Roasters Coffee & Tea Company
If you live in fear of the ubiquitous Starbucks turning up on every street corner, head to the recently opened, one-of-a-kind Roasters. It's professional enough to be a chain (it's not), but personal enough to be an original (it is). The coffee tastes better and costs less than that of the usual suspects. The wood-and-chrome interior is beautifully designed, and the glass cases display an exquisite variety of pastries. 85 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Parish Cafe
This bistro doesn't dub its sandwich selection "The Great Ones" for nothing. Some of the city's best chefs have contributed recipes for lavishly layered concoctions sure to make your mouth water. Steer clear of the calzone, and instead sink your teeth into the Capital Grille's Smoked Salmon on brioche, the Pudding Portobello with onion marmalade, or Norma's Zuni Roll with cranberry chipotle. The latter ensures you'll never look at a turkey sandwich the same way again. 361 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Modern Pastry Shop
Cannoli should never be filled until you enter the bakery and say, "Four cannoli, please." At which point the white-smocked helper at Modern will slip into the back of the shop, return with four freshly filled pastries, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar, and warp them in one of those classic boxes tied with red-and-white string. 257 Hanover St., Boston, MA .
Alan Rouleau
Whether you want a knock-off of a Zegna suit (with fabric from the Italian Mill) or simply someone to shorten a hem, Rouleau and his team of master tailors can do the trick. His latest triumph: downsizing a tiny Dolce and Gabbana bustier for a client who couldn't resist a too-big one on sale. Look for new locations in the Back Bay (this fall) and the financial district (1996). 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Gino Ruotolo
Ruotolo's specialty is the permanent, and his price—starting at thirty-five dollars—makes it one of the better buys in town. Ruotolo is based in Cambridge at Gino-Parracchiere, 20 Holyoke St., and explains, "Before we do a permanent, we analyze the hair. Can it take a perm or not? We want to pass a good judgment, the most honest judgment. If the perm looks good, that's good for us." Gino-Parracchiere, 20 Holyoke St., Cambridge, MA .
Pinwheels
We might roll our eyes at precious, overpriced kids' clothes, but it's near impossible to resist the teeny, hand-knit pale pink sweaters and soft cotton bonnets and caps at Pinwheels. Miniature outfits for boys and girls—including many pieces with embroidered animals—abound at this island spot. There's only one downside: You'll wish Pinwheels carried its charming fashions in your size, too. 7 S. Beacon St., Nantucket, MA .
Pageo
The right necklace makes an outfit. No one knows this better than the staff at Pagéo, who navigate display cases of diverse, modern pieces, from magnificent gold necklaces dripping with colorful gems to lustworthy diamond pendants and delicate platinum drop earrings. It's enough to drive even the most directed buyer to distraction. But the knowledgeable personnel will help you focus. 843 Beacon St., Newton Centre, MA pageo.com.
Boston Children's Theatre
The BCT could play it safe. Instead, it offers outside-the-box productions, like Reflections of a Rock Lobster, about a gay teen's fight to bring his date to the prom, and Honk!, a lively musical based on The Ugly Duckling. And if your kids like what they see here, sign them up for one of the many workshops the BCT offers. 316 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA bostonchildrenstheatre.com.
The Brattle Theatre
The Brattle is one of the most esteemed repertory movie theaters in the country, but it's a fragile thing—this winter, it had to launch a $140,000 Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a projector and HVAC renovation. The gambit succeeded, which means visitors can continue to enjoy an unparalleled selection of films old and new—while drinking Slumbrew and other local beers. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA brattlefilm.org.
AMC Loews Boston Common 19
This centrally located mega-multiplex is chock full of big-budget luxuries. The semireclining seats are roomy enough for even the most ample popcorn-fed tushes. The monstrous screens do justice to even the most audacious CGI effects. The sound systems pump more decibels at audiences than Logan's runways do at Eastie residents. And if one show is sold out, there'll be another screening starting down the hall in five minutes. 175 Tremont St., Boston, MA amctheaters.com.
Courageous Sailing
One way to minimize your exposure to E. coli is to sail on Boston Harbor instead of the Charles River, and Courageous Sailing is the best way to go for the bucolic-urban experience. Courageous offers easy access to Harbor Islands State Park, where with a little advanced planning you can even go camping. The only year-round sailing center in Boston, it merits its name because of its iceboating events and other cold-weather adventures. 1 First Ave., Charlestown, MA .
Leonard Florence's
In a one-week period in September 1985, Florence then CEO of Towle Manufacturing, sold 43,600 shares of the East Boston silverware manufacturer at prices ranging from $8.37 to $9 a share. Two months later, the 54-year-old Florence was asked to resign. Last March the 296-year-old company filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code. The company's stock is currently hovering around $3.50 a share.
Esprit du Vin
The owners here specialize in wines produced in small quantities (fewer than 10 cases). Bottles from all over the world line the shelves, designed to appeal to every budget and palate. Not only that, a quarter of the stock changes every month, so there's always something new to try. While you're at it, pick up some freshly baked breads and pastries, check out the mouth-watering selection of gourmet cheeses and pâtes, and make plans to attend one of the weekly tastings. 25 Central Ave., Milton, MA espritduvinusa.com.
Makeovers Salon + Spa
With 26 styling stations, Makeovers is one of the largest salon/spas in the state—which means you just may be able to snag a last-minute Saturday appointment (amazing!). Co-owner Edward Blum uses his magic scissorhands to cut your hair based on the architecture of your face, and his team of talented stylists all follow suit. There's also a fully stocked snack bar and a separate wing devoted to inviting spa treatments. 574 Washington St., South Easton, MA makeoverssalon.com.
Brick Cellar at Atria
Escape the pickled beach-bar crowd at this sexy subterranean spot, with its smart mix of single malts and blends, local beers, and a carefully cultivated wine selection. Order from upstairs restaurant Atria's menu—a dozen different juicy burgers are available—or simply cap off the night by raising a glass to your good taste with one of Brick Cellar's inspired cocktails (we dig the Edgartown Harbor Breeze). 137 Main St., Edgartown, MA 2539, atriamv.com.