Grand Opening
A sex boutique, without the emphasis on booty, tucked like a Venus charm inside Brookline's kosher bosom. Owner Kim Airs gets a lot of press (see our profile of her in the June issue) since she also offers fun instructional classes ("Spanky and Our Gang," "Bi Bi Love, Bi Bi Happiness"), yet her shop feels as threatening as Bloomingdale's. For breadth of porn, try what's left of the Combat Zone. For choice literary erotica, lubes, "body treats," and the city's perkiest wall of stand-ins for the male member, this is the place. 318 Harvard St., Suite 32, Brookline, MA .
Tweeter CE Playground Store
Never mind our underutilized brains: Experts say most of us tap only 10 percent of the capability of the whiz-bang high-def TVs, sound systems, and talking refrigerators we use to decorate our homes. Tweeter's solution is its adult-playground stores—there's just one in New England—where the latest technology is set up in replica kitchens, dens, and bedrooms. The chain's hyperinformed tech-heads walk buyers from room to pretend room, demonstrating features meant to keep them entertained in space-age style. One Wheeler Rd., Burlington, MA .
Blunch
We hesitate to draw more attention to this morning-to-midday sandwich shop, given the competition for seats. But we must evangelize the epic “eggwiches,” frittata-style patties with choose-your-own toppings such as fire-roasted peppers and fried shallots. 59 E. Springfield St., Boston, MA eatblunch.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.
Blush Tan
Blush spritzes the sun-shy with a chemical-free DHA solution that's certified organic and derived from beets. And with more than 100 shades, you'll no doubt leave with a natural-looking glow. Can't make it to Wellesley? No problem—the team makes house calls. 562 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02482, blushtan.com.
State Room
Perched 33 stories above the city with glass walls overlooking the Custom House Tower, the State Room is a blank canvas with personalization options galore. Chef David Blessing, meanwhile, serves up customized menus that are as breathtaking as the views—think tuna poke in mini cones and adorable s’mores tartlets. 60 State St., Boston, MA longwoodevents.com.
Tartt’s
Drop the guilt along with your little one at Tartt’s. The fourth-generation owners have perfected a curriculum that balances cognitive development (sign language, Spanish) with serious fun (like Urbanity Dance–taught “baby groove” lessons). 477 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, tartts.com.
The Boston Children's Museum
Why choose a theme for your child's birthday party when she can have it all? Bashes at the Boston Children's Museum come with daylong admission, so guests can have a ball in the art studio, the land of the dinosaurs, and everywhere in between. 308 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, bostonchildrensmuseum.org.
PorchFest Somerville
Bands of all genres playing on hundreds of porches and enjoyed by thousands of revelers. It's not your wildest musical dream—it's PorchFest, a Somerville staple for the past seven years. The event has been such a bonding experience for the city that similar events have since launched nearby. somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest.
Cigar Masters Boston
Cigar Masters might seem like your average smoke shop. It's not. Sure, it's got the requisite walk-in humidor brimming with expensive stogies, but there's also a low-lit bar and acres of leather couches. Smoking aficionados can even track their investments on monitors that flicker through a haze of blue smoke. 745 Boylston St., Boston, MA cigarmasters.com.
Alpha Omega
To some, time is commitment. To others, it's a luxury. Alpha Omega caters to both types with its selection of designer watches well worth locking on your wrist. Watch the minutes tick by on a solid gold Rolex, diamond-studded sparkling Ebel, or sturdy sterling-silver TAG Heuer. Good timing was never so easy. 1380 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
The Children's Book Shop
Sure, it's a little dog-eared (we prefer well loved), but this Brookline Village godsend, serving young readers since 1977, will break you of your rote nightly reads with a fresh supply of soon-to-be family favorites spanning every era: In the Night Kitchen, Officer Buckle and Gloria, and the latest from Mo Willems. 237 Washington St., Brookline, MA thechildrensbookshop.net.
Chanel
At this Newbury Street boutique, even customers browsing for mere bronzer receive the same top-drawer service as those splurging on Chanel's pricey threads. The cosmetics and fragrance area itself is lovely, outfitted with meticulously polished mirrors that reflect the brand's ultra-luxe makeup (and your now-even-more-gorgeous face). 5 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, chanel.com.
Lunette Optic
Dazzling eyewear doesn't mean a thing without an eye for fitting it properly. Lunette Optic's premium inventory is enhanced by its savvy employees, who'll tell you which frames are best for your fac—then work to make sure the final product sits on it perfectly. 121 High St., Boston, MA 2110, lunetteoptic.com.
Karen Golden Skin Care
While some beauty pros are notable for what they add to your look, Golden stands out for what she takes off: untamed hair, wherever it may lurk. With extreme precision and a good azulene wax, she restores beauty and order to brows, backs, and nether regions with minimal pain. Hair apparent? Not if she's on the case. 308 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, brazillianwaxingboston.com.