Bunker Bill Monument
On step 10, you’re teeming with enthusiasm. On step 90, your thigh muscles begin to sting. On step 160, your heart is pounding and your lungs are begging for mercy. On step 225, a Zen-like trance washes over you. And then the gleaming beacon of hope, step 294, comes into focus. The end has arrived—you’re atop Bunker Hill Monument. Now soak in the endless city views and brace for the walk down. Monument Square, Charlestown, MA 02129, .
Firicano's Barber Shop
Boston may be home to Gillette's world shaving headquarters, but it's hard to beat a straight razor wielded by the skilled hand of barber Rich Firicano. His family-owned operation, located just a few doors from Paul Revere's old digs in the North End and entering its 20th year in business, offers a superlative shave for just $15, without all the pageantry you'll find at higher-end salons. The only frill: piping-hot towels that smell faintly of limoncello. 240 North St., Boston, MA 02113, firicanosbarbershop.com.
Orly Khon Floral Boutique
Boston has its fair share of both floral shops and high-end designers, but Orly Khon Floral Boutique gives us the best of both worlds. Khon's portfolio—which includes everything from holiday bashes to corporate events—is packed with installations and decorations that have us pining to plan a party, stat. But if you're just looking for a few blooms for your home or desk, her inviting boutique inside Restoration Hardware is worth the trip. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, orlykhon.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 .
EcoClean
Clean home, meet clean conscience. When you summon the grime busters of Somerville-based EcoClean, they come bearing only the greenest equipment and supplies: environmentally friendly microfiber cloths, nontoxic cleansers, and HEPA-filter vacuums. And that, along with an endless reserve of elbow grease, is all they need to quickly transform your unkempt abode into a model of good housekeeping. ecocleanboston.com.
Commonwealth Worldwide
With some limo companies, it's hard to know exactly who will be holding a sign for you at Logan—or what kind of wheels you'll be cruising in. (Jaguar or jalopy?) To get rid of the guesswork, book with Commonwealth, which puts only its own employees behind the wheels of its shiny black Town Cars, Benzes, vans, and hybrids. These career chauffeurs show up on time (even tracking flight status if you're delayed) and crisply uniformed. 250 Everett St., Boston, MA 2134, .
Jake Tedaldi
Making house calls in a black Hummer (license plate: 'ANIMAL') roomy enough to house a small petting zoo, Dr. Tedaldi pulls up to his patients' homes with examining table, medical kit, and biscuit bribes at the ready. Believe us: Never having to haul out the carrier or spike the water with sedatives makes annual checkups and shots almost pleasant. vetcall.com.
G Spa
Ever wonder how Brahmin blondes maintain their flaxen hair? It isn't nature they have to thank: They frequent G Spa, where veteran stylist Jeffrey Lyle works his magic. Tucked into a tiny two-chair area, Lyle confers with his trainees—'she's a 6 mixed with 11 and 13'—to customize your ideal color. His easy attitude and careful attention to detail (he pens directions on your take-home products) give clients cause to call him both an artiste and a friend. 35 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, gspa.biz.
American Provisions
What separates a smaller shop like American Provisions from a typical grocery store is its personality, from the handwritten signs suggesting wines to match each cheese to the handcarved bottle openers (crafted by a customer) for sale. And then there's the quality—grocers here carefully select all of the wines, olive oils, and cured meats on offer, so there's never a doubt that what you're bringing home is top-notch. 613 E. Broadway, South Boston, MA americanprovisions.com.
Bouclé Salon & Spa
On the second floor of a restored gray-shingled Edgartown Colonial lies an unlikely retreat. Bouclé may not be posh, but it has a gracious staff and ample charm in creaky floorboards, not to mention an extensive list of fairly priced services. Expect relaxing deep facials and cosmopolitan haircuts, as well as long-lasting manicures from the new nail care cottage in the backyard. Bumble and Bumble take-home treatments and flirty silk hair accessories for sale make leaving Bouclé with a shopping bag or two under the arm almost as much fun as walking in. 12 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA 2539, bouclespa.com.
The Charles Street Inn
Some people think B&Bs exist only in the country. This nine-room Beacon Hill inn proves otherwise. Its antique furniture, fireplaces, and four-poster beds impart old-world class, while DSL Internet, cable television, and whirlpool tubs offer modern comforts. Tall, narrow doors heighten the charm of the cavernous rooms, named after local luminaries like Louisa May Alcott and Oliver Wendell Holmes. 94 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Belle Isle Seafood
Twelve rolls into our research, it seemed there was no escaping the Bun Situation: perfectly sweet meat marred by stale, soggy, cold, dinky, or too-hearty bread. Then we tried Belle Isle's roll. The buttery, griddle-crisped hot dog bun brilliantly holds its own against the tender tail, knuckle, and claw meat stuffed inside. One Main St., Winthrop, MA 2128, belleisleseafood.com.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
You can't call yourself a Bostonian until you've whiled away a Sunday morning nibbling a sticky bun at Flour. Regulars know to arrive early, before the hopeful hordes of sugar babies queue up for owner Joanne Chang's homemade Oreo cookies and berry bread pudding. Daily specials keep the counter lineup feeling fresh and for those after-dinner cravings, the South End location sells sweets until 9 p.m. 1595 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, flourbakery.com.
Maris and Ricardo's Tortilla Factory
If you've eaten south of the border, or anywhere near it, chances are your tortilla sights are set a little higher than those Wonder Bread gringo wafers found at most markets. Take corazon! Maria and Ricardo's produces some of the tastiest, and muy autentico tortillas anywhere. Whole wheat, spinach, tomato, chile, and blue corn varieties round out the standard white flour and corn far. We love 'em all. Also available at Bread & Circus, Savenor's, and select Star Market stores. 30 Germania St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
Baker's Best
This delicious salad might well tempt a vegetarian to reconsider. Perfectly diced pieces of chicken are tossed in a light mayonnaise that hints of fresh herbs. The shop is also a good all-purpose pit stop, either for lunch or as you're heading home after work. It boasts a varied selection of excellent takeaway meals, side dishes, and desserts. 27 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA .