Andrea Sealey, Boston Hairnista
The pandemic didn’t seem to put a damper on Sealey’s beloved Dorchester salon: In fact, the talented stylist recently launched her own online shopping portal, Hairnista Market, with same-day local delivery of her clients’ favorite products, and is booking up to six months out for services. Take a peek at her impressive work, which includes micro-link extensions, kinky twists, silk presses, and braids in all shapes and sizes, and you’ll understand why. 1690B Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02124, bostonhairnista.com.
The Boston Children's Museum
Why choose a theme for your child's birthday party when she can have it all? Bashes at the Boston Children's Museum come with daylong admission, so guests can have a ball in the art studio, the land of the dinosaurs, and everywhere in between. 308 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, bostonchildrensmuseum.org.
Jurys Boston Hotel
Thanks to a two-year, $68 million renovation of the former Boston Police Department headquarters, Jurys's wall of trickling water, sparkling elevators, lavish suites, and stunning marble bathrooms (with heated towel racks) are a far cry from the holding cells of yesteryear. A sizable accumulation of contemporary Irish art and a helpful staff lend European class to these very American quarters. 350 Stuart St., Boston, MA .
Zayna Gold, Boston Body
When Zayna Gold tells you to do a pushup, you do it. You do it because she's an expert in forging top-condition bodies, because she's always at the cutting edge of new fitness moves and methods and because her devotion to you breeds your devotion to her. With more than 15 years of Pilates experience, hundreds of devoted clients, and multiple feather in her professional cap (including an appointment as trainer for Self magazine's 2002 fitness challenge), Gold has reached near-celebrity status. 364 Boylston St., Boston, MA bostonbody.com.
Skating Club of Boston
Aspiring Olympians and weekend skaters alike love the Skating Club's year-round professionally run programs. And unlike facilities geared to hockey players, where gear insulates skaters against the chill, this rink is climate-controlled, so little Nancy Kerrigan wannabes can wear cute costumes for their workouts. 1240 Soliders Field Road, Brighton, MA .
Bobby from Boston
For anyone who didn't have a crazy great-aunt who spent like a fiend, wore things once, and saved it all, owner Bobby Garnett has an unreal stockpile of immaculately kept vintage apparel and accessories. On a recent trip to the Oak Room-esque space, we found: train cases, military-issue messenger totes, college letter sweaters, marching band uniforms, '60s and '70s cocktail dresses, croc handbags, racks of denim jackets, and endless shelves of stadium hats—all at below-market prices. If by chance you don't find that thing you never knew you were looking for, Garnett also takes private appointments at his 5,000-square-foot storage warehouse in Lynn. 19 Thayer St., Boston, MA 2118, .
Cigar Masters Boston
Cigar Masters might seem like your average smoke shop. It's not. Sure, it's got the requisite walk-in humidor brimming with expensive stogies, but there's also a low-lit bar and acres of leather couches. Smoking aficionados can even track their investments on monitors that flicker through a haze of blue smoke. 745 Boylston St., Boston, MA cigarmasters.com.
Boston Ski Market
With easily the most extensive and high-quality selection of gear in town, this enormous store hasn't just cornered the Boston ski market, it is the Boston ski market. It's got everything a powder hound could ask for, including the latest and greatest skis, boots, bindings, gear, and helmets. Prices are fair (and during the end-of-season sales, dirt cheap), and the informed staff is comprised of helpful, die-hard skiers. What's more, the year-ground repair and tuning shop renders the store an all-inclusive resource. 860 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Bobby from Boston
Whether you're shopping for a special occasion or just looking to jazz up your business attire, there's no place better than this South End vintage shop, where owner Bobby Garnett has used his keen eye to amass a collection of timeless adornments—vintage skinny ties, worn pocket watches, old-school tie tacks. The boutique is a cross between a Salvation Army and a high-end haberdashery, meaning customers get the best of both worlds: distinctive used items that are much hipper than anything you could buy new. Boston, MA 2118,
Boston Art & Framing
You know you've come to the right place when you read a sign that says "Unless constantly nurtured, nothing is as short-lived as a good customer." Abiding by that philosophy, Dave Poutre treats each customer—as well as each item brought in to be framed—with care. Whether it's a beautiful watercolor or a black-and-white family photo circa 1920, your print is in expert hands. With a huge selection of frames and mats to choose from, Poutre goes to work, offering you frame and mat combinations until you're satisfied. Soothing background music and Poutre's good sense of humor are an added bonus. Nestledin a cozy locale in the heart of Charles Street, Boston Art & Framing ensures your picture is worth a thousand words. 100 Charles Street, Boston, MA bostonframing.com.
Boston Buyers' Club
You want body-building protein supplements, it's got 'em all. Plus, it gives conspicuous consumption a good name: The money you spend on your selfish obsession with your body goes to support people living with HIV. 29 Stanhope St., Boston, MA .
Boston Links Golf Shop
Whether you're interested in a top-of-the-line steelhead, framed pictures of your favorite courses and players (the one of Arnie at St. Andrew's is priceless), or just a new shirt, Boston Links has the o fit. All of the top clubs are here, and you can try 'em out on its indoor range. You can even get a lesson from one of its on-staff pros. While you may find a better bargain at one of the discount outlets, you can't beat the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. 116 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Boston Audio Books
Suburban commuters who work downtown will be thrilled to find Boston AudioBooks. This store carries a wide selection—including fiction, self-help, mystery, and science fiction—that can be bought or rented. Note: You must become a member to rent audio books—the onetime fee is $10. 80 Arch St., Boston, MA .
Boston Athletic Club
Boston doesn't yet have that one great health club, but in the meantime, BAC is the best thing in town. There are basketball, tennis, racquetball, and squash courts galore, not to mention the basics such as Nautilus and aerobics. It also offers cardio-boxing, golf, a hair salon, chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists. 653 Summer St., Boston, MA .
The tours at the Boston Athenaeum
They start up again in the fall, they're free, and the guides are straight out of Boston Brahmin Central Casting. Delightful. 10 1/2 Beacon St., Boston, MA .