Royal Valet
The most worth-it gift you can give yourself next time you go to NYC, A.C. or just the airport. The Bala Cynwyd company boasts great prices and the nicest drivers. 275 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, royalvaletinc.com.
Marisa McClellan
Invite this blogger and cookbook author over for a canning lesson and she'll bring all the equipment and locally grown ingredients you need, leaving you with a jar of the best strawberry-vanilla jam or pickled okra you've ever tasted-and, if you were paying attention, the chops to put more food in jars on your own. 00000,
Parc Restaurant
Man cannot live by bread alone unless we're talking about Parc's house-baked baguettes. Copious slices are provided for every table, filling the restaurant with their deliciously yeasty aroma. Like genuine French loaves, these have a richly browned, crackling exterior and a flavorful, chewy interior that's substantial without being dense. Slathered with butter, pt or brandade, or used to mop your bowl clean of bouillabaisse, the bread will be the most memorable part of your meal. Pick a loaf up at the hostess stand on your way out ($3 each). 227 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, parc-restaurant.com.
Brickbat Books
In the middle of Fabric Row sits this quaint treasure trove, a sort of anti-Borders where you probably won't find the latest John Grisham but might just find a rare paperback edition of Lolita from 1959. Owner Patrick Richardson Graham's succinct philosophy: "We carry stuff that we're interested in, what we think is good and of value." That means new and rare editions of books that run the gamut from pulp and literary fiction to poetry to photography to artist's monographs to artful little children's books. You'll spend hours looking for stuff you never even knew you wanted. 709 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, brickbatbooks.blogspot.com.
Metrotans
The room is decidedly lacking in the layers of scum and stick that adorn most venues of its kind, and the staff cares enough to stop and consider your natural color (did you walk in there already looking like a half-caf mocha, or like you sleep in a coffin?) before hosing you down with an even coat of color. They'll also insist that you stand flanked by gentle fans for a full five minutes they time it before sending you on your merry, sun-kissed way. 1044 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, metrotans.com.
G Mel Anti-Aging Hair Care at Giovanni & Pileggi Salon
When your hair is fried within an inch of its life, Philly hair guru Giovanni Mele can rehab itand then somewith his protein-and-vitamin-loaded shampoo, conditioner and leave-in prep spray, designed to turn back the clock on your locks. Beach bums rejoice: The products also protect against UV damage. Available at Giovanni & Pileggi Salon. 258 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, giovannipileggi.com.
Commonwealth Proper
If James Bond, Don Draper and George Clooney lived in Philly, this is where theyd suit up. 1732 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, commonwealthproper.com.
Friday-Morning Eagles Tix
Before you drop major dime on a sold-out Eagles home game again, know these three things. 1: For each home game, there are seats set aside for marketing purposes and for the visiting team. 2: Its rare for all of these seats to be used. 3: On the Friday morning before a Sunday game, the surplus seats are sold for face value on Ticketmaster. We found last-minute seats for several games last season. Fly, Eagles fan, fly! 00000, ticketmaster.com/Philadelphia-Eagles-tickets/artist/805999.
oWowCow Creamery
Small-batch-crafted, organic, with heavenly flavors, served in two locales way out in the hinterlands of Bucks County. Trust us: Worth the schlep. 4105 Durham Road, Ottsville, PA 18942, owowcow.com.
Verde
Whether you bring her a dainty bouquet, house-made artisanal chocolates or a light-as-air scarf, if you're buying it from Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney's latest 13th Street shop, one thing is for sure: You'll be invited back. 108 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, verdephiladelphia.com/verde.
Call2Organize
Didn't exactly get around to spring cleaning? Or summer cleaning, for that matter? Sorting through mountains of memorabilia can be daunting (okay, frightening), which is why Ccile Steinriede and Sofia Stalberg of Bala Cynwyd-based Call2Organize will not only declutter and reorganize your living space, leaving it spotless while setting aside items for sale or tax deduction; they'll also teach you how to keep it spartan, so you won't need to call them again. Contact: Ccile Steinriede, 00000, call2organize.com.
Peter Kate
Here, they understand that the perfect outfit begets a need for the perfect shoes begets the want for a handbag begets a domino effect that makes you say "Well, I can't live without these earrings, either." 3830 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE 19807, peterkate.com.
The Corner
There are some dandy deals to be found in this city between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. But dropping a Hamilton on a plate of fried oysters and a glass of Stanford Brut while relishing the rarefied air of the Corner's elevated terrace is our favorite. 102 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, thephillycorner.com.
The Home Hero
Pete Rose (not that Pete Rose) started his business as a second career, because he really loves the work. So you get reliability, fair prices, expert craftsmanship, and a contractor whos actually responsive, even via email. Hes built his rep on things like creative baby-proofing, home theater installation, and the prettier parts of remodeling tile, lighting, fixtures and paint. Perfect for the jobs too big for you, but too small for impossible-to-nail-down G.C.s. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, thehomehero.com.
Kool Klips Grooming
Certified master groomer Jennifer Lavelle makes it easy: She'll come to your home, get Snickers gorgeous, and teach you techniques to prolong the time between visits 1327 Elson Road, Broomall, PA 19008, facebook.com/pages/Kool-Dogs-Kool-Klips/112629118773703.