Fink's
The longtime Northeast Philly shop expanded into Center City last year and showed a whole new audience that the city's very best Italian hoagie comes on a seeded roll with chopped (not sliced) provolone and the gotta-have-it secret ingredient, olive spread. (Center City and Northeast Philly.) 132 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, finkshoagies.com.
Strut-This
This line, co-founded and designed by Gladwyne-raised Raquel Lessner, is one hell of a secret weapon for sticking to any fitness regimen. The leggings, tops and shorts are as stylish as workout clothes come, with bright colors, cool patterns and comfortable fits that make shrugging on a sports bra at 6 a.m. way less painful. Strut-this.com.
Rescue Run 5K
Need some motivation? How about a pile of cuddly puppies waiting for you at the finish line? That's what you'll find at this October race at the Navy Yard, which is put on by the Monster Milers and raises money for dog rescue and adoption. Rescuerun5K.com.
Dylanlex
The jewelry at online shop Dylanlex (crafted by Drexel grad Drew Ginsburg) comes in the form of rings, bracelets and chunky multi-layered collars, made from mixed metals and Swarovski crystals, that have earned a cult following among style-blazers. (Rihanna's a fan.) Dylanlex.com.
DIG Yoga
You might come to either location of this airy, white-walled studio to get your downward dog on, but after spotting the well-stocked corner full of ultra-soft leggings and handstand-friendly tops, you'll leave with a new workout wardrobe in hand. 204 North Union Street, Lambertville, and 410 Monroe Street, Queen Village, digyoga.com.
Philly Geek Awards
There's a reason this event sells out every August. Geeks -- especially geeks in tuxes and gowns -- are totally cool. Stroll the red carpet (or pet a snake; the event is at the Academy of Natural Sciences) with the region's top scientists, game makers and hackers -- and expect some Weird Science moments throughout the evening. Phillygeekawards.com.
Poi Dog Snack Shop
Even if you close your eyes and try really hard, a Philly street corner will never be a Hawaiian beach, not even for a second. And yet somehow, the Big Island flavors coming from Poi Dog are transformative. Crispy chicken tacos with guava katsu sauce, tofu poke, Kona coffee mochi, ahh. poidogphilly.com.
Ting Wong
It's cool if you buy into the whole "Oh, there aren't any good restaurants in Chinatown, so why would I go there?" mentality. That means there are more seats open for us at this fantastic hole-in-the-wall (and more wonton soup and roast duck, too). 138 North 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, phillychinatown.com/tingwong.htm.
The Diving Horse
Our tip: Flirt with the staff at Pub and Kitchen all year, then come to their hopping Shore outpost in person to attempt to make reservations. If it works, each heavenly bite will help you swallow the shame of what you had to do to get a table. Promise. 2109 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202, thedivinghorseavalon.com.
Metro Men's Clothing
Dudes. You're kind of miserable when it comes to shopping, yes? And when you can dress yourself in one fell swoop from the jacket to the tee to the denim to the shoes this makes you less miserable, correct? Go here. Be less miserable. 1615 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, metromensclothing.com.
The Universal Sphere
Make a reservation for the Universal Sphere in the upper lobby of the Comcast Technology Center. It looks like a mini EPCOT globe from the outside, and you step in for a dome theater experience that kind of feels like a ride. It’s hard to explain, but it’s only seven minutes long, so you’ve got time. 1800 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, comcastcentercampus.com/universal-sphere.
Restoration Hardware Outlet
Savvy shoppers (and interior designers) hit this outlet–and hit it often–to score up to 40 percent off on gorgeous chairs, chaises, sofas, soft goods, tables and lighting. Tips for the semi-savvy: Come prepared with room measurements, be ready to comb through a lot of inventory, and ask the staff about any unmarked sales. 2100 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, restorationhardware.com.
Vaux Studio
Vaux Studio. Photograph by Alexa Nahas Why go to Vegas when with as little as one week’s notice, you can get hitched in the company of up to 25 guests in a cozy, light-filled space on Spruce Street? Package rates vary, but each comes with an on-site officiant who definitely won’t be dressed like Elvis. 1209 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, vauxstudio.com.
Rockwater Pools
Anthony DeFazio and his team expertly handle all the annoying stuff that comes with owning a pool: chemicals, cleaning, repairs, and, in one case, evicting a pesky family of ducks. Plus, they answer texts and calls quickly. (We’re talking within the hour.) rockwaterpools.com.
Via Bicycle
Curtis Anthony of Via Bicycle. Photograph by Jeff Fusco Curtis Anthony’s shop looks like your granddad’s garage, and it has bikes and parts older than your granddad. (Some date back to the 1890s.) And Anthony won’t try to sell you $700 in new gear if a $7 part will do the trick. 622 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, Bikeville.com.