United By Blue
UBB’s woodsy new flagship is thrice as big as its former location, so you’ll want to devote serious time to shopping its coveted supply of urban-lumberjack goods, like durable bags, clothing, tents, paddles and enamelware. Fuel up mid-visit at the in-store coffee bar (which looks like a cabin), and pretend – if just for an afternoon – that you’re out in Mother Nature and not, you know, smack in the middle of Old City. 205 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, unitedbyblue.com.
Atlantic
If we had known that Chestnut Hill resident Colleen Darby Wurts moonlights as the owner of Nantucket’s vaunted Atlantic boutique, we would have begged her to open a Philly location years ago. Thankfully, she has, and her shop mixes relaxed, beachy appeal with just-edgy-enough pieces she specially commissions for her shelves. 8434 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, .
State & Union
Come for gear from brands you already know: Pendleton beach towels, Red Wing shoes, Filson bags. Leave with goods from the brands you don’t: Charlotte’s Weld bottle openers made from repurposed horseshoes, J.R.Burd leather wallets and keychains, and lisa b. cashmere socks. 103 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, stateandunion.co.
Little Moon + Arrow
The problem with this dreamy bohemian shop is that no visit will ever be a quick one. On every shelf and table are the most adorable artist-crafted animal dolls, rainbow puzzles, dress-up masks, baby mocs and fuzzy blankets; you’ll have to inspect them all. (And we’ll admit: We buy gifts for grown-ups here, too.) 729 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, littlemoonandarrow.com.
Cruel World Vintage
There’s nothing like a good vintage t-shirt, and there’s no such thing as too much merch. At Cruel World Vintage, a highly curated collection of vintage clothing is available to suit every nostalgic mood. From Whitney Houston tour memorabilia to dark-wash Levis 501s, you’ll be thrown back to your chosen decade in a flash. Shop online, or email to make an appointment at their private West Philly location. shopcruelworld.com/shop.
Cultured Couture’s Honesty Collection
Erik Honesty of Cultured Couture. Photograph by Ken McFarlane If you only know Erik Honesty because of the choice vintage finds (hi, 1980s Gucci loafers) at his Cultured Couture shop in Brewerytown, you’re missing half the story. His true talent lies in his creative vision, which includes a line of museum-worthy whimsical-but-throwback capes and coats, all of which are hand-sewn from historic fabrics (some a century old) and feature cornucopias of color. Find the full collection online. 2639 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, culturedcouturegallery.com.
Assassin’s Handbook at Friday Saturday Sunday
These days, even your corner shot-and-a-beer bar can mix up a technically perfect manhattan. (In other words, we wonder if Philly has reached maximum craft-cocktail capacity.) And then along comes barman Paul MacDonald with his zinger of a list. The star: the Assassin’s Handbook, a mixture of Jamaican rum, cognac, averna, amaro and mulled wine, with a spark of habanero at the finish. Wow. 261 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, fridaysaturdaysunday.com.
Parisa Rugs and Décor
While Parisa Abdollahi's Old City showroom is an absolute treat, filled with new and antique rugs and quirky trinkets for the home, the real treasure is her Manayunk warehouse, which houses roughly 3,000 rare Persian rugs — a museum-quality collection, started by her father 34 years ago, that clients can shop by appointment. 33 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, parisarugs.com.
Philly Style Bagels
It's the modern success story: Two smart foodies host a popular bagel pop-up shop at Pizzeria Beddia, launch a successful crowdfunding campaign, and, earlier this year, finally open their own corner bagelry in Fishtown, so everyone — even your pretentious New York friends — might know the bliss of a crusty bagel boiled in Yards IPA. 1451 East Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, phillystylebagels.com/new-page.
Philly Van Man
James Harvey -- a.k.a. the Philly Van Man -- isn't a mover in the traditional sense. He's more like a friend who's always available to help you schlep your heavy stuff from one place to another -- a friend who's so good at it, so careful and reliable, that he's actually the first-choice mover for several Philly antiques shops. Harvey can often squeeze in next-week (or even next-day!) moves -- just call or text him. phillyvanman.com.
Marshall Roy at RISE Gym
If your main gym objective is to get jacked, Roy's your guy. The competitive power lifter left his job as an NYC Equinox trainer to open a no-frills shop dedicated to weightlifting, where you can grunt like you're Schwarzenegger, under the watchful eye of a trainer who won't let you slack off not even for a second. 486 South Henderson Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, risegym.com.
Healthy Bites
If there's one person in Philly who can get even the fussiest pint-size eater to clean his plate, it's Katie Cavuto, a registered dietician and mom who just launched her Picky Eaters Program. It's all about equipping parents with tools—recipes, grocery-shopping tips, a family cooking lesson—to help their kids become adventurous, healthy eaters, saving you from those "No dessert until you eat your peas!" fights once and for all. katiecavuto.com.
Gregory Benjamin
Benjamin's preserves made in Bucks County are a Good Lord type of good. (Dare you to even try to pick a favorite from among his magnificent strawberry rhubarb pie, spiced peach, raspberry and lemon blueberry varieties.) He sells them in a smattering of small shops ranging from Doylestown to Wayne you can find the retailers listed on his website (gregorybenjaminsbest.com). Of course, you can also just have them shipped directly to you. In bulk, preferably. Call or see website for retailers, 00000, gregorybenjaminsbest.com.
Art in the Age
Not only does it commission artists (most of them local) to design the clothes sold in its Old City shop (the tees are especially fantastic) even the outside brands it carries, from Lauren Moffatt to Good Society Denim, can't be found elsewhere in Philly. Plus, they've got housewares, stationery and artwork, and leather accessories crafted by local folk artisans. 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, artintheage.com.
Occasionette
Sara Selepouchins brand-new shop has all those handcrafted party goods (charming banners, stripy paper straws) that make any party look pulled-together. Her great gift-y items like pretty greeting cards and housewares (napkins, dishtowels, totes, etc.), which feature her own darling illustrations, are only a bonus. 1825 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, occasionette.com.