Ball and Buck
Spend two minutes inside Ball and Buck’s Newbury Street boutique and try to resist the urge to find the nearest Douglas fir and chop it down with your bare, brawny hands. Steeped in Americana and testosterone, the store offers all the tools needed to fine-tune your urban lumberjack aesthetic, from waxed canvas Dopp kits and camo bow ties right down to the wild-boar brush you’ll need to prep your handstitched Red Wing boots for inclement weather. 144B Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, ballandbuck.com.
Petite Étoile
Whether you’re looking for a mini Stella McCartney dress for your toddler or a sophisticated Roberto Cavalli button-up for your nephew, Petite Étoile has every fashion accessory your little trendsetter needs. And because Mom deserves a treat every now and again, owner Nicole Ablitt stocks a fashionista-approved Fendi diaper bag as well. 318 Derby St., Salem, MA 1970, petiteetoile.com/childrens-clothing.html.
Flair
Despite some fierce new competition (BHLDN in Chestnut Hill, we’re looking at you), this boutique still offers the most swoon-worthy in-store frock selection in the area. No matter how picky or size-diverse your bridal party, the associates here will help you find dresses from designers like Jenny Yoo and Lynn Lugo that’ll match your vision and keep your ’maids happy. 140 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, flairbridesmaid.com.
Barmakian Jewelers
If you like numbers, try these: Some 60,000 loose diamonds and 20,000 settings are available at this century-old family jeweler, where you can design a sparkler that perfectly matches your style—and your budget. 333 Washington St., Boston, MA barmakianjewelers.com.
The Pawsitive Dog
The wait for a consultation can be long (up to three months), but it'll be worth it when the customized training approach here leads to your dog's behavior finally matching your lifestyle. 188, 88 Black Falcon Ave., Boston, MA 2210, thepawsitivedog.com.
Steve Buckley
Sports guy Steve Buckley holds down four, count'em, four jobs: ESPN2 staffer, Herald columnist, WEEI weekend man, and prodigious freelancer. A little Buckley goes a long way.
Amy Bailey, Townhouse Beauty Bar
Getting your makeup done sounds glamorous—until you look in the mirror and don’t recognize the face staring back at you, that is. That never happens when Bailey is the one wielding the brush. The makeup artist has a light hand with foundation, skillfully applying just the right amount so your freckles still shine through, but your blemishes do not. You’ll leave every time looking (and feeling) like the best version of yourself. 28 Charles St., Boston, MA townhousebeautybar.com.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
With 2,575 acres of maintained trails highlighting stunning waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and city views, the Fells has something for everyone, from adrenaline junkies to casual recreationists. Always wanted to cruise down a hill at top speed on a mountain bike while bouncing off boulders and tree roots? Snap on your helmet and put the pedal to the metal. If that’s not quite your speed, simply pack some snacks, park your picnic blanket alongside a gentle stream, and enjoy a restorative day in nature. 4 Woodland Rd., Stoneham, MA 02180, mass.gov/locations/middlesex-fells-reservation.
Beat Train Productions
What’s on your “do not play list”? Who’s coming to your wedding? Do you have any DJ pet peeves? Beat Train Productions’ specialized client quiz gets an A-plus when it comes to finding the perfect match for your party among the group’s talented artists. No matter which you ultimately choose, hundreds of glowing reviews say it all: These DJs know how to spin. beattrainproductions.com.
Allston Car Wash
It's possible this car wash cares more about your car than you do. Allston offers just about every service you'd ever want to coddle your Camry, from a $124.95 Miracle Glazing to a $7.25 exterior wash. Your car comes out so blindingly bright you'll almost swear it's been repainted. 434 Cambridge St., Allston, MA .
Splash
Ahhh, that most private of private places where you retreat to soak your day away (or read the Sunday Times)—the bathroom. Going to Splash fulfills a plethora of bathroom fantasies: Is a deep, white porcelain tub with brass fixtures your idea of a good time? Or would a number with high-tech, high-gloss black appointments plus glass and chrome details be better? Either way, the options for updating your W.C. scenery are limitless here. 244 Needham Street, Newton, MA splashnewton.com.
Children's Orchard
If your kids are growing faster than your budget, trot over to the Children's Orchard, a resale boutique for children's outgrown clothing (up to size 12) and baby accessories. The selection of gently worn kids' wear is the best we've seen anywhere and the prices are right—we spotted a Polly Flinders dress for $7.95! They also have equipment, toys, and maternity fashions. What's more, you can bring your kids' used clothing in for cash by appointment. 807 Boylston St., Brookline, MA .
Jasper White's Summer Shack
Fasten your plastic bib, roll up your sleeves, and park your party at one of the long picnic tables inside Jasper White's Cambridge clam shack, where the meal itself is the evening's entertainment. Dunking steamed clams into warm butter, cracking lobster claws, and nibbling on ears of corn are all good fun. With a daily selection of seafood—and balloons for the kids—the warehouse-sized restaurant will please every age. Oh, and there's no need for reservations: Priority is given to parties of eight or more. 149 Alewife Brook Pkwy., Cambridge, MA summershackrestaurant.com.
Bouclé Salon & Spa
Being on vacation is no reason to neglect your tresses. So bring your salty, sun-damaged, unruly mop to Bouclé for some deep conditioning and a sleek, sophisticated cut. The young staff—including one cab driver turned stylist—is professional without the pomp. Getting your hair done with Bumble and Bumble products and a healthy helping of island gossip can be even more rewarding than a do-nothing day at the beach. 71 Main St., Edgartown, MA bouclespa.com.
Somerville Car Wash and Detail Center
You care about your car. Somerville Car Wash and Detail Center does, too. With tons of affordable options, from hand wheel-polishing to an odor-control treatment (we’re looking at you, pet owners), this is the perfect place to get your ride looking like new. Bonus: The guys here are so well trained in the art of customer service that you’ll never feel judged, no matter how dirty your car was when you pulled up. 680 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA 2143, seeyoushine.com.