Alternative Medicine for First-Timers Lionville Holistic Health Center If you’re new to the world of holistic healthcare, this group of dedicated pract-itioners will guide you to a treatment plan that fits your needs. They provide a range of evidence-based natural therapies— everything from classical homeopathy to massage therapy—and they’ll work with your doctor to ensure its safety and effectiveness. 311-312 Gordon Drive, Exton, (610) 594-3656, www.lionvillehealth.com.
Blowouts La’lli Hair Lounge From bouncy layers to sleek lobs (long bobs), the team at La’lli has perfected the art of the multiday, glossy blowout. That explains why a large chunk of its clientele has standing weekly appointments for professional blowdrys. 30 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore, (610) 649-8600, www.lallihair.com.
Body Treatments Avanté Salon & Spa We’re partial to the black-mud body treatment. Who knew getting down and dirty could be so cathartic? Various locations, www.avantesalon.com.
Community Park Linwood Park Once an abandoned lot, Linwood Park is now a gorgeous green space with benches, statuary and café tables. Tended by an all-volunteer army of neighbors led by Kate Galer, this community hub features arts and crafts, yoga, outdoor movie nights, and live music. Linwood and Athens avenues, Ardmore, www.friendsoflinwoodpark.org.
Day Spa Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon No local day spa comes close to Joseph Anthony’s elaborate menu of five-star amenities and invigorating treatments, with options that promote deep relaxation— like the chromotherapy tub suite, the alpine herbal steam room and brine-light inhalation therapy room. 243 W. Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 459-4663, www.josephanthony.com.
Eyebrow Shaper Polished Spa & Boutique’s Alaina Nelson “The Brow Girl” has amassed quite the following, and here’s why: She’s one of a select few specialists in the state who’s been trained by Anastasia Beverly Hills. The high-end product line is an Oprah fave. Need we say more? 221 Conestoga Road, Wayne, (610) 688-4181, www.thepolishedspa.com.
Facials Currie Hair, Skin, Nails They don’t adhere to a one-facial-fits-all mentality at Currie—and that’s just one of the many things they do right when it comes to skincare. Their 10-plus facials say it all. 605 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 225-2415, www.curriedayspa.com.
Gym Classes for Main Line Moms Main Line Health & Fitness Childcare by qualified professionals and weekday classes that start at 6 a.m. make working out work perfectly for busy moms, who can spin, box, dance and more, and still get home to see the kids off to school. 931 Haverford Road, Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-2200, www.mlhf.com.
Gym for the Family Haverford Area YMCA For $150 per month and a $101 one-time membership fee, two adults and their kids can enjoy three pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a full roster of classes. And “kids” qualify until age 25, if they still live at home. 891 N. Eagle Road, Havertown, (610) 649-0700, www.philaymca.org.
Hair Colorist Noël Sy Art in Beauty’s Betty Sy Whether you’re going for the subtlest of changes or a total transformation, you’re putting your tresses in the right hands with Betty Sy, who has the uncanny ability to nail your shade every time. 292 Montgomery Ave., Bala Cynwyd, (610) 667-8777, www.noelsy.com.
Manicures The Nail Bar The free glass of wine Monday-Thursday brings them in, but it’s the first-class treatments that keep them coming back. 3507 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 353-6245, www.nailbarlounge.com.
Moonbounce Alternative Think Like a Scientist Sick of the moonbounce-party circuit? A trip to Think Like a Scientist may be in order. Learn about dinosaurs, make a terrarium or investigate the science of sports. Themed celebrations make for a learning experience brimming with fun. 780 Miles Road, Suite F, West Chester, (610) 696-2988, www.thinklikeascientistllc.com.
Neighborhood Gym Mitch’s Market Street Gym Long for a place where you can still compare notes with a workout buddy. Enter Mitch’s, with its neighborly vibe and high-tech equipment laid out on factory floors. Its dedicated staff includes university graduates trained in strength development, weight loss and body toning. 322 W. Market St., West Chester, (610) 918-2900, www.mitchsgym.com.
