Backworks Therapeutic Back Center
There's nothing more disappointing than a bad backrub. Go to Backworks, a clean, professional, and distinctly non-New Age storefront in the financial district. Ask for Renee, and spring for the hour-long full-body massage. 34 Batterymarch St., Boston, MA .
Hand the Hatter
In one of the grittiest corners of the Combat Zone, Hand the Hatter still plies the ancient trade of blocking and cleaning hats. Your battered bowler and pathetic panama will be restored to their pristine glory. 20 La Grange St., Boston, MA .
Ardan Medspa + Salon
Even the most basic facial at this Wellesley medspa is top-notch. Descend the staircase to find a clean, modern oasis (glittering mosaic tiles and Ghost chairs in the waiting area) and restorative treatments featuring Organic Elements products. 72 Central St., Wellesley, MA ardanspa.com.
Java Sun
Jim Cleaves, Java Sun's head roaster, says the secret to his beans' flavor is microroasting—that is, roasting in small batches for better quality control and freshness. The proof is in the cup. 35 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA .
Hamilton Children's Center
This adjunct to a full-time day-care center will take care of your healthy child when your regular arrangements fall through. It's bright, clean, fun and $50 a day. (Preregistration is required). 39 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA .
Brew Moon
Brewmaster Tony Vieira has hit his stride with beers that are clean, crisp, full-bodied, and especially flavorful when paired with chef Donald Chapelle's California-influenced cuisine. 115 Stuart Street, Boston, MA .
Mitt Romney's to Utah
If Mitt cleans up the Salt Lake City Olympics, maybe he can run for the Senate again—this time, from Utah—without having to run against a Kennedy.
The Bookcellar Cafe
On Tuesday nights, this clean, well-lighted place hosts seasoned storytellers and invites first-timers to share their tales, true or invented. Rosie's baked goods, espresso, and no hecklers. 1971 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA .
Star Markets
Both are clean, well-stocked, so vast that they should hand out road maps, and open round the clock. This is where to head when you get a craving for croissants at 4 a.m. Prudential Center and 33 Kilmarnock, on the Fenway, Boston, MA .
Weymouth Club
Membership at this gym is coveted for the pool and tennis facilities, and extensive fitness classes ranging from yoga to Pilates. The club is especially popular with South Shore parents for its childcare facilities, and—no small point—for its clean, sleek locker rooms. 75 Finnell Dr., Weymouth, MA weymouthclub.com.
Fresh
To consider Fresh simply an emporium specializing in soap is cleanly missing the point. This Boston-based business has revolutionized the beauty product industry with its French milled soaps, perfumes, skin care products, makeup line, scented candles, and bathroom accessories. Smelling sweet was never so, well, sweet. 121 Newbury Street, Boston, MA fresh.com.
Ryan Wading Pool
The Ryan Wading Pool is our pick for the city’s best spray deck, where kids can clean up and cool off after a hard day’s summer play as they get soaked under the buckets that dump water from overhead. 350 River St., Mattapan, MA 02126, mass.gov/locations/ryan-wading-pool.
Burn Fitness
This South End powerhouse hosts more niche classes than many larger gyms, manna for the indecisive athlete. Rowing, Broga, Pilates fusion, kickboxing, TRX, and Tabata—they're all here. We also go for the sparkling-clean basement locker rooms with showers. 547 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118, burnfitboston.com.
State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien disavowing the comments of her own father, Edward M. O'Brien, when he blasted Swift for holding meetings via speakerphone while pregnant.
"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child."
Jacob Kulin
Using reclaimed wood to create mixed-material tables, benches, and shelves with a '60s-era Scandinavian feel, Jacob Kulin produces furnishings that pull double duty as functional art. No wonder homeowners go gaga for his clean, modern, and eco-friendly work. By appointment only. kulinmodern.com.