The Cone Rangers
Last winter, despite police warnings of potential violence, fed-up Philadelphians formed a rogue collective named after the fictional Western lawman to snatch traffic cones holding down neighbors’ parking spots on snowy days. Yeah, yeah, savesies are illegal. “So what?” as they say in South Philly. Vivid pro-and-con discussions on Reddit and other online outlets ensued.
Arcadia Boutique
Owner Ali McCloud knows green and really knows gorgeous, as witnessed by her organic, recycled and otherwise sustainably made dresses, skirts, jeans and accessories from coveted labels like Otto Defey, Kelly Lane and Prairie Underground. 819 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, arcadiaboutique.com.
Charming Garlands
In 2022, balloon installations are just as ubiquitous as floral arrangements. Demand for these larger-than-life creations has been so keen in the region that Ali Kahan was able to turn her pandemic side hustle into a successful business. Her two-year-old company uses biodegradable organic balloons for Insta-worthy garland installations that float like colorful clouds around chuppahs. Charminggarlands.com.
The Ivory Concept
For those having their own modern Regency Era romances, this appointment-only boutique from Ali Campbell is filled with all the puffed sleeves and squared necks you could desire. Most of the designers are local exclusives (this is one of only two Marquise Bridal stockists in the whole country), and you’ll have the space to yourself when you visit. 2 East King Street, Malvern, PA 19355, instagram.com/ticbridal.
<em>Heart of a Champion</em>
Heart of a Champion mural by artist Ernel Martinez. Photograph by Jeff Fusco Yes, we do love the new Lil Nas X mural that popped up in the Gayborhood just in time for Pride this year, but we have to give this one to the late-2020 mural by artist Ernel Martinez recognizing Philly’s true champ, Smokin’ Joe Frazier. From his wall at 13th and Allegheny in North Philadelphia, the first boxer to beat Muhammad Ali proclaims, “There is no right way to do wrong and no wrong way to do right.” 1302 West Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132, .
The Greek Tofu Scramble at the Tasty
Spinach, tomatoes, tofu feta for some salt — it comes with home fries, but spend the extra buck for the tots upgrade. 1401 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, thetastyphilly.com.
Bespoke Home + Life
Bespoke Home + Life. Photograph by Jeff Fusco Once you’ve lived vicariously through the shop’s rotating seasonal themes (the Joshua tree iteration featured a stock-tank swimming pool), browse the terrariums, ferns and more peeping out from nearly every corner, indoors and out. Green thumbs, take note: Philodendrons with variegated leaves are so hot right now. 817 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, bespokehomeandlife.com.
CorePower Yoga
With an outrageously accommodating class schedule, gorgeous locker rooms you'll actually want to shower in, and a boutique stocked with everything from Lululemon yoga mats to lust-worthy leggings, a yogi could happily camp out forever in this nationwide studio's first Philly outpost. Well, except to join in on the studio's weekly run club, of course. 1616 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, corepoweryoga.com.
Philadelphia Mycology Club
On the hunt in Ridley Creek State Park. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou You probably didn’t realize that Philly’s parks, trails and even sidewalks are home to a huge variety of mushrooms, many of them edible. But how do you begin? And how do you not, you know, die from ingesting, oh, say, a death cap? Simple: Find the Philadelphia Mycology Club on Facebook. They host mushroom hunts all over the region, and if you’re lucky, you’ll come home with some tasty hen-of-the-woods or morels for supper. facebook.com/phillymycoclub.
Nicki Dekunchak, Hands at Home
You choose: a quickie office chair massage, or a longer deep-tissue at home. Her expert hands will leave you looser and more relaxed than you've been in ages. Call or see website for appointment, 00000, handsathome.com.
Miya Table & Home
The artful dishes at the brand-new flagship of this Japanese import company – bento boxes, playful sake serving sets, painterly cerulean ceramic plates and stone-handled mugs – elevate even the most basic cuisine. 41 Palmer Square West, Princeton, NJ 08542, miyacompany.com.
Zinc Home + Garden
Husband-and-wife owners Tracy and Rod Berkowitz are Hunterdon Countys very own version of American Pickers. They scour flea markets, estate sales, warehouses and antiques shows for authentic industrial and farmhouse furniture and quirky home accents. (One recent find: a metal-and-glass cabinet plucked straight from Ralph Laurens office.) Then they haul it all back and display it with Anthro-level amazingness. 74 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530, facebook.com/pages/Zinc-Home-Garden/159901867374394.
Cole Wellness Spa & Salon
Owner Kristy Cole put so many refreshing creams and masks on our skin during an hour-long rosacea/sensitive facial that we lost track of which one was papaya and which one was rose. But our skin looked so pore-less, we can’t wait to go back. 101 North Wayne Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087, Colewellnessspa.com.
ReDecor Home Consignment
If all of the Main Line got together and had a communal yard sale, it’d look something like this shop, where very gently used French marble sideboards, antique claw-foot dressers and rich leather love seats find fresh life in new – equally fabulous – homes. 880 West Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, redecorhome.com.
Deletemytrash.com
When it's time to give up your packrat ways, they'll be happy to clean you out. You can pick full-service removal, or load your own junk into one of their "trash pods," which they'll come and pick up three days later. And in the spirit of going green, they'll recycle or donate up to 75 percent of your items to a nonprofit organization. So you'll feel even better about parting with all that stuff you should have tossed years ago. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, deletemytrash.com.