Federal Donuts
The twice-fried Korean fried chicken has six different topping choices. We keep going back because we know it's the best, and because we're not done figuring out exactly which topping is tops. 1219 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, federaldonuts.com.
Middletown Archery
You could pay for therapy, or you could head to this archery club, which has a 70-meter outdoor range and an 18-meter indoor one, plus coaches who'll teach you the ropes and leave you feeling like a Katniss-level badass. We'll let you choose. 127 Barren Road, Media, PA 19063, middletownarchery.com.
cinéSPEAK
This West Philly microcinema was scheduled to debut earlier this year, screening real college-film-class types of works that only true movie nerds would love. But then coronavirus happened, so they shifted into a virtual format until they can open their doors. Hopefully in early 2021. cinespeak.org.
Arden + James
In her Chadds Ford studio, Arden + James founder Bri Brant creates hand-painted raw linen totes, waxed-denim weekenders and leather carryalls. Every part of the process — from the hammered rivets to the etched designs — is done by hand, so no two are alike, but all are worth slinging over your arm. Chadds Ford, PA 19317, ardenandjames.com.
Pork Roll Burger at the Blue Duck
Eggs on burgers have been a thing for a while now. But a whole breakfast? That's what Kris Serviss has done with this concoction: pork roll ground into a burger topped with a sunny-side-up egg and sriracha mayo. And in lieu of hash browns? A big fat potato roll. 2859 Holme Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19152, blueduckphilly.com.
Kids Shop at Please Touch Museum
End the frustration of the one-and-done plaything by scooping up the remarkable toys at the Kids Shop at Please Touch Museum. The same experts who keep our kiddies engaged and educated for hours give their stamp of approval to every puzzle, book and game here. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, pleasetouchmuseum.org.
Ruben Mejia at Mejia Construction
He can handle just about anything you throw at him. He cleans up the mess; he doesn't clean out your bank account. And with help from his business partner (and wife) Martha, he gets your job done on time. 00000,
AMDG Exterior Contracting
AMDG shows up when they say they will, communication is easy and clear, and if there is anything you’re unhappy with—which is highly unlikely—they’ll come back out and deal with it. For work one of our editors needed done, AMDG also offered the lowest estimate by far; the end result, our colleague gushes, is impeccable. 2377 Haverford Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, TRUSTAMDG.COM.
Unite Fitness
If you're not utterly exhausted after a 75-minute cross-training class here, you've done something wrong. Unite's coaches mix challenging cardio intervals, strength training and yoga for a total-body torch of the "It hurts so good" variety. You'll thank them—eventually. Locations in Philadelphia and Mount Laurel | , unitefitnessstudios.com.
Sahara Sam's Oasis
Once you tire of the area's only indoor surfing simulator and the raft of raft rides and tube slides, relax in a private cabana-before tackling the four-story high-ropes course, the world's tallest of its kind. The indoor water park is open year-round, a blessing once the winter blues and cabin fever hit. 535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091, saharasams.com.
Mart Pretzel
Crackly crust, dense doughy insides when you break one of these open, you can feel the steamy warmth. In a city as pretzel-obsessed as Philly, you'd be amazed how rare that is. You'll be more amazed to learn it's a New Jersey pretzel shop that's showing us how it's done. 202 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077, .
Vintage
We wanted this subterranean shop to stay our own little tucked-away secret. But then it moved its digs aboveground, dashing our hopes that we could keep the huge explosion of vintage clothes (and baubles and bags and housewares) to ourselves. 63 West State Street, Doylestown, PA 18901, Vintage-doylestown.com.
KingsHaven
This delightfully colorful showroom boasts custom lighting and handcrafted furnishings, but it’s the smattering of home accessories, like shapely black-and-white baskets woven in Panama, textured throw pillows, and oils done by local artists, that will take you by surprise. 10 West Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA 19301, kingshaven.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.
Athleta
They take the whole return any time, any reason thing pretty seriously here. Example: We swapped out our too-big yoga pants, in which wed done many a down-dog, for a better fitting pair, no questions asked. This is why we keep going back. Multiple locations, 00000, athleta.gap.com.