Boxers' Trail
This nearly four-mile route (where Smokin' Joe Frazier used to train) has wide-open pathways that cut through scenic woods and aren't overcrowded like some other, ahem, more popular riverside trails. Start at 33rd Street and Oxford Avenue in Fairmount Park.
Palm Tree Market
Looking for kombucha, a pint of vegan ice cream, or the ingredients to whip up some fresh guacamole? They've got it. And while you're there, be sure to grab a vegetarian cheesesteak from the deli—it's way too good to miss. Locations in Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Queen Village, Bridgeport, and Manayunk., .
Exact Solar
The experts at this trusted Yardley company will come to your house to determine what type of panel suits it best water-heating, electricity-generating or even pool-warming and then handle everything from permits to install to rebates. All you have to do is congratulate yourself: Your carbon footprint is now just a carbon toe. 1655 Fairfield Road, Yardley, PA 19067, exactsolar.com/.
Vetri
What'll it take to knock Marc Vetri's flagship out of this top spot? We don't know maybe some sort of apocalyptic continental drift that rams Italy's boot halfway up the Schuylkill? His new second-floor dining space only makes an experience here that much more personal. 1312 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, vetriristorante.com/.
The Head & The Hand Buyouts
Dinner and a movie is so 2019. Instead, drop $65 to rent out this independent bookstore in Kensington for 90 minutes. They provide a playlist curated to your tastes, loads of books to browse through, a candlelit table, and even some beer or wine. You bring a picnic basket and the old amore. 2644 Coral Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, theheadandthehand.com.
Fort Mifflin
Yes, it’s the only Revolutionary War-era fort in the city, and yes, you can actually camp out here overnight, but the big draw is that this tiny slice of land along the Delaware River is literally next to the airport, and there’s no better place to watch big jetliners come in for landings. 1 Fort Mifflin Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19153, fortmifflin.us/.
Franklin’s Table
It’s not your typical college food hall. Instead of an omelet station and cereal dispensers, it’s a fast-casualized highlight reel of some of the best restaurant fare in Philly, from Double Knot sushi to Kensington Quarters burgers. 3401 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, shopsatpenn.com/franklins-table.
Mariel Freeman
A skilled yogi in her own right, Freeman is the mentor behind other top Philly yoga instructors who have come through her Queen Village studio. She’s down-to-earth, and her myofascial release technique will teach you how to use a tennis ball like you never have before. 410 Monroe St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, threequeensyoga.com/mariel.
You Should Be Running programs by Goalsfit
People actually pray for thunder to get out of the timed intervals at Kasey Manwaring’s Roxborough High School track workouts. But there’s a reason they keep coming back: The Boston Marathoner’s training programs make experienced runners faster and help first-timers finish major races. 4450 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19128, goalsfit.com/running/.
Cadence Cycling & Multisport Center
Opt for the “Overhaul” if your two-wheeler needs new life, or simply ask for a brake adjustment: The staff at this longtime local fave will give you their best work no matter what. (You’ll probably wind up coming back for a fitting or indoor spinning class, too.) 5000 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128, cadencecycling.com/.
Kirna Zabête
Come for the Gucci frocks, Marc Jacobs blouses and Saint Laurent jackets; stay for the tucked-away accessory room and endless outfit inspiration, courtesy of the shop’s trendy staffers. So cool, you’ll think you’re in SoHo. 915 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, kirnazabete.com/.
SewRob
These experts have been quietly rescuing sad, worn-out denim for nearly two decades now, patching holes, reinforcing weaknesses and adjusting hems on whatever pair of jeans you can’t live without this very moment. (Though the better-kept secret might be that they also do bras and bathing suits!) Multiple locations, sewrob.com/.
Tim Kweeder at Kensington Quarters
In this beer-lovin’ town, wine can be a hard sell. Leave it to Kensington Quarters GM and wine director Kweeder to come up with a list of organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines that aren’t just easy on the wallet, but—through clever use of colloquial descriptors—are easy to get excited about, too. 1310 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, kensingtonquarters.com/.
Mickey’s Tavern
This Delco watering hole attracts all types at its every-other-Friday events, so you might hear Guns N’ Roses followed by Whitney Houston followed by Miley Cyrus and — since we are in Delco — a little Sinatra. 129 South State Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082, .
Poe’s Sandwich Joint
Leave it to pothead N.A. Poe to come up with the ultimate match for the munchies. The bulging, cheesy meatball, chicken and eggplant parmesan sandwiches — and, yes, the funnel cake fries — are available late on weeknights and, blissfully, until 3 a.m. on weekends. 1429 Marlborough Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, .