its farmers' market stands. But for the real thing, go to the 9th Street storefront any day of the week, show some guts, and try the tongue or beef-eye tacos. Yeah, we said beef-eye tacos. 1149 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, lostaquitosdepuebla.com/.