Brookline Booksmith
Its slogan, "Dedicated to the fine art of browsing," is no mere hype: There are few better ways to spend a lazy Sunday morning than puttering around the Booksmith. Whether you're in need of a new beach read or an offbeat gift, you'll find it here. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02446, brooklinebooksmith.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.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Finding the perfect sole match can be tough, but the selection at Saks will keep you on sure footing. Like works of art displayed on pedestals, the range of couture styles makes this destination a regular stop among fashion addicts for delicate Jimmy Choos, tropical-hued Prada slings, and Tods flats. 800 Boylston St., Boston, MA saksfifthavenue.com.
Jacob Kulin
Using reclaimed wood to create mixed-material tables, benches, and shelves with a '60s-era Scandinavian feel, Jacob Kulin produces furnishings that pull double duty as functional art. No wonder homeowners go gaga for his clean, modern, and eco-friendly work. By appointment only. kulinmodern.com.
Zareh
You might not find any copies of Sun Tzu's The Art of War, but Zareh has an extensive selection of custom shirts and made-to-measure and custom shirts and made-to-measure and custom suits for the power brokers among us—that is if you're looking for classic American suits from Oxxford, Norman Hilton, Hickey-Freeman, and Southwick. 1 Liberty Square, Boston, MA .
Alan Ginsberg
Need help quitting smoking, easing back pain, or getting rid of those migraines? Ginsberg has been teaching and practicing at Acupuncture Health Services in Brookline for more than a decade and is known for his intuitive understanding of the healing arts and his abiding personal interest in his patients. 209 Harvard St., Suite 302, Brookline, MA .
Sonsie
Forget everything you've heard about "the scene" and zero in on the dessert menu. Art Welch is the new pastry chef and he does wonders with the good 'ol chocolate bread pudding that's been on the menu for years. The portion is large and super-rich—but miraculously light enough to eat in its entirety. 327 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Elizabeth Murray
The 10-year retrospective of New York artist Elizabeth Murray at MIT's List Visual Arts Center, 20 Ames Street, Cambridge. The paintings were there, the drawings at the MFA. Murray kicked off her career at the Whitney and has been represented in hundreds of important shows. But Boston gave her her first retrospective. MIT's List Visual Arts Center, 20 Ames St., Cambridge, MA .
Boston Common Band
Hire Boston Common Band, and they’ll treat you to a private concert. Watch as the lighting crew heightens the energy in the room with orange and red fixtures, and while the sound team keeps the music playing with state-of-the-art technology—all in the name of ensuring the eight-member group can focus solely on their music. Able to belt out anything from Adele to Queen, the band can even work with hometown hero Keytar Bear—available by request for cocktail hour—to start the evening on a high note. 290 Needham St., Dedham, Massachusetts 02026, bostoncommonband.com.
Back Bay Boxing
No hybrid cardio/bags classes or fancy locker rooms here—this small Newbury Street studio is dedicated to the no-frills art of boxing. Former professional Irish boxer John Murray starts by teaching novices proper mitts technique before they move on to heavy bags, all with personal attention from the master himself. Be prepared to keep blocking and throwing punches until the final bell rings. 350 Newbury St., Boston, MA backbayboxing.com.
Kate's Table
Too busy to whip up a dazzling meal for your next dinner party? Just call Kate’s Table. An alum of some of the city’s top restaurants, chef Kate Papaleoni and her team prep dishes in small batches before artfully displaying them in a curated collection of vessels and custom display pieces. And if you want to pretend you did it all yourself, they also offer a drop-off service. katestable.com.
Joppa Flats Education Center
Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center offers wildlife educational programs designed to make nature fun—and a trip to the beach a (gentle) teaching moment. Kids and adults alike can explore marine touch tanks and art exhibits at the center, then set off on guided tours across the refuge’s 52 acres of salt marsh and mud flats, home to more than 300 species of birds, including bald eagles and snowy owls. massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/joppa-flats.
Alan Bilzerian
You're buzzed in the front door like it's a speakeasy, quickly greeted hello, and then given merciful room to roam. From Petrol-leather zip boots by Carol Christian Poell to handcrafted Italian cap-toe sneakers, Alan Bilzerian has your inner foot fetishist in mind when he curates his selection of stylish hoof art. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, alanbilzerian.com.
Himalayan Bistro
West Roxbury isn't known as a culinary haven, but Himalayan Bistro transports diners from the suburban western edge of Boston to the eastern reaches of India and Nepal. Enveloped in the warm scents of coriander, turmeric, and curry wafting from the kitchen, they tuck into smoky tandoori chicken, creamy tikka masala, and regional dishes like craªpes stuffed with potatoes and lamb against the backdrop of colorful Hindu art. 1735 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132, himalayanbistro.net.
Shag
When it comes to haircuts, men tend to be creatures of routine. Nobody knows this better than Shag’s stylists. As such, they’ve mastered the art of negotiation and will subtly downplay the standard “#3 on the sides, fade in the back” in favor of a contemporary style that looks sharp and is easy to manage. Just remember: This isn’t the corner barbershop—call ahead for an appointment. 840 Summer St., Boston, MA 02127, shagboston.com.