Blick Art Materials
This cavernous space is stuffed to the rafters with paints, pencils, brushes, canvases, sketchpads—basically, all the tools needed to create a masterpiece, or just a big, pretty mess. Everything is arranged in supermarket-style aisles, the better to help aspiring Pollocks and Hoppers conserve mental energy for their work; classes led by the artsy employees teach the rest of us how to tell our alkyds from our acrylics. 401 Park Dr., Boston, MA dickblick.com.
Victoria Turovsky, Blü Salon
We're not kind to our feet. We shove them into toe-squishing shoes, pound them on rough pavement, and expose them to God knows what in the locker- room shower. Not to worry: Victoria Turovsky smoothes over all these small cruelties. She sculpts away unsightly calluses and banishes dead skin before shaping and shading our toenails into polished perfection. 118 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage
As a country, we take our hamburgers seriously; they are, after all, our native food. Luckily, the fine citizens at Mr. Bartley's offer more than 20 top-notch variations, each reasonably priced, awesomely juicy, and served with a free side of snark: The George Bush Jr. ('not bad for a C student') combines tangy cheddar and Texas barbecue sauce, while the Ted Kennedy comes with a 'liberal' pile of mushrooms and cheddar. It's enough to make a satisfied patron stand up and sing 'God Bless America.' 1246 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, mrbartley.com.
Boston Instant Shoe Repair
After clomping around the city for a few years, our Italian-leather boots were in dire need of a makeover. "Oy. You must really love these,' said this shop's proprietor as he noticed the wood and nails poking through the heels. He tenderly brought them back to life in just three days, and our boots were again ready to strut their stuff. Boston, MA
Central Bottle and Provisions
We've had it with snotty wine sellers. You know what? Sometimes all we want is an oaky California chardonnay. Instead of judging our palates or wallets, the folks at Central Bottle approach our preferences and budget like a fun riddle. That the in-store tastings are built around themes like "Bad-Ass Winemakers" only confirms this shop's populist approach. 196 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2139, centralbottle.com.
Michelle Lee, Salon Eva Michelle
Don't let Michelle Lee's warm, chatty demeanor fool you. This woman is absolutely ruthless with a pair of shears—in the best way possible. She pulled no punches when telling us the problems with our current haircut (too heavy in the back, weirdly choppy in the front, not enough movement anywhere), and promptly got to work trimming and styling with aplomb. Thirty minutes later, it looked like half our mane was on the floor. The style left behind, however, was nothing short of impeccable. 118 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, salonevamichelle.com.
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.
Colonial Shoe Repair
Favorite boots need a little TLC? These experts can quickly reheel, resole, or reinforce your kicks—sometimes even on the same day. They’re also honest enough to let you know when it’s time to retire them altogether. 101 Summer St., Boston, MA colonialshoerepair.com.
Mother Juice
Mother Juice’s liquid diet is as tasty as it is virtuous, designed to satisfy cravings at just the right time (we’re particularly thankful for the hearty and sweet “Cashew Mylk” right before bed). The local chainlet will even deliver its freshly made elixirs to your door daily. 291 Newbury St., Boston, MA motherjuice.com.
Polkadog Bakery
Your dogs and cats will go crazy — or might even sit still — for the dried, locally caught cod skins, chicken jerky, and many other delicacies from Polkadog. It makes sense, when you consider the treats are handmade in small batches right here in Boston from locally sourced ingredients. Multiple locations. polkadog.com.
Hodan Hashi and Toiell Washington, Black Boston founders
The city’s top social justice advocate is not just one person, but a duo symbolizing the importance of collective action: In the wake of George Floyd’s murder last year, Black Boston founders Hodan Hashi and Toiell Washington came together to work to dismantle racism in policing, healthcare, education, and housing. blackboston.org.
Xtend Barre
It might be 6:30 a.m. on a dreary Tuesday morning, but the staff at Xtend are all smiles, laughter, and encouragement.The positivity doesn’t stop at the barre; even as you pulse, squat, and tap your way toward a quivering mass of muscle, the instructors cajole instead of scold. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, xtendbarre.com.
Kitchenwitch
At this jam-packed shop, you'll have trouble turning around without bumping into something you need (coffee filters for your Chemex), want (handcrafted Shun knives), or are happy to learn exists (bunny-shaped bento picks). 671 Centre St., Boston, MA 02130, kitchenwitchjp.tumblr.com.
Ron's Gourmet Ice Cream and 20th Century Bowling Lanes
There aren't many places like Ron's left in this world. The 10-lane candlepin bowling alley has barely changed since it opened more than 50 years ago. The house-made ice cream has won accolades from the likes of National Geographic. 1231 Hyde Park Ave., Boston, MA 02026, ronsicecream.com.
Lux Bond & Green
The display cases in this Boylston Street showroom house brands that have literally stood the test of time—classics like Baume & Mercier and Patek Philippe. The shop also employs a helpful, honest sales team more interested in finding you the right ticker than the most expensive one. 416 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, lbgreen.com.