Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
We expected this place to be just for kids. But if you're not enthralled when looking up at the awe-inspiring 160-ton Pacific Class K4 steam locomotive, check for a pulse. 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA 17572, rrmuseumpa.org.
Wharton Esherick Museum
Sculptor Esherick's former home is now a please-do-touch-the-art, worth-the-advanced--reservation gem (without the bitter Barnes neighbors), and it displays more than 200 of his works mostly wood furnishings that haven't been moved since the artist's death in 1970. $12 for adults; $6 for children. 1520 Horseshoe Trail, Malvern, PA 19355, whartonesherickmuseum.org.
County Theater
A consistently top-drawer slate of current art-house films, a charming concession stand, friendly ushers, and an intermittent "classic film series" that offers the opportunity to see the old movies your grandparents loved. Breakfast at Tiffany's is playing August 7th. 20 East State Street, Doylestown, PA 18901, countytheater.org.
Sycamore
Down with Cheez Whiz nachos and those crusty hot dogs! On Thursday nights, $25 gets you dinner at Delco fave Sycamore (bring wine!) and your choice of art-house films showing at Cinema 16:9 just down the street. 14 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050, sycamorebyo.com.
Sean Agnew
Fourteen years ago, Agnew, an Ardmore native, started booking bands occasionally as a hobby. Now 32 and a Drexel dropout, he's the biggest independent promoter in the region, producing close to 300 shows a year via his company, R5 Productions, at venues like Johnny Brenda's and the First Unitarian Church, in warehouses and basements, and even at a private airport/pool/motel complex in South Jersey. "I have absolutely no musical ability," says Agnew. "That's why I started doing shows because I was frustrated I couldn't play." 00000,
Cantina Los Caballitos
Not everything on the menu at the Cantina is cheap, but many of the best basics are, like the giant bowl of citrus-tinged guacamole ($7), the massive, overstuffed Tex-Mex-style burritos ($8 to $11), and the real-deal tacos ($8 to $11), all of which come with a healthy dusting of cilantro and a lime wedge for squeezing. After one bite of the menu stars the crunchy-soft fried plantains with melted cheese ($6), and the tamarind barbecued pork ribs paired with pickled jalapeos ($12) you'll forgive this hipster hang in South Philly for its long waits and too-cool-for-school crowds, and just order another $6 frozen blood-orange margarita. 1651 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, cantinaloscaballitos.com/main.html.
Neiman Marcus
Neimie's flawlessly appointed gentlemen's department has the salon appeal of a boutique operation, but the access to serious Zegna, Gucci, Cucinelli, et al., of a much clout-ier outfit. The Plaza at King of Prussia, King of Prussia, PA 19406, neimanmarcus.com.
2 B Groomed
The tight cuts, hot lathers and close (and co-mfortable!) shaves at this classic 10-year-old barbershop will have you looking and feeling like a man of means. If you go for a shave, insist on the mud mask. Its well worth the additional fee. 270 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 2bgroomedsudios.com.
Commonwealth Proper
If James Bond, Don Draper and George Clooney lived in Philly, this is where theyd suit up. 1732 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, commonwealthproper.com.
Drexel Convenient Care Center
Two things guaranteed to make you feel better: 1) No appointments needed. 2) Leaving with your prescription in hand. The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19192, drexelmedicine.org/patient-services/convenient-care-center.
La Chele Medical Aesthetics
Still freaked out by the idea of a med spa, but also jealous of your friends results? Lisa Espinoza, the medical doctor whos always in-office, will put you instantly at ease. Shes a walking advertisement you wont believe it when she tells you her age, or that her natural-looking, wrinkle-free visage once had horrible acne. Lasers and liquid face-lifts suddenly dont look so scary. 430 Union Square Drive, New Hope, PA 18938, lachelemedspa.com.
Jeff Kirby at Tires Etc.
With more than 18 years of experience, Jeff Kirby has seen (and can explain) it all. And if his waiting area's 42-inch flat-screen TV, cushy leather chairs, grime-free bathroom, wi-fi and icy sodas aren't enough to make you feel welcome in the strange and gritty land of auto repair, his joking banter, crush-worthy dimples and no-B.S. advice definitely will. 515 West Baltimore Pike, Clifton Heights, PA 19018, tiresetc.com.
B Wilson, Just B Beautiful
B will do your face up right for any occasion with airbrush makeup and uber-natural-looking fake eyelashes. Call or see website for appointment, 00000, justbbeautiful.com.
Doylestown's State Street
Eclectic boutiques, brand-name shops, and tucked-away lunch spots make downtown D-town both quaintand cool. 00000, doylestownborough.net/visitors/shopping.
Haddonfield
It's just so freakin'cute. Seriously like,How could I swing moving here? cute. But besides the ridiculously charming, friendly, bucolic atmosphere along Kings Highway East, the shopping is simply divine. There's everything from kid stuff (Pipsqueak) to women's wear (Maxwell James) to sporting equipment (Haddonfield Running Company) to jewelry (McNelis and Sherry) to art galleries (Accent Studio) to gifts (Serendipity) to home furnishings (The Upholstery Shop) to lingerie (Georgie Girl Boutique) to music (Siren's Song) to spas and salons (Salon M Design) to ... Oh, we're tired. Just go, already. 00000, shophaddonfieldnj.com.