Uber
Forget Philly's stinky cabs. Just download the Uber app to your iPhone or Android, register your credit card number, and anytime you want a uniformed driver in a brand-new, spotless, tinted-windowed town car-for just dollars more than a cab ride, in most cases-simply click a button. Within seconds, you'll get an accurate ETA (under 10 minutes in Center City) and a photo of your driver. Never again will you have to argue with a cab driver over why you don't have cash. 00000, uber.com/cities/philadelphia.
Kennett Restaurant
Excellent craft beer selection and good bar food are becoming as formulaic in this city as E=mc2. But Kennett exceeds these gastropub minimums with serious cocktails and a wood-fired pizza oven that flames brightly till after midnight. 848 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, kennettrestaurant.com.
Chops
The power crowd wants two things in a restaurant: enough of a scene that its worth being seen, and enough privacy that you can actually get down to business. Alex Plotkins City Avenue steakhouse offers both, which is why its become the perfect meeting ground for suits from city and suburb. Dine among TV newsers from nearby Channels 6 and 10, bigwigs like Carl Dranoff, Pete Musser and Charlie Pizzi, and the occasional Center City law partner playing hooky from the Palm or Capital Grille. 401 City Line Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, chops-restaurant.com.
Diner en Blanc
Leave it to the French to concoct the idea for this annual pop-up picnic at which 2,300 guests wear their finest whites and compete to see who packs the most impressive baskets. But if youre not already on the list for the August 22nd fte-de-fancy, youll have to get on the waitlist: Its been sold out since May. 00000, philadelphia.dinerenblanc.info.
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.
Sea Devil, Point Pleasant Beach
There are plenty of fishing boats in South Jersey, but on Captain Bob Pennington's Sea Devil, you and 17 of your best friends can spend 23 hours (5 p.m. to 4 p.m. the next day) tuna fishing with a pro. After 39 years of commercial fishing in these waters, Captain Bob knows how to find the fish, so expect to bring your cooler home packed with sushi-ready yellowfin. Cost is $325 per person, tackle included; rod rental is $20 each. 405 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, partyboatnj.com.
The Pine Barrens
With five county parks to choose from in this expansive 1.1-million acre region of Southern New Jersey, there are camping options for every skill level, whether youre an experienced adventurer or barely know how to pitch a tent. (And yes, some sites have flushing toilets, for those who arent ready to submit entirely to nature.) You wont be bored, thanks to plenty of biking, kayaking and canoeing options. Just be warned: This is the land of the Jersey Devil. See website for locations, 00000, njpinebarrens.com/camping-in-the-pine-barrens.
West Philly Tool Library
Need a large mortar chisel? A rawhide mallet? Perhaps a saber saw? For just $20 to $50 annually, you can borrow tools from this nonprofit's 2,500-item-strong library for up to a week at a time, and you only pay more ($1 a day) if you don't get them back on time. Take that, Money Pit. 4620 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143, westphillytools.org.
Brian Maher
Whether in his personal training studio in Center City or in the privacy of your own home, Maher, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, provides a custom exercise program, sensible nutrition advice, and, most importantly, the firm but friendly voice you need to drown out your inner "I'll just skip today" monologue. 1429 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, phillypersonaltraining.com.
Nick Odorisio at Nick's Gym
Whether you're training for your first 5K or just want to keep pace with your kids, Nick uses your own body weight and exercises that involve multiple planes of motion to get your body working like the machine it is. 600 Old Lancaster Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, nicksgym.net.
Holly Waters
Commitment-phobes have nowhere to hide from this energetic, tough-as-nails fitness pixie. When five-foot-two-inch Waters isn't cheering you on at the gym, expect e-mails, texts and calls rooting you toward your weight-loss goals. She's happy to be your (adorable) motivation as you learn to tap into your own. Philadelphia, PA fitnessalivephilly.com.
Jimmy DeLaurentis
Prospect of unearthing an outfit from your stuffed-to-capacity closet make you collapse upon the duvet in a fit of fashion anguish? Enter DeLaurentis. The former Ralph Lauren-ite will help sort through the mess those 1980s palazzo pants havegot to go without making you feel bad, and leave you with numerous "new" outfits plucked from the very racks of clothes you stood before only hours earlier, wailing, "I have nothing to wear!" 00000, jimmydelaurentis.com.
Lisa Korn, Saks Fifth Avenue
Sixteen years at Saks and eight before that at Nan Duskin and Lisa Korn is still as fashion-obsessed as ever. The secret to her coveted status as one of the 5th Avenue Club's top sellers? Could be her elite buying access to every designer out there (even ones the Bala Cynwyd Saks doesn't carry). Could be that when it comes to that Oscar ball gown you just have to have, she'll be absolutely relentless until you're in it. 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, saksfifthavenue.com.
Center City Concierge
Sometimes there's just not enough time in the day. And even if there is time to do it all, sometimes you'd simply rather not. Enter well-connected, close-lipped Philly native Joan Silverstein, who'll do your grocery shopping, write your thank-you notes, find blinds for the beach house all just as diligently as you would. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, centercityconcierge.com.
The Prime Rib
The city's most "civilized steakhouse" may be in need of an interior decorator, but this Square stalwart keeps us coming back with half-priced cocktails, $6 clams casino, crispy potato skins, deviled eggs, and great people-watching from our vantage point at the bar. Plus: Sunday happy hour, should you need to ease into your Monday. 220 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, theprimerib.com/philadelphia-pa.