Avril 50
Around since the ’80s, this hole-in-the-wall purveyor of avant-garde art magazines, exotic cigars and loose tobacco was cool long before studied hipsters infiltrated the ’hood. 3406 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, avril50.com.
The Olde Bar at Bookbinder's
Turtle soup is back at Philly's most iconic restaurant address -- but this time with a quail egg and a sidecar of sherry foam, some of the many contemporary flourishes with which Jose Garces has rejuvenated this historic bar space. 125 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, theoldebar.com.
Taffets Bakery
Soft, chewy gluten-free loaves, rolls, focaccia, baguettes and bagels that don't taste anything like a brick—yes, it's a GF-eater's dream come true. 1024 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, taffets.com.
The Katacomb: Vintage
For some, the search is the best part of shopping vintage. For everyone else, there's Brooke Dillon's appointment-only boutique, where the best stuff (read: Chanel and YSL and Oscar) has already been found and dry-cleaned for you. 1514 Pine Street, 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, thekatacomb.blogspot.com.
Majolica
When every table you pass in a cute little BYO on a teeny main street in suburbia features diners ignoring the cheese tray and attacking plates of grilled octopus ... well, you know it must be some swell octopus. And it is. 258 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460, majolicarestaurant.com.
Johnny Brenda’s
Though mostly known for its burgers and beer, Johnny Brenda’s is actually doing some of the best cheffy vegetables in the city–marinated snap peas on a bed of homemade ricotta, and grilled local asparagus with slivers of cured salmon 1201 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, johnnybrendas.com.
Zachary's BBQ
Two words: free samples ? of everything. Sometimes the best food comes out of a kitchen in between a gas station and a dry cleaner in a strip mall in Montgomery County. This is one of those times. 1709 Markley Street, Norristown, PA 19401, zacharysbbq.com.
Logan Weekday Reset at the Logan Hotel
Seven of this modern hotel spa's popular treatments (from facials and manis to scrubs and massages) come in handy 25-minute versions, meaning you can work a little grooming into your day, instead of derailing it. 1 Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, theloganhotel.com.
Art in the Age
Come First Friday, the tastefully rugged boutique transforms into a legitimate scene, complete with seasonal cocktails, boozy confections, and an art installation or pop-up shop courtesy of Philly's most creative souls. 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, artintheage.com.
Ambra
When it comes to making an Italian meal feel extra-special, Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira’s 16-seat dining room is the only restaurant in Philly giving Vetri Ristorante a run for its money. 705 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, ambraphilly.com.
Madalynne Intimates
You can be underwire-free! Local maker Maddie Flanigan’s comfy, sexy, stretchy-yet-supportive Barrett bralettes fit up to a 48.5-inch bust and come with matching panties. madalynne.com.
Chick Invitations
Why wait a few weeks for some Etsy vendor in Moscow to make your monogrammed totes when Robyn Platoni can etch, embroider and foil-stamp her adorable goods in just a few days? 241 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Shopchickphilly.com.
Cultured Couture
It's unexpected (weathered Louis Vuitton luggage, vintage Hermés ties — on Girard?), unassuming (owner Erik Honesty knows everything about the history of menswear, but he's never snobby or pushy), and, when it comes to selection and style, unparalleled. 703 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123, culturedcouturegallery.com.
Scotland Run
What, you can't get into Pine Valley? Who cares? This highly rated nearby course was built around a sand quarry, which provides epic views, challenging holes and a unique topography. 2626 Fries Mill Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094, scotlandrun.com.
Nectar
Yes, cheese on an Asian menu seems odd, until you learn that chef Patrick Feury is like a Chester County cheese ambassador. He works directly with farmers and ages some of the offerings himself. 1091 East Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312, tastenectar.com.