Via Bicycle
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.
Estia
We’re not saying you must go here. Because if you did, we’d no longer be able to walk in and get a table, a drink, a plate of grilled Mediterranean sardines, some langoustines and dolmades whenever we want. So no, seriously. We hear the Hard Rock Café on Market Street is super good. Go there instead. 1405 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, estiarestaurant.com/philadelphia-pa/philadelphia-pa.asp,.
San Miguelito
With tender homemade tortillas and poppin’ al pastor, Aurora Hernandez and Adolfo Florencio have created a five-table taco oasis in deep South Philly. 2654 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, san-miguelito-mexican-cuisine-philadelphia.sites.tablehero.com.
Defined Hospitality
With instant hits Suraya, Pizzeria Beddia and R&D, this newly formed group — made of industry vets Greg Root, Al Lucas and Nick Kennedy — have found magic in recognizing talent and soul and building restaurants around that. Keep reading here.
Philadelphia Distilling’s Vigo Amaro
The amaro craze has officially hit Philly: We now have a homegrown version of the sweet-bitter botanical after-dinner liqueur that’s as good as a mixer as it is on its own. 25 East Allen Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, philadelphiadistilling.com.
Brewery ARS’s Todas Las Limas
In Spanish, the name of this brew means “all the limes.” When you taste the citrusy, mojito-esque American pale ale, you’ll get it. 1927-29 West Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145, breweryars.com.
LaScala’s Birra
Instead of boring crayons and paper, this Italian restaurant gives kids a knob of raw pizza dough to twist, pull and roll out while you sip on an icy beer and savor that big bowl of prosciutto-stuffed long hots. (And yes, they’ll bake the dough.) Additional location in Pennsauken. 1700 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, .
Adventure Aquarium’s Traveling Birthday Parties
Got a dozen or so animal-loving tykes? The Camden aquarium’s birthday team will bring crafts, an ocean creature touch table, and a live snake, turtle or baby alligator right to your backyard. aquaticsciences.org.
Bucks County Children’s Museum
A smaller Please Touch, with a way smaller ticket price. 500 Union Square Drive, New Hope, PA 18938, buckskids.org.
Allongée Technique’s Thigh-Bye Class
Allongée transports you back to your recital days by trading in generic isometric movements for real ballet steps — while still burning your quads. 232 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Allongeetechnique.com.
Betty J. Smithsonian
She’s a sober Jewish lesbian, and most of her comedy is about being all of those things. Very feminist. Very funny.
Fergie’s Pub
Downstairs is the iconic Irish pub that’s been pouring Guinnesses for nearly 25 years. Upstairs is a lesser-known hideaway with all sorts of no-cover shows, like live-band karaoke, non-sucky comedy open mics and Fringe performances. You never know exactly what you’re going to get — and that’s part of the fun. 1214 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Fergies.com.
Marple Sports Arena
Most rinks in the region rent out old-school roller skates, but this Delco spot offers in-line skating, which means you’ll go a lot faster. $7 including skate rental. 611 South Park Way, Broomall, PA 19008, Marplesportsarena.com.
New Jersey Motorsports Park
Third-party companies like Cloud 9 Living and Rusty Wallace Racing Experience show up with really fast cars — sometimes Ferraris, sometimes NASCAR — at this South Jersey racetrack. The cost varies, but expect to pay $498 for three laps in that Ferrari. 8000 Dividing Creek Road, Millville, NJ 08332, Njmp.com.
Philadelphia Zoo
With the brand-new ropes course and soaring zip line, the beer garden, and the rebirth of the famous Zoo Key, it’s a good time to ask yourself: “When was the last time I was at the Philly Zoo?” For something a little more VIP, book a behind-the-scenes encounter with your favorite animal. (Two words: giraffe selfie.) 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, philadelphiazoo.org.