Jonathan Adler
Sprinkle your pad with a few of Adler's deliciously over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek goods Something gold! Something with colors! Something patterned! Something shiny! and the place will instantly radiate a certain Liz Taylor glamour-puss fabulousness. Even if you live in a studio with olive-green laminate cabinets and no central air 33 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, jonathanadler.com.
Honey's Sit 'N Eat
Foodies and just-plain-eaters alike in Graduate Hospital whooped with joy when Honey's Sit-N-Eat announced a second outpost in their 'hood, to open later this year and in the meantime, the NoLibs branch is still all about crispy latkes, inventive omelets and pancakes as big as your head, served by cheery hipsters. 2101 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, honeyssitneat.com.
Arden + James
In her Chadds Ford studio, Arden + James founder Bri Brant creates hand-painted raw linen totes, waxed-denim weekenders and leather carryalls. Every part of the process — from the hammered rivets to the etched designs — is done by hand, so no two are alike, but all are worth slinging over your arm. Chadds Ford, PA 19317, ardenandjames.com.
Sugarcube
Each pair of jeans here has a little something special. Asbury Park Clothing Company’s options have Springsteen-rocker flair (Alice Cooper’s a fan); Williamsburg Garment Company’s raw versions are exclusive to this shop; and the ones from DU/ER are stretchy and breathable — bike commuters, take note. 124 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, sugarcube.us.
Vedge
Rich Landau is the vegetable whispererthats the title one local chef has bestowed on the chef/owner of Vedge. And why not? Vedge thrills vegetarians and committed omnivores alike. If you had Landau to cook for you every day, going vegan would be a cinch. 1221 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, vedgerestaurant.com.
The Golf Course at Glen Mills
The par-71, Bobby Weed-designed course celebrating its 10th anniversary this year is a consistent fave among duffers and pros alike, and now a two-time BOP winner. Daily fees begin at $39.50. 221 Glen Mills Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342, glenmillsgolf.com.
Fleisher/Ollman
This unassuming gallery near Chinatown is a gem for connoisseurs and nascent collectors alike, with a fantastically diverse selection that ranges from contemporary mixed-media pieces to the 20th-century masterworks that put the place on the map. Plus, prices are reasonable. 1216 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, fleisher-ollmangallery.com.
Louella
Employ a smart strategy when shopping at this Main Line boutique: Grab as many whale-dotted Vineyard Vines shorts, Alice and Trixie tunics and Two Bees Cashmere sweaters as you can, and you'll never have to search for an occasion-worthy ensemble again. 227 East Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, and 335 East King Street, Malvern, 19087, louellastyle.com.
Holta Tegu
This Kim Kardashian look-alike — but, you know, approachable — hosts an $7 thigh-and-glute-heavy dance class on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. that’s so covert, it’s not even listed on 954 Dance Movement Collective’s schedule. Message her at @ismilesometimesss on Insta to see if you can snag a spot. 954 North 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, .
Kensington Quarters
Local meat-lovers know that humanely raised hormone-free meat from local pastures isn't new in Philly -- but until this year, much of it was frozen. The butcher shop/bar/restaurant Kensington Quarters has changed that. Restaurant diners and retail customers alike benefit from head cutter Heather Thomason's whole-animal skills on everything from cutting Santa Maria-style tri-tip to making luscious pastrami. 1310 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, kensingtonquarters.com.
Body Rocker Ride at Body Cycle Studio
We're going to let you in on a little secret: Once a week, Body Cycle offers a free 45-minute spin class with absolutely no strings attached. It's open to regular clients and newbies alike, and you can sign up online ahead of time or simply drop in. The day and time changes every few months, but look for a class called Body Rocker Ride on the schedule and you'll know you've found it. 1923 Chestnut Street, second floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, bodycyclestudio.com.
Tommy Oliver and Mike Africa Jr. for <em>40 Years a Prisoner</em>
With their critically acclaimed HBO documentary, this dynamic duo led the way in a year when the city is finally — finally — confronting its fraught dealings with MOVE, from the 1978 shoot-out that sent Africa’s parents to jail to the infamous 1985 bombing of its compound. Oliver’s filmmaking gave Africa Jr. the opportunity to exonerate his family and reframe not just how we view that family, but how we see Black activism in Philadelphia. hbo.com/documentaries/40-years-a-prisoner.
The Rosenbach
There was much hand-wringing last year when this quirky Rittenhouse museum lost most of its Maurice Sendak collection, but in the end, it didn't really matter. There are still manuscripts from Joseph Conrad and Charles Dickens, Bram Stoker's notes on Dracula, a first edition of Don Quixote, compelling guided tours, and lively literary events like the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland in October. 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, rosenbach.org.
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.
Belle Cakery
Fans of Fond have been under pastry chef Jessie Prawluckis spell for years now, but these days you can skip straight to dessert. Her cakes twist classic combos just enough to set them apart. Its hard to beat the Fond: malted milk-chocolate mousse and cocoa sponge cake on a crispy peanut base. But if theres olive bread, get it. Its pricey, but outrageously delicious. 1437 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bellecakery.com.