User Lists in Philadelphia, PA Metro

Alright, so it's impossible to deny that summer really is over, no matter how many more days you can get away with wearing a tank and flip-flops. At this point, you may as well find something about the cold weather to embrace, and we recommend that something be drinks. Delicious, seasonal, alcoholic drinks that take advantage of the bounty of the earth's autumn harvest.

Are you ready for some football? Sorry, we can't ever resist that one. We at Citysearch are ready, indeed, and that means we're not just ready to cheer McNabb, Vick and whatever back-up QBs end up staying on (or returning to) the roster, it also means we're ready to spend our Sundays guzzling watery domestic beer and chowing on all the bar food we don't allow ourselves to eat the rest of the week. So where are the best places to get your grub on? Here are the stats on some of the most unique football foods in our urban gridiron.

It's age-old wisdom that alcohol is a social lubricant, one that's frequently used to relax on a date or to stimulate romance. With cocktails becoming increasingly diverse and sophisticated, it's getting easier for bartenders to spawn drinks that playfully allude to this universal call of the wild in ways more refined than merely stirring up a crude "slippery nipple" or "sex on the beach". While some mixologists may label them "exotic", while others simply refer to them as "sexy", it's no secret that their ingredients or names are designed to--wink, wink--get drinkers in the mood.

Bella Vista, traditionally known as a charming little residential pocket north of the Italian Market, is pulsating of late with youngish residents and businesses that cultivate a holistic, intellectual and anti-materialistic lifestyle. The commercial heart of the district is centered around South and Bainbridge streets between 7th and 11th, and a quick stroll along these blocks reveal an emerging spate of restaurants and cafes, vintage boutiques, two rare grocery stores on the same corner, a delightful assortment of eco-aware shops and services, and yes, even a Starbucks. Whether you call it progressive, or a modern ethos, or just South Street for grown-ups, Bella Vista extends an easy and feel-good day of shopping and dining to crunchy Philadelphians.

With all the recent buzz that local Philadelphia restaurants are spreading about fresh ingredients, supporting farmers and working in tandem with nature, it's no surprise that the hottest new liquor to be poured around town comes from a flower. The spirit is called St. Germain Elderflower and it's distilled from flora that grows in the Alps. While the flower's obviously been around for awhile, the French St. Germain company is the first to figure out how to profit off it in a way that will get people buzzed. It tastes tart, floral and sweet, and at just 40 proof and made in small batches, it's a favorite for bartenders who like to tout their artisanal drink-mixing cred.

Never fans of the "must-have" mentality of advertising, we offer, with our bemused apologies, an assortment of the fall clothing items that fashion marketers are insisting must be purchased by anyone--immediately, as in, right now--not wishing to have all of their lifetime accumulation of "cool" points seized. What we like about the selected body coverings is that they express individuality and a funky and unique sense of style. Now, go, you: run off, lemming-like, to buy them.

We think dining well--and the democratic process--is a beautiful thing. Now's the time to make your voice heard and nominate your go-to eateries for our Philadelphia Best of Citysearch polls. Sing the praises of your favorite bakery, sushi joint, taco spot ... you get our drift. Just click through to your restaurant faves and hit the "Nominate for Best of Citysearch" button. May the best bites win. To get you in the mood, here are a few of my faves...

Whether you're planning a quick, rejuvenating stay-cation or desperately seeking some pampering "me time" in a domestic destination far, far away from home, purchasing a spa package at a hotel can revive your mind and body without costing nearly as much as the same luxury at a fancy resort. Philadelphia and its environs are home to a number of first-class hotel spas that allow you to be treated like a celebrity who can sneak away to an undisclosed location that doesn't require him/her to leave the safe confines of the building or interact with the unwashed masses.

Stepping into a sleek and luxurious cocktail lounge to enjoy a premium mixed drink is one of the greatest and most simple pleasures in life. If you consider yourself an old-fashioned cocktail connoisseur, you may want to step outside the ordinary to sample some updated takes on the old classics. In addition to offering some of the best mixed drinks in town, the following places provide the perfect environment for sipping your favorite modernized old-school beverage paired with scrumptious food designed to complement what's in the glass.

An important client calls you to discuss the details of a project that could land you that big promotion. You're already dressed to impress, but you really need to take this meeting to the next level to be sure that the last thing on their mind is scouting for a better offer. What do you do? Take them out for lunch at a place that is absolutely sure to wow them.