Coppa
At his tiny South End enoteca, chef Jamie Bissonnette turns out some of the most magnificent pizza crust around—crunchy, chewy, smoky, and soft all at once. Coppa's 'fungo' pizza ($15) comes crowned with morel mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, and creamy Taleggio; the 'cavolfiore' ($15) features cauliflower, chili flakes, parsley, and Bra Duro cheese. In other words, this sure isn't Uno's. 253 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 2116, coppaboston.com.
Soco Creamery
Despite its metropolitan moniker, this year-round treat shop brims with local flavor. The homemade ice cream is churned out in myriad varieties, including velvety black raspberry, cake batter, and mint chocolate chip; this year the creamery also debuted zesty gelato in hazelnut, tiramisu, and amaretto. And because it stays open until midnight during the summer, you can drop in for a cone after dinner, then come back for a fresh-baked brownie, cookie, or pie to enjoy as a bedtime snack. 26 Housatonic St., Lenox, MA 1230, sococreamery.com.
Oleana
Boston has no shortage of outdoor dining options, but for our money, none is as transporting as the backyard terrace at Oleana. It's a fairyland of flora and fauna—swags of crawling green draped over wooden trellises, fruit trees burgeoning with ripe fruit, flowers of every variety waving in the summer breeze. That's more than most of us needed to set the scene for a relaxing meal—so when chef Ana Sortun tosses in her soothing and exotic Mediterranean menu, it's just glorious gravy. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA oleanarestaurant.com.
Beacon Hill Athletic Club
This small club is clean and equally comfortable for men and women. The emphasis is on firming and toning (not muscle building). Varied aerobics classes taught by 15 instructors include step, low impact, high-low impact, advanced high-low impact, and body conditioning. Karate instruction is available, too, and there are Cybex and cardiovascular machines. The initiation fee is $295, and dues are $360 a year. 3 Hancock St., Boston, MA .
Jake's Seafoods
When you've had it with ersatz seafood joints that underfeed and overcharge you, set your sights on a place that doesn't pretend to be anything but what it is: a bare-bones fish shack. Jake's spotlights freshness and variety in simple but classic preparations. There's plenty of atmosphere; just make sure to snag a table on the enclosed patio, where the specials are served over the waters they were fished from, and sunsets dapple the abutting bay. 50 George Washington Blvd., Hull, MA jakesseafoods.com.
Top Dog of Rockport
Forget any preconceived notions of what a hot dog is: Top Dog outdoes them all with all-meat dogs in natural casings that lend a juicy chewiness, whether you order yours grilled or steamed. This little shack on the point of Bearskin Neck is immaculate—though once the friendly folks who work here pile your plate high with baked beans, grilled peppers, sauerkraut, or Vidadlia onion relish, you may not be. They also serve great lobster rolls and fries. 2 Doyles Cove Rd., Rockport, MA topdogrockport.com.
Bradford Country Club
If it's been a while since you've visited the Bradford Country Club, fear not: The once-unkempt greens and dismal mood of the place are behind it. Bradford has been transformed to pristine condition, with every amenity for seasoned players and duffers alike. This is a course with plenty of challenges, but what we like best is that it's a golfer's golf course—not too long, so it's more concentrated on accuracy and head game than pure strength and stick pedigree. 201 Chadwick Rd., Bradford, MA bradfordcc.com.
Blue
Soothing shades in gray and blue (of course) set the tone at this cool-but-comfortable salon. And color here is indeed the key: Owner Paula Donovan and her diligently trained staff blend cutting-edge systems (Bumble & Bumble is the mainstay) with down-to-earth reality checks. (Few in Lexington want magenta hair, no matter how great it looked in W.) The result is always glamorous—but tasteful—tresses. 10 Muzzey St., Lexington, MA blueacompletehairsalon.com.
Bruce Fisher Hair & Color Group
Trend-conscious salons are often impossible to relax in. But Bruce Fisher manages to produce an energy that's at once hip and mellow—all the better for sitting back and indulging in a world-class foot treatment. A sumptuous soak, thorough clipping, filing, and scrubbing are followed by a superlative massage. Opt to cap it off with a paraffin treatment, and you'll feel the softening effects for weeks afterward. 924 Washington St., Braintree, MA fisherexperience.com.
The Beachcomber
Cape Cod isn't exactly famous for its surfing, but the Beachcomber on Cahoon Hollow Beach is the quintessential surfers' hangout, with battered boards on the walls, sand on the wood floors, and an annual visit from surf god Dick Dale. Early on, the joint is full of families grabbing dinner, but once the sun goes down, a younger crowd moves in for strong mixed drinks and beer. 1120 Cahoon Hollow Road, Wellfleet, MA 2667, thebeachcomber.com.
Boston by Foot
Let's face it, Boston's a walking town; buy into a pricey gimmick tour, and you'll spend half the time stuck in traffic. At Boston By Foot, though, the guides are volunteers; you pick your thematic pleasure (seven tours cover everything from the Freedom Trail to Victorian Back Bay, Beacon Hill, or the popular "Boston Underground," about the engineering of the subway and the Big Dig); and of all you avoid congestion, get exercise, and learn about Boston all at once. 77 N. Washington St., Boston, MA .
Lizard Lounge
As the new host to The Fringe's (Best Jazz Band) Monday night jams— and occasionally to delights from the free-form experimental acid-jazz group Club d'Elf (Best Cutting-Edge Band)— this lounge has the coolest in-the-round setting. Owing partly to a respectable selection of booze and excellent vibes, the unassuming Lizard Lounge has slithered to the top. 1667 Masachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Boston Design Center
Those cracked tiles aren't going to fix themselves. But a visit to the Boston Design Center's 10 bathroom-focused businesses will. Once open only to professionals, the eight-story design mecca now offers 20 designers on call to walk you through showrooms—some classic, some splashy—filled with tiles, faucets, mirrors, tubs, and everything else you'd ever want in your WC. One Design Center Place, Suite 337, Boston, MA 2210, bostondesign.com.
The Sweet Life Café
Once you and your sweetheart have strolled the beach and sailed at sunset, your next romantic rendezvous should be dinner at the Sweet Life Café. This upscale eatery serves fresh fare such as chévre ravioli in curry sauce and roasted halibut with eggplant purée. Don't miss dessert—the blueberry— brown butter tart is divine—in the candlelit garden. 63 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA sweetlifemv.com.
Natick Pizza Palace
<p>Spyridon Ganas's breaded, cheesed, and fried eggplant topped with pepper and provolone and baked in a crisp sub roll is worth the trip. Eleven inches of vegetarian junk food for $1.50.</p> <p>Until the end of the month, when it closes for the winter, Wallace's drive-in (right down the street from the Pizza Palace) scoops up gargantuan homemade ice cream cones. The toasted pecan fudge is especially good.</p> 30 East Central, Natick, MA .