Farley's Bookshop
There's no Starbucks at Farley's, just maze-like aisles, shelves teeming with books, and quiet corners for reading. It'll remind you why you loved books before they came with lattes. 44 South Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938, farleysbookshop.com.
Izakaya
While many A.C. spots emphasize quantity over quality and table-turns over service, and others suffer from Absentee Owner Syndrome (i.e., Bobby Flay), this snazzy Asian small-plate offering at the Borgata enjoys the proximity of semi-star chef Michael Schulson, who recently brought Sampan to Philly. The robotayaki, sashimi, king crab tacos and sake cocktails are stars, and if you happen to be dining on a Monday night, take advantage of the $7 plates-and-drinks specials. 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, theborgata.com/dine/fine-dining/izakaya.
The Mushroom Festival of Kennett Square
Kennett Square will celebrates its status as mushroom capital of the world with this quirky, nationally lauded tradition. Included: a parade, a 5K run, a food-and-wine festival, and a street fair. Bonus: Festival tix are a recession-friendly $2 a person. There's also a mushroom soup cook-off, a baby photo contest, and all sorts of other fun(gi). (Sorry, we had to.) West State and Union Streets, Kennett Square, PA 19348, mushroomfestival.org.
Plays and Players' Quig's Pub
Known as the "actor's speakeasy," this chill private club inside Rittenhouse's Plays and Players Theatre is popular with the local thespian crowd, so there's always an interesting scene. Memberships are $35 for the year or $5 for a night. 1714 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, playsandplayers.org/about/the-theatre.
Lauren Buckley Acupuncture
You get all the benefits of regular sessions like headache relief, or treatment for infertility but in a space shared with other patients. Pop into Buckley's Queen Village office anytime during her regular hours (Wednesdays 3 to 8 p.m.; Fridays 5 to 8 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) for $20-to-$40 treatments. 1532 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, southphillyacupuncture.com.
Yoga Garden
READERS' PICK: This two-location studio caters to far more than just yogis. You'll also find Pilates classes, Qigong meditation, massage, boot camp, and even jujitsu for kids. We'll say Om to that. Multiple locations, 00000, yogagardenphilly.com.
Body Cycle Studio
There's no boring workout a good soundtrack can't cure. Add in some costumes (theme rides!), awesome instructors and pretty surroundings, and you've got a recipe for a workout you'll actually look forward to doing. 1923 Chestnut Street, second floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, bodycyclestudio.com.
Sip-N-Glo Juicery
READERS' PICK: The juice scene's new kid on the block is also our readers' favorite. Here's why: Its fruit and veggie juices, the brainchild of owner Kristin Lubsen, are delicious, and the smoothies (organic peanut butter, cacao powder, banana and almond milk, anyone?) are out-of-control delicious. 932 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, sipnglo.com.
Philadelphia Runner
The helpful pros at this three-outpost local chain will get you suited upfrom shoes to sunscreenfor your first 5K or your 20th Broad Street Run. Running tips are on the house. 00000, philadelphiarunner.com.
Soft Pack Floats at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon
Sit back, relax and float? For this über-indulgent skin-softening therapy, you'll be exfoliated, scrubbed, coated in mud, wrapped in a sheet, and set to float on a bed of warm water. An hour later, your skin will look and feel brand-new. 243 West Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA 19342, josephanthony.com.
Nicki Dekunchak
The secret to a really, really relaxing Shore vacation? Bringing this Philly-based therapist along for the ride. She sees clients in their homes from A.C. to Cape May all summer long, offering Zen-filled massages and facials, along with waxing and makeup services. Philadelphia, PA 00000, handsathome.com.
The Philadelphia Orchestra
The upcoming season is one helluva barn burner, with opera great Placido Domingo kicking things off in September; the new series WomenNOW, featuring female composers, conductors and instrumentalists; and the entirety of Bach’s majestic Mass in B minor. Totally subscription-worthy. philorch.org.
The Post
Quizzo, live music, dollar taco nights, weekend DJs, Skee-Ball and shuffleboard — a.k.a. things that are better than studying for midterms. 129 South 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, thepostphl.com.
Philly Improv Theater
Philly Improv Theater in Rittenhouse. Photograph by Linette and Kyle Kielinski The current social and political climate has made everyday conversations strained and kicked burnout into high gear. At these classes, you’ll remember how to loosen up and be silly and, if your life involves public speaking, how to make people laugh again. Imagine that. 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, phillyimprovtheater.com.
Bartram Avenue Beach
Away from the crowds in front of the casinos lies this quiet sunbathing spot just a few blocks before Ventnor. You’ll find plenty of space and well-maintained bathrooms, and the Ventnor Sack ‘O Subs will deliver hoagies right to your beach chair.