ReadySetFilm
Banish all thoughts of a gauzy, sappy drama: Husband-and-wife team Jeff Brouillet and Amanda Gosselin have a knack for capturing the little moments that mean a lot—a wink, a chortle, a happy puppy—in a way that's completely watchable, not belabored. Did you know your dad was checking his texts before you walked down the aisle? Or that your mom was tearing up as she zipped your dress? You will now. readysetfilm.com.
Dan Gordon Landscape Architects
Dan Gordon doesn’t just consider how you’ll interact with your transformed yard while you’re ambling along new bluestone-stepper walkways, bordered by hydrangeas, or lounging poolside under the shade of freshly transplanted cherry trees; the landscape architect ponders how you’ll engage with your revamped terrain from inside your home, too, ensuring a seamless transition from interior to exterior space. dangordon.com.
Balans Organic Spa
Maybe you’re commuting again and soaking up that car exhaust in your pores. Maybe some sunspots have cropped up on the virgin skin long shielded behind your facemask. Or maybe you’re just lamenting three pandemic years’ worth of stress etched into your face. Whatever the trouble, Balans’ expert aestheticians have the solution — and the 100 percent organic products to keep that glow going long after the appointment is over. 216 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bostonbalans.com.
Amy Bailey, Townhouse Beauty Bar
Getting your makeup done sounds glamorous—until you look in the mirror and don’t recognize the face staring back at you, that is. That never happens when Bailey is the one wielding the brush. The makeup artist has a light hand with foundation, skillfully applying just the right amount so your freckles still shine through, but your blemishes do not. You’ll leave every time looking (and feeling) like the best version of yourself. 28 Charles St., Boston, MA townhousebeautybar.com.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
With 2,575 acres of maintained trails highlighting stunning waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and city views, the Fells has something for everyone, from adrenaline junkies to casual recreationists. Always wanted to cruise down a hill at top speed on a mountain bike while bouncing off boulders and tree roots? Snap on your helmet and put the pedal to the metal. If that’s not quite your speed, simply pack some snacks, park your picnic blanket alongside a gentle stream, and enjoy a restorative day in nature. 4 Woodland Rd., Stoneham, MA 02180, mass.gov/locations/middlesex-fells-reservation.
Beat Train Productions
What’s on your “do not play list”? Who’s coming to your wedding? Do you have any DJ pet peeves? Beat Train Productions’ specialized client quiz gets an A-plus when it comes to finding the perfect match for your party among the group’s talented artists. No matter which you ultimately choose, hundreds of glowing reviews say it all: These DJs know how to spin. beattrainproductions.com.
Allston Car Wash
It's possible this car wash cares more about your car than you do. Allston offers just about every service you'd ever want to coddle your Camry, from a $124.95 Miracle Glazing to a $7.25 exterior wash. Your car comes out so blindingly bright you'll almost swear it's been repainted. 434 Cambridge St., Allston, MA .
Splash
Ahhh, that most private of private places where you retreat to soak your day away (or read the Sunday Times)—the bathroom. Going to Splash fulfills a plethora of bathroom fantasies: Is a deep, white porcelain tub with brass fixtures your idea of a good time? Or would a number with high-tech, high-gloss black appointments plus glass and chrome details be better? Either way, the options for updating your W.C. scenery are limitless here. 244 Needham Street, Newton, MA splashnewton.com.
Children's Orchard
If your kids are growing faster than your budget, trot over to the Children's Orchard, a resale boutique for children's outgrown clothing (up to size 12) and baby accessories. The selection of gently worn kids' wear is the best we've seen anywhere and the prices are right—we spotted a Polly Flinders dress for $7.95! They also have equipment, toys, and maternity fashions. What's more, you can bring your kids' used clothing in for cash by appointment. 807 Boylston St., Brookline, MA .
Jasper White's Summer Shack
Fasten your plastic bib, roll up your sleeves, and park your party at one of the long picnic tables inside Jasper White's Cambridge clam shack, where the meal itself is the evening's entertainment. Dunking steamed clams into warm butter, cracking lobster claws, and nibbling on ears of corn are all good fun. With a daily selection of seafood—and balloons for the kids—the warehouse-sized restaurant will please every age. Oh, and there's no need for reservations: Priority is given to parties of eight or more. 149 Alewife Brook Pkwy., Cambridge, MA summershackrestaurant.com.
Bouclé Salon & Spa
Being on vacation is no reason to neglect your tresses. So bring your salty, sun-damaged, unruly mop to Bouclé for some deep conditioning and a sleek, sophisticated cut. The young staff—including one cab driver turned stylist—is professional without the pomp. Getting your hair done with Bumble and Bumble products and a healthy helping of island gossip can be even more rewarding than a do-nothing day at the beach. 71 Main St., Edgartown, MA bouclespa.com.
Somerville Car Wash and Detail Center
You care about your car. Somerville Car Wash and Detail Center does, too. With tons of affordable options, from hand wheel-polishing to an odor-control treatment (we’re looking at you, pet owners), this is the perfect place to get your ride looking like new. Bonus: The guys here are so well trained in the art of customer service that you’ll never feel judged, no matter how dirty your car was when you pulled up. 680 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA 2143, seeyoushine.com.
Shannon McNally
Looking to embark on a spiritual wellness journey this summer? Let local reiki master Shannon McNally be your guide. Offering sessions at the newly opened Soma Yoga in the North End, the holistic wellness coach tackles everything from stress and anxiety to digestive and hormonal challenges. Whether you prefer your appointments in-person or virtual, you’ll leave feeling like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. 256 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, shannonmcnallywellness.com.
Rare Steakhouse
Seamless service and melt-in-your-mouth beef make Rare an oasis inside the hustle and bustle of Encore Boston Harbor, especially if you’re willing to fork over some of your casino winnings for, say, caviar service, a seafood tower, and Japanese Wagyu. The luxurious steakhouse harkens back to a golden age of fine dining, with white tablecloths and a fiery tableside preparation of baked Alaska, but the tiny, fancy chair just for your purse is a 2020s luxury through and through. Encore Boston Harbor, 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com/dining-and-nightlife/dining/rare-steakhouse.
Christina Wikman Interiors
Pandemic or not, virtual design is having a moment — and no one does it quite like Christina Wikman. Dreaming up fresh and colorful looks from her Woburn studio, the interiors whiz can reimagine your lackluster bedroom or dated kitchen without ever walking through your front door. Just tell Wikman what you’re looking for via a thorough design questionnaire, and you’ll get a revamped floorplan, a mockup featuring the pro’s furniture and finish recommendations, and a detailed shopping list to make ordering your new showpieces a breeze. christinawikmaninteriors.com.