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.
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.
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.
Philadelphia Independents
The goodies here fall into the Brotherly Love vein (hand-drawn neighborhood maps, prints featuring neighborhood-centric designs) without veering into cheesiness. Everything is made in the Philadelphia area, so you're supporting local business when you buy that "Home Sweet Jawn" watercolor print. 35 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, philadelphiaindependents.com/.
Style Camp
This beloved boutique known for its effortless-chic aesthetic is doubling down on the effortless bit: Now you can book a personal shopping session to revamp your look, have customized boxes of clothes delivered to your house, or go all-in on an in-home whole-closet consult with stylish owners Bitsy and Natalie Rhoda. 9 West Highland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, style-camp.com/.
Scout & Annie + Details
This two-in-one shop has original mid-century-modern home accessories placed like found works of art on shelves, as well as throws, funky pillows and colorful serving trays. In short: Everything here is worthy of your wrapping paper. 125 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, scoutandannie.com/.
Premier Baby Concierge
Whether you want to whip up homemade baby food or find the perfect nanny, child-proof your home or idiot-proof your, uh, self, Shannon Choe at Premier Baby Concierge is your girl for no-judgment, comprehensive pre- and post-birth panic-proofing. 00000, premierbabyconcierge.com/.
Shane's Confectionery
Readers' Choice: We told our nominees to bring their best. The diversity was exciting rare Peruvian cacao, caramel highlighted by salt and pretzels with peanut butter. Shane's Confectionery's Whirly Berley Bars (chocolate nougat with salted chocolate caramel and Mast Bros. Nibs) took home the top honor but it came down to one vote! 110 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, shanecandies.com/.
Settlement Music School
If being at home with your kids 24/7 has changed your attitude toward screen time, it’s okay. Allay your guilt (if you still have any) by registering for one of the many local kids’ classes that have popped up on YouTube and across social media. See the full write up at Virtual Classes. settlementmusic.org/music/settlement-digital/.
Kampar Kitchen
One day, it’s Vietnamese home cooking — chilled silken tofu in a mushroom XO sauce, or stuffed squid in tomato sauce. Another day, it’s Sri Lankan curried vegetable buns and string hoppers. The options are always different because Kampar Kitchen is many things all at once: a restaurant incubator, an outlet for cooks with big ideas, a way for food-obsessed Philadelphians to try something new. 1901 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, kampar-kitchen.square.site.
Kennett Square
Kennett Square. Photograph by Jeff Fusco Think this town’s only got mushrooms? Chic kids’ shop Penny Lane Emporium shills fun items like rainbow ukuleles and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls books; Marché is rich with boho home wares; Clean Slate Goods eco-boutique has ceramics, totes, and apothecary items; and trendy Urban Outfitters-inspired shops like Green Eyed Lady abound. State Street. historickennettsquare.com.
Train & Nourish
Personal trainer Jenna Fisher’s bright, clean studio is designed to make her all-female private and small-group clients feel right at home. (The entryway literally looks like somebody’s living room.) And then of course there’s Fisher herself — the chill cheerleader every strong woman needs in her life. 1621 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, trainandnourish.com/.
Millay
One part ladylike sophistication (tailored silk jackets), two parts dreamy romanticism (ruffled frocks galore) and a dash of boho-cool (fringed shawls from the ’30s) make up this tidy vintage boutique on Manayunk’s main drag. Don’t miss the home selection, either; it’s brimming with Persian rugs, paper goods and darling jar candles. 4390 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, millayshop.com/.
Scout Clothing & Decor
This isn't your typical Shore shop, heaped with flashy tanks, ankle bracelets and beach-themed trinkets. Here you'll find vintage treasures (embellished clutches, sparkly jewelry, retro glassware) tucked among relaxed denim, soft tees, and light, airy dresses you need for summer. Leave room in your weekender for the covetable gifts and home goods, too, because there's no way you're walking away without a rosemary sea salt candle or Jonathan Adler decorative dish. 7817 Ventnor Avenue, Margate City, NJ 08402, scoutclothinganddecor.com/.
Millésimé
How to turn your home into a place that looks as if it's been plucked from the pages of a modern-design magazine: Let owner Jinous Kazemi walk you through her collection of Ligne Roset couches; customizable wall hutches by USM Modular Furniture; and decadent leather armchairs, side tables and headboards by Poltrona Frau — and then buy it all. 33 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, millesime.us/.