Organic Spa Cole Wellness Spa At Cole, you’ll find all the treatments you’d expect at a traditional spa, from deep cleansing purification facials to therapeutic warm-stone massages. What sets this place apart is its exceptional organic product lines. 101 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, (610) 688-7546, www.colewellnessspa.com.
Pedicures Elise Spa & Nail Settle into one of the self-controlled massage chairs and relish the realization that all you have to do is, well, nothing while Elise’s nail technicians work their magic. 2 Town Place, Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-1789.
Place for Hip Grandparents Wayne Senior Center Fitness, dance, games and great company— you’ll find all that and more are at the Wayne Senior Center. Helmed by warm-hearted executive director Susan Shapiro, the center offers classes, guest speakers, day trips and more. 108 Station Road, Wayne, (610) 688-6246, www.wayneseniorcenter.com.
Place for Kids’ Birthday Parties Bob’s Best Birthdays Bob’s revels in the basics, with interactive games like tag and kickball, classic party food, and serious pampering for the birthday girl or boy. Friends’ Central Lower School, 228 Old Gulph Road, Wynnewood, www.bobsbestbirthdays.com.
Place to Get That Youthful Glow dermHA When Millie Bell relocated to Downingtown six years ago, her customers followed. It’s difficult to find a results-oriented spa where every treatment involves a clinical evaluation and the application of dermHA products. The key ingredient — pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid — is unmatched in its soothing, hydrating capabilities. 131 Wallace Ave., Unit 1, Downingtown, (610) 269-7009, www.dermha.com.
Playground Ashbridge Memorial Park Peals of laughter echo through the fields surrounding Ashbridge, where generations of Main Line kids have spent sun-filled afternoons. Recent renovations — age-specific equipment, parking and lighting — make this go-to playground even more awesome. 1301 W. Montgomery Ave., Rosemont, www.lowermerion.org.
Rainy-Day Spot for Kids Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park At Sky Zone, end-to-end trampolines form gigantic jumping courts perfect for basketball, friendly dodgeball, or jump time (which is exactly what it sounds like). Pizza and cake round out the birthday-party specials. A word of advice: Jump first, eat later. 122 Mill Road, Unit B-250, Oaks, (484) 927-4433, www.skyzone.com/oaks.
Running/Walking Spot, Lower Main Line Haverford College Nature Walk Affectionately known as the Haverford Loop, this 2.25-mile trail winds past the school’s stately buildings, through woods and along a creek. Spotting birds, fish, deer and other woodland creatures turns a typical run into an adventure. 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, www.havtrail.com/trailmap.
Running/Walking Spot, Upper Main Line Radnor Trail Follow the paved path for 2.4 miles past woods, fields and a golf course, and have a peek at the gorgeous homes along the way. History buffs love the railroad stations, and the seasonal scenery inspires nature lovers. 520 Conestoga Road, Wayne. (610) 688-5600, www.radnor.com.
Secret Playground Freedom Playground at Haverford Reserve Oohs and aahs abound when kids glimpse Freedom Playground. What looks like a magical village is filled with swings, slides, games and areas that inspire kids to play make-believe. The playground is not especially easy to find, but it is well worth the effort. 9000 Parkview Drive, Haverford, (610) 446-9397, www.haverfordfreedomplayground.org.
Spin Studio Flywheel Classes fill up quicker than you can move the pedals on a stationary bike. Once you saddle up, stress seems to disappear (for 60 minutes, at least), thanks to the high-energy tunes and the ability to go at your own speed and endurance level. 711 W. Lancaster Ave., Suite 300, Bryn Mawr, (610) 572-7161, www.philadelphia.flywheelsports.com.
Workout Barre Focus Fitness That’s “barre,” as in ballet barre—and it’s great for crafting long, lean muscles. Add cardio, do it for 60 minutes, then collapse, sweaty but smiling. Various locations. www.barrefocusfitness.com.
