Zoey Smith
Michael Smith was a basketball player as a kid, but he taught himself the game of golf when his daughter Zoey showed an interest in the game as a four-year-old. When Michael died unexpectedly in 2019, Zoey abruptly quit golfing — it just wasn’t the same without him. But the athletic director at her high school, the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, coaxed her to pick up her clubs again, and last fall, she became the only player on its spanking-new girls golf team. How’d that work out? Pretty darned well: The sophomore won the Public League individual championship despite being the youngest competitor there. Fore!
Anna C. Verna Playground
It’s hard not to be the best playground when you have the largest swing set in the country. And this new spot just off Broad and Pattison sports just that. There are also all sorts of nifty things to climb on and ride down — like a 25-foot slide that looks like it’s dropping kids out of the sky — and plenty of green space for chilling after your kid is finally worn out. FDR Park, Philadelphia, PA 19145, phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-parks-recreation.
City Funding of University City Townhome Redevelopment
When, in 2021, the owners of the University City Townhomes complex declined to renew the property’s Section 8 contract, 70-some tenants’ housing was suddenly at risk. After years of consternation marked by protests and an encampment, the demolition began in March. And in June, Mayor Cherelle Parker pledged $14 million in her first city budget toward Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s plan to redevelop part of the property as affordable housing. A promising first step, though one we’d have loved to see sooner.
Maria’s Bread Sandwiches
The key to a great sandwich is the bread, and while on a quest to achieve the perfect bake chef Scott Schroeder has been experimenting with housemade sourdough, focaccia, bagels and, yes, pizza. It takes 48 hours for the pizza dough to ferment, which means you have to place your order by Wednesday. But the wait — and the cost, around $30 — is worth it for the chewy, tangy pies. Look for specials like the Angry Meatball or asparagus alfredo pies. 685 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, mariasbreadsandwiches.com.
Michelle Lombardi
When Lombardi, an ICU nurse at Phoenixville Hospital, learned that one of her patients — an unhoused man who’d been living with his dog in his car — would be hospitalized for a lengthy stay, she volunteered to take in his pup for the duration, and cared for it until the owner was back on his feet and in an apartment of his own. Her above-and-beyond earned her an award from the Daisy Foundation, a nationwide org honoring extraordinary nurses — and the everlasting gratitude of the man and his beast.
Authorized Camera Repair
Their website says “Philadelphia’s only camera repair shop,” and while that’s technically not true, they’re the folks we trust the most. Owner Matt Fuehrer has worked in the field for more than 30 years, repairing everything from digital cameras to lenses to cinema cameras. He’ll also buy used cameras, so if you’re upgrading — or decide photography isn’t your thing — Authorized is the place to go. 339 North York Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090, authorizedcamerarepair.com.
Belovely Floral Co.
While this Ambler floral studio can create just about any kind of arrangement for your Big Day, we’re particularly enamored of the hanging installations crafted by owner Lauren Weintraub and her team — colorful poofs of baby’s breath that float above a dance floor or greenery that winds its way among the rafters, forming a leafy canopy under which you’ll say “I do.” blvly.com.
CJ And D’s Trenton Tomato Pies
Take a walk down East Passyunk Avenue and you’ll likely miss CJ and D’s the first time. But if you squint through the garage doors of Cartesian Brewing at just the right angle, at just the right time, you’ll spot them: gleaming, crispy Trenton-style pies, popped right onto the bar. It’s only open three days a week, and they sell out fast. Our recommendation? Grab a few pints of Cartesian’s low-ABV brown mild — and when the opportunity arises, pounce. 1326 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19146, instagram.com/cjdtomatopies.
DJ Lady FX
Marlene Bell, a longtime Philly DJ, describes herself as a “vibe curator.” She customizes her set to the couple, the venue, the theme — she’ll even dress the part for your soiree — and the crowd. (And she’ll keep your guests on the dance floor till the wee hours.) Want more vibes? She has a floral DJ booth for your garden-party wedding and an LED display photo booth so you can preserve all the fun. djladyfx.com.
Erin Matson
We handed a Best-of nod to the Chadds Ford native and Unionville High grad last August after she was named the head coach of the women’s field hockey team at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina, at the tender age of 22, becoming the youngest head coach in NCAA D-1 history. Well, we’re lauding her again, because in her first season in that role, her Tar Heels won the national title. Go team! erinsmatson.com.
The Philly Phlushes
That Philly finally embarked on a pilot program for public restrooms, a.k.a. the Philly Phlush, was exciting enough back when they debuted last year. That the two pilot restrooms are still working and in good shape is even more exciting. Glamorous they’re not, but they admirably fulfill, their, uh, duty. That a third was set to arrive in Clark Park by July fills us with hope that Philly will finally become a world-class city … for doing your business.
Tonewood’s Slow Saison Series
In a world flooded with IPAs, Tonewood Brewing’s Slow Saison collaboration with beverage consultant and forager Danny Childs stands out as an exciting exploration of our region’s terroir through the seasons. From the piney notes of the staghorn sumac in the fall’s release to the powerful punch of persimmons in the spring, each beer in the series showcases locally foraged botanicals presented in a way that will make you think differently about nature and beer. Locations in Barrington and Oaklyn, New Jersey, tonewoodbrewing.com.
The Roof Doctor
When water is actively leaking into your home, the stakes are high for finding a roofer fast. So when you’ve gone down a list of recommended companies and none reply to calls, emails or carrier pigeons, you, wild-eyed and desperate, might believe that roofers in Philadelphia are an urban legend, like finding a parking spot in South Philly after dusk. Until you call the Roof Doctor, and a pro from the second-generation family business answers the phone. They’ll put you on the schedule and show up when they say they will. The reliability is only part of it, though; they also do quality work at a price that feels fair, even when not taking into consideration your level of desperation. 2315 A Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, roofdoctorphilly.com.
Saquon Barkley
We were gutted when Mount Airy native D’Andre Swift left the Eagles in free agency. Not surprising, given how Howie Roseman values running backs. So imagine our shock when Roseman yoinked former Nittany Lion Barkley from the Giants and signed him to a big contract. We’ll still miss our Swift, but Barkley grew up in the Lehigh Valley, which offsets the whole former G-man thing.
Quinta Brunson
When Brunson took the stage to accept the Emmy for lead actress in a series from legend Carol Burnett, she began her speech, “I don’t even know why I’m so emotional. I think, like, the Carol Burnett of it all.” It was humble and infinitely endearing and revealed what should be obvious to everyone now: When it comes to comedy, Brunson’s a deadly serious student of her craft. Which means this nod won’t be her last.