Bob the Chef's
If you can beat two eggs, your choice of breakfast meat, hot bread, grits or home fries, juice, and coffee for five bucks, let us know. Don't miss what may be the best sweet-potato pie in the city. 604 Columbia Ave., Boston, MA .
Formaggio
Hard to believe the best cup of coffee and best deli exist side by side in a converted parking garage across the river, but that's the way it is. Great cheeses, breads, and meats, along with off-the-wall specialties like pesto, ratatouille, and a strange house policy of no mayonnaise (only mustard or butter). The Garage, 36 Boylston St., Harvard Square, MA .
Deli-Sound
Deli-Sound on Commonwealth Avenue in Allston has a cake which is flown in special form New York and costs only 65 cents. If you get bored with oral gratification, you can tickle your aural fancy with any of the eight-track stereo tapes also available for sale at Deli-Sound. Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Southwest Corridor Park
Looking for a place to stretch your legs? At this 4.7-mile, 52-acre linear park, you'll find dedicated bicycling and jogging paths for the hardy, basketball and tennis courts for the sporty, and jungle gyms and skate parks for the kiddies. 38 New Heath St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, swcpc.org.
Hilton's Tent City
This equipment emporium, which moved from the West End to Central this year, stocks all the camping gear, boots, backpacks, and tents you need for your next rugged hike in the White Mountains. Including one remnant of the original location: a wall of trail maps and postcards. 565 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02114, hiltonstentcity.com.
Blue Dry Goods
The menswear shop of your yacht-club dreams exists in Concord Center (naturally), where you’ll find all the gear necessary for a Nantucket weekend or a day on the links—from little boys’ blazers to cuff links to a massive selection of Vineyard Vines pants and coats. 16 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742, bluedrygoods.com.
Lexington Venue
In a world of plush megaplexes with cushy seats and cocktails, there’s still room for classic cinemas like Lexington Venue, with its healthy mix of indie flicks and new releases. Screen your movie of choice, then stroll to Rancatore’s for ice cream. 1794 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02420, .
Elisabeth Accardi, Upon a Star Events
If your precious tot longs for a Wizard of Oz–themed hayride or a Lego Minecraft–inspired bash, call Elisabeth Accardi. The bubbly former actress has brought childhood fairy tales to life for 17 years, including a soiree for a former president’s daughter. uponastar.net.
Formaggio Kitchen
If your idea of heaven smells like stinky blues and buttery Comté, welcome to paradise. True nerds du fromage shouldn't miss Formaggio's classes (some of which are held in its underground cheese cave) or its cheese-of-the-month clubs. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, formaggiokitchen.com.
Ecco Boston
The lengthy list of craft beers is appreciated, but it's the potent cocktails, featuring house-made bitters and infused spirits, that stand out here. With a late-night menu including double-fried chicken fingers and pulled short-rib arepitas, Ecco takes bar fare to the next level. 107 Porter St., Boston, MA 02128, eccoboston.com.
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.