The Mutter Museum

This museum of medical curiosities is not for the faint-of-heart, but as an unsqueamish visitor I thought it was really interesting & memorable - a great combination of newer museums' interactive exhibitions & the victorian "cabinet of curiosities" model so prevalent 100 years ago. Educational with a liberal dash of scandal & grotesqueness. If you've never been, be prepared for some disturbuing things - including plenty of deformities floating around in formaldehyde, etc. Don't take anyone here who flinches at needles or blood on TV - they'll never survive.

PROS: Nice mix of sensationalism & education
CONS: Not for the squeamish!

Please Touch Museum

I haven' t been to this museum in many years, the last time I went I was probably 7 so I'm sure it's changed, but I wanted to add that from a child's perspective this place is phenomenal - so much fun & so memorable. It's also a great way to get kids to learn about what it means to be in a museum - even though the rules are much laxer than, say, the Met, it's still a place where you share common space with others you don't know & have to be respectful of their boundaries. It's also not a far walk to the Franklin Institute or Academy of Natural Sciences if you are looking to do a full day of touring.

PROS: Wonderful early museum experience for children
CONS:

The Rittenhouse Spa & Club-Hair By Paul Labrecque

I stayed at the Rittenhouse the night before my wedding & the night of - it is a gorgeous hotel & we adored our time there. It's also conveniently located in the middle of town, overlooking Philadelphia's most exclusive square. On our wedding night we stayed in the Presidential Suite which is absolutely divine - huge and beautifully decorated. We hosted about 30 of our friends there for a casual brunch & it was the perfect way to end the weekend. NB - the hotel's restaurant Lacroix is one of the best in Philadelphia - superlative cuisine & lovely setting.

PROS: Fantastic location, beautiful facilities
CONS:

The Great Frame Up

My family has used the Great Frame Up for decades - their work is perfect and had stood the test of time; we've framed everything from original charcoal sketches to antique maps to tourist posters with them - everything turns out fantastically & is a joy to look at. It's amazing what a good frame can do to even a mediocre image. They do custom framing for you, or supply you the materials so you can do it yourself in their workshop. Extensive selection of matts & frames. Their prices are high but more than worth it for the results.

PROS: Stunning results, reliable, intelligent service
CONS: Expensive - but worth it!

The Barnes Foundation

It's tragic that this tiny museum has such a low profile despite its superlative collection of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern art. Every room is an absolute jewel box of masterpieces from Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Picasso, Rousseau - you name it, Barnes collected it. The audio guide is very informative & gives a lot of detail on the rationale for the way the collection is organized. The museum is only a few minutes' drive outside Philadelphia - a must-see for anyone interested in art. However, be advised you need to book well in advance.

PROS: Superlative collection of 19th & 20th century art
CONS: Difficult to visit without a car; need to book well in advance

Landmark Ritz 5

I've lived in a lot of cities in the US and abroad & have never come across a better Indie cinema - they have impeccable taste in what they choose to screen, a great no-kid policy (none allowed under 6, under 16s have to be with a guardian), and the screening rooms are always very clean. Another bonus is that Wednesday is $6 all day, a great deal & a good way to motivate to make it out during the week. Their free monthly magazine Ritz Film Bill has very well-written reviews.

PROS: Great film selection, excellent facilities, Wednesday nights $6
CONS: None

Papery of Philadelphia

The Papery has a huge range of custom printing options - I used them for all the printing I needed for my wedding (save-the-dates, invitations, thank-you notes, menus, escort cards). They work with a lot of printers including Julie Holcomb, page, William Arthur, Ecruis and Crane. Everything they did for me was perfect & usually came in ahead of schedule. They also have the ability to do in-house printing for smaller jobs. The shop in general has great fun notecards, invitations, and other stationery & accessories. It's always fun to visit & see what they've got!

Indigo The Salon

My mother & sister have been going to Indigo ever since they moved to Greensboro a few years ago. It's truly a world-class salon & even though I live in a larger city I frequently go for haircuts & waxing when I'm down there visiting. Aside from great salon services they do wonderful updos and makeup - my sister had them do her hair & makeup for her debutante ball & she looked gorgeous. Everyone is really sweet & the atmosphere is chic while still being comfortable and soothing. Prices are in-line with other higher end salons.

Soho Nails

I've been going here for years off & on whenever I'm in New York - their prices have gone up slightly since I first went in 1998 but they are still really reasonable and do great work. My manis & pedis always last at least a week. It's difficult to find because it's on the second floor of a building sandwiched between a couple of Soho boutiques (it's a couple doors down from the New York Look), but well worth it to find them.

PROS: Great prices, good work
CONS: Difficult to find

Leehe Fai

I love checking out the stock at this adorable, womens' clothing boutique of Rittenhouse - staff is helpful & friendly without being obsequious & the clothes are always gorgeous. The store is small, so there's not a lot of volume, but they have a variety of things from jeans & casual bags to evening gowns. Be warned though, it doesn't come cheap - you'd be hard pressed to find anything for under $100. The store proudly advertises it's "boyfriend-friendly", meaning they've got some seating & magazines to keep men occupied during shopping.

PROS: Lovely selection
CONS: High prices