The Philly 10K
This late-summer city race screams "Philly" in every possible way, from its name to its neighborhood-centric course to the post-race South Street block party. X Thephilly10k.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.
Lapstone and Hammer
Somehow this 4,000-square-foot boutique for men snuck up on us out of nowhere. But with its walls of James-Dean-worthy leather jackets, high-demand kicks (a recent re-release of the Jordan VII Hare warranted ticket entry) and plans for a gallery space, we're not complaining. 1106 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, lapstoneandhammer.com.
First and Marley
This Philly-based online boutique has a well-edited collection of cute, modern apparel and accessories for babies and toddlers, at prices that reflect the sad truth that it will all be barfed on (and worse). Sale prices dip as low as $5! firstandmarley.com.
Erdon
On-the-go ladies who prefer to sport comfortable shoes that are also cute (not Crocs) should step on over to the city or suburban location of Erdon, where they'll find footwear that rivals the comfort level of Danskos, in the form of stylishly clunky Robert Clergerie sandals, Trippen booties and MM6 sneakers. Locations in Old City and the Moorestown Mall, erdon.co.
Egan Day
Love the art of the find as much as the item itself? Jewelry boutique Egan Day is one of the most exquisite retail spaces in Philly, with the types of gems only the well-informed shopper seeks out. Here, delicate pieces by artists like Nicole Landaw, Gabriella Kiss and Maria Beaulieu are displayed beneath glass cloches: blazing-bright Australian opals, Tahitian pearls the size of marbles and slices of brown diamonds, all so lovely and subtly glam, you'll wonder why you ever measured luxury by sparkle alone. 260 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, eganday.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.
Body Restoration
Really, you could go for the pregnancy pillow alone -- a mattress-like cushion with scoop-outs for your newly ample parts that allow you to safely lie facedown. (Remember what that feels like?) Sandwiched between the cushion and the masseuse's kneading fingers (she'll spend extra time on the extra-stressed areas like hips), and you might, just for a few minutes, feel light as air. 1611 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, bodyrest.com.
Philly Van Man
James Harvey -- a.k.a. the Philly Van Man -- isn't a mover in the traditional sense. He's more like a friend who's always available to help you schlep your heavy stuff from one place to another -- a friend who's so good at it, so careful and reliable, that he's actually the first-choice mover for several Philly antiques shops. Harvey can often squeeze in next-week (or even next-day!) moves -- just call or text him. phillyvanman.com.
D'Antonio and Klein Jewelers
D'Antonio is where the chic and savvy jewelry retailers we know take their own pieces. 726 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, dantonioandklein.com.
Philly Pumptrack
Thanks to the moxie of Heidi Grunwald, an avid biker and a deputy director at Temple, a corner of Fairmount Park (near the Mann) is now a BMX-style course with more hills, bumps, turns and dirt than any kid could wish for. But there's more to this year-old spot than just good biking: It's a free place for kids to get some fresh air, make new friends and accomplish goals. You'll find a fleet of high-quality bikes and helmets for the borrowing, knowledgeable staffers, and programming like the "Ladies Only" Sundays, when girls and women can ride without the boys. Phillypumptrack.org.
El Diablo at Six Flags Great Adventure
It's not the biggest. It's not the fastest. But this new ride is absolutely terrifying. Your car rolls backward and forward on a 360-degree looped track, slowly building up enough momentum to send you hurtling upside down over and over again. 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527, sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/el-diablo/overview.
Wissahickon Valley Park
If you've only walked Forbidden Drive, you haven't really done the Wiss. This 1,800-acre park has 57 miles of shaded, twisting, water-edging trails and couldn't be more accessible. Seek out the paths that lead to the park's many historic bridges, like the Thomas Mill covered bridge -- originally built in 1737, it's the last of its kind within city limits. Fow.org.
McFadden's on 3rd Street
We've had no shortage of mediocre-to-lousy places shutting their doors in 2015, but none of them were quite as wretched as the wretchedest of all, this 14-year-old bastion of sticky floors, bar fights and regret-filled 2 a.m. hookups at 3rd and Spring Garden.