Jillian's
Among up-scale pool halls, the original Jillian's gets bonus points for being there first. But what sets it apart from the competition is all the stuff beneath the third-floor pool tables: hundreds of high-tech video games on the second floor and a decent restaurant/mental amusement park called the Atlas Grill at street level. Which means there's lots of things to do on a Friday night while you wait hours for a pool table. 145 Ipswich St., Boston, MA .
Galleria Umberto
WHAT’S THE VIBE? A bare-bones old-school haunt, with cafeteria-like seating and lines that form before the pizza sells out — and it always does, within just a few midday hours. TASTING NOTES: Spongy, saucy, cheesy, and fresh-baked every morning, these $2 slices are an exemplar of the form. Ask for an especially toothsome corner piece, if you can. 289 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, .
Pain d'Avignon
This may be Hyannis, not Honfleur, but for a few hours at least, you can pretend you’ve teleported to France’s shoreline with a late-morning meal at this boulangerie/bistro, which celebrates its 30th birthday this year. Here, les oeufs are served every which way; crêpes get spiked with Grand Marnier; and the French onion soup is an exemplar of the form. The pristine oysters, though? Those are Wellfleet, naturally. 15 Hinckley Rd., Hyannis, MA 02601, paindavignon.com.
Appleton Farms
Appleton Farms has been around almost as long as the Pilgrims. Seriously: Founded in 1638, it’s one of the oldest family-operated farms in the country. But that doesn’t mean it’s stale. The 1,000-acre Trustees of Reservations property now offers a staggering array of kid-approved programming in all seasons, from petting farm animals to barnyard story hours to cross-country skiing. Though with picturesque grounds like these, even popping in to grab fresh veggies at the farm stand can be a fun adventure. 219 County Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938, thetrustees.org/place/appleton-farms.
Chestnut Street, Beacon Hill
Come October 31, this lively street buzzes with friendly competition as each brownstone decks out its front stoop in spooky décor, creating a spellbinding vibe that’s absolutely infectious. Making for an even more festive Halloween experience? The well-lit thoroughfare closes to traffic during peak trick-or-treating hours — and residents are known to give out full-size candy bars. Boston, MA 02108,
Giuliano Day Spa
When your fast-track life has you ragged at the edges, check into Giuliano's for some serious self-indulgence. They'll paint your toes, trim your locks, lather your face with soothing muds, and massage your weary back with fragrant oils (by candlelight!). You'll emerge ready to do battle again—or, better yet, go out on the town. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Bos2Go
Picture this: You’ve just lugged your bag all the way from security to your gate and plopped down on a chair when you hear your stomach growl. Instead of settling for a suspiciously wet egg-salad sammy from the newsstand, simply navigate to this website, which delivers meals and other essentials from anywhere in the airport straight to your seat. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your piping-hot Wahlburger from all the way in Terminal C. bos2go.com.
Solus
Surrender your soles to Kathy for a luxurious and relaxing pampering. One of her secrets: she wraps your toes in saran before you slip on your shoes so as not to disturb the polish—your pedicure will last for weeks. 115 Newbury St., Suite 301, Boston, MA .
Nina Ganci, Trephin
Nina Ganci will not judge you for being a lazy blonde, even if your year-old highlights are brassy and now fall somewhere in line with your eyebrows. Instead, she'll craft a color that matches your complexion, mixing high- and lowlights that seem deeply embedded in your genetic code, and she'll do it in a way that factors in your low-maintenance lifestyle: a brushed-on balayage treatment requiring precious little upkeep. 25 Temple Place, Boston, MA trephin.com.
Kathryn Van Patten, Boston Bodyworks Studio
Do you know if your left scapula juts out farther than your right, or if your right hip rides higher than your left? Kathryn Van Patten will know. While many Pilates instructors drag their clients straight to the "Cadillac" or the "Reformer," Van Patten—an ex-ballerina with top-level certification—does a complete body check to see how she can balance out all your "idiosyncracies." Then she drags you to the Cadillac and the Reformer. of all? Her studio is in a beautifully appointed Beacon Hill townhouse. 12 Joy St., Boston, MA bostonbodyworksstudio.com.
Boonsom Pasooktham, Bonnie's Boutique
Sure, go ahead, get your pants shortened at your local cleaners. But if you have a more challenging job, why not entrust it to someone who understands complex clothing construction? Boonsom Pasooktham, of Bonnie’s Boutique, was trained in pattern-making, and while she can shorten, nip, or tuck your duds, she can also make just about anything from scratch. Which means, of course, that if you were so inclined, your tailor could also become your own personal designer. That’s an option we think is worth exploring. 43 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, bonniesboutiquema.blogspot.com.
Bambini Design
Sure, you can find a crib or changing table at any old baby-furniture warehouse, but here's what you'll be missing: design staffers who will come to your home, interview your child (who may or may not answer back), and determine the furniture match for her budding personality. Meanwhile, they'll scope out the rest of your pad to ensure the nursery jibes with your carefully chosen décor. Expect high-end contemporary pieces by the likes of Oeuf and Monte, streamlined beauties that are still comfortable enough to take the edge off those 3 a.m. feedings. 82 Boylston Street, Brookline, MA 2445, bambinidesignonline.com.
The Scarlet Oak Tavern
The dish is hot crab-and-cheese dip, and it goes a little something like this: chunks of tender, sweet blue crab tossed with heavy cream and supersharp cheddar, then wood-fired to a roof-of-mouth-scorching sizzle. After that, the menu at this guilty-pleasure oasis is your oyster. Or your goat cheese-slathered wild mushroom pizza. Or your flaky chicken potpie with a scrumptious baked side of three-cheese macaroni. The elegant setting is so picturesque you could have your wedding reception here—so long as you let out the dress first. 1217 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, scarlettoaktavern.com.
Drink
After six years spent whipping the city into a craft-cocktail frenzy with its pitch-perfect Manhattan variations and handcarved ice cubes, Barbara Lynch and John Gertsen's tippler's haven has, thankfully, loosened up a bit. Once-monthly tiki-themed soirees keep things festive, and groups can now make bar-section reservations during off-peak hours. 348 Congress St., Boston, MA 2210, drinkforpoint.com.
Yelena
Hidden in the parking garage of the Atrium at Chestnut Hill is this whiz with the sewing machine. Yelena, mother of Tatiana (as in Bridals by Tatiana), is the seamstress with the mostest. No alteration is too difficult or too hurried for her. We tested Yelena with a pricey Vera Wang gown that had to be refitted in 24 hours; the job included ripping seams, restructuring a bodice, and hemming a fitted-waist A-line skirt. The result: Not a thread out of place. 300 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA tailoringservice.com.