Kamakura
Financial District power brokers have a new favorite spot to flex their expense accounts—and their foodie cred. Tuesdays through Fridays, Kamakura chef-owner Youji Iwakura distills his dinner menu’s haute Japanese cuisine into more-accessible yet still-sophisticated lunch fare—think bento boxes filled with sashimi, salmon caviar, robata-grilled chicken, and more. A sparkling three-floor space and swift midday service, meanwhile, make it easier than ever to seal the deal. 150 State St., Boston, MA kamakuraboston.com.
The Envoy Hotel
Since opening its doors in 2015, the Envoy has served as a hip Seaport hangout for tourists and locals alike. Lodgers get to kick back in polished, design-minded suites that maximize both city and harbor views, while Hub dwellers can take in sweeping skyline vistas at the Rooftop Lookout and Bar, surrounded by ultramod seating and space-agey floor lamps. Not to be forgotten when the temperatures drop, the hotel also offers 7-foot-tall glowing igloos—yes, igloos—ideal for sipping a cocktail. 70 Sleeper St., Boston, MA 02210, theenvoyhotel.com.
Havana Club
Never danced a step in your life? No problem. This Central Square club holds $12 salsa lessons every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m., plus bachata lessons on Mondays at 8 p.m. You’ll look like a pro by the time the real party begins, with more than 300 dancers burning up the floor from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. 288 Green St., Cambridge, MA 02139, havanaclubsalsa.com.
L'élite Bridal & Bridesmaids
This petite third-floor boutique offers a who's who of designers (Amsale, Watters, and Monique Lhuillier) that are sure to please your discerning ladies. Some lines even allow for mix-and-match necklines, styles, and fabrics to ensure pretty little ’maids, all in a row. An added perk: refreshing honesty. If a look doesn't fit, the staff won't force it. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, lelite.com.
Bloomingdales
The store's Y.E.S. department gets an A for its peppy shop-to-the-beat soundtrack and expansive layout (almost an entire floor), and an A-plus for its up-to-the-minute offerings of denim and sportswear. Chock-full of the latest from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tibi, Vince, and BCBG, Bloomie's has fledgling fashionistas covered straight through high school, ensuring they graduate to a grownup wardrobe in style. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, bloomingdales.com.
Cambridge Antique Market
EBay may be the fat boy in the collectibles canoe these days, but until they invent virtual fondling, online bidding can't substitute for actually handling the goods and dickering with the dealer. The 150-plus dealers at Cambridge Antique Market make it the most diverse emporium of old stuff around. China, toys, dolls, and books spill out on the shelves. There's jewelry, watches, and silver flatware under glass. Imagine the attics of an entire neighborhood gathered in a single building. Who knows what treasures lurk on those five floors? 201 Monsignor O'Brien Highway, Cambridge, MA marketantique.com/cambridg.htm.
Dickson Brothers True Value
This Harvard Square institution is 50 years old, and thankfully still has creaky floors, ancient fluorescent lights, and friendly handy types who'll steer you to that can of paint, snow shovel, or faucet aerator. Good thing, because with aisles stacked high with mugs, frying pans, and camping supplies, you'll eventually realize you're better off just asking for help 26 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, .
Johnny's Luncheonette
On weekends, Johnny's teems with families. But step in for any pre-workday fuel-up and you'll encounter an entirely different feel. The retro red vinyl booths and bright checkerboard floor are still there, of course, but the chaos is gone. Patrons linger over porridge with apples and cranberries, and plates heaped with feather-light buttermilk pancakes. Splurge on the oversized servings of cheese blintzes or catch one of the breakfast specials for $4 or less. It's all so good, you may just find yourself craving French toast come dinnertime. 1105 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA johnnysluncheonette.com.
Bruce Percelay, Mount Vernon Company
Chances are Mount Vernon owns that gem you've been looking for in the Back Bay, on Beacon Hill, or in Cleveland Circle. Percelay buys and rehabs buildings in choice locations and turns them into rental units, tidying the exteriors and making the interiors downright luxurious. If you get in on the ground floor of renovations, you might even be able to customize your digs—virtually unheard-of for renters. And tenants praise the building maintenance and quick response to problems. 276 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Straight Wharf
The Straight Wharf, which celebrates its 30th birthday this summer, made its name with simple New England cuisine. But with Amanda Lydon (UpStairs on the Square) and Gabriel Frasca (Spire) taking over at the helm, it has become one of the island's serious culinary contenders. The harborfront dining room features a new bamboo floor, and the menu's pairing of traditional seafood with new whimsical dishes—like the summer melon gazpacho with a kick of habanero—shows off the duo's innovative style. Straight Wharf, Nantucket, MA 2554, .
Jeanne Lee
Jeanne Lee doesn't shy away from problem toes—no, she specializes in them, taking the time to rigorously cleanse, file, buff, exfoliate, and massage before unscrewing the cap to your desired polish. And because Lee works with only one other nail technician (her mother) in her fourth-floor Newbury Street space, you're all but guaranteed a tranquil experience. 125 Newbury St., Boston, MA jeannesalon.com.
Dayle's
The full name is 'Dayle's European Skin Care and Day Spa,' yet 'Dayle's' captures the friendly essence of this little gem, founded in '84 by Elizabeth Grady alum Dayle Ciampa. Like its namesake (lithe, blonde, very much hands-on), the spa doesn't show its age: On the sleek, sun-filled first floor are blissful mani/pedis; upstairs is for up-to-date med-spa services, HydraFacials (locally exclusive to Dayle's), and indulgences like chocolate body wraps. 261 Washington St., Marblehead, MA 1945, .
Polka Dog Bakery
Candy jars stuffed with dried chicken livers and beef esophagi and a sweeping buffet of artisanal dog cakes and brownies (bearing names like Pawreos and Power Barks, inevitably) make this place puppy heaven. Two floors of accessories include a wall of collars and enough rubber to sate any dog's shoe fetish; a kitty corner caters to the smarter species, lest any felines feel left out. 256 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 2118, polkadog.com.
TC's Lounge
(IN MEMORIAM) This place was notorious for many reasons: dirty floors; a weird sign hanging from the ceiling advertising an "Oxycontin shot"; the fun-house women's room (don't ask); and the sale of infant-wear emblazoned with the words "Future Customer." In other words, TC's was a truly wonderful place—until it burned down in March. We have high hopes that after its planned resurrection, it will be "better" than ever. Boston, MA 2115,
Andrew Michaels
Who needs the attitude and frenzy of Newbury Street when you can escape to this drop-dead-gorgeous sanctuary? The top two floors of the spectacularly renovated onetime public library form a sun-drenched rotunda salon. Downstairs, facial experts work their magic, using the super-luxurious Swiss-based Valmont line. But the real treat is the wet room, a marble-encased steam room with a Vichy shower. Try the cocoon-like copper mud wrap or the cranberry body polish. You may never go back to the city. 47 Ocean Ave., Salem, MA andrewmichaelsspa.com.