Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Don’t worry, this isn’t your middle schooler’s violin recital: Rising from the insuppressible enthusiasm of maestro Benjamin Zander—who founded the (senior) Boston Philharmonic Orchestra 40 years ago—this ensemble of fantastically talented 12- to 21-year-olds delivers exactly what you want from a night at the orchestra: to be blown away. Whether playing the notoriously difficult Mahler (one of the maestro’s specialties) or another canonical composer, they deliver youthful energy and just a touch of wonder. bostonphil.org.
Afterhouse
Dreamed up by the all-star team behind Nantucket’s Galley Beach, Afterhouse stands apart from would-be rivals with cozy garden-level digs and a curated drink menu full of globally sourced vino. Snag a seat at the wood-topped bar to sip your way through a bevy of Italian whites, French rosés, and Napa reds, all ideal complements to the bistro’s stellar lineup of fish-forward small plates. afterhouse.net.
Sesuit Harbor Café
Sure, seafood is easy to come by on the Cape. But you're reading this magazine, so you’re looking for the best. Pack your cooler and sunscreen and snag a picnic table at Sesuit Harbor Café: Yes, you’ll wait in a line out the door, sit outside rain or shine, and BYOB, but once those heaping trays of lobster rolls, fried scallops and clams, and Cape Cod Bay oysters are in front of you, you’ll understand. sesuit-harbor-cafe.com.
Queeraoke at Midway Café
Covered in vinyl stickers and rainbow string lights, J.P.’s Midway Café looks like a classic dive bar, but it’s also the spot to sing your heart out every Thursday starting at 10 p.m. A favorite of Boston’s younger queer crowd—but welcoming to everyone—the evening starts with regulars crooning to ’90s and early-aughts hits and ends with wild dance parties. 3496 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA midwaycafe.com.
M.F. Dulock
This neighborhood meat market specializes in ethically sourced, hormone-free meats—all raised on pasture within 250 miles of Somerville—and nose-to-tail butchery. That means you’ll see hard-to-find proteins such as livers and blushing lamb’s hearts, along with house-made sausages, pork cutlets, chicken, and slabs of brisket. Want to try them all? Subscribe to M.F. Dulock’s meat club and take home new cuts every month. 201A Highland Ave., Somerville, MA mfdulock.com.
Greentail Table
Dream dinner parties start at this design-forward tabletop shop. Curated by owner Linda de Valpine—a seasoned retail vet who gave up a decades-long career in merchandising to open Greentail Table in 2014—the covetable array of locally made Caskata canapé plates, shapely glass decanters, acacia-wood serving boards, Ekelund table runners, and other chic must-haves will have your guests asking, “Where did you find that?” 343 Watertown St., Newton, MA greentailtable.com.
Glamour Cosmetics
No caked-on foundation, overly rouged cheeks, or clumpy mascara here: Makeup artist Garineh Ashjian’s bridal portfolio abounds with natural looks, showcasing the technical abilities and careful restraint that put the Glamour Cosmetics founder in a league of her own. Of course, if your tastes run bolder, the L.A.-trained pro can certainly oblige; her editorial experience, to say nothing of her work with celebs such as Bethenny Frankel and Nikki Bella, means she can skillfully doll you up any way you please. glamourcosmeticsofficial.com.
Eye & Eye Optics
If you want an expert eye — or two — to help you pick the perfect specs, look no further than the father-and-son duo behind this optical shop. The deeply knowledgeable, eminently affable (and fashionable) pair know that all the coolest frames are sunglasses, and will happily make your regular glasses out of any pair you find in their well-stocked cases. 2271 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124, eyeandeyeoptics.com.
Bloom Couture Floral Studio
Flowers, at their essence, are really just plain fun. And no one has more fun with flowers than Suphoj Chancheaw, who infuses each of his arrangements with a sense of effervescence and a clear appreciation for sculpture. Whether you opt for next-day delivery on a custom or pre-designed arrangement or join a floral workshop led by the master himself, you’ll find it’s easy to transplant Chancheaw’s passion for blooms into your own life. 769 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, bloomcouturestudio.com.
The Boston Shaker
Those hoping to impress long-awaited houseguests with perfectly stirred martinis or mai-tai-filled ceramic tiki mugs need only visit this cozy boutique. With inventory ranging from highball glasses and stainless steel bar spoons to absinthe fountains and jugs shaped like shark heads, the shop’s whimsical wares are perfect for getting the party started — no matter your tastes or how many people you’re hosting. 69 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144, thebostonshaker.com.
Central Square Florist
Central Square Florist What does a flower shop do with 3,000 extra tulips in the midst of the COVID shutdown? If you’re Central Square Florist, you donate them to essential stores and senior living facilities to add a splash of color to otherwise dark days—then turn around and repurpose your unused vans to deliver meals to healthcare workers. Now that this perennial favorite is back to delighting locals with lush, fragrant bouquets and arrangements (available for same-day delivery or curbside pickup), the future is already looking brighter. 653 Massachuetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, centralsquareflorist.com.
Jessi Haggerty
Keto, paleo, mono—who can keep track of the latest fad diets? When you’re finally ready to get serious about what’s on your plate, give Jessi Haggerty a call. The Somerville-based health guru bills herself as an “anti-diet” dietitian, which means she focuses her practice less on weight loss and more on intuitive eating and body positivity. The result? A healthier—and, more important, happier—you. 259 Elm St. , Somerville, MA 02145, jessihaggerty.com.
William Browne & Sons
Emmanuel Boakye-Appiah We approached Paul Browne with a too-long pair of wide-legged pants and a vision for cropped, narrow new trousers. After deftly pinning the fabric and chatting affably, he charged us just $20 for the reconstruction, and we left feeling like a million bucks. Run by multiple generations of skilled tailors, this gem of a shop on Morton Street provides warm, often same-day service for any kind of nip or tuck—just keep your eyes peeled for the window full of garments and the awning marked “862” to find it. 862 Morton St., Mattapan, MA 02126, william-browne-sons.business.site.
Nathalia JMag
Found fabrics, spice and vegetable dyes, upcycled materials, and a zero-waste approach—this Project Runway alumna and proud Framingham native isn’t just envisioning a more sustainable future for fashion, she’s making it a reality. Each piece sold through her website is made to order, so while it might take a few weeks to reach your doorstep, the pretty dresses, statement coats, and patchwork denim jeans are absolutely worth waiting for. nathaliajmag.com.
Hilton's Tent City
Whether you’re searching for the perfect pair of hiking boots to trek through the White Mountains or a new water bottle to bring to your barre class, you’ll find the gear you need for adventures of any size at this Central Square storefront. In fact, with tents, tools, and headlamps stretching as far as the eye can see, navigating the massive selection here can feel like an expedition of its own—good thing patient staffers are there to guide you. 565 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, hiltonstentcity.com.