<em>Heart of a Champion</em>
Heart of a Champion mural by artist Ernel Martinez. Photograph by Jeff Fusco Yes, we do love the new Lil Nas X mural that popped up in the Gayborhood just in time for Pride this year, but we have to give this one to the late-2020 mural by artist Ernel Martinez recognizing Philly’s true champ, Smokin’ Joe Frazier. From his wall at 13th and Allegheny in North Philadelphia, the first boxer to beat Muhammad Ali proclaims, “There is no right way to do wrong and no wrong way to do right.” 1302 West Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132, .
Ukee Washington
The Los Angeles Times story in January detailing the racist/sexist culture promoted by some New York-based CBS executives aired a lot of dirty laundry about Philly’s CBS affiliate, much of which involved those execs’ despicable opinions of lead evening news anchor Ukee Washington. That Washington rose above the fray, summoning the love and support of the region, comes as no surprise to those of us who’ve adored him all along.
Soundwalk
Pioneering composer Ellen Reid pushes the definition of public art with this GPS-enabled immersive exhibition. An app sends location-based musical compositions featuring musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra, sound effects and soundscapes into your earbuds as you walk through some of your favorite outdoor spaces in Fairmount Park. The exhibit ends on September 30th. manncenter.org/soundwalk.
Lauren Leavell
Mount Airy-based trainer Lauren Leavell rose to internet fame via her upbeat fitness classes, strong anti-diet-culture stance, and commitments to making fitness inclusive and striving for racial equality. During Black History Month, she launched Black Womxn Wellness events with other prominent Philly wellness pros, and her Insta story updates range from funny and charming to reflective and inspiring. laurenleavellfitness.com.
South Street Philly Bagel
You'll justify waiting in the steamy, cramped, un-air-conditioned quarters for these just-baked, crunchy-crusted, doughy rounds, which put other area bagel makers to shame. Health nuts can go oat or whole wheat, and there are powder-sugar-dusted French toast and chocolate chip varieties. But true bagelphiles simply order an everything smeared with the superb whipped cream cheese and then a plain to eat on the walk home. 613 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, southstphillybagel.com.
Le Virtù
It's hard to believe that any single bite can pack as much pleasure as one crisply fried olive at Le Virt. Each fruity green specimen is crammed with a potent mixture of three types of slow-braised meat (beef, pork and chicken), then breaded and fried for the ideal amount of crunch. The tangy-meaty-briny babies are a specialty in Marche, the Italian region that chef Luciana Spurio calls home, and theres no better place to taste them stateside. 1927 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, levirtu.com.
Valor Men's Grooming
Valor falls right in the sweet spot between impersonal chain and old-timey barbershop, without any tired man-cave shtick. Tack on the $25 shave, and don't stress about making small talk: TVs at each station let you zone out, so you never have to deal with those awkward "So now what do we talk about?" moments. 27 South Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460, valormensgrooming.com.
Flywheel Sports
No, there's not something in the water. Your friends are all addicted to Flywheel's indoor cycling classes because they feel more like a party than a sweat session, with amped-up playlists and endlessly energetic instructors who'll have you dancing in the saddle. But it's also a serious workout: The studio's TorqBoard lets you race your classmates, and weighted bars next to each bike allow for arm workouts while you peddle. 1521 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, flywheelsports.com/philadelphia.
The Dandelion
We're not sure if it's the relative bargain of the $56 beef roast for two, the succulent meat and accompanying Yorkshire pudding, or the homeyness of Stephen Starr's ode to British pubbery that makes this the ideal way to wrap up a weekend. But we can tell you that any more than three of the English cask ales might make that Monday-morning schlep a bit schleppier. 124 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, thedandelionpub.com.
Oyster House
Honest to Jesus, we just don't comprehend how anyone can get any work done or deals made over the massive plates of red meat offered up at so many of this town's supposed power-lunch spots. Chasing a lobster roll with a couple of cold beers at Oyster House, on the other hand, leaves us with the energy and inspiration to do something other than sleep off a beef coma beneath our desks. 1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, oysterhousephilly.com.
Occasionette
Sara Selepouchins brand-new shop has all those handcrafted party goods (charming banners, stripy paper straws) that make any party look pulled-together. Her great gift-y items like pretty greeting cards and housewares (napkins, dishtowels, totes, etc.), which feature her own darling illustrations, are only a bonus. 1825 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, occasionette.com.
UpHome
This breezy store feels like it could be in Provence: Pillows printed with the names of Shore towns are piled on weathered chairs the owner brings back from France; china plates are painted with watercolor crustaceans. It's a happy mash-up, filled with enough reclaimed furniture, quirky wall hangings and cool accessories to make any home feel like a vacation retreat. 233 East King Street, Suite 105, Malvern, PA 19355, uphomeltd.com.
Fireside Camp Supply
No room in your closet for camping gear? No worries. Small but mighty Fireside rents out everything you need for a weekend in the Great Outdoors, from tents to stoves to sleeping pads. No plans to leave city limits? They have the coolest wool backpacks, plaid blankets and beanies to complete any urban-camper look. (Scope them out at one of the store's monthly BYOB s'mores nights.) 2207 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, firesidecampsupply.com.
Body Restoration
Really, you could go for the pregnancy pillow alone -- a mattress-like cushion with scoop-outs for your newly ample parts that allow you to safely lie facedown. (Remember what that feels like?) Sandwiched between the cushion and the masseuse's kneading fingers (she'll spend extra time on the extra-stressed areas like hips), and you might, just for a few minutes, feel light as air. 1611 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, bodyrest.com.
Friday Nights at Donna's Bar
The old-world clientele, well lubricated by Zywiec beer and vodka, knows how to bring it better than any tarty 20-something. The song list is varied -- John Lennon, Miranda Lambert, Kings of Leon -- and the regulars are welcoming, but be forewarned: Owner Sophie Zalewski loves to run the recorder and put the "best" performances up on YouTube. 2732 East Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134, .