Tom's Dim Sum
The new Tom's Dim Sum squats under a bridge on 11th Street like some kind of troll's shack in a culinary fairy tale. The treasure here? Soup dumplings as big as toads, thin-skinned, juicy and perfect in their tin basket steamers. 59 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, tomsdimsum.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.
Kelce and Harper
Kelce & Harper, the Philadelphia Zoo's new sloth bear cubs / Photograph by Jeff Fusco Also known as the Zoo’s adorable new sloth bear cubs, born in January. They just came out of their den for the first time in May, after which the public named them for two Philly sports heroes. See them before they lose their baby cuteness. 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, philadelphiazoo.org.
Katherine Gilmore Richardson
The newly minted majority leader hit the ground running by fighting to end financial mismanagement in the Office of Homeless Services. At-large member KGR got a resolution passed to provide an ombudsperson at OHS to advocate for some of the most at-risk and powerless Philadelphians. Exactly the sort of leadership and make-stuff-happen energy we like to see.
Sierra
Consider this the HomeGoods of sporty life: You’ll find everything from Schwinn bikes to North Face rain jackets at such steep discounts that it’s NBD if you give up your newfound paddleboard obsession by next summer. Additional location in Moorestown. 107 East Swedesford Road, Exton, PA 19341, sierra.com.
Frederick W. Oster Fine Violins
Photograph by Getty Images For 45 years, Oster has sold 17th-century instruments so expensive that he won’t even list some prices. If his luthiers are good enough to handle those masterpieces, you bet they’re good enough for your grandmother’s old fiddle. 507 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, Osterviolins.com.
Jenzy
Shoes from Jenzy. Photograph by Livie and Luca This e-comm app created by two local women tells you what size shoe you should order in a variety of popular brands (See Kai Run, New Balance, Livie & Luca) based on a photo of your tot’s feet. jenzy.com.
The Blue Béret
Like walking into the pages of a Madeline, Paddington Bear or Winnie the Pooh book — or any other tome that’s European and ultra-sweet. What started as an online shop last spring is now a pop-up shop (open until January at least …) that’s shared with other local makers and artists. 122 East Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087, theblueberet.shop.
The Colored Girls Museum
Contact the museum to set up a time, then let the guide wind you through the three-story Germantown home, where an intimate collection of art, literature, scents and sounds will open your eyes to something often overlooked or altogether erased: the everyday experiences of black and brown girls. 4613 Newhall Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144, thecoloredgirlsmuseum.com.
Bob & Barbara’s Lounge
The longest-running drag show in Philly is still fresh (thanks to a rotating cast of Philly favorites and up-and-comers), still under the direction of show founder and iconic hostess Miss Lisa Lisa – and still the best $8 you can spend on a Thursday night. 1509 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, bobandbarbaras.com.
New York Bagel Butler
Unwilling to wait in line for some of the city’s best new bagels? Let us suggest this service, which on Fridays and Saturdays leaves Philly at three a.m. to collect New York bagels (and bialys, and schmear!) and delivers them right to your door. nybagelbutler.com.
Midnight Lunch Studio
This boutique is both woman-owned and woman-curated, selling artwork, housewares and clothing designed and made by women or people of color. Pick up floral prints, paintings and photographs, or snag peace-sign candles and stress-relief shower steamers to make your home feel like a sanctuary. 20 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, midnightlunchstudio.com.
Draw to Action
Draw to Action features original drawings from 30 Philly-based artists, with 100 percent of sales donated to local charities. So when you decide to avoid some grown-up responsibilities to go grab your box of Crayolas, you’re practically a philanthropist. instagram.com/drawtoaction.
Emily Burtner Clocks
Artist Emily Burtner is a jack of all trades — a musician, a designer, an artist, a creator — so a visit to Thousand Island, her online shop, will provide you with enough inspiration to adorn every part of your home and body. Her multicolor clocks make any time of day exciting — even the morning. thousandisland.shop.
PucciManuli
This shop feels like the set of The Nutcracker, where items like heirloom rocking horses, model boats and life-size stuffed animals (some of which cost thousands of dollars) share space with sweet wooden puzzles, floppy teddies, and goods made by old-school crafters. 35 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, puccimanuli.com.