American Repertory Theater
Part storied dramaturgical institution and part experimental funhouse, ART delivers on its mission to bring cutting-edge theater to Cambridge. americanrepertorytheater.org.
A Far Cry
Dreams and Prayers, A Far Cry's self-released, Grammy-nominated album with clarinetist David Krakauer, isn't just one of this year's best classical recordings, but also one of the best narratives, too. As dramatic as anything in our Netflix queue, Dreams and Prayers—recorded at Sacred Heart Church, in Fall River—is a thoroughly modern, century-spanning, globe-trotting sonic adventure. Catch the group live at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where it's the in-house chamber orchestra. afarcry.org.
Gretta Luxe
Even back when preppy-populated Wellesley thought Prada was a museum in Madrid, Gretta Luxe owner Gretchen Monahan was stocking her streamlined downtown boutique with names like Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein. Once her fever spread, it spread fast, and now she's doling out enough pretty, witty designs from Jimmy Choo, Catherine Malandrino, Strenesse, and Barbara Bui to rival any big-city scene. Even Madrid's. 94 Central St., Wellesley, MA grettaluxe.com.
The Brattle Theatre
True, there are a few places to see independent films around Boston, including the occasional museum, but it’s hard to beat this small but mighty theater’s regular programming. Whether it’s a mid-20th-century noir series or an obscure foreign flick, you’re unlikely to find this carefully curated selection of movies anywhere else in the city. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, brattlefilm.org.
Ryles Jazz Club
With soul, funk, and good ol' bebop in the mix, Ryles proves that jazz is hardly a museum piece, but a living music—as well as music for living. Tuesdays and Thursdays bring salsa dancing and Caribbean music, and Wednesdays feature jazz artists from around the world. Sundays, meanwhile, are highlighted by the popular jazz brunch, complete with bloody marys and cinnamon rolls. 212 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, rylesjazz.com.
Paul Connors, Radius
We searched high and low for another candidate, but we've found ourselves hopelessly devoted to Connors' thought-provoking, palate-pleasing, meal-punctuating desserts. He breaks away from the pack with such confectionery coups as sorbet made from Banyuls wine, tuiles made from buck-wheat flour, and ice cream made from mushrooms. And his crème brulée ought to be in a pastry museum somewhere. There's a reason why Connors reigns as pastry chef three years running. In a word: perfection. 8 High St., Boston, MA radiusrestaurant.com.
Mucho Gusto Cafe & Collectibles
Have your empanada and eat it, too. Mucho Gusto is as much a museum of kitsch as it is a kitchen of Cuba. Mami Aida turns out perfect pork sandwiches, savory rice and beans, beef picadillo, and exceptional cafe con leche in a delightful time-capsule setting filled with collectibles from the '40s, '50s, and '60s (all for sale). The service is prompt, the portions are filling, and the rhumba makes you forget that Massachusetts Avenue is just a block away. 1124 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
The pear and walnut tart with montrachet cheese at the Back Bay Bistro
565 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Fenway Park
Fenway became a regular venue for musical acts 15 years ago, enlivening the Sox stomping grounds with a no-holds-barred set by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Since then, America’s most beloved park has enchanted audiences with surprisingly strong acoustics, ample seating both on and off the field, and a stellar lineup of A-list acts including Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, and (coming this summer) Billy Joel and Pearl Jam. A home run, indeed. 4 Jersey St., Boston, MA 02215, mlb.com/redsox/tickets/concerts.
Salem Diner
Escape the school groups screaming outside the Witch Museum and hit the Salem Diner, a former classic one-ended streamliner train car. With its quintessential counters and stools, The Salem starts the day at 5 a.m. with artery-clogging greasy spoon staples. It also serves stellar stick-to-your-ribs daily lunch specials such as baked fresh scallops and homemade stuffed cabbage. 326 Canal Street, Salem, MA .
Quadrum
Displayed in glass cases and backlit boxes like museum treasures, the handcrafted baubles at Quadrum are proof positive that fine jewelry needn't be boring. Here, raw diamonds, black tourmaline crystals, and ocean-blue opal star in bold pieces that work as well for a formal gala as they do for a dinner out with friends. Even better, the team often invites the artisans who create them into their space for special events, offering an inside look at the creative process behind your new favorite necklace. The Shops at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, quadrumgallery.com.
Pastoral
Fort Point Italian restaurant Pastoral gets points for a prime location (blocks from the Boston Children's Museum) and an excellent parking situation (get a $5 validation for the nearby Farnsworth Garage). There's ample stroller parking in the takeout area, and tables are widely spaced so antsy children can roam free. The kids' menu, meanwhile, offers thoughtful touches like gluten-free pizza; paper and crayons arrive while you wait. 345 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, pastoralfortpoint.com.
A Street Frames
You’ve finally chosen the perfect masterpiece for your living room—why ruin it with a cheap, mass-produced frame? Go where the top galleries, museums, and collectors go, and you can rest assured that your artwork or favorite family photo will remain in mint condition for years to come thanks to A Street’s archival framing techniques. It’ll look sharp, too, courtesy of hundreds of handcrafted frame styles in materials such as steel, hardwood, and even gold leaf. 755 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA astreetframes.com.
Great Blue Hill Trail, Blue Hills Reservation
Slightly challenging — yet mercifully short — bursts of uphill that give kids a sense of accomplishment. A tower to climb at the top. And, most notably, absolutely killer views of the Boston skyline. This roughly 1.5-mile-long round-trip trail has it all for a family outing — especially when you consider that native wildlife such as river otters and red foxes are just a few steps away from the parking lot at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum. 1904 Canton Ave, Milton, MA 02186, mass.gov/locations/blue-hills-reservation.
WXKS's Annual Birthday Party
Open bars, hors d'oeuvres, an exclusive guest list, and top national acts. For example, the 1983 list included the Gap Band, Laura Branigan, the Manhattans, the Weathergirls, and (yes) Pia Zadora.