Bucks County is home to its fair share of estates and mansions, but as anyone who has ever driven through tiny Bryn Athyn can tell you, the stunning Cairnwood Estate is the real deal. Regal and refined without feeling imposing, the Beaux Arts building — built in 1895 by Pittsburgh Plate Glass founder John Pitcairn — is often the backdrop of gorgeous weddings and private soirees. And next Thursday, August 19, the estate is throwing yet another event: a summer wine tasting with Chaddsford Winery.

Summer may be waning, but there are still a few more weeks to get outside, enjoy the city and slowly sip a refreshing cocktail. Or two. Or (and we highly suggest a designated driver in this instance) 25? Head to the Delaware Riverfront on Thursday, August 19 and you’ll be able to do just that as a slew of sweet sips are poured at the Rum on the River Cane Spirits Festival.

When I was little — let’s say around 6 years old — I was a ballerina. Sure, it was a one-hour class once a week in which I confused first and second positions and picked at my leotard, but by all definitions, I was a ballerina. I had the shoes, I had the bun and most importantly, I had time on the barre. I was never one for floor work, instead preferring each class’s warm-ups during which we lined up in a perfect blank-and-pink row, plieing and releveing in attempted unison. It was good fun, so when I heard that Pure Barre, a fitness studio offering classes that revolve around that lovely wooden dowel, had opened its first Northeast location in Philadelphia, my interest was piqued.

Sure, there are plenty of shows lined up at the mega-centers of Philadelphia entertainment — the Wells Fargo Center and the Susquehanna Bank Center — but how about a venue with personality? One with an organic mix of national and local acts? One without a bank in its name? Philadelphia is lucky to be home to a great list of venues for those looking for everything from punk to Pavarotti. When you are looking for a place to unwind with some quality tunes, order yourself some tickets to one of these haute Philadelphia-area venues.

Generally, I don’t need an excuse to open up a bottle of wine and toast another long day. The stunning red-violet of a good pinot noir, the zip of tropical fruit in a sip of sauvignon blanc … these are all the initiative I need. This weekend, though, I encourage all of you to get yourself to the nearest winery and raise a glass for a less self-indulgent reason: the Great Pennsylvavia Wine Toast.

Crisp, white loose leaf and perfectly sharpened pencils are part of annual back-to-school staples, but so are cute duds to impress the new kids in. Don’t let your little scholars fail their first exam of the year; pick up fashionable fall outfits from these top Philadelphia-area children’s boutiques and they’ll be sure to cruise to the top of the class.

Early this fall, the popular Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties will welcome new dining destination Speck, the first restaurant by local acclaimed Chef Shola Olunyolo. Name sound familiar? This isn’t the first foray into decadent dinners for Olunyolo; many Center City foodies have followed him through his career in area restaurants and have been waiting for this announcement with baited breath and massive appetites.

Contrary to self-proclaimed Queen of the Guidettes, Jersey Shore’s infamous Snooki, there is more to shore dining than pickles. The south shore points are home to a number of fabulous restaurants, and this summer two new names opened to great reviews. Next weekend you head east, stop in for supper at one of these haute hot spots.

This morning’s news cast promised me a weekend of warm temps without the usual side of stifling humidity. How to celebrate? Get outside, of course. There’s a Phillies game to be seen and, prior to that, some serious eating to do. This weekend, head to South Philly’s Sports Complex for the ninth annual Starr-Maddox BBQ Challenge.