Krakow Witkin Gallery
A stalwart in Boston since 1959, the gallery managed to not just survive but thrive this past year thanks to live and online shows that brought legends and locals together. See: works from modern-art icon Josef Albers, contemporary star Jenny Holzer, and Mike Glier, whose paintings are inspired by birdsong in the Public Garden. The gallery even hosted its annual AIDS Benefit Auction around the holidays virtually, with all proceeds going to the Dimock Center’s pediatric and family programs 10 Newbury St., Back Bay, MA 02116, krakowwitkingallery.com.
<em>Black Soap</em> by SuperSmashBroz
Roxbury natives Muyi Fre$co and Noma Nomz live by the mantra “get your vibes right” — and that’s exactly what the DJ/producer duo have accomplished with their latest project, which celebrates the diversity of the city with feel-good rhythms and soulful Caribbean melodies infused with mesmeric Afrobeats. Cameos from other Boston artists are the proverbial cherry on top. supersmashbroz.com.
Ten Percent Happier
If the thought of contorting your body into yoga sleep pose or sitting still for extended periods of time seems anything but relaxing, do yourself a favor and download Ten Percent Happier, the Boston-based spinoff of journalist Dan Harris’s self-help book. Dubbed a “meditation app for fidgety skeptics,” the program helps newbies and Zen masters alike regularly practice mindfulness with 500-plus guided sessions. And with plenty of shorter clips, it ensures you can get in the right headspace just about anywhere (really). tenpercent.com.
Interlocks
Interlocks owner Ginny Eramo's Newburyport salon is known for producing trendy men's styles, vibrant color for graying locks, and expert extensions. That's because Interlocks has a strong pull on talented Newbury Street stylists, who, when they split Boston, tend to end up here. Good for those suburbanites who once had to schlep into the city for a good cut. 58 Merrimac St., Newburyport, MA 01950, interlockssalon.com.
Dew Luxe
An Hermès scarf for $350? A Burberry trench for $500? This isn't the end-of-season sale at Barneys, just the everyday deals found at Michaela Bavis's twee luxury consignment shop in South Boston. The sleek repository of new and lightly used high-end designer pieces includes suits, cocktail dresses, handbags, and heels from the likes of Chanel, Valentino, and Louboutin. Don't skip over the accessories display case, either; those oversize Bulgari sunglasses might finally be within your grasp. 36 A St., South Boston, MA 02127, dewluxe.com.
Grace McGinley, Marc Harris
Grace McGinley's talents are rare indeed—so rare that those blessed with scarlet locks seek out her prowess with the fussiest of hues. McGinley splits her time between the two Boston Marc Harris locations, where she fires up the clarets, coppers, rubies, and crimsons with, ahem, tremendous grace. (Multiple locations.) 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, salonmarcharris.com.
Trillium Brewing Company
Sam Adams and Harpoon used to be the lone faces of craft beer in Boston, but times change. The most exciting brews in town now emanate from this minute waterfront mecca, which carries a range of wild ales, barrel-aged stouts, cold-brew-spiked porters, and hop-forward IPAs, most named after streets in the Fort Point neighborhood. Up next? A 16,000-square-foot facility in Canton that will allow them to produce upward of 10,000 barrels per year. 369 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, trilliumbrewing.com.
Urbanity Dance
In seven years, founder and director (and former Boston Ballet teacher) Betsi Graves has grown Urbanity Dance into a thrilling, whimsical, acrobatic beast. Last year, the company collaborated twice with local chamber orchestra A Far Cry, leaping and weaving with the violinists in Jordan Hall. At the Institute of Contemporary Art in February, they performed "Bend," an orgy of strobe lights and corporeal geometry. Whether twisting into one another to form a human skirt or wrestling with their shadows, Urbanity's dancers fulfill their mission to "elevate physical intelligence." 1180 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, urbanitydance.org.
Thomas M. Menino Park
This play space perched at the edge of the Charlestown Navy Yard offers 38,000 square feet of universally accessible play structures, rubberized running surfaces, and gently rolling lawns for kids of all ages. The breathtaking views of Boston Harbor and the skyline give even the most blasé stroller jockeys a reason to look up from their phones. 300 First Ave., Charlestown, MA 02129, .
Katrina Hess
A stalwart of the Boston beauty scene, Katrina Hess has always been a go-to for special-occasion makeup. But she’ll also transform your daily makeup routine with private two-hour lessons at her Newbury Street studio. Bring along your own cosmetics bag, and she’ll even weed out the duds. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, katrinahess.com.
Sonsie
We know what you’re thinking: With all the seafood joints in Boston, you landed on Sonsie? Stifle your preconceptions for a moment, because when it comes to the classics, it’s all about execution. And that’s where this al fresco hot spot outdoes its competition: with a just-viscous-enough lunch-menu chowder showcasing plump clams and tender Yukon Gold cubes. And, yeah, the people-watching is pretty great. 327 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, sonsieboston.com.
The Brattle Theatre
True, there are a few places to see independent films around Boston, including the occasional museum, but it’s hard to beat this small but mighty theater’s regular programming. Whether it’s a mid-20th-century noir series or an obscure foreign flick, you’re unlikely to find this carefully curated selection of movies anywhere else in the city. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, brattlefilm.org.
Orly Khon Floral
Industrial chic. Richly bohemian. Romantic and fresh. Orly Khon, formerly of Tangerine Creations, can weave a floral theme for any romance—blooms springing from driftwood, succulents beneath glass cloches, blossom chains. She's also a weather watcher, keeping track of how our crazy climate affects flowers and making appropriate (read: calming) modifications. And with a retail store inside the Restoration Hardware flagship and a studio close to the Boston Flower Exchange, Khon has a garden of local inspiration at her fingertips. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, orlykhon.com.
B/Spoke Studios
This locally owned studio leads the pack with top-notch amenities, including free shoe rental and impeccably clean locker rooms stocked with Aesop products. The various options—from super-sweaty hot rides to all-levels community classes—offer the perfect blend of cardio, core work, and conditioning. 101 Federal St., Boston, 617-951-9900; 50 Central St., Wellesley, 781-772-1920; bspokestudios.com. 101 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110, bspokestudios.com.
New England Aquarium Whale Watch
The Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary is full of wildlife, and you're missing out if you don't experience it up close. Thankfully, the New England Aquarium has partnered with Boston Harbor Cruises to get you there in style, via giant high-speed catamarans. Sip a glass of wine and wave to some massive sea mammals; if you don't see a whale, you can ride again for free. One Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, neaq.org.