Stellabella
Kid alert: This well-laid-out shop in Inman Square has lots of room for wandering feet, plus fun and interactive on-site activities for curious minds. There's a play area with a crawl-through tunnel; a plastic structure holding more than 200 balls for jumping around in; a large-piece floor puzzle; a plastic house for climbing in and out of; and, most important, a storyteller the first Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m. And those things aren't even on sale! Stelabella has top-notch goods, including the usual suspects, like Radio Flyers and Lincoln Logs, as well as an impressive selection of arts and crafts kids. Open seven days a week. 1360 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA stellabellatoys.com.
Salon Capri
Salon Capri conquered the suburbs decades ago, so we wondered if its recent move to Newbury Street would feel like a minivan parking in a row of Porsches. But the sleek new space with floor-to-ceiling windows is a stunner, and so were we after a visit. We loved the massage chairs during the shampoo, and the shoulder-straightening weights (similar to an X-ray bib) to prevent lopsided cuts. And when we were handed a mimosa and serenaded by a jazz trio (Saturdays only) during our trim, we nearly shouted, "Welcome to the neighborhood." 11 Newbury St., Boston, MA saloncapri.com.
Soma
Call it spadenfreude: The hedonistic pampering you receive here is made that much more delicious by knowing people all around you are putting their bodies through the wringer. Opened in 2004, this spa sits on the second floor of fitness megaclub Bosse Sports, and yet a world away. Exotic touches like orchids and carved masks are a nod to Soma's exclusive Wisdom of Africa products, used in everything from body wraps to decadent manicures. Wrap yourself in one of the microterry-lined silk robes, inhale the scent of baobab oil and Kalahari melon, and remember: no pain, all gain. Bosse Sports, 141 Boston Post Rd. (Rte. 20), Sudbury, MA 1776, .
Natale's of Hanover
Natale Agostino reminds his customers that clothes off the rack are a curiously American phenomenon. And he should know. Natale spent 11 years as a tailor's apprentice in Reggio Calabria, learning to meticulously cut the garment to the man. These days, although he sells some ready-made clothing along with the suits he custom-tailors, he still wanders the floor of his Hanover store seven days a week, on the prowl for slacks that are just a bit too long on one customer, or the jacket that could hug the shoulders of another just a little less. 2001 Washington St., Hanover, MA natalesclothing.com.
Square Cafe
What may be the South Shore's most fetching dining room (white tablecloths, cherry hardwood floors, plaid banquettes, soothing antique prints) now sports an equally alluring menu. Chef Andrea Schnell, an alumna of Duxbury's Windsor House, whips up newfangled, delectable New England favorites. The sweet, juicy tuna with chile vinaigrette alone is worth a visit. All's not perfect: The service here still needs work, and on some busy nights delivery can be slow. But between the convivial atmosphere and the pretty room, there's no better place to kill those extra minutes. 150 North St., Hingham, MA thesquarecafe.com.
Gypsy Bar
The average reveler out on the town cannot avoid certain pitfalls: long lines, jerk doormen, megaexpensive drinks. And so we mean this in the most complimentary of ways: At Gypsy, a bumpin' dance haven full of celebs (both quasi and real), the line isn't as intolerable, doormen aren't such jerks, and drinks are only mildly overpriced. There's a huge dance floor and a separate lounge, plus mesmerizing jellyfish-filled aquariums, all worth admiring if you can—or even care to—see past the haze of beautiful people bathed in red light. 116 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, gypsybarboston.com.
Avalon
Even after all the new additions to the roster of Lansdowne Street clubs, Avalon remains the life of the dance party. It's consistently packed, spotlights an endless supply of internationally renowned DJs, and pours some of the city's most potent cocktails. Things heat up around midnight when some 2,000 clubgoers, ranging from the techno-hungry to the daytime professional, hit the dance floor. The incomparable sound system and light show will pound your senses, whether you're there for a wildly themed Saturday night, Sunday gay night, or the VIP lounge. 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, MA .
Jan Gleysteen Architects
Perusing Jan Gleysteen’s portfolio, one word repeatedly comes to mind: timeless. With nearly four decades of experience under his belt, the Wellesley architect knows his way around traditionalism, dreaming up classic abodes—such as a grand suburban homestead with coffered ceilings and dramatic archway—that are built to last. 888 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02482, jangleysteeninc.com.
Prudential Center Shoe Shine and Repair
George Trantafillidis learned his trade from his father, who operated out of the same closet-size space for 36 years. Even the scruffiest loafers pose no challenge to his shoeshining skills, and he charges just four bucks a pair. That puts Trantafillidis's shoeshines among the best old-fashioned bargains in town. Orange Garage Level, Prudential Center, Boston, MA .
Brian Rose, Red Sox
The city's four major franchises didn't exactly harvest a bumper crop of new talent this season, but among the slim pickin's, rookie starting pitcher Brian Rose stands out, if only because he beat the damn Yankees his first two outings.
Anderson & McQuaid
For most of us, it's hard to distinguish between a good two-by-four and a bad one. What distinguishes Anderson & McQuaid is its selection of exotic woods, including purple heart and lacewood, and its knowledgeable, helpful staff. Novice woodworkers are welcome. 170 Fawcett St., Cambridge, MA .
Cashmere Boston
In summer, it carries beautiful pastel twinsets; in winter, it's rich, thick four-ply turtlenecks. Whatever the season, this is the place to stock up on all your cashmere items. In addition to the requisite sweaters by all the top designers, you'll also find scarves, gloves, and other supersoft accessories. 114 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Ayanna Pressley
If we thought Ayanna Pressley had nerves of steel for challenging and taking down one of our longest-serving Democratic congressmen, it was only because we hadn’t yet seen her take on the Trump administration. In her first speech on the floor of the House in January, she delivered a scathing rebuke of President Donald Trump and the government shutdown. More recently, in an exchange that went viral, she scolded Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson for interrupting her and evading her questions. As a result, Pressley’s take-no-prisoners approach has made her a star on the national political stage. Read more
The Big Quiz Thing at Oberon
Picture a funnier Alex Trebek holding court on the dance floor of Studio 54, and you’ll have a close approximation of the shtick at the Big Quiz Thing, a cabaret-style trivia night held monthly among the disco balls at Oberon. Comedian Noah Tarnow provides multimedia clues (film clips! sound effects!) and sports a sparkly jacket, adding flavor to the proceedings. Teams win luxe prizes like gift certificates to spas and restaurants, and tickets to The Donkey Show at the A.R.T. It’s also completely free. 2 Arrow St., Cambridge, MA 2138, americanrepertorytheater.org/oberon.
Bella Santé
Some say visiting a good day spa is so therapeutic it's tantamount to regular trips to a shrink. If that's the case, the relaxed, blissful feeling you'll leave with after an afternoon at Bella Santé will seem like a breakthrough. Perched in a second-floor sanctuary above Newbury Street, the spa has a soothing beige décor and wonderfully quiet atmosphere (cell phones are verboten)—your first signals to relax. Then there are the treatments: facials so effective they're like mini-facelifts, massages that melt away even the peskiest knots, body buffs, herbal wraps, and pedicures that last for months. The unassuming, easygoing staff is professional and subdue, just like the spa itself. 38 Newbury St., 2nd floor, Boston, MA bellasante.com.