Philadelphia City Rowing
Pull out the old college crew tee (and your lats, if you still got 'em) for this worthy cause. Competitive rower and Wharton student Libby Peters started PCR, which aims to form a team for public high-schoolers this fall, and needs mentors and assistant coaches to pitch in each season. She's already commandeered a boatyard near Lloyd Hall, and signed up 100 kids who are itching to get out on the water. 450 Plymouth Road, Suite 305, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, philadelphiacityrowing.org.
Scarlett's Closet
The hours are spotty. The location doesn't seem like a sure thing. That tropical-scene-splashed circle skirt you just have to have is missing its price tag. And everything seems to bear a subtle trace of eau de ashtray. But odors come out at the dry cleaner, and nowhere will you find a deeper selection of well-preserved versions of things your Madison Avenue Nana wore in her day, from ladylike black dress suits (so Sterling Cooper) to jewel-adorned clutches to Mrs. Robinson-esque lounge-about-the-pool wear. 1034 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, .
L'Angolo
Here are a couple of musts when eating at this South Philly stalwart: You must make reservations. You must bring your own wine. You must order the antipasto, which has a changing selection of heavenly veggies sweet potato souffl, fried eggplant, marinated mushrooms. And you must split everything, so you can try it all: orecchiette with shredded duck, a ravioli special stuffed with broccoli rabe, a succulent breaded pork chop served with a mound of baby greens. (And you must try not to fall in love with the charming Italian-speaking staff.) 1415 West Porter Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, salentorestaurant.com/langolorest.html.
L'Etage
We're over the neon dance clubs of yesteryear, where you can't find your friends if you get separated, you can't hear yourself think, and the drinks have stupid names. We prefer this French-inspired club, where DJs spin hip-hop, R&B and club classics (best is DJ Muhammad on most Friday nights) but you don't have to drink Buttery Nipples to fit in. 624 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, creperie-beaumonde.com.
L. Priori
Trained gemologist Lauren Priori scours estate sales nationwide to pluck the very best baubles for her appointment-only studio and online shop. Case in point: A recent jaunt to Las Vegas unearthed a crop of 19th-century antiques, like a dreamy butterfly-crowned enamel ring. 1601 Walnut Street, Suite 1218, Philadelphia, PA 19102, lpriorijewelry.com.
L&M Bakery
Not beignets. Not crullers. Not "doughnuts," with their braggy extra letters and European sensibility. No, these featherweight, sugar-dusted, gooey and buttercream-y spheres of fresh-baked goodness are so deliciously, delightfully, undoubtedly all-American that they must go by "donuts." 11 St. Mihiel Drive, Delran, NJ 08075, lmbakery.com.
Gran Caffè L’Aquila
1716 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, .
L’Angolo West
Don’t show up toting a bottle with a kangaroo on the label. The well-heeled clientele brings the good stuff; it’s what the excellent veal ravioli, braised duck with pappardelle and pan-seared smoked mozzarella deserve. 26 East Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083, langolo-west.com.
Gran Caffe L'Aquila
The gelato maker here has won international awards. It's conceived and tested in a "gelato lab" on the third floor. And the amarena cherry might be the best cold dessert you'll ever taste and will absolutely be the best gelato you've ever had. 1716 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, grancaffelaquila.com.
R2L
It's dark as outer space in the place, so nobody will see any tears. And the stunning bird's-eye view of the city will lend the end of your affair a certain "We'll always have Philly" quality. 50 South 16th Street, 37th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, r2lrestaurant.com.
Christa Flood at Salon L'Etoile and Spa
If hitting the gym has left you achy, stiff or sore, get in to see Flood in the less-ballyhooed spa a floor above the bustling blow-dry haven that is Manayunk's Salon L'Etoile. Her BASIC massage a combination of myofascial therapy and deep tissue will work your muscles slowly, releasing them from holding patterns so you not only feel less pain, but also leave with increased range of motion and flexibility. 4360 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, manayunk.salonletoile.com.
Phileo
For years, New York and L.A. had Pinkberry and Red Mango and Yolato, while we had, well, Rita's custard. Then last summer came Phileo, the shiny green-and-pink fro-yo mecca on South Street, with 16 creamy and often tangy pay-by-the-ounce flavors, and a do-it-yourself toppings bar that houses everything from Cap'n Crunch and Oreo pieces to fresh-cut kiwi and mango. Take that, L.A. 416 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, .
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
If you’ve ever been to Heinz Wildlife Refuge, you already know it’s a positive paradise for birding enthusiasts, with its majestic bald eagles, great blue herons and snowy egrets. But you probably didn’t know you can get a guided birding tour in a kayak. The three-hour trips, organized by L.L. Bean, run through October and cost $70 per person for ages 10 and up. 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19153, fws.gov/refuge/john-heinz-tinicum.
The International
Because why play shuffleboard on a regular old straight shuffleboard table when you can play it on the one-of-a-kind, custom-made L-shaped shuffleboard table at a weird Kensington bar? 1624 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, theintlbar.com.
Tyler R. Tynes
“Norf Philly’s” own Tyler R. Tynes, who grew up trekking into Center City with his grandpa to buy the Sunday Inquirer and Daily News, was named sports culture critic for the L.A. Times — and was named to the Forbes 2023 30 Under 30 list. Baller!