Toast
Like its drinks, Toast's female clientele is a blend of strong and smooth. Those looking for action grind on the dance floor. When the pulsing Madonna and Michael Jackson soundtrack puts the kibosh on conversation, seasoned regulars and experimental newcomers retreat to intimate banquettes for quiet chats. Though the sultry brick-walled lounge offers nightly themes like goth and '80s, it's during Friday's 'Dyke Night' that things really get down and girly. 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA 2143, toastlounge.com.
Rumor
Step into Rumor on a Saturday night—assuming you can get in at all—and enter a world where women dance on platforms, curtains billow from the ceiling, and DJs seamlessly mix Shakira, Kanye, and the Black Sheep. VIPs frequent the club's exclusive Latin Room, while a diverse crowd of scantily dressed youngsters shake it on the main hip-hop and house floor until 2 a.m. Short of hopping a flight to Miami, this is as close as a Bostonian can get to South Beach hedonism. 100 Warrenton St., Boston, MA 2116, rumorboston.com.
Louis Boston
The ground-floor inventory at Louis Boston changes as often as Maria Fei's whim dictates—which is to say, almost daily. The veteran home-accessories buyer is constantly tweaking the store's displays to incorporate her latest prizes, gleaned from upscale markets and dealers around the world. Porcelain tea sets by Mat & Jewski and graceful Astier de Villatte flatware are juxtaposed with handcrafted birch birdhouses; dotted amid the lighting fixtures are vintage French dishes and glassware, handmade candles, and even a clutch of beautifully preserved antique handbags. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Life Time Chestnut Hill
Do you still believe managing three gym memberships is the holy grail of wellness? Time to realign those chakras. Sprawled across two floors with an impressive 129,000 square feet, this athletic mecca offers, well, pretty much everything: world-class cycle, yoga, Pilates, and barre; top-notch exercise machines; and a lavish spa where postworkout massages are the norm. It has families covered, too, with babysitting services and even fitness classes for the bigger kids. 300 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, my.lifetime.life.
Minotti Boston
In what proved to be a banner year for local showroom openings, the debut of this luxury Italian brand’s first-ever Boston store has us truly buzzing. Located on Stuart Street, the space stuns with towering floor-to-ceiling windows and a custom double-sided fireplace. Of course, the inventory itself is just as eye-catching; gorgeous vignettes featuring contemporary furniture by designers like Nendo and Marcio Kogan make the shopping experience truly memorable. 210 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, minottibyddc.com.
Community Boating
One hundred, and count 'em, fourteen sailboats; fifteen to twenty-four footers. Anyone between sixteen and seventy-five can join. 21 Embankment Rd., Boston, MA .
Artists For Humanity EpiCenter
For those who prefer to color outside the lines, this vast venue provides the ultimate blank canvas. And the EpiCenter is about to get even more epic—this fall, the AFH unveils a revamped 5,000-square-foot event space. Walls are no obstacle here: Just raise the floor-to-ceiling garage-style door to let your soiree flow seamlessly into the landscaped courtyard. 100 W. Second St., Boston, MA 02127, afhboston.org.
Erik Howard (Will Charles Salon)
The finest hairstylist isn't always the best wedding hairstylist. Bridal coiffure requires someone with impeccable listening skills, loads of patience (for dealing with your, ahem, entourage), and a knack for creating breathtaking updos. That's where Erik Howard comes in. The Will Charles Salon co-owner knows big-day tresses should be durable enough to withstand iffy weather and the embraces of well-wishers — not to mention dance-floor revelry. 11 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, willcharlessalon.com.
Midway Cafe
Real women appreciate good beer and know how to cut loose when the music starts. That's why so many of them frequent the Midway. Thanks to an event calendar of crowd-pleasers like Queeraoke, the bar's dance floor quakes seven nights a week to a soundtrack spanning R&B to death metal; the anti-decor is underscored by neon beer signs and sprinklings of Americana. And while definitely a home base for the girl-meets-girl crowd, this J.P. joint welcomes good-timers of all persuasions. 3496 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA midwaycafe.com.
So Good
Jewelry can be a lot like relationships: Sometimes it's forever, but other times it's only a fling. For those seeking tonight-only bling, the So Good store in Downtown Crossing never disappoints. Two stories filled floor to ceiling with necklaces, earrings, and other eye candy offer maximum flash for minimal cash. This may not be the kind of stuff you take home to Mom, but hey, it'll be fun while it lasts. 443 Washington St., Boston, MA 2108, .
Polka Dog Bakery
The trash bin at the Shawmut-Milford intersection brims with the other kind of doggie bag, the calling cards of tail-wagging patrons who find plenty of reasons to stop here: two floors of homemade treats (tuna cookies for crunching, pig ears for gnawing), fancy leashes, and bright, squeaky toys just waiting to be slobbered over. The variety satisfies even two-legged shoppers—which, let's be honest, are the only critical ones on the premises. 256 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 2118, polkadog.com.
Brookline Booksmith
Everything from the aroma of newly bound books down to the creaky wooden floor makes Brookline Booksmith a cherished local institution. Its extensive selection ranges from bestsellers to children's books and even greeting cards and funky gifts. It has a friendly, approachable staff and hosts great author readings in its used-book basement and across the street at Coolidge Corner Theatre. It's a stomping ground for academics, aisle browsers, and researchers and (full—and proud—disclosure) a partner with this magazine's book club. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA brooklinebooksmith.com.
Via Matta
Time and again, Via Matta floors us with its marvelous interpretations of Italian standards: The prosciutto is accented with creamy homemade ricotta and piquant (not to mention addictive) pickled vegetables. The greaseless fried baby artichokes are almost dainty. And the pasta—oh, the pasta! While it's tempting to order the justly celebrated Bolognese (again), adventurous diners will be rewarded with more daring options like the rabbit-stuffed tortelli with fava beans, pecorino, and mint. 78 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 2116, viamattarestaurant.com.
Zimman's
The selection of fabrics is so enticing it makes you think about taking that adult ed upholstery course. Whether you're looking for a snippet for the perfect set of throw pillows or vast yardage for lush drapes to pool along your hardwood floor, this is the place. You'll get decorator-quality fabrics at an honest price. Your only problem will be finding someone who can sew. 80 Market St., Lynn, MA .
Biddy Early's
Biddy Early's is the city's best dive every day of the year, a fact that was proven on Friday, April 19. That day, while police hunted the remaining marathon bomber, all of Boston shut down. Not this spot. The old Financial District landmark—with its dim lighting, dusty wood floor, and jukebox—remained open. So even when there was no other place to go and everything seemed beyond reason, people could still haul themselves here for a much-needed, no-frills drink. And that, friends, is everything a dive bar should be. 141 Pearl St., Boston, MA .