Society Hill Dance Academy
Although yoga pants aren't the uniform de rigueur at SHDA, you'll still tango, fox-trot and waltz your way to a serious calorie burn. Once you've got the hang of it, show off your moves at the studio's dance party every Friday night. 00000, societyhilldance.com.
Vox Populi
Climb three floors through the graffiti-festooned stairwell into this experimental art gallery, where there's something oddly delightful around every corner. The best times to visit are on First Fridays or for the sporadic live band shows, at which the music tends to be as strange and fun as the art that's on the walls. 319 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, voxpopuligallery.org.
North Brigantine Beach
Though you’ll have to keep an eye out for folks showing up to fish, it’s pretty easy to have at least a quickie at this undisturbed and under-visited stretch of sand. There’s even an elevated bird-watching platform to, er, heighten the experience. Just beware of those terrible green-headed flies. Access via East Beach Avenue and 14th Street North, Brigantine, NJ 08203, njwildlifetrails.org/PineBarrensTrails/Sites/tabid/1698/Scope/site/Guide/PINEBARREN/Site/354/Default.aspx.
Village Whiskey
This lentil-and-black-bean veggie burger, topped off with creamy guacamole and cabbage slaw, goes to show that "good for you" and "indulgent" aren't mutually exclusive terms. Tip: Tastes best when paired with a heaping order of crispy tater tots. Locations in Philadelphia and Atlantic City., philadelphia.villagewhiskey.com.
Kuf Knotz
Probably the only rapper in the world accompanied by … a harpist! But it totally works, and we love that they tackle important issues while trying to bring people together. The duo is scheduled to release their third album, Hypnagogia, this summer, with a show at South Street’s Magic Gardens on August 26th. kufknotz.com.
Jon Medlinsky
Medlinsky, of Kensington’s Martha, uses his bar to collaborate with small-scale food and drink upstarts so they have a large-scale space in which to show off their product. Martha: 2113 East York Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, facebook.com/marthakensingtonphilly.
Blackfish
Chef Chip Roman has done more than just open a couple of restaurants Blackfish is extraordinary, and Mica shows great promise. What's more: he and Mica partner Jason Cichonski have brought culinary hope to the many diners living in areas overlooked by Starr, Garces, Vetri and Billy Penn. 119 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428, blackfishrestaurant.com.
Parkway Central Library
Prominent black Philadelphia architect Julian Abele designed this Beaux Arts gem in the 1920s, and library staffers are happy to show you around — for free. The hour-long tour starts at 10 a.m., but definitely stick around for the 11 a.m. tour of the rare books department, too. 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Freelibrary.org.
Paper Space
Michele Brand’s year-old Port Richmond-based company paints and prints custom and small-batch wallcoverings in-house, so you can be sure the showstopper flamingos, oversize watercolor splotches and gray-scale brushstrokes won’t show up on anyone else’s living room walls. thepaperspace.com.
Pizzeria Beddia
Pizzeria Beddia. Photograph by Ian Shiver Joe Beddia used to run the best pizza joint in the city that no one could get into. Now he runs the best pizza joint in the city that everyone can get into — provided you’re willing to show up early, wait in line, and/or make a reservation. 1313 North Lee Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, pizzeriabeddia.com.
Mister John’s Music
With serious musical chops and a sassy side that has parents ROFL, John Francisco’s classes – be it toddler music sessions honoring artists like the Killers and Johnny Cash or guitar lessons for older kids – will become the highlight of your week. (Note to Comcast: Give this guy his own show already!) 904 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, misterjohnsmusic.com.
American Mortals
The stylists at AMMO (as the salon is lovingly called by its loyalists) give fashion-forward types pastel shades that are pretty, not punk, so you'll look high-style (see: Chanel's spring runway shows), not My Little Pony. 727 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, americanmortals.com.
FringeArts
Sixty-five bucks a year gets you 30 percent off all FringeArts shows during September's Fringe Festival and throughout the year; priority seating; presale ticket access; and the satisfaction of knowing you're supporting the most daring and innovative theater and dance this city has to offer. 140 North Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106, fringearts.com/membership.
Izumi
that looks too stylish to be a South Philly BYOB. But our affection is more than skin-deep. Chef Corey Baver made his Japanese-food bones at Morimoto, and his creative sushi rolls and delicate miso soup show a confident and experienced hand. 1601 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, .
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.