Bobbi Brown
Fabulously flattering cosmetics for almost any skin tone, Bobbi Brown recognized what most lines didn't— that most complexions have yellow undertones, not pink. The line is comprised of subtle, simple to wear, and simple to apply makeup that makes you look natural, rested, and almost bare-faced. The Mall at Chesnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA .
Teuscher
Ever wonder why the church once outlawed chocolate as too sensual? Airlifted weekly from the little chocolate gnomes in Zurich, delectable with the finest cream, butter, and milk chocolate, these are the kind of chocolates you eat so slowly that they melt in your hand long before they get to your mouth. 230 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel
Finger sandwiches, Scottish cones, Viennese pastries, English tea breads, pots of preserves, genuine tea caddies, and service stops at 4:30 p.m. on the dot. Hotel GM Robin Brown's standards are strict—as befits a bloke from Grantham, Lincolnshire. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Anonymous
You hear him everywhere—on the Common, in the subway station, on the street—and he's got a great tone. But all he whistles is the first few bars of "Yankee Doodle." With a little variety in the repertoire, this guy could be the Jean-Pierre Rampal of the mouth.
Best Fit
The elegantly appointed changing areas and owner Lyudmila Sletkova's painstaking workmanship evoke a bygone era. They also ensure that, whether you've gone a touch brideorexic or decided to don Mom's '70s-era gown, Sletkova can nip your dress into shape without any skimpy-curtain indecency. 268 Newbury St., Boston, MA bestfitinc.com.
Sesuit Harbor Café
Sure, seafood is easy to come by on the Cape. But you're reading this magazine, so you’re looking for the best. Pack your cooler and sunscreen and snag a picnic table at Sesuit Harbor Café: Yes, you’ll wait in a line out the door, sit outside rain or shine, and BYOB, but once those heaping trays of lobster rolls, fried scallops and clams, and Cape Cod Bay oysters are in front of you, you’ll understand. sesuit-harbor-cafe.com.
Laugh Boston
Okay, so Laugh Boston may be smack in the middle of no man’s land (has anyone ever actually been to the convention center?), but we promise it’s worth the trek—and so do plenty of big-ticket comedians. Jimmy O. Yang, Leslie Jones, and Dulcé Sloan have all hit this Seaport-ish establishment, as has cult-favorite storytelling series “The Moth.” So grab some pals and an Uber—a belly-laughing night awaits. 425 Summer St., Boston, MA laughboston.com.
Polpis Bike Path
Looking for a post-quarantine quad challenge with the best views on the island? Stretching from the Old South Road rotary all the way to ’Sconset, this 9.5-mile paved route is it. Once you’ve cruised past the sky-blue inlets of oyster farms and mile upon mile of emerald-green moors buzzing with songbirds, soothe those achy muscles with an icy drink from the Sconset Market, or refuel with an ice cream (or two). An easy and quick pedal from there to the Sankaty Head Light offers an unforgettable view of the Atlantic. Nantucket, MA
See
This shop's limited-edition, retro-funky frames—in specs and sunnies—will give you 20/20 vision, and the service is a perfect 10, too. High-quality craftsmanship seals the deal: We've had our sturdy See frames for four years, and they've fallen on the floor, been crushed by a toddler, and gone through the dryer—and never snapped under pressure. (Multiple locations.) 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, seeeyewear.com.
Razors Barbershop
In a time of disposable blades and unisex salons, you’d be forgiven for thinking the straight razor shave had gone the way of Brylcreem and wooden teeth. But practitioners of the lost art still remain, including master barbers Anthony and Joseph Berriola. If you haven’t experienced the pleasure of shaving oils, hot towels, and a warm lather, do plant yourself in their Somerville barber chair. It’ll be the best $25 you’ve ever spent. 308 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02144, razorsbarbershop.com.
Trevi Cafe and Wine Bar
Yes, it’s nestled within the tourist mecca of Mashpee Commons. No matter: Once you step into Trevi, you might as well be on a European vacation with your secret paramour. There’s an expansive covered terrace overlooking a soothing backlit fountain, a vast menu of global wines, and a list of generously poured cocktails (the Trevi Tini is our favorite). 25 Market St., Mashpee, MA 02649, trevicafe.com.
Equinox Chestnut Hill
We get it: Membership at Equinox Chestnut Hill is pricey. But once you consider the 37,000-square-foot gym's unparalleled offerings—including some 100 classes per week in five dedicated studios—the $165 monthly fee seems justifiable. Add the indoor lap pool, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, juice/smoothie bar, and WiFi-equipped lounge, and you may never want to leave. 200 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, equinox.com/clubs/boston/chestnuthill.
Fini Concierge
Need to grab groceries for your next dinner party? Set up a last-minute car inspection? Don't sweat it—just call Fini Concierge, a small firm that helps busy people all over Massachusetts find the assistance they need. Choose from the _ la carte service list, or opt for a monthly membership—either way, Fini will get it all done, leaving you free to tackle the next 50 things on your mile-long to-do list. 665 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, finiconcierge.com.
The Townshend
Like a favorite old book, this warm tavern from Barbara Lynch Gruppo alum Devin Adams is a place we come back to again and again. On any given day, you'll find Van Morrison on the speakers, regulars hoisting Jack's Abby at wooden tabletops, and, oh yeah, some seriously upgraded comfort food, from braised pork belly with grilled-corn salsa and chimichurri to bone-in lamb shank with baby zucchini, walnut gremolata, and ricotta salata. 1250 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 2169, thetownshend.com.
Central Kitchen
This casually hip Central Square boîte may no longer be the well-kept secret it once was, but it's still well worth the wait for a table in the sexy, darkly lit dining room to sample chef/owner Gary Strack's delicious cuisine. The steak frites are simple and delectable; the grilled octopus, clean-flavored and beautifully presented. In fact, everything at Central Kitchen is as casually well dressed as the clientele that fills the stools along the bistro's long slate-and-blue-tiled bar. 567 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .