Graff Tours
What, you didn't know Philadelphia was the birthplace of graffiti? This year-and-a-half-old outfit offers historical insight in its guided tours of the city's best street art, whether you want to travel by foot, bike, SEPTA or, yes, limousine, from $25 to $300 per person. See website for schedule, 00000, grafftours.com/our-toursphilly.aspx.
Reynolds Plumbing and Heating
John Reynolds is on call 24/7 for plumbing 911s. But he also does quality work on non-emergency projects, from installing your new bathtub drain to bringing your state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled greenhouse to fruition 00000, johnreynoldsplumbing.com.
Iron Maiden Futurism at Palo Santo Wellness Boutique
What do you get when you combine bodyweight exercises with the flow of a Vinyasa yoga class and an old-school hip-hop playlist? That would be Iron Maiden Futurism, the sweaty, hour-long brainchild of trainer Abi Galloza — a workout that manages to be just as weird and awesome as its name suggests. 1707 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, facebook.com/palosantowellnessboutique.
Meadowsweet Mercantile
The carefully pared-down selection is organized by style (bohemian, rocker, minimalist), so you never have to hunt here. Also worth a perusal: the shop's impressive selection of handmade lifestyle goods, including ceramics, art, bags, and handwoven Turkish towels and robes designed in the back of the shop. 47 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, shopmeadowsweet.com.
Felt + Fat
Port Richmond's Felt + Fat is turning out ceramic plates, bowls, trays, cups and mugs that are pretty enough to be art, fancy enough to earn nods from Vogue, and cool enough to catch the eye of top chefs who use them at their restaurants. (See them at Fork, Laurel and High Street on Market.) Philadelphia, PA feltandfat.com.
Sweetflag
In the age of designer weed (and loose laws), it seems only fitting that this Camden-based e-shop is turning out an artful line of rose-gold grinders, crystal pipes and opal ashtrays. Who knew lighting up could look so chic? Sweetflag.club.
Moko
When was the last time you fell asleep during a facial? Exactly. Moko's aestheticians excel at the art of pain-free extraction. Plus, every product here is organic as in, they won't put anything on your face that you wouldn't put in your mouth. 55 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, mokobeauty.com.
MPX
The new dispensary is the first at the southern Jersey Shore where you can buy recreational weed. Unlike the dispensaries in Pennsylvania, MPX (and the other NJ dispensaries) offers edibles, so you’ll want to stock up. Just know that bringing any of your bounty across state lines is technically illegal. 153 South New York Avenue, unit B, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, mpxnj.com.
Vestige
When the novelty of wearing sweats 24/7 wears off, head to this shop, where casual-comfy-chic dressing was being elevated to an art form well before the pandemic. Everything here — from the cream-colored elastic-waist pants to the gauzy maxi dresses to the dusty blue foam-soled leather slides — is breezy, loose, and insanely wearable. 2041 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, shop-vestige.com.
Settlement Music School
If being at home with your kids 24/7 has changed your attitude toward screen time, it’s okay. Allay your guilt (if you still have any) by registering for one of the many local kids’ classes that have popped up on YouTube and across social media. See the full write up at Virtual Classes. settlementmusic.org/music/settlement-digital.
Danny Childs
The cocktails at the Farm & Fisherman Tavern in Cherry Hill are better than they have any right to be — and it’s all because of Danny Childs. Over the past year, his Instagram account (@slowdrinks) became a wealth of cocktail expertise where you could ask him drink-related questions. Now he’s back behind the bar just off Route 70, slinging in-season strawberry Sazeracs and fig-leaf-infused daiquiris. instagram.com/slowdrinks.
Tracey L. Rogers
In astrology, who you are as a person is deeply influenced by the position of planets and stars at the time of your birth. Interested in learning more? Mount Airy-based astrologer and life coach Tracey L. Rogers is a zodiac guru who designs astrological birth charts and offers personal readings to help you make sense of your astral destiny. traceylrogers.com.
The Ivory Concept
For those having their own modern Regency Era romances, this appointment-only boutique from Ali Campbell is filled with all the puffed sleeves and squared necks you could desire. Most of the designers are local exclusives (this is one of only two Marquise Bridal stockists in the whole country), and you’ll have the space to yourself when you visit. 2 East King Street, Malvern, PA 19355, instagram.com/ticbridal.
Division IV
This sweet shop ups the ante on otherwise pedestrian hostess gifts. Do you usually present a jar of fruit preserves? Try the bacon jam! Typically exchange fine spirits? Pair a bottle with a charred grapefruit tonic! Even humdrum candles — like a basil-and-cucumber eco-candle in an upcycled wine bottle — earn an upgrade. (Note: Division IV was absorbed into Ali’s Wagon, from the same owners, in 2018.) 2017 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, aliswagon.com.
Aleksandra Ambrozy
Philly brides have long known about this Polish-born talent—heck, Taylor Swift bestie Britany Maack employed her for her Reading wedding. But you don’t actually have to be walking down the aisle to get Ambrozy’s help. Pop into her airy studio before a big night out, have her come to your place for special-occasion prep, or sign up for one of her product-and-technique-instructive makeup classes to learn her tricks yourself. 1118 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, aleksandraambrozy.com.