the Rail Trail Flatbread Co.
Opened by three young entrepreneurs in 2012, this area hot spot almost single-handedly revitalized Hudson's now-booming Main Street, and the fire is still burning bright in the pizza oven today. Neighborhood types gather at the string-lit bar for pints of Notch black lager and Wormtown IPA, while families pack the dining room for creative, pillowy flatbreads you won't find anywhere else (don't miss the lamb confit layered with caramelized onions, artichokes, feta, and beet-pomegranate pur̩e) and fun, eclectic apps (Thai tempura Brussels sprouts, red-eye poutine). 33 Main St., Hudson, MA 1749, railtrailflatbread.com.
Red Tail Golf Club
This course, now more than a decade old, is worth the haul to Devens: It has the wide-open, lush fairways and sloping sand traps that are typically found in the Southwest—but amid stunning New England foliage. That kind of beauty doesn't come cheap (expect to drop $99 for a weekend round during peak season), but at least you can reserve your tee time online. 15 Bulge Rd., Devens, MA redtailgolf.net.
Gail Ann Coffee Shop
Practice makes perfect, and Gail Ann has been baking more than 20 varieties of fresh doughnuts daily for 45 years, since the shop was opened by its French immigrant founder. Still independently owned, it's a rare counterpoint to the conglomerate doughnut chains, and Gail Ann's big, soft, fluffy doughnuts are not greasy or heavy. 10 Medford St., Arlington, MA .
Lilly at L'Elegance
Whether your nails are as long as a soap-opera villainess's, or chewed to the quick, Lilly will shape them to perfection. 103 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
L.A. Burdick
We love the cozy tables in the storefront overlooking Brattle. We love the tiny chocolate mice, complete with colorful ribbon tails. But what we really adore is the fact that all of the chocolate in this sweet-tooth cafe is handmade, down to the decadent hot chocolate, whipped up from equal parts chocolate and milk (!). The heavenly libation comes in dark, milk, and white chocolate (sometimes), and is so thick it sticks to the roof of our mouth. Imbibe with caution: It's been known to make even the most jaded gourmands swoon. 52D Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA burdickchocolate.com.
Kevin Cradock Builders
Hailing from Jamaica Plain, Kevin Cradock grew up finding inspiration in his neighborhood’s historical architecture, and his admiration for carpentry and traditional craftsmanship is a large part of his company’s foundation (in fact, he even designs his own cabinetry, furniture, and millwork). The firm, which recently marked its 25th year in business, collaborates with a host of local architects and designers to ensure each project is distinctive and long-lasting. 1476 River St., Boston, MA 02136, cradockbuilders.com.
The Rail Trail Flatbread Co.
We’d never say no to pizza for breakfast—especially when it’s baked in a roaring wood-fired oven and crowned with an egg at this Hudson crowd-pleaser. But that’s not the only eye-opener you’ll find here: fresh, creative salads; fluffy pancakes; and customizable bloody marys (hello, bacon-salt rim) make this a Sunday treat you’ll want to indulge in every single week. railtrailflatbread.com.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
The granddaddy of rail trails, this 20-plus-mile paved pathway stretching from Yarmouth to Wellfleet offers no shortage of things to see and do en route. Zip past cranberry bogs, cool off in Seymour Pond, and reward yourself after an exhilarating ride with an ice cream cone or ice-cold beer (why not both?) right along the trail. mass.gov/locations/cape-cod-rail-trail.
Pier's Park Sailing Center
Don't bother stopping at Pier's Park for breathtaking views of Boston Harbor—instead sign up for the two-hour intro to sailing course and hop aboard to get sweeping views of the skyline from the water. 95 Marginal St., Boston, MA 02128, piersparksailing.org.
Boston Sailing Center
We had one complaint from a year ago about the Sailing Center. But after checking it out, we found it didn't hold any water. 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
Boston Sailing Center
Small fleet, but select (all more than twenty feet, including a twenty-seven-foot catamaran). Expensive compared with community boating, but director Dave Franzel is considered one of the top instructors in New England. 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
The move of MIT's highly regarded Hayden Gallery into its exquisitely expanded quarters in the new I. M. Pei—designed Albert and Vera List Visual Arts Center, in Cambridge.
<em>Art New England</em>
The only local publication devoted entirely to the arts.