Moo Jin Jang
Unlike most Philadelphia Korean restaurants that specialize in Korean-style barbecue, the highlights at this superb home-style restaurant are soft tofu soup and braised fish. But bring a translator, because beyond "bathroom" and "check, please," the staff here doesn't seem to understand a lick of English. 6443 Market Street, Upper Darby, PA 19082, .
Morgan's Pier
Finally, someone has taken the guido out of Delaware Avenue. Grab a few drinks in the beer garden, and then open-air-dance the night away with some of the city's best DJs. This place is the best thing to happen to Philadelphia's waterfront since ? well ? since IKEA? 221 North Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19123, morganspier.com.
Menagerie
Much of the outfit-making jewelry at this year-old shop is of owner Kate Lawson's own design; some of it is from boutique names like Coralia Leets; all of it will end up either in your shopping bag or on your wish list. Eagle Village Shops, 503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087, ajeweledmenagerie.com.
Nicki Dekunchak
The secret to a really, really relaxing Shore vacation? Bringing this Philly-based therapist along for the ride. She sees clients in their homes from A.C. to Cape May all summer long, offering Zen-filled massages and facials, along with waxing and makeup services. Philadelphia, PA 00000, handsathome.com.
Wonderspaces
Head to Wonderspaces for a night full of interactive art that will spark discussion, imagination, and some unique Instagram snaps. Bonus: A stroll through the thousands of lights of Squidsoup’s Submergence puts candlelight to shame. Another bonus: There’s an on-site bar so you can tote cocktails on your gallery jaunt. 27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, philadelphia.wonderspaces.com.
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., .