Isabella Sparrow
One glance at all the homespun textiles, ironstone pitchers, metal milk-bottle caddies, etc., and you'll have a sudden desire to flee the city for greener pastures. Instead, you'll just bring the greener pastures home with you. 8511 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, isabellasparrow.com.
Dory Ellen Fish Acupuncture
It's not clear why it works or how Fish knows exactly where to put those needles, but expect knots of stress to melt away, and an energy boost so strong that you'll toss out your half-full cup of Starbucks. The ultimate proof? We still felt loose, centered, downright Zen, while sitting in interminable traffic on 76. 1026 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, doryellenfish.com.
Bundy
As an authorized Apple dealer, Bundy -- in business for nearly a century -- does vigorous in-house testing on the rehabbed iPads it gets from a reliable source, and each purchase comes with a free 90-day warranty. But the "open box" items, which have only been used for demo or floor-model purposes, are the real steal: On a recent trip, we spotted a 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2014 priced $400 below nearly identical newer models. 1809 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, bundycomputer.com.
Briar Vintage
In pursuit of a Members Only jacket? Move along -- Briar only carries carefully selected fashion from the 1800s through the '60s. To avoid looking costume-y, consult managing partner David Lochner (you'll recognize him by his tattoos) for smart styling suggestions. 62 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, briarvintage.com.
Ambler Skate Shop
Skate shops can be intimidating for parents and groms (that's young beginners, dude) unschooled in "SK8R" culture. But this Ambler outpost is about more than just selling sweet new decks. It sponsors events ranging from canned-food drives to instructionals for kids with special needs -- something anyone can roll with. 33 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA 19002, amblerskateshop.com.
Premier Art Installation
You're probably capable of hanging family photos on the wall, but when it comes to fine art, you should turn to a pro. Kevin Reissmann of Premier Art Installation is a professional installer for the Philadelphia Museum of Art who also hangs priceless pieces for collectors in the area and beyond. (Clients have included Coretta Scott King and Usher.) He'll even move your masterpieces, should you need to relocate your Renoir from the Devon estate to your home in Miami. premierartinstallation.com.
The Child and Parent Center at Hall-Mercer
The anti-helicopter vibe at this Penn-affiliated center has made it appealing to generations of city moms. While you sit on the floor in a circle (it's okay to cry) with babies crawling about, experienced leaders host sessions like "Exploring Parenthood" and "Terrific Twos" and offer advice on sleeping, eating and more. Expect to make the friends you'll keep for life. 245 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, med.upenn.edu/hallmercer/center_description.shtml.
Battleship New Jersey
This 70-plus-year-old vessel, originally built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, saw action in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, making it the country's most decorated battleship. These days you can be led down its steep ladders and through its tight passageways by knowledgeable veterans, many of whom were on active duty on this very ship. 100 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ 08103, battleshipnewjersey.org.
Tony's Tavern
If I was in Newtown Square, I could get $10 for it, says the namesake owner of the Delco bar that produces this salty, garlicky superstar topped with sharp provolone on a Liscio's roll. "But I'm in Collingdale, so I get $6.50." We agree: It's worth $10, easy. Our one complaint? You can only get the sandwich on Thursdays. 1002 Woodlawn Avenue, Collingdale, PA 19023, .
Short Range Missiles at Hop Sing Laundromat
High-end liquor at ridiculously low prices (starting as cheap as $3.50), served alone and unadorned at a spot famous for mixed drinks? This is basically the bar's gift to its regulars (and those comfortable with drinking shots before the sun goes down), so find yourself some nice shoes, leave the cell phone in your pocket (it's the owner's biggest rule), and go take advantage between 5 and 7 p.m. (sometimes 8 p.m.). 1029 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, hopsinglaundromat.com.
Buena Onda
How to make the wait for dinner at Jose Garces's new taco joint go by even more quickly: Ignore everything on the menu but the zippy, flavorful $3.50 fresh fish (and shrimp) tacos and the free beer you'll be offered while standing in line. 1901 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, buenaondatacos.com.
Blue Corn
This refreshing Italian Market newcomer lives somewhere between down-and-dirty South Philly taqueria and theme-y Center City eatery, with kind waiters and great, simple $9 margaritas bookending a full and surprising menu. Try the shrimp cocktail, which is spruced up with homemade vinegar; the filet mignon that's pounded thin and smothered in melted cheese; and the light-as-air zucchini flower quesadillas. And the margaritas. Did we mention those already? 940 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, .
Jake’s Sandwich Board
Readers' Choice winner. 122 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, jakessandwichboard.com/#eat.
El Rincon Criollo
You've probably never trekked to Spring City, a Chester County borough north of Phoenixville. But it's worth the drive for this small, spartan strip-mall hole-in-the-wall if you're looking to get your hands on some fried plantains, a killer mofongo doused with a sweet and blistering hot sauce, or fried mashed potato balls that are pure carbohydrate joy. 13 Riverside Drive, Spring City, PA 19475, facebook.com/TheLatinCorner.
South Helm
Helm — the first restaurant from partners Michael Griffiths and Kevin D'Egidio — quickly became one of the best restaurants in the city when it opened in Kensington in 2015. And their new Pennsport expansion, South Helm, is even better. The kitchen here is taking wild chances (examples: an 18-hour braised whole cabbage quarter with XO sauce and diced long hots; bucatini tossed with soft-shell crab) and still winning with virtually everything that hits the table. 100 Morris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, helmphilly.com.