The Nautilus
An instant hit when it opened in 2014, this ACK spot continues to wow diners with Asian-inspired shareable feasts and small plates, not to mention a stellar cocktail menu. And despite its inland location, you'll still get dinner with a view: The dining room features an open kitchen, so you can watch while chef Liam Mackey and his team whip up house-made udon noodles, savory blue-crab fried rice, or whatever else strikes your fancy. 12 Cambridge St., Nantucket, MA 2554, nautilusnantucket.com.
Exhale
Many day spas promise an escape from city life, but none delivers like Exhale. The two-story, Zen-like space alone is enough to set stress on standby, what with its hushed hallways and dimly lit treatment rooms. Choose from a full-service spa menu (we like the four-hand harmony massage), take a yoga or core fusion class, and let the courteous staff soothe and smooth your worries away. 28 Arlington St., Boston, MA exhalespa.com.
Dillon's Russian Steam Bath
The only drawback is that men get to take advantage of this blissful oasis six days a week while women must condense their restorative needs into a single day (Monday). Male or female, you will feel pleasantly noodle-like when you emerge from this no-nonsense, old-fashioned bath house. One note of caution: This is not some fancy chrome-and-etched-glass spa, so leave your attitude out at Canyon Ranch. 77 Chestnut St., Chelsea, MA .
Rubin's Kosher Restaurant Delicatessen
Sure, the sandwiches are just as good at Michael's Deli, located half a mile down Harvard Street, but what sets Rubin's apart is the atmosphere. Step inside, eavesdrop on the old frummers a booth over, and chomp into a half-sour pickle, and you'll feel transported back to a time when ordering corned beef, pastrami, or chopped liver stacked to the moon on rye didn't make you despair for your cardiovascular system—it just made you very, very happy. 500 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 2446, rubinsboston.com.
Formaggio Kitchen
Peek inside the musty underground caves where Formaggio’s young fromage is ripened (they’ll give you a tour if you ask nicely), and you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the Comtés and clothbound sharp cheddars you pair with your pinot noir and artisanal crackers. Once you’re back above ground, ask one of the store’s expert cheesemongers to recommend a wedge from their impressive selection, and grab a bottle of vino and a few gourmet accoutrements on the way out. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, formaggiokitchen.com.
Puritan & Company
The ideal brunch requires the trifecta of good food, good drinks, and good company. Puritan covers the first two in spades, with house-baked pastries (strawberry-almond muffins, cashew sticky buns); not-your-average brunch entrées (sourdough griddle cakes, a gloriously crunchy pork-shoulder hash); and creative hair-of-the-dog libations (the "Church," with gin, Aperol, and lemon). As for the third? That’s up to you. 1166 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2141, puritancambridge.com.
Linda's Critter Corral
Linda Katz and crew have been pampering four-legged friends on the North Shore for more than 20 years. And when we say pampering, we mean it: In addition to standard grooming services, Linda's offers aromatherapy treatments and a Bathing Beauty power wash that gives your pet a massage while it cleans. Fido has never looked (or felt) so good. 73 Bessom St., Lynn, MA 1902, lindascrittercorral.com.
Offshore Ale Company
Oak Bluffs is the antithesis of the Jersey Shore, so why do most of its bar options seem so well suited for "gym, tan, laundry"? Escape to the Offshore Ale Company for its rotating selection of unique house-made brews, like the Flying Monkey, a Belgian-style ale aged in chardonnay barrels. The kind of bar that allows—nay, encourages—patrons to toss peanut shells onto the floor, it's sure to become your favorite stomping ground. 30 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, offshoreale.com.
City Sports
Whatever your passion—volleyball, basketball, yoga, even bocce—City Sports has the gear you need, including high-performance pieces from its in-house CS line. Ask one of the sporty employees to help you browse the Gore-Tex jackets, or find cleats or sneakers that'll let you hit the field, court, or track running. 480 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, citysports.com.
Kaps
For those who don't want to deal with Back Bay parking and traffic, Kaps is a welcome solution. This family-owned and operated business has four locations, all of which carry the kind of Italian labels that you might find on the male cast of Ally McBeal: Armani, Canali, Zegna, Hickey-Freeman, and others. Whether you're the wide-shouldered power suit type or prefer banker's grey or pinstripe, Kaps can outfit you in whatever suits your fancy. 5 Main St., Andover, MA .
International Bicycle Center and International Bicycle West
Okay, so they don't have an indoor track like HighRoad. But they do have great selection, reasonable prices, and best of all, attentive sales and service help, whether you're a Back Bay dowager buying a basket for your 3-speed Schwinn or a world-class rider choosing a new metal steed for the Tour de France.
MWI Fiber-Shield
In this day of open-plan living, and with pets and children in all areas of the house, stains happen. Thankfully, when your carpet takes a hit or the sofa gets spotted with red wine, the folks at MWI Fiber-Shield are there to help. It’s miraculous, really: With Michelle and Wayne Southworth at the helm, technicians clean furnishings using ecofriendly products that remove or rinse out even the most daunting stains and spills to reveal clean rugs, draperies, window treatments, and fabric and leather upholstery without changing the item’s texture or appearance. 516 E 2nd St., Ste. 3, Boston , MA 02127, mwifibershield.com.
Grain Surfboards
One look at these artisanal wooden boards, and you’ll want to hang 10 with the best of ’em. Lovingly handcrafted from locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, Grain’s custom fish, midlength, and longboards are always the talk of the beach. Want to help make your own? Join the Grain crew during a four- or five-day workshop in York, Maine, for an unforgettable hands-on experience. 73 Webber Rd., York, ME 03909, grainsurfboards.com.
Bosso Ramen Tavern
How does Harvard Square newcomer Bosso stand apart in a town saturated with ramen joints? First, with its broth: the house tonkotsu is prepped with both chicken and pork bones, a double dose of collagen that ups the umami factor. Second, with the flavor profiles of its tasty bowls: the “umami” is enhanced by black garlic; sour “sanmi” benefits from tomatoes and green shiso; the salty “enmi” is brightened by yuzu; and the spicy vegan bowl is spiked with red chili oil. We’ll take one of each, please. 24 Holyoke St., Cambridge, MA 02138, instagram.com/bossoramentavern.
Brighton Music Hall
THE SCENE: A dive bar with a big stage and even bigger sound, this vestige of Allston Rock City’s glory days has a decidedly modern vibe that’s keeping a new generation jamming. THE LINEUP: Homegrown indie, rock, and hip-hop acts share space on the calendar with nationally touring acts and comedy legends, plus DJ and dance nights for all of your booty-shaking needs. 158 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 02134, crossroadspresents.com.