Philly Geek Awards
There's a reason this event sells out every August. Geeks -- especially geeks in tuxes and gowns -- are totally cool. Stroll the red carpet (or pet a snake; the event is at the Academy of Natural Sciences) with the region's top scientists, game makers and hackers -- and expect some Weird Science moments throughout the evening. Phillygeekawards.com.
Brian Maher
Whether in his personal training studio in Center City or in the privacy of your own home, Maher, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, provides a custom exercise program, sensible nutrition advice, and, most importantly, the firm but friendly voice you need to drown out your inner "I'll just skip today" monologue. 1429 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, phillypersonaltraining.com.
Wharton Esherick Museum
Sculptor Esherick's former home is now a please-do-touch-the-art, worth-the-advanced--reservation gem (without the bitter Barnes neighbors), and it displays more than 200 of his works mostly wood furnishings that haven't been moved since the artist's death in 1970. $12 for adults; $6 for children. 1520 Horseshoe Trail, Malvern, PA 19355, whartonesherickmuseum.org.
Ministry of Secret Jokes
Our favorite Philly funnyman, Doogie Horner, and his comedic friends go at it full-throttle every second or third Wednesday of the month upstairs at Fergie's, where the bar's namesake is known to get in on the action ... after a few beers. It's free and hilarious, so show up early if you plan on sitting. 1214 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, ministryofsecretjokes.com.
The Universal Sphere
Make a reservation for the Universal Sphere in the upper lobby of the Comcast Technology Center. It looks like a mini EPCOT globe from the outside, and you step in for a dome theater experience that kind of feels like a ride. It’s hard to explain, but it’s only seven minutes long, so you’ve got time. 1800 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, comcastcentercampus.com/universal-sphere.
Green Pest Solutions
What’s grosser: cockroaches laying siege to your house, or the chemicals used to kill them? If your answer is “All of the above,” you’ll be beyond thankful for these West Chester-based pros who rid your home of pesky vermin in the most environmentally friendly ways possible. (And they’ve got a guarantee.) greenpestsolutions.com.
Leahy Learning
It’s not all Harvard and Hopkins: Founder Meghan Leahy homes in on your children’s strengths, weaknesses, interests and goals in order to get them into a college that most suits their needs. Along the way, she’ll teach them skills – independence, time management – to thrive on campus once they get in. 50 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096, leahylearning.com.
The Market at DelVal
Delaware Valley University’s locavore campus grocery stocks produce from the school’s fields and nearby Shady Brook Farm; it’s also home to a full-service bakery and a deli counter that slings hearty sandwiches. 2100 Lower State Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901, themarketatdelval.com.
Sherman Brothers
Yes, your dad once shopped here. But look past the old-school window display. Second-generation owner Ken Sherman has filled this shop with Alden boots, G. Brown loafers and Cole Haan brogues. (And he still delivers rare old-school service!) 1520 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, shermanbrothers.com.
PackagePost
Though still very much in start-up mode, PackagePost connects you with a nearby business that will keep boxes safe while you’re not home. Don’t yet see your ’hood in their area of service? Make a request via their website. mypackagepost.com.
Via Bicycle
Curtis Anthony of Via Bicycle. Photograph by Jeff Fusco Curtis Anthony’s shop looks like your granddad’s garage, and it has bikes and parts older than your granddad. (Some date back to the 1890s.) And Anthony won’t try to sell you $700 in new gear if a $7 part will do the trick. 622 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, Bikeville.com.
<em>Hamilton</em>
Yes, the Broadway smash already came here. But that was at the Forrest Theatre. So we can’t wait to see it under the big chandelier when it visits us at the Academy of Music from October 20th through November 28th. 240 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, kimmelculturalcampus.org/Hamilton.
Rotelle Development Company
The Chester County builder will produce “a home that fits your everything” for you from a mix-and-match menu of layouts, styles, configurations, features, finishes, options and add-ons. You can have it built on your own lot or choose one from their developments. Need ideas? Peruse the showroom to see many examples. 1011 Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA 19465, rotelle.com.
Cathy's Half-Price Books
Most of the 60,000 or so gently used items at this 17-year-old stalwart are, indeed, half their original price or less. Then there are new reads and rare works — some with a Philly provenance — all stocked by bibliophilic owners Shannon and Cathy Rutherford. 7 Manoa Shopping Center, 1305 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083, cathysbooks.com.
Rundiscover
If you’re in a running rut and in need of views other than the Schuylkill River Trail, this virtual running challenge sneaks your routes through some of the area’s hidden gems — Wissahickon Valley Park, historic Valley Forge, the streets of West Philadelphia, and Brandywine Creek State Park. gorundiscover.com.