Museum of the American Revolution
Much to our surprise, the people in charge here figured out a way to make something that happened 250 years ago seem relevant, important, and perfectly worthy of an afternoon inside. Maybe they could give the Constitution Center some pointers. 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, amrevmuseum.org.
Tavern on Camac
You already know about the always-fun first-floor piano bar. But upstairs is a music-pumping hideaway where the city’s cool-kid creative types go to blow off some steam. Diverse, inclusive and hassle-free—a rare combination in a dance club these days. 243 South Camac Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, tavernoncamac.com.
Sherman Brothers
Yes, your dad once shopped here. But look past the old-school window display. Second-generation owner Ken Sherman has filled this shop with Alden boots, G. Brown loafers and Cole Haan brogues. (And he still delivers rare old-school service!) 1520 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, shermanbrothers.com.
Renee Hill
Sure, Hill wowed Karlie Kloss and Christian Siriano on this past season of Project Runway, but we’re happy the Moore College of Art and Design alum is back home, because her fierce-but-feminine designs (that genius five-way VersaCoat!) could only be dreamed up by a Philadelphian. harx4.com.
Addison Bay
Ready to look beyond Lulu? Local gal Marguerite Adzick’s e-comm shop carries cheery sweats, capris, sports bras and travel apparel from brands like Spiritual Gangster, Sundry and Michi, and her own line of AB leggings, too. addisonbay.com.
Sierra
Consider this the HomeGoods of sporty life: You’ll find everything from Schwinn bikes to North Face rain jackets at such steep discounts that it’s NBD if you give up your newfound paddleboard obsession by next summer. Additional location in Moorestown. 107 East Swedesford Road, Exton, PA 19341, sierra.com.
PackagePost
Though still very much in start-up mode, PackagePost connects you with a nearby business that will keep boxes safe while you’re not home. Don’t yet see your ’hood in their area of service? Make a request via their website. mypackagepost.com.
Frederick W. Oster Fine Violins
Photograph by Getty Images For 45 years, Oster has sold 17th-century instruments so expensive that he won’t even list some prices. If his luthiers are good enough to handle those masterpieces, you bet they’re good enough for your grandmother’s old fiddle. 507 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, Osterviolins.com.
Via Bicycle
Curtis Anthony of Via Bicycle. Photograph by Jeff Fusco 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.
Three Day Rule
Local TDR reps Lauren Ladd and Michal Naisteter (who, not for nothing, holds a master’s in human sexuality) will comb Instagram, LinkedIn, and even cute guys at the grocery store to find you a match. For premium members, they’ll also check in post-date to help you secure a second. Threedayrule.com/philly.
Aunt Berta’s Kitchen
Whole fried chicken, Cajun-spiced wings, fish and grits, pig’s feet with collard greens and potato salad — any home-style soul food you’re craving can be found at Berta’s. Additional location in Berlin, N.J. 639 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, NJ 08107, auntbertaskitchen.com.
Neighborhood Ramen
Lines out the door, graffiti on the walls, hip-hop on the playlist, and some of the most inspired ramen and gyoza you’ll find anywhere. Rumor is they don’t let you take leftovers. Who knows if it’s true? We’ve never had to ask. 617 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, neighborhoodramen.com.
Philly Chef Conference
Every year, this event — dreamed up and organized by Michael Traud of Drexel’s Center for Food & Hospitality Management — pulls in some of the biggest names in food and food media in the world. And that only means good things for Philly’s food scene. 101 North 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, phillychefconference.com.
Jenzy
Shoes from Jenzy. Photograph by Livie and Luca This e-comm app created by two local women tells you what size shoe you should order in a variety of popular brands (See Kai Run, New Balance, Livie & Luca) based on a photo of your tot’s feet. jenzy.com.
The Blue Béret
Like walking into the pages of a Madeline, Paddington Bear or Winnie the Pooh book — or any other tome that’s European and ultra-sweet. What started as an online shop last spring is now a pop-up shop (open until January at least …) that’s shared with other local makers and artists. 122 East Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087, theblueberet.shop.