Reelhouse
Outdoor dining is a great way to see the city from every angle — and that's exactly why we love Eastie’s waterfront Reelhouse, which offers uncommonly sweeping skyline views to accompany its specialty spritzes and global cuisine. Plus, it’s just a short walk away from the Tall Ship, its new sibling oyster bar located aboard an actual 245-foot vessel moored at a pier. 6 New St., East Boston, MA 02128, reelhouseboston.com.
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.
Magpie
You can't help but smile at the fetching, affordable curios at this Somerville shop: stylish tumblers and flasks for beer lovers, Ex-Libris journals made from recycled books for stationery geeks, and, for the sassy Somervillian who frequents farmers' markets, grocery bags with the phrase "I'm a Grown-Ass Lady and I Do What I Like." The store also sells edgy gifts for tots, just a small sampling of what's available at its nearby sister shop, Magpie Kids. 416 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02144, magpie-store.com.
The Verb Hotel
This former HoJo is now a stylish hotel with a rock 'n' roll soul. Its rooms feature pop artifacts like backstage passes for the J. Geils Band, old Phoenix covers, and manual typewriters. Guests can spin records on the lobby's vintage turntable or relax by the pool, which, nestled in the center courtyard, evokes the Beverly Hills Hotel. Factor in the Verb's crazy-convenient location behind Fenway Park, and this is easily the hippest boutique hotel in town. 1271 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, theverbhotel.com.
Driftwood Jewelry
This carefully curated addition to the shopping scene is proof that not all vacation souvenirs need be tacky. Vineyard artisans are the star here, with a rotating selection of jewelry, prints, and bags that evoke the island’s natural charm. Textured, handcrafted bangles and necklaces from designer Nettie Kent recall the cliffs and beaches, while boho leather clutches from Noepe Designs will fit right in at any Vineyard bash. 42 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, driftwoodmv.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.
Courtside
Sure, karaoke doesn't have to take place in a dive bar. But it's an established fact that the liquid courage provided by a pitcher of PBR produces the best rendition of the Proclaimers megahit "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)." With a friendly host and supportive crowds, Courtside is an ideal place to live out those still-thriving rock-star dreams. 291 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, courtsidekaraoke.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 .
Fresh Pond Seafood
It's not much to look at from the outside, and the décor inside isn't much of a confidence builder, either. But who cares? The giant 500-gallon tanks hold oceans of fresh-caught lobsters in a range of weights from manageable one-pound chickens to gargantuan granddaddies. The assortment of fresh shellfish is neatly and temptingly displayed on beds of ice. From sushi-grade tuna to cod fillets, the salty dogs at Fresh Pond catch the best. 355 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge, MA freshpondseafood.com.
Verrill Farm
For the absolute best in seasonal vegetables—think asparagus in May, strawberries in June, and carrots and potatoes through February—Verrill Farm can't be beat. Just ask Hamersley's Bistro, Chez Henri, Salamander, and every other fine Boston restaurant that purchases Varrill's produce. When you add homebaked country desserts, grass-fed beef that's raised and frozen on the farm, and backwoods family fun like strawberry "feastivals," hayrides, bands, and barbeques, you may never go home. 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord, MA .
Ame Wren
A self-described "yoga mutt," Ame Wren borrows liberally from various yoga traditions, and even incorporates music and dance—the result being a more intense, less snoozy workout. Be prepared to sweat when you register for her classes at Equinox, Sports Club/LA, and North End Yoga. Be prepared to have fun, too, especially at her hip-hop yoga class at Back Bay Yoga. Cambridge, MA amewren.com.
The Pear Tree
While Grandma's pearls might merit the $70 restringing fee a jeweler would charge, this bead shop's trinket techs will fix just-for-fun pieces on the cheap and on the double. Pay $11 to have that busted turquoise necklace put back together, and you'll still have plenty of cash left for...more great junk jewelry! 1298 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2446, thepeartreeofbrookline.com.
Shayna Shirazi
Meet the sweet-as-pie Shirazi and you might assume she's merely another perfectly nice toe polisher. How wrong you'd be: This woman whips feet into the best shape of their lives. She goes to town on calluses and doesn't shy away from any blister, bump, or hangnail (all while showing a commendable hygiene obsessiveness). Plus, her polish applications last for weeks and can even stand up to the beach. Hey, we always knew we had pretty feet underneath it all. Miniluxe, Boston, MA .
Grace Kinahan, Splash at Sports Club/LA
In Grace Kinahan's hands, pore cleansing and zit zapping are somehow rendered relaxing. It might have something to do with her plush, blanketed bed and brief initial skin consultation, followed by an hour-long steam, mask, and Jurlique hydration therapy. Clients walk away smoother ;and smarter, thanks to insider tips like 'flouride toothpaste can cause chin breakouts' and 'switch to an oil-based lotion for glowing skin.' 4 Avery St., Boston, MA 2111, thesportsclubla.com.
LuxLash
After a visit here, your lash-batting average will be in a league of its own. The first of its kind in the country, the spa offers strip-lash application, semipermanent extensions, and, for serious fabulousness, the Signature LuxLash, which augments what genetics gave you with 120 (you read that right: 120) falsies. They're the longest-lasting in town. The store also offers an exclusive lash-safe mascara. Not that you'll need any extra volume. 232 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, luxlash.com.