The Red Lion Inn
The Red Lion's lure as a hangout is potent, and has been since 1704. The rustic, cozy bar inside has an original old beam ceiling, huge brick fireplace, wide plank floors, and outdoor patio seating. And if you've had one too many, there are 15 gorgeous suites upstairs, all with fireplaces and Jacuzzis. 71 South Main St., Cohasset, MA redlioninn.com.
Sullivan's Tap
Consider yourselves warned: This place features the same rough-and-tumble ethic as the B's defensemen. Sure, there are other bars with superior viewing experiences, cleaner bathrooms, and more-refined crowds. But no one captures the spirit of the sport the way Sullivan's Tap does. Plus, the beer here is about as cheap as it gets. 168 Canal St., Boston, MA 2114, .
Brian Phillips Photography
You'll never have an "I'm going to kill him!" moment with Phillips. The one-time Associated Press shutterbug has shot such heady assignments as New York Fashion Week, but is just as excited to photography newlyweds smooching. Impressively unobtrusive and down-to-earth, he unfailingly captures the details that matter. brianphillipsphoto.com.
Kashmir - Viselli Santoro Salon
Delivering a stylish scissoring and blow-dry in under an hour, one-name-wonder Kashmir is adept at making chair-side chitchat, which puts her clients quickly at ease. At less than 60 bucks a session, their wallets feel much the same way. 297 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2115, visellisantorosalon.com.
Follain
Tara Foley wants you to stop cleaning your face with dirty products. That’s the mission, at least, behind her one-stop skin-care shop, Follain, which bars parabens, formaldehyde, coal tar, and other potentially dangerous chemicals from its expertly selected lineup of beauty items. In fact, the company rigorously researches and tests every deodorant and soap it carries independently before releasing it onto shelves. Now that’s what we call beautiful. Multiple locations. 65 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, shopfollain.com.
Jill Rosenwald
We’d be able to spot Jill Rosenwald’s cheerful pieces from a mile away, and that’s exactly what we love about them. Instantly recognizable by their bold colors and thoughtful patterns, Rosenwald’s one-of-a-kind bowls, vases, trays, and planters—handmade in Fort Point but sold in shops throughout the country—redefine "signature style." 369 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, jillrosenwald.com.
Toro
Can any Spanish restaurant topple Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette’s always-buzzing tapas spot in the South End? Answer: not this year. The playlist and meticulously curated by-the-glass sherry list still keep the party going well into the night, nearly every night. But it’s the seafood-packed paella, pressed uni sandwiches with miso butter, and beloved grilled corn that continue to make this a true Boston institution—one that’s been imported to Bangkok and Dubai in recent years. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, toro-restaurant.com.
Moona
The flavors of the Arabic pantry shine in the vibrant dishes sent out of chef de cuisine Rory Lee’s small open kitchen, from the fatteh with yogurt, dill, and shiitake mushrooms to the shareable, deeply charred grilled fish shingled with sweet lemons and swimming in peppery harissa. One of the best parts of a meal here, however, doesn’t cost a penny: the za’atar bread with sweet orange-blossom butter that comes compliments of the house. 243 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, moonarestaurant.com.
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.
Adamas Fine Jewelry
The engagement rings on the second floor of his Newton shop are certainly gasp-worthy (you’ll swoon over brilliant-cut sparklers, halo settings, and pavé-diamond-encrusted split bands), but Adamas Fine Jewelry co-owner and master craftsman Anto Aboyan thrives on one-of-a-kind creativity. If your ideas aren’t set in stone, he can help you build a ring from scratch, hand-casting your custom design into an instant heirloom at his on-site workshop. 22 Lincoln St., Newton, MA adamasfinejewelry.com.
Gather Here
No idea what a blanket stitch or an embroidery hoop looks like? No matter—all it takes is one visit to this Inman Square shop to envision yourself hunkered down on the couch with a pair of knitting needles. The well-organized space is stocked with fabric and yarn in a rainbow of hues, embroidery kits, and sewing patterns aplenty. And if you need a little hands-on guidance before getting started, simply book a private lesson or a group class in the shop’s studio. 1343 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA gatherhereonline.com.
Brant Point Light Station
As the sun sinks into the rocky base of one of Nantucket’s oldest lighthouses, families wave as the ferry chugs by, fish- ermen cast their reels in ankle-deep water, and happy couples celebrate after the occasional surprise proposal. Want to see for yourself what’s making them all so jubilant? All you need is a beach chair and a bottle of something bubbly to toast to the happiest moments in life unfolding before you under a cotton- candy pink sky. Easton Street, Nantucket, MA 02554, nps.gov/nr/travel/maritime/brn.htm.
Leonard Hair Transplant Associates
The stunning before-and-after photos (not to mention testimonials from current and former pro athletes) say it all: These guys know how to bring hair back to life. Doctors Robert Leonard and Matthew Lopresti offer a range of options for the follicularly challenged, including hair transplant surgery (which they say is less painful than a visit to the dentist) and noninvasive treatments. Whatever you choose, one thing’s for certain: You’ll never cover up with a hat again. Multiple locations. hairdr.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 Smoke Shop
With the pandemic-time addition of a fourth Smoke Shop location — this one in Harvard Square — we’re now never more than a fork’s distance away from Andy Husbands’s tender pulled chicken or best-in-class burnt ends. The chef recently released his sixth cookbook, The Smoke Shop’s Backyard BBQ, but we’ll still leave our smoked-meat cravings to the pitmaster as often as possible. Multiple locations, thesmokeshopbbq.com